Weekend Trip
So! I went to Queensland for the weekend. Mainly to see my step-brother who lives there (shout out Chad). I did however, take advantage of the warmth and the cheaper prices. I spent as much time as I could shopping because I’m not the main demographic in Tasmania. Which is totally fine but it is never fun to see something I like, pick out my size, try it in and then be reminded that I have a completely different body type to the target consumers. I really did love Queensland and I wish I could have stayed longer but I’m thankful to have enjoyed my time with my step-brother and surprisingly his friends. Not that I didn’t think they would be nice people but they are a bit older and I wasn’t sure if we would connect at all. Thankfully, they all are a lot like Chad and I was able to have good chit chat which is all a girl could ever want really.
I think I was able to have a connection with them because of their exposure to different cultures and music. I realized that compared to Tassie, more people in Queensland are exposed to a wider range of everything really. This allowed me to have something in common with most people despite our differences in race, nationality and age. I really appreciated not immediately feeling so different from everyone else for once since I’ve moved. I’ve never had a problem with being different nor have I ever wanted to fit in but it can be exhausting constantly being reminded that you are the odd one out. This has been the most major thing that makes me miss home.
Even though I’ve always been the book worm with peculiar hobbies and music taste, I’ve never felt like I was so drastically different before. Most Bajans will tell you, though, that being different in Barbados is definitely an experience. When you’re younger it might manifest as very direct bullying and as you get older the comments stop coming directly to your face and become very unsubtle back-handed commentary. This definitely happens all over the world but I’ve noticed since travelling and experiencing new cultures that people from other countries just mind their business more intentionally and efficiently. While this has been a breath of fresh air, as I’ve recently been having to introduce myself to new people constantly, I’ve started missing having two things in common. Nationality and race can be a bridge to build a new connection. For example, the majority of black people have curly hair. Even if you are from completely different cultures the fact that you both have curly hair remains the same. That’s one thing you immediately have in common and can have a conversation about.
Growing up I drifted amongst multiple stereotypical groups. The nerds, choir kids, artsy types and the girly girls (not the mean ones). I’ve noticed that so many people get stuck trying to fit into one place and especially where it feels most comfortable to avoid being the outcast. I think being different has allowed me to enjoy life in peculiar ways. I see something special in everything and I associate moments and emotions with art, music, poetry and so many more of the gifts I have been blessed with. For example, if I was to equate my time in Queensland to a song the one that comes to mind is “Is This Love” by Bob Marley. The warm island vibes match the pretty tropical atmosphere of Queensland. I felt a lot of love in my short time there and reggae just has this way of making everything feel alright, like love and warmth could solve my every problem. I think its so exquisitely beautiful to have a feeling replicated through a medium like music. If I didn’t love music the way I do I wouldn’t appreciate this as much. So I like being different because I get to experience and process life in peculiar ways.
On another note, one thing I appreciate so much about traveling and meeting new people is being able to connect despite our differences. I also really appreciate people who love learning and push themselves to grasp more knowledge beyond what they are taught in school. Not to call anyone out but it has been quite exhausting meeting people for the first time, introducing myself and them having absolutely no idea where the Caribbean is. Our little islands might be of no importance to first world countries but I love when people want to educate themselves regardless of importance or relevance to their life. It makes me feel like I can trust them to be considerate of the the small things.
I didn’t get the chance to take many photos which was a bummer but it also allowed me to live in the moment. I mean, photography is one of my passions and I started doing it because I liked the idea of freezing a moment in place. Photography for me feels like I can somehow control time so it can’t slip away but I find that I still feel somewhat present in a moment when I’m taking photos. Not having my camera attached to my hip for once was a little more freeing as well. I appreciated being able to be fully present in the moments I was having without frantically trying to hold on to them.
We often get so lost in our comfort that we forget how good it feels to overcome our fears. Me a year ago would definitely not believe where I am now. I’ve come so far with not letting fear make me miss out on experiencing new things. I’m not saying you should immediately force yourself to travel to the other side of the world. I believe taking your time and doing the small things first builds you up to be brave enough to do the big things. I want to continue making victories like that, stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing myself to overcome anxiety and realizing that because it may be small to someone else doesn’t mean I’m lesser for it being big to me.
Oh! The food was really really good. Big up Queensland.
Just a girl and her camera
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