November 20, 2002 (Launceston and Spirit of Tasmania Ferry)

ADIEU:

Sadness. Incredible sadness fell upon when it was time to say goodnight to the people I have been traveling with for the past week. I found myself hyped and unable to sit still for a couple of hours after dinner at the Royal Oak. I could not put my finger on what was wrong with me, only that I am unable to be still, relaxed and calm. I wanted everybody to stay up and chat. I wanted everyone not to go to bed, but rather, go do something fun to pass the night. I found myself in the TV room watching "Lord of the Rings" for lack of something better to do. I was consoled by the fact that Paul, Keren and Aaron stayed awhile and watched the movie with me. Somehow, their presence calmed me down and reassured me that I have not gone mad. Their small talk reassured me that what I was feeling was simply separation anxiety. In such a short time, I have bonded with these people and I am sad that our company was being disbanded. Like the fellowship of the ring that was broken, we now have to go our separate ways and forge our own paths. Make our way to destinations only we know where. But the hope of being reunited in the future is there. At least for me, I am hoping not to lose touch with these beautiful, generous travelers I have the fortune to have walked the same road.

Morning came and I saw Phil, Aaron, Steven and Bob as they got in the bus and left for the east coast. They did not see me wave goodbye, but I really did not want to be seen at that time. All I wanted to do was see them off and bid them safe and fun travels in silence and anonymity.

At half past nine, Keren and I headed off to Banjo's for breakfast of latte and croissant. We planned to see and hike the Cataract Gorge, one of Launceston's main attractions. I must say that the gorge was a delight. Nice paved walkway, flowers in bloom, peacocks, a gondola ride, suspension bridge and a café in the middle of cascading waters. The sun was out with a slight breeze. What a lovely day to spend at the Gorge and with Keren nonetheless. She has become such a wonderful companion. For a few short hours, I have her company for in the afternoon she is headed to Hobart to catch a plane bound for the mainland. We had planned on taking the same bus to Hobart, but somewhere between the Gondola ride and lunch by the café, I had changed my mind and decided to take the ferry from Devonport to Melbourne. So just like that, our plans have changed and once again, we are headed in separate directions. This time though, the separation anxiety was not as intense as last night's attack.

EATS:

Donner Kebabs. Cheap and easy. The lady who works the counter is kind and after two consecutive lunches there, I was given the opportunity to order things not in the menu like steamed rice, fried chicken (dark meat) and the green salad lightly tossed in butter. She served with a smile. And what a lovely smile she has.

Hong Fat Chinese Restaurant. Buffet style and the crispy shrimp chips were the best. Just what my Asian soul wanted to have for late night forage. The baby bok choys were also a relief to have in my diet.

Royal Oak. Just next door to the Metro YHA, very conveniently located for that late night need for beer. Stay away from the seafood specially the calamari. They do not have a clue how to get calamari right.

The Swiss Chocolatier. One word. Sinful.

Been staying at Metro YHA for the past three days and I these have been the most relaxing and productive (website wise) days I have spent at any one place in Tassie. The chaps who run the place Mark and Chris were cool dudes or blokes in their vernacular. Hahahahah Seriously they were so accommodating its almost unreal. I felt at right at home. The place is clean, safe and secure, well; I do not know about safe, I heard from the woman who runs "Mabuhay" a trinket shop down the street that Metro used to be a funeral parlor called Finney's. The dorm rooms at the lower levels used to be where the morgue was located. And I stayed one night in room 6, no windows but close to the toilettes and showers. Thank God, I did not know then that the place used to be a place where the dead were primped! Hahhahah

When I did confirm Metro's past from Mark, I made sure to share the "fright" with fellow backpackers. And to doubly confirm, I joined the "Ghost Tour" that night! Will, the actor/storyteller in black flowing robes and macabre demeanor, took us around the basement of The Royal Oak Bar and Restaurant. He tried to spook us with stories about a certain carpenter who used to live downstairs of the tavern. How he was decapitated and how his "accident" was caused by a certain Mistress Elizabeth who died years before he lived…but I am getting ahead of myself.

Anyway, I freaked out Peter, an American dude (I am guessing from his accent), when I shared with him about Metro's past. He happened to be staying in the common room when I passed by to get my jacket. Poor guy, I think I heard he went to Chris that night and insisted on staying with his friends upstairs in Room A on the floor. Hahhhaah I know, I am mean. But I had to share that info! I am afterall a backpacker ready to share info at all cost, or no cost, free of charge! He did not have to go to the Ghost Tour and shell out $10.

I cannot say enough about Metro's staff. They really rock! I promised them, if they ever find themselves in SF, a tour of a ranch in Lucas Valley Road, provided I still work there. By the time I had spent about 2 hours at the kiosk, Mark had given me the key to unlock the cage so I can get to the PC without any help. I was also given free hours of internet use because I provided copies of the Newman picture and our Island Escape group. I think Chris will use the Newman photo in the brochure or their website's home page. Cool.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA:

The Tassie Link bus makes sure passengers on the night ferry crossing arrive in time. And true to my solo traveler code, I was the only passenger on the coach from Launceston to Devonport. The driver was kindly retired Tassie fire fighter and driving coaches is his side job. At this point driving Tassie was more his hobby. Wonderful man. We discussed Aussie politics and economics, the fact that Tassie has the only legal opium plantations in the southern hemisphere and the fields have no security fences whatsoever! He also appreciated the fact that I was gushing over his island state. He said that he gets to enjoy his home through the eyes of tourists. Lucky man. He lives in one the loveliest places in the world.

The ferry crossing was uneventful. Just another big boat to carry people across the Bass Strait. Cruise cruise seats are at $100 AUS and I was dreading an uncomfortable, sleepless night. To my surprise, I had an entire row to myself so I can lie down. It seems the others who have done the crossing before took their pillows and blankets and had a sleep at the lounge area. Smart. I wish I did the same because the guy in the next row snored. But then I guess that is why I brought with me the iPod. Eight hours of non-stop, skip-free music to blot out snoring cruise-mates. We docked at Melbourne Port 6:30 AM and after a few minutes of waiting for my checked in backpack, I was out of the ferry. The tram conveniently rolled across the street from the dock. I love this place. Everything is easy.

I am Mary Grace, very willing to call Tasmania home.