There’s a great deal of wildlife on the island, most of
which I’ve only ever seen in books. Because I’m forced to walk or cycle
everywhere (although I’d usually choose to anyway) I’ve started to become more
aware and appreciative of my surroundings.
I study the branches of the frangipani trees. My eyes track
all sky activity, just in case something colourful or unusual glides overhead. I
walk cautiously in long grass, eyes peeled for scales. I’ve been warned that the
island is teaming with a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes; I cannot
decide whether I’m relieved or mildly disappointed that I’m yet to see either
type.
I never had a genuine interest for wildlife when I lived in
Melbourne. “Hey, look, a pelican” I’d say in a ‘been-there-done-that’ tone. I
think it’s because the stimuli never leaves the city. It never sleeps, hibernates
or requests some peace and quiet. It’s there for your viewing pleasure 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year.
Time seems far more precious in Melbourne. “Never enough
time in the day” so it seems. There are so many alluring outlets and events
begging for your precious time; their lights shining, flashing brighter than
their competition, promising more fun, more excitement, more of an ‘experience’.
Something worth photographing and smothering social media with as it happens in
real-time. Precious moments must be captured or else it’s practically a waste
of your time. Parties, galleries, shops, bars, restaurants, laneways, beaches,
libraries, cinemas, water, sun, day spas, health centres, looking good, feeling
good, self-help, self-education. Want to learn about your inner chi? Or is it ‘chai’
like the tea? Better yet, combine the two activities to save your precious
time.
I may sound like I am
mocking city folk, but of course that’d be silly because I’m one of them. My
taste buds are already requesting holiday leave, arguing that they can’t handle
floury tomatoes and frozen bread. I love all that the city has to offer. It’s kept
me stimulated for 25 years. So much so, that Earth’s creatures have become
second rate to glorious, amazing, exciting technology!
Without the glitz and glamour, the gourmet food and the 24-hour
trading, I guess the act of studying plants and wildlife crawls up the entertainment scale
by default.
Whilst I’m trying my hardest to capture some photographs of
my new fury, shrieking, buzzing, bouncing, flapping, scuttling neighbours,
unlike hormonal teenage girls, they are not as willing to pose for a happy
snap.
Here are some scenery shots I took whilst touring the town
yesterday. I hope they can retain the attention of your wandering mind long
enough to appreciate the small details within them. How long are you willing to
look at a photograph without thinking ‘been-there-done-that’?
