So Long Mr. Saxophone

3:25am– Packing is going well. I've squished and squeezed all my belongings into 3 suitcases. A kookaburra chuckles in the night from somewhere close by.

3:55am– I am attempting to stay up all night. I'm hoping this will help reset my internal clock in preparation for my 14 hour flight back to the US. The neighbor who often practices his saxophone has begun an unusually late hour rehearsal-- perhaps my so-long serenade? Yeah, right.

4:10am– On my last night in Australia, I'm pondering the questions that are bound to come my way as soon as I return home: What did you like best? What will you miss most? I've been trying to really observe and take in all the details in these final few days.

I love the smell of the gum trees. They line the sidewalk between the apartment and the train station, so I pass them each day and find myself always taking in a deep breath.

I love the sound of the magpies and the myna birds. Magpies, especially, have a light, airy chortle that you can see in their throats as they lift their heads up, singing towards the sky.

I love the fresh produce and seafood. Rocket (arugula) and ginger, especially, are prevalent in many restaurant recipes. I love the bite of the sharp, fragrant flavors. The oysters are fresh and refreshing- the perfect light dish for a hot summer evening. Salt & pepper squid melts in my mouth, so tender and sweet.

I'm going to miss my friends and hosts. They've been so hospitable to take me traveling with them and show me the sights. I've lived a once in a lifetime experience!

I'm going to miss the sunshine. It's intense and hot when it peeks out from behind the clouds, but somehow it's clearer, brighter. Not exactly like a David Hockney painting, but for anyone familiar with his work, it's similar in it's vividness as it highlights the bluest ocean and sky.

4:55am– Soon the cockatoos will screech and caw as they awaken with the sunrise, and I prepare for my return to winter.