The past three weeks have delivered a whirlwind of experiences and emotions. From Kosmos to Taiwan, from Adelaide to Melbourne, and from Sydney back to Kosmos. Along the way, we worked, caught up with friends, visited old haunts, attended a concert, enjoyed meals aplenty, and experienced much tugging at the heartstrings.
I must admit, it was a little discombobulating flying to Australia from Taiwan, knowing that Australia is no longer home, but feeling as though it was because I was flying in from a “foreign” country.
I was in Adelaide to officiate at the National iAwards. This was my 5th year as Chief Judge, and it was to have been my last. I was mentally prepared to step down, only to find that a replacement couldn’t be found and I’d be staying on for another year. It was a tad strange to adjust to “business as usual”, but I do love my iAwards work and so the prospect of another year isn’t really a hardship.
This year we acknowledged all those judges who had contributed 10 or more years to the iAwards, and I was humbled to receive a certificate too.
From the iAwards we headed to Melbourne, for business meetings (mostly 2+3) and catchups with friends. What a joy it was to stay in the home of dear friend, Dewetia (and Zara, the four legged human), and to wake up to the views across her glorious garden, filled with artwork and creatures great and small.
Our time in Melbourne was limited, but we managed to fit in a great deal! We visited the NGV to see the Winter Masterpieces and the Kimono exhibition. We even attended a concert!
We went to late night movies (something that’s impossible to do in Kosmos), I shopped up big on tinfoil, baking paper and cling wrap (yeah, yeah) at Chef’s Hat, and we visited favourite coffee haunts run by people who have become friends over the years.
One of these is “NowandNotYet” in Warrandyte, where dear Derek was a lifesaver during the deep dark COVID years.
Walking along our beloved Yarra and seeing and smelling the wattle in bloom was overwhelming, but also very good for the soul.
We broke bread with dear friends, laughing more than may have been seemly, and talking for hours about everything and nothing.
Each meeting was a joy, and each farewell a great sadness …
From Melbourne we headed to Sydney for a few hours, for work (mine this time) and a degas. We’ve always loved this city, and so many of our early Australian memories were made here. The sights bring back recollections of time spent with parents and friends, many of whom are no longer with us.
On Friday 05 September we boarded QF63 for OR Tambo International …
And 16 or so hours later – at sunset – I glimpsed Johannesburg. And, despite the conflicting emotions of the previous weeks, I knew I was home.
From a glorious springtime in Kosmos, until next time, sala kahle!
African Scatterlings 
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