I am Ashish Deora and am a Happy
Wanderer! Since my childhood days in Mumbai, I've always wanted to see and feel
the world in its entirety. As part of my worldly visits, this time I headed to
the continent cum country in the Southern hemisphere –
Australia!
Once
a land occupied by banished convicts – today though
Australia is the Big Apple that's
Down Under! The land is now a haven for the new great Asian migration that
leads lives to prosperity and joy.. And that sense of joy catches up with you
from the moment you step on that soil..as it did with me!
Contrary
to popular belief, its Canberra, an entirely planned city that steals the title
as capital of Australia and not Sydney. But Sydney is where the world heads to
when overcome by wanderlust ! Name a part of the world and there is someone
from there who now calls Sydney their 'Home'. From the Aboriginal days of this
great landmass for 40,000 years to the recent 400 year history of nouveau human settlements, Australia has
retained its charm and natural diversity. And Australians have a unique way of
intertwining their lives with nature. This lets this country retain its
environmental glory.. And no visitor fails to notice it.The Kangaroo and Emu
share space in the National symbol and there are plenty of these animals to be
seen all around the country too.
The city of Sydney overwhelms any visitor with
its grandeur. The combination of old world, English allure with the wonders of
the modern world unfurl their opulance in front of your eyes. Like a fleeting
cloud, one can't help but let in this thought about this imposing civilization
of human race, moving at its own pace, beyond the great oceans all around it.
Sydney's
charisma is enhanced by the existence of numerous botanical gardens and parks.
The manicured Royal Botanical Gardens,
Hyde park and Centennial park offer any vistor calm and the chance to
experience a reclusive minute for reclaiming oneself. Except to be woken up
from your trance by the newly familiar voice of my local Australian friend call
out aloud – Ashish
Deora! Wake up.. There's more to see mate!. But wait –
“Thats not how my name is pronounced !
You Australians speak a different English... mate!! “
I move on and the city takes over me..
The
Atrium of Bligh's street, the Culwalla
Chambers skyscraper, the first in Australia, the Parliament House buildings and the Sydney Town Hall are marvels
from the late 19th century to
modern, contemporary times. A patient walk through the city will let
your eyes feast on this flamboyant city.
The
Darling Harbour and the infamous Opera House do make your mind loose its
flutters – no matter how many times you take a
few moments to admire its splendour. The seaside walkways along the 40 odd
beaches of Sydney, the liveliness filled in them – why wouldn't any
traveller seek a second sojourn to this city?
My
thoughts go blank and I'm lost in this city. As my heart longs to feel more of
the city – I hear the rather familiar
announcement – “ This is the last and
final boarding call for Mr. Ashish Deora! “. And the long trip
back home gave me plenty of time to recall every breath I inhaled Down Under..
I have already decided to explore more of this continent in my next trip.