The Chook-minder's Quill

"No Worries!"

2012-01-16T01:20:00.000+10:30

"'No worries' is a popular Australian response akin to 'no problems', 'that's OK' or 'sure thing'."
-Wikipedia

An Australian pensioner fishing at Wallaroo jetty, South Australia.

Australian males' life expectancy is 78.7 years (source: here), while Filipino males' average life span is only 68.72 years (source: here). Aussies may possibly have lesser economic worries as compared to Pinoys (I believe worrying is not good for our health), and health care is much better Down Under than in The Archipelago.

I believe that life span is also closely related to diet, but I, honestly, am not sure if there's really a big difference between eating mashed or fried potatoes and steamed or fried rice; or even the difference between drinking grape wines and coconut wines.

Oh, I have another worry... How about the life span of those who were born as Filipinos and eventually have become Australian citizens?

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Spreading the Words

2012-01-08T22:54:00.000+10:30

The Chook-minder's Quill supports the Philippines' Department of Tourism campaign- "It's more fun in the Philippines!"

Ox-cart selling artisanal products... Las Pinas City, Philippines. April 7, 2009.

The security guard was monitoring every outbound taxi; Davao International Airport, Philippines.

The flavourful durian! Davao City, Philippines.

FLAVOURS OF THE ROAD. Traditional ice cream vending; Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines.

So what are you waiting for? Book your next holiday in the Philippines. Have fun!

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Violino Piccolo

2011-12-23T16:09:00.000+10:30

The young busker in Rundle Mall. 22 December 2011.

Amidst the energy and excitement of holiday shopping at Rundle Mall yesterday, I came across this young boy busking in the middle of this unique street. Exhausted from the shopping rush, I walked towards him to listen to what he was playing and perhaps, to sit on the wooden bench nearby to relax. As I got closer to him, I heard the melody of the carol entitled Mary's Boy Child...

James playing a Christmas carol. Rundle St., Adelaide City, South Australia

Despite the jubilant theme of the song, I could see the sadness in his eyes.

Shoppers went past him; while most of them didn't, some of them tossed coins into his violin case lying open down the brick-covered lane. There was a note saying, "Hope you like my playing. -James."

Whether it's for passion or just purely for financial gain, nobody knows it except James.

After taking this photograph, I grabbed a note from my wallet and handed it to him, he stopped fiddling and took it.

He said, "Thank you..." and he smiled.

"Merry Christmas, James!" Then I left.

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Sofia's Basket

2011-12-16T01:51:00.000+10:30

A basket of fruits for Sofia's birthday

Last September, a young Filipino family arrived and occupied the house (approximately) 70 meters south of my accommodation. Yes, I finally have a neighbour in the chook farm compound.

Edwin- the head of the family, has been helping me with the poultry farm operation since then. His wife Zuzette, coincidentally, was born and grew up in a town 36 kilometers southwest of my hometown. The couple has two daughters named Sofia and Ezra.

Ezra is 4 years old, and Sophia turned 8 yesterday. The family invited some friends to dine with them, and because it's a local tradition to bring a plate, I decided to make a cake for Sophia. I heard from Edwin that Zuzette loves chocolate cake so I baked one... but frosting and designing it for an eight-year old girl was simply a mountain to climb.

I love to personalize my creations but this time I couldn't think of a cake that would fit the birthday girl. Sofia loves telling a lot of detailed stories, she has a torrent of words! Though she speaks and understands Filipino, she expresses her thoughts and feelings in English. Her name reminds me of my Philosophy subject back in the uni- exactly the time when our professor said, "...Philos means love, and sophia means wisdom."

To make the story short, I ended up with a basketweave design.

The chocolate basket cake, left lateral view.

I am glad Sofia loved it, she and her parents were very happy and grateful! The guests had literally dropped their jaw upon seeing it, and I am thankful they all said, "Hmmm... beautiful!"- the Australian way of saying delicious.

Sofia realized she forgot to make a wish before blowing the candle.

After cutting the cake... (Photo taken using my mobile phone.)

I was happy with the outcome of this masterpiece, my plans were executed well and the cake turned out as what I had actually imagined. To prove that the basket was really a cake, I made sure to take a photo after it was cut (Since I arrived in Australia, I have learned to use the word 'cut' in place of the preferred Filipino term- slice).

A slice of the basket cake.

Unlike the photo above, weaving the creamy chocolate frosting was NOT a piece of cake; but it was fun! I didn't post it last October, but I also made a chocolate doll cake for Ezra's birthday! Somebody up there tells us to love our neighbour, I hope my gestures count.

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Rudolph and Rundle...

2011-12-11T21:54:00.001+10:30

I took this photo at the fountain in front of the Adelaide Arcade in Rundle Mall, Adelaide City.

One of the many buskers in Rundle Mall. This live statue was wearing a raincoat to protect himself from the splashes of the Victorian era fountain beside him.

"Uniquely Rundle Mall" as what its slogan says... by closing the Rundle St. to traffic between King William and Pulteney streets, this mall was opened in September 1976 as the first pedestrian mall in Australia. In short, it's a street turned into a mall!

Just like other malls, Rundle Mall isn't only for shopping but for dining and entertainment, as well. This commercial complex is also a venue for photography, street protests, sports team's celebrations and parades, fraternal organizational initiations (eg. men and women giving free hugs) and busking.

The choir singing Christmas carols...

A Chinese backpacker busking beside one of the mall's landmarks- the Mall's Balls.

Now, can you blame me if Rundle Mall is my favourite hang out in town?

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Australiana

2011-11-23T22:49:00.001+10:30

Featuring the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star, and the Southern Cross constellation.

Last September 15, 2011, I posted this on my Twitter timeline:

In Adelaide City... drove a friend- Marie to the Immigration; she'll take the citizenship test today. Good luck to her.

Well, she passed. This afternoon, Marie took her Australian citizenship pledge in the Port Wakefield Council Office at Balaklava. A dinner party immediately followed at our friend's place at Salter's Spring Road. There were plenty of food, and the drinks were overflowing! Everybody was happy.

I baked a cake for the new Australian. She was surprised and very happy when she saw it. Marie loved it; she was very grateful!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi!

This was my first attempt to draw or paint (or whatever we call it) an Australian flag, and I'd say it was successful. No doubt, this cake was the centrepiece of the celebration.

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Ambiens

2011-11-21T21:45:00.001+10:30

The piping shrike at dusk. Port Wakefield, South Australia.

This photograph had existed in my imaginations for eleven months before it finally happened. Every time I went for a drive during sunsets I had been taking my camera with me hoping that I could get a photograph of a perching bird silhouetting against the final glow of the day... but I had always failed because every time I pulled over the road, the bird would fly before I could take a snap.

But yesterday, after returning the tables and chairs that we used in a party back to the owner, I was so lucky to encounter this friendly bird perching on a shrub at Port Wakefield's bushland.

The piping shrike, often mistaken as a magpie, is a very important bird in South Australia. It is featured on the state's flag, badge and Coat of Arms.

This picture reminds me of my Veterinary Anatomy lesson. The perching muscle of birds is called ambiens- "...a thigh muscle of certain birds having the tendon passing over the knee and connecting with the tendon of a muscle that bends the toes so that the body weight on perching causes the knee to bend and the feet to clasp the perch on which the bird sit." -http://www.merriam-webster.com

'Double' Celebration

2011-11-01T22:59:00.000+10:30

The ladies celebrating after the 2011 Melbourne Cup race. Hahndorf Inn; Hahndorf, South Australia.

These photos were taken from Hahndorf, South Australia. I was there this afternoon to loosen up a bit and was, honestly, surprised to see the multitude in all the pubs/gaming rooms and restaurants along the town's main street.
There was a celebration- tables teeming with fine foods, glasses overflowing with a wide range of drinks, balloons everywhere, and flags blowing up in the air! The crowd was jubilant; and unlike Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and the Philippines who earnestly celebrates the All Saints Day (and the following day- the All Souls Day), Australia holds the 2011 Melbourne Cup today.

Melbourne Cup is the major and the most famous horse race in Australia; it is actually known as 'the race that stops the nation' and is traditionally conducted during the first Tuesday of November.

In Melbourne and in most parts of the state of Victoria, Melbourne Cup is a public holiday. Here in South Australia and in the other states, it's supposedly business as usual but I'm sure most of the Australians had turned their telly on this arvo to watch the race and bet for their favourite horse. Hahndorf is (an old German town) located approximately 701 kilometres away from the venue of the race (Flemington, Victoria), but look at how important Melbourne Cup is to Australians.

Okay, Melbourne Cup is a horse race, but why do women wear colourful hats and hairdresses during this day? They simply call it Fashion on the Field- there's a prize awarded to the best-dressed man or woman in the race. It all started in 1962 and it has become a tradition- that in every local horse race, in Flemington or not, it is equally important to wear an elegant hat.

The same women as in the photo above.

The French-based horse Dunaden- ridden by Cristophe Lemaire won the 2011 Melbourne Cup. The horse's owner earned $3.6 million plus a trophy worth $175,000.

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The Bush Party and the Cakes

2011-10-23T23:31:00.000+10:30

The Queen's Hat- Inspired by the Royal Wedding 2011. The table cloth is a replica of a typical Aboriginal painting.

Today is a 'bad cake day' for me.

I was invited for a birthday celebration and was told that it's an Australian bush party. Janet, a friend in the Port Wakefield Catholic community, turns seventy today; and since I have been trying to learn baking lately, I decided to bring a birthday cake as a present. My original plan was a chocolate cake shaped like 'cowboy hat' but I eventually thought that a Queen's hat would be more appropriate for a lady celebrant. Even if the the cake would deviate from the theme of the party, I believed that Janet would love it considering that Her Majesty is currently Down Under for a ten-day visit, and that Australia has been proud of it's British roots.

But my dilemma about the cake didn't end there. I only started to learn baking and cake decorating last autumn, and have been using buttermilk icing since then- absolutely perfect for cooler days but not for a warm day like today. The forecast was 31'C, and being a chicken farmer who has been closely monitoring Port Wakefield's weather for almost four years now, I believe the mercury could rise two to three degrees above the temperature outlook. So I researched for the best cake frosting that could stand in a warmer or hot temperature. There were two options: a buttercream frosting or a Royal icing (very famous in the Philippines), and after how many hours of consideration I settled for the butterceam icing.

I found this 'temperature forecaster' hanging on the wall at the venue. Brilliant, ay?

To make the story short, it didn't work! Starting at half past midday, we drove for ten minutes to get to the venue of the party, the cake was in a huge plastic container at the boot of the car. The internet told me that shortening melts at around 40'C, so I was confident that my cake's crust was strong enough to hold. Just imagine my face and my heart after opening the container and seeing a part of the cake decoration collapsing! I forgot to consider the powdered sugar and the milk that I added to to the shortening to achieve the frosting.

The photo above was taken at the party, the broken part of the cake decoration was at the back but the 'golden' roses on the side was noticeably sagging. Anyway, if you look at the photo of the Queen's hat during the Royal Wedding, the flower on the side of her yellow hat was a bit saggy too.

This post was originally intended to tell the story about the outback-themed party but it didn't turn out to be that way. I am sharing some photos below, in case you're interested.

The birthday celebrant Janet and his husband Robin (who's wearing a typical Australian work clothes).

This is Rhondda, she's 91 years old! She's wearing a cork hat or a bushman's/outback hat; the cork dangling around the brim of the hat ward off the flies. For those who don't know, the Australian outback is infested with blow flies.

This is Esma (locals/friends would pronounce it as /Es-may/) with her huge coffee mug!

The chook-minder at the gate. The outback-themed birthday party was held inside.

After fifty-seven months of living in Australia, it was my first time to eat an Australian damper. It is a traditional outback cake baked in the coals of the campfire. I don't have a photo of it, I got carried away during the luncheon.

Speaking of cakes, Janet loved her yellow birthday cake; she was very happy and grateful!

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Healthy Holiday

2011-10-07T00:09:00.000+10:30

The lamps hanging on the ceiling of Cafe Aqua- Elizabeth, South Australia. The colour reminds me of Santorini, Greece.

I've been absent from work for two days now (well, I am physically present because I live on site). It all started with a sudden pain, and episodal cramps in my upper left abdomen the other day. After 17 hours of dealing with it, I decided to drive myself to Balaklava Hospital at around five in the morning. The CT scan films revealed that I have a 2-cm stone in my left kidney!

I was so scared upon hearing the findings but the GP assured me that there'll be no surgery. She (oh that young, cute, and sexy Chinese doctor who's been here for only a month) prescribed Panadol- to be taken every four hours. With this 8.5 out of 10 pain rating, I initially thought she was only joking, but she said was serious. Dr. Lien Tee added that majority of these renal calculi, which usually affects men of my age, are just excreted with the urine. I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed.

So I stayed in the house to have a good rest.

While I was having rice and chicken tinola at lunchtime today, I turned my telly on and tuned in it on Cinema One. Star Cinema's For the First Time was playing, starring KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez. The location was in the photogenic island of Santorini, Greece... and since I am on a vacation mode, I decided to sit down and finish film. Contrary to the title of the movie, it was actually my second time to watch it but I still enjoyed it.

In the movie, Alex or Seth (Gutierrez) a rich, easygoing Filipino young guy, who was managing a tavern in the island was boasting to this young and attractive bakasyonista named Pia (Concepcion) of the beautiful sunset taking place in Santorini. So I waited for Director Joyce Bernal's shot of the said sunset, and yes, it didn't disappoint me; and the scene had instantly reminded me of the photo I've taken from Yorke Peninsula last month.

The ball of fire melting before my lens! Yorke Peninsula, South Australia; early spring 2011.

This photo looks like the Santorini sunset featured in the said romantic movie so I decided to post it here. So timely, while I was checking my blogroll, I noticed that BertN Travels latest post was about their recent cruise- and their first stop: Santorini!

I've seen Santorini twice in the movie, and have seen photos of the island on a fellow blogger's post... its beautiful sunset is similar to the one in my 'backyard' but these things don't mean that I can live without dreaming to visit Santorini, Greece someday. I'd love to be there!

Oh! The island of Santorini also reminds me of my Anatomy lesson about pancreas. As an exocrine gland, there's this non-functional accessory duct called 'the Duct of Santorini'.

If you're in love, and loves to travel but haven't watched For the First Time yet, well, grab a copy and watch it now. I'm sure you'll love it.

El bloque del escritor

2011-09-14T23:46:00.000+09:30

For more than a year now, I have lost my momentum on blogging and I hate it! There are heaps of stories to tell, some thoughts and feelings that were supposed to be written and a few opinions that have been left unexpressed for ages! Sayang.

I can't understand. I simply can't manage to weave all 'these' into words and sentences. There were a lot of beautiful and meaningful things have come and passed but I have undesirably lost the prowess to log it using my quill. Yes, they were so intangible... oh, so subtle that even my lenses couldn't capture!

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Thirty-two

2011-08-27T21:46:00.000+09:30

My birthday cake specially made by Ate Fely Shumacher.

It's been quite a while since I had a birthday party- it was ten years ago right after getting my veterinary license.

I didn't have the plan to celebrate this year, but my Titas in Port Wakefield organized something. It was supposedly a surprise party but they failed to keep it, so I volunteered to procure a whole roasted pork. Special thanks to my friends who are working in the piggery farm, we got the size we want at a lower price. We didn't use a skewer but it turned up as an authentic Philippine lechon!

It was a double celebration: my birthday, and for getting the Australian citizenship this year! Cheers!

The main dish.

Hogwarts-inspired dessert table.

The long table.

The celebrant with the event planners.

August 27, 2011.
4:30pm-11:00pm

Another First!

2011-07-29T17:57:00.003+09:30

Mt. Buller, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

July 8 to 13, 2011. Luckily, I had seven days holiday between (our chicken's) batch 39 and 40. I, originally, had no plans to escape from the farm during the week- I was simply aiming to raise a certain amount for an important project in the Philippines but the weather forecast in Victoria was so enticing that I failed to resist booking online for my 3-day adventure.

The driver of the horse-driven carriage, Swanston St., Melbourne.

For four years I had been dreaming to visit the Australian Alps to experience the snow but there were powerful circumstances that would always come across my plans; so the snow had fallen and melted for four consecutive wintertimes without RJ visiting the place.

But not in winter 2011 because I have finally found my way to Mt. Buller!

The unique kneelers. St. Paul's Cathedral, corner Swanston and Flinder's Streets, Melbourne.

...with Margarette- one of Melbourne's city 'ambassadors'.

I will write another post about my first snow experience. Most of the photos here were taken in Melbourne- a day before my first encounter with snow.

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Boomerang

2011-07-03T22:26:00.001+09:30

The facade of the Freo Market, W.A., Australia

February 28, 2011. I was exploring the Fremantle Market (Western Australia) and was expecting to see the local fresh produce of the region but was surprised to discover that there were also arts and crafts, silver jewelries and a few food stalls around. And in one corner I noticed this boomerang shop.

Boomerang Shop. Fremantle Market, Western Australia

Boomerang. I heard this word when I was younger but couldn't understand when the older folks would relate boomerang with a person's deed. My mom had tried to explain to me that boomerang is a flying tool that, when thrown, will surely come right back without hitting the ground; but she never showed me a photo nor did she draw the said tool, the reason why I couldn't understand the 'boomerang effect' that they were saying.

...until I came to Australia and have seen the different designs of boomerang! According to Wikipedia, the oldest Australian Aboriginal Boomerangs are 10,000 years old.

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Sincerely...

2011-06-26T01:31:00.004+09:30

I missed the blogosphere and I am planning to be back soon.
Whether to use the same blog name and theme or to change both is what I am currently considering. But I already love The Chook-minder's Quill, slash Lens. After I have gone past the major milestone in this Australian migration highway, this is still me- the chicken farmer. For more than a month after taking my Australian citizenship oath, nothing has changed really, it has remained as a mere piece of document.

And yes I am leaving no stones unturned to achieve some major changes in my Australian life. I am praying that it will soon be granted, and as it gradually unfolds I simply want to share it to the blogosphere.

SIDE ALTAR. St. Mary's Cathedral, Perth, Western Australia

Simply Australian

2011-05-20T21:35:00.005+09:30

The flag, the queen and the coat of arms.

Today, the 20th of May 2011 is a very remarkable and memorable day in my life. I attended the Australian citizenship ceremony to take my pledge- the final step in my journey to Australian citizenship. This achievement is 4 years, 4 months, 4 days and 2 hours in the making.

The departmental ceremony was very simple. NO guests allowed. No friends, no family member—just us (a group of ten who were scheduled to take the oath at 10am). There’s no chance to take photos before and during the event. It was a 20-minute program—brief and simple. There was a short video presentation showing some new migrants who were very happy living and working in Australia, each was proud of being a new citizen of this country.

Then the immigration officer read the message of the Australian immigration minister Chris Bowen; after that we took the pledge (that was around 10:20am), we were not even asked to raise our right hand! Others shed some tears, but I didn't, though I actually wanted to... After the oath, we sung Australia's national anthem- Advance Australia Fair; but NOT the entire song, only the first paragraph! Whew!

Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Adelaide, South Australia.

Happy? Uhmn... Yes I am happy because finally I have achieved my goal; but NOT really happy with the ceremony because it didn't give justice to all the hardships and challenges that I've been through along the way. Actually, it was my choice. I decided to perform my oath at the soonest possible time; I don't want to wait for another sixty days to join the oath-taking ceremony scheduled at my local council. Huhmn... should this be allowed, I would love to take another citizenship oath this coming Australia Day 2012- it must be a very big event! More solemn and more emotional, I guess.

Simply Filipino-Australians - Jordan and RJ.

My friend Jordan Gay-od took his pledge today, as well; he was with the batch who’s scheduled an hour after ours. I was walking out of the elevator from the third floor when I saw him- it was only at that very moment when we both realized that we’re celebrating the same thing on the same day- we haven’t seen or ‘texted’ each other for quite a while. So I went back to the immigration office and waited until he finished his oath; then we had our photo taken by Karen- the immigration officer who administered the oath. After the quick ceremony, Jordan and I headed to the BBQ City in Chinatown-Adelaide to have some bites! He paid for the main meal; I treated him with a dessert- a peach crepe of Happy Sweet. I was happy; I believe he was, too! At least we have each other to share that joyful moment with!

English 101

2011-05-16T14:00:00.001+09:30

A car for sale in Port Wakefield, definitely NOT the car that Corey wants.

My workmate Corey told me this morning that he was thinking of selling his boat and his motorbike then use the money to get the car that's currently for sale in Pt. Wakefield.

"Huhmn! What's the 'KO-LOR' of that kHAH (as in caR)?" I asked using my obviously fake Australian accent.

He didn't answer, instead, his forehead skin wrinkled. Puzzled, he asked me, "What's that?!"

Simple, he couldn't understand what I was saying, so I spelled the word- COLOUR. A bit embarassed, I asked him, "How do you pronounce that word here in Australia?"

"KAH-LAH!" he instantly replied.

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Happy Easter!

2011-04-19T22:37:00.003+09:30

In Australia, I've noticed that during Ash Wednesday celebration Christians would start greeting each other a "Happy Easter!" Simultaneously, shops and other similar establishments would post this greeting or would exaggeratedly showcase an array of Easter stuffs during the entire length of the Lent.

My icing injector broke when I was writing on my mocha cake- the reason why the letters don't look very good.

During the Holy Week, the long weekend or public holiday Down Under would start on Maundy Thursday and, interestingly, wouldn't simply end on Easter Sunday but until Monday which is called Easter Monday; and in Tasmania they are on a holiday until Easter Tuesday! Australia is always very excited for Easter, the reason why as early as Holy Tuesday, my mocha cake is already Easter-inspired.

This long weekend is not for the people involved in the livestock industry, though. We still need to attend to the needs of our animals every day. But honeslty, I don't know if the entire long weekend of those who are on a holiday is sincerely spent with the essence of the season because I've observed that more people are visiting the coasts and campsites than the church, and it seems to me that local children would directly relate Easter Sunday with bunny and with the colourful eggs of different sizes than commemorating Christ's resurrection.

I can't help but compare how Australia and the Philippines celebrate the Lenten Season. Being religious is, indeed, not a guarantee of being prosperous. I am sorry.

The chocolates at Haigh's Chocolates, corner Rundle St. and King William Rd., Adelaide City, South Australia

Glamour

2011-04-15T23:00:00.007+09:30

"While I was driving back home from Foodland-Balaklava, I noticed the charm of the railway crossing at Bowmans... at dusk it was boasting of its silhouette against the elegance of the early evening sky!"

Adelaide-Port Augusta railway line, Bowmans, South Australia.

I survived.

We’ve been very busy in the farm for the past seven days... It’s harvest time and we’re short of one worker after a workmate didn’t turn up one day without notice and decided to forever ignore my calls.

It was not a joke to run this half a million-capacity broiler farm 24/7- physically and mentally with only three people especially during the final third of the cycle when there were five times a week night catches, daily bird sample weighing, heavier dead bird to collect, with the main water pump motor playing up. I simply don’t want to see these chickens to gradually die of thirst or heat stroke because of inadequate evaporative cooling during warmer days.

It was a great relief to find a replacement for the worker we’ve lost, but it was equally frustrating that after working with us for a day and a half (a third to be exact) this 20-year old recently-employed worker decided to quit simply because he cannot handle the burden and the smell of daily mortality collection.


This photo was taken after the chicken harvest; 12 April 2011 at 11:56PM...

I had to work day and night especially if it’s my turn to act as a watchdog during harvest; forgetting about my day off until this 16-year old local joined us yesterday. I can only wish (though I am, honestly, fervently praying) that this guy will work with us for the next twenty years (as what my employer would usually say); while hoping that at the soonest possible time the immigration department will finally grant the visa to our much-awaited Filipino worker.

Thank God it’s Friday! No harvest, no bird weighing, no grain stocktaking, no feed ordering, no phone calls from the integrator’s broiler serviceperson, no emails, no fax messages... just dead bird collection and minor repair, plus rodent baiting- which is very important these days to get rid of mice that love to nibble our chook feed at night—in my estimate, they are close to or even more than a million!

This afternoon I decided to do my supermarket shopping in the nearby town- Balaklava. But I needed to do it quickly so I could get back to the farm before it gets dark and cool (especially during these days that the autumnal equinox has already taken place) to shut the blinds at the cooling end of the sheds.

...and while I was driving back home from Foodland-Balaklava, I noticed the charm of the railway crossing at Bowmans—it looks absolutely ordinary under the bright, blue sky, but earlier at dusk it was boasting of its silhouette against the elegance of the early evening sky!

iCon

2011-04-09T16:23:00.001+09:30

It's the 'kangaroo and the emu', the 'green and gold', the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge... and they say 'fish and chips' is almost an Australian icon. How about the koala and the eucalyptus tree?

Koala's paw on a eucalyptus bark. Western Australia's Caversham Wildlife Park

I am reading the Australian Citizenship Handbook for the fourth time now in preparation for the exam, and the contents of the book reminded me of this photo.

...twenty-four days more to go before I can actually get the eligibility; I wish the universe will soon grant it to me. This ambition is very costly, I have sacrificed a lot of things in my life, I hope it's worth it!

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In and Out

2011-04-01T22:22:00.002+10:30

The maximum temperature was 38'C during the first day of my visit to Western Australia last February but the heat didn't stop me from exploring the city of Perth. I went to Subiaco, the Swan Bell Tower, and the shops at Hay and Murray streets; and in the afternoon, when the daytime temperature was at its peak, I felt a great relief inside The Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum. It was cool and quiet, and the displays were magnificent! Cameras were not allowed in the gallery, though, so I decided to take a photo outside.

The colours, lines and shapes outside the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth, WA.

Inside and outside, there's an art in The Art Gallery of W.A.!

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Upside Down

2011-03-29T18:35:00.004+10:30

I'll be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship in thirty-five days. I have been tirelessly counting days and nights for the past fifty-five days and it has made me excited to get up every morning knowing that I have survived the challenges of the previous day and currently given another opportunity to continue my countdown and accomplish all the tasks ahead to get closer to my goal. Mornings have been getting cooler and cooler since the onset of autumn three weeks ago, and the sun rises usually after seven but the low temperature and darkness haven't stopped me to start performing my daily farm routine at 5:40 AM.

While I was checking the sheds at sunrise this morning, I've noticed a stunning reflection on the poorly drained area between our new chicken sheds. So I took my camera and captured the view.

The reflection of the grain silos and the morning sky at Port Wakefield, South Australia. March 29, 2011.

Early bird catches 'special worms', indeed!

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Dusk and Dawn

2011-03-25T23:40:00.002+10:30

After spending an hour inside the wellness cubicle in Elizabeth Mall, I drove through the Main North Road and took the Gawler-Mallala-Balaklava Roads to get to Port Wakefield—where I live. Before finally heading home, I wanted to catch up with some friends who were having a dinner party in Balaklava this evening, so I was driving at the max speed of 110 km/hr. Susan Boyle’s Album was actually playing, and the lyrics of her version of I Dreamed a Dream and You’ll See were reminding me of my own ambitions, as well as my current heartaches.

Suddenly, on the left side of the road, I saw the setting sun over the vast rolling plains, with its rays penetrating through the thick clouds! I pulled out, grabbed my Nex-5 and took a series of photographs...

Sunset; Gawler-Mallala Road, South Australia. March 25, 2011.

Sunset is the time to relax, and dream. It is the time to savour our accomplishments and achievements for the day; and if there are failures and frustrations, the dusk has the power to end it all. As darkness falls, there’s always a promise of a brand new day- the sunrise... a new beginning so we can get up and continue our journey... an opportunity to work hard and achieve our ultimate goal in this life.

Greener Pasture

2011-03-24T22:45:00.001+10:30

Lower Light and Wakefield Regional Council, Port Wakefield Road, South Australia

It was a cool, gloomy, early autumn afternoon... I was driving from the city and was traversing the boundary of Lower Light and Wakefield Regional Council when I spotted this herd of beef cattle taking a good rest under the eucalyptus trees just beside the hill. They didn’t seem to care about the hustle and bustle of the road, though they’ve actually managed to stand as I moved closer to frame my shot. A few weeks ago the pasture was awfully brown and dry, and after a few soaking showers in the past days it has apparently turned into a thin carpet of a literally green pasture. Last summer, when there was no greener pasture, even on the other side of the fence—these animals were left grazing in the auburn plain, and hand fed with hay and concentrated grain.

Take it easy. Stay, and be patient. And save not only for the rainy days, but also for the sunny days.

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Cygnus atratus

2011-03-22T19:15:00.002+10:30

The three black swans on the bridge in Northbridge, near Perth Railway Station.

I was once seriously wondering why Perth or Western Australia, as a whole, is so fond of swans! The huge and beautiful river in the capital of W.A. is called Swan River, and the bell tower by the river that houses the 18 Swan Bells is called the Swan Bell Tower! And around the city are dozens or hundreds of swan figurines, sculptures and sketches- most are black and some are white.

The white swans in Freo!

It was the tour guide/bus driver who became the victim of my curiosity. While we were travelling to the Pinnacle Desert, I asked him why...?

Simon, our friendly guide and my personal photographer, answered, "When the Europeans first came to this place, they were surprised to discover a great flock of black swans everywhere! For them it was so amazing because in Europe they've only seen silver swans."

Today, black swans (Cygnus atratus) are still endemic in the area, especially in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia though there are reports saying that these large waterbirds are in danger of extinction. Unfortunately, I haven't taken a photo of a black swan in W.A.. That's one of the good reasons for me to travel back to Perth someday.

A black swan in Adelaide's River Torrens, South Australia

Three in One

2011-03-19T23:40:00.001+10:30

This photo was not taken from India. No, it's not in Italy! It's captured from Subiaco- a sub-urb of Perth, Western Australia.

Today, Subiaco (or Subi for the locals) is famous for the Subiaco Oval- a football stadium in the capital city of Western Australia. Just a few steps from the Subiaco train station (where this image was taken) there are various shops and a market which are popular destinations for both the locals and the tourists.

The Noongar Idigenous people once occupied the area until the Italian Benedictine monks arrived in 1851. The said religious order named the place after Subiaco, in the Province of Rome in Lazio, Italy.

source: Wikipedia
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'Between the Flags'

2011-03-15T23:29:00.000+10:30

Officially, it's early autumn down under, and before the wintry breeze starts puffing across the southern hemisphere I would like to share some photos I’ve taken during the final week of Australian summer.

I’ve never been to any of the South Australian beaches last summer, but I was so lucky to visit one of the most famous beaches in Western Australia: Cottesloe Beach- the Bondi of the West!

Behind the blue umbrella...

The missing ball.

Cottesloe rescuers.

I visited Cottesloe after exploring the port city of Fremantle, W.A. last February 27, 2011. I really enjoyed my 2-hour stay in Cottesloe Beach; ahh... I wanted to go back there again.

...before heading back to the train station to catch the next trip to Perth, I noticed these young swimmers walking along the shores.

Blue and red...

Just a friendly reminder: swim between the red and yellow flags!

The Pink Lake

2011-03-10T00:47:00.004+10:30

While I was driving from the city this afternoon, I witnessed this very interesting phenomenon...

The salt crystallization pan at Dry Creek, South Australia.

Located 12 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, alongside Salisbury Highway and Port Wakefield Road is a 4000-hectare salt crystallization pan that has been part of South Australia’s salt-mining industry since 1940. But aside from its importance in dye manufacturing, food, leather-tanning and paper industries, salt lakes, like this, were once a mystery! A body of water would usually reflect the blue sky but salt lakes would sometimes boast of its pink dye.

The warm and dry weather last week followed by the cool and wet conditions in South Australia this week have possibly aided in achieving the suitable salinity, temperature and light to prompt the algae in accumulating the red pigments of the bacteria growing at the crusty bottom of the lake.

The same phenomenon occurs in the famous Pink Lake in Goldfields-Esperance region, Western Australia.

The lake boasting its pink dye! Dry Creek, South Australia.

Individualism

2011-03-06T23:01:00.005+10:30

Comfortably standing on top of the hill in Victoria Square- East Perth, Perth, Western Australia is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the original Norman Gothic style in the 1865-1930 construction, it was redesigned into an Academic Gothic style in the second phase of construction in 1930-1999; and the current Perpendicular Gothic edifice has been completed during the third phase of the construction which started in 1999, up to the present. The Benedictine Brothers founded the cathedral in 1863.

The first spire of St. Mary's Cathedral, Perth, Western Australia. The second spire which was added during the third phase of the construction is, interestingly, not identical to the first one! Have you noticed it on the first photograph?

Each of us was specially designed and created; even identical twins have so many differences. Just like the two spires of this cathedral, we can also stand straight and humbly show the world of our own uniqueness!

The side-altar of St. Mary's Cathedral. Photo taken February 27, 2011 after the 8am mass.

Simply Australia

2011-03-05T18:34:00.007+10:30

Australia is not just about kangaroos and beautiful seascapes... there are, actually, heaps of picturesque sceneries aside from the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The giant red monolith, and the red soil of Australia's Red Centre and the Flinders Ranges are among the common photographic locations which highlight the mostly hot and dry climate of this continent.

But Australia is so diverse that it takes, entirely, a year (after the complete run of the four seasons in the temperate, grassland and subtropical regions) to experience and appreciate the changing colours of its landscape especially in the agricultural areas where various crops are grown.

The railway bridge, believed to be the highest in South Australia, built over the River Light in Hamley Bridge, S.A.. Photo taken in late winter 2010.


Growing peas on the foreground, blossoming canola field and the three gum trees on the middleground plus nature's cumulonimbus clouds on the background- simple yet beautiful! (...along Everard Central-Templers Road, Hamley Bridge, South Australia.)

Then, now and henceforth...

2011-03-04T07:31:00.004+10:30

The tower clock of Perth City Town Hall. An example of a Victorian Free Gothic architecture, the building was opened in 1870 and is the only convict-built capital city town hall in Australia. Corners Hay and Barrack streets, Perth, Western Australia.

Learning is a continuous process, and as we learn from our day to day experiences there's always a challenge to improve ourselves and our lives. Contentment and satisfaction, for me, are words that exist in the dictionary but not in real life; but don't think this as a negative thing because seeking for advancement and growing to become a better person is always a positive thing. As we progress, however, we should also be committed to nurture all the beautiful things that we already have.

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Bus Stop

2011-03-02T23:18:00.002+10:30

After I accidentally dropped and broke my polarizing filter at the Kings Park view deck, I decided to leave and go back to the backpackers resort in Beaufort St.. While waiting for bus number 37, I took this photo:

King's Park and Botanical Garden Bus Stop. Perth, Western Australia

Weathering

2011-02-27T11:58:00.009+10:30

The Pinnacle Desert, Nambung National Park, Cervantes, Western Australia

My hours of stay in Western Australia are numbered, tomorrow at 6:45am a Virgin Blue flight will take me back to South Australia. Generally, I enjoyed my stay in this state: the locals I’ve met were so accommodating, the transportation was quick and easy which had given me the chance to visit some interesting destinations in and surrounding Perth. The Pinnacle Desert in Cervantes, the lovely buildings in Fremantle and the very relaxing, eye-satiating beach in Cottesloe are the best three for me, so far!

I was also blessed to catch the earliest mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral this morning, the gospel reminded me to set aside all my personal anxieties and let tomorrow worry for itself.

But there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday. I had accidentally dropped and broke the polarizing filter of my camera down the cliff of Kings Park and Botanical Garden last Friday; good thing the shops close at nine during Fridays so I was lucky to have the time to purchase a new one in preparation for the Pinnacle tour the next day- where I needed to have that accessory the most.

Before I left the backpacker resort early this morning, I asked the receptionist to secure me a booking for an airport shuttle tomorrow so I could get to the terminal without spending much dollars. But he said that I could ask another receptionist assigned in the evening to do it for me because, he added, the Perth Airport Shuttle booking service is open twenty-four hours a day, anyway.

The Pinnacles, Western Australia

And at about a quarter past seven this evening, after being told by the receptionist on duty, I was surprised and terribly upset to know that shuttle bookings are only until six in the evening. No choice, the fault or laziness of the other receptionist will force me shell out three times the amount of the shuttle service for the early morning taxi tomorrow.

In and out of the workplace, in this life, every person has nowhere to escape from various challenges and worries in this universe! But look at these attractive limestone formations in the Pinnacle Desert; they were believed to be a mixture of broken seashells blown by strong winds into the location where they are now. Rain, the vegetation that had grown and died, sedimentation, sunlight, strong winds, and soil erosions that had happened for millions of years were the complex phenomena that occurred to reveal the beauty of these Pinnacles!

Two birds at a time

2011-02-26T23:03:00.003+10:30

It was 36'C in Perth when I saw this pigeon seeking refuge under the shade of a tree infront of the Western Australian Museum.

I missed to publish a post yesterday, but yes I pursued my trip and I am currently in Perth. For two successive days I have been enjoying my stay here as Western Australia gradually unfolds herself before me. I’ve been in this continent for more than four years now but this is my first visit to the Golden State. I decided to fly out of South Australia after completing a batch of a relatively successful broiler-growing cycle. We’ll not be getting day-old chicks until the fourth of March so I considered this as an excellent opportunity to (1) explore W.A. while at the same time (2) recharging my ‘batteries’.

The place is nice and interesting; the city centre is bigger and busier than Adelaide and sincerely- the people are very friendly! After visiting the Perth Visitor Centre, browsing some travel brochures and seeing a small part of the W.A. countryside up to 270 kilometres north of Perth today, I started to fear that I might eventually fall in love with this state and forget about my long-time stand that Queensland is my most favourite state in Australia.

A lone seagull on the shore of Indian Ocean; near Cervantes, Western Australia

This is it for now because my mortal physique is screaming that I need to go to bed. I promise to post some great photos I’ve taken in Western Australia soon...

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Seriously 'flooded'...

2011-02-23T23:59:00.001+10:30

I've been very busy in the chookery (chicken farm) for three days now; it's harvest time and we're emptying the sheds. There's a very tiny part of me that says I am happy because after a hundred and twenty days I can finally have my three-day break! For four weeks now, I couldn't figure out what I have been feeling- whether this is burn out, depression, homesickness or love. I cannot blame myself for including love in my differential diagnosis because even Gabriel Garcia Marquez had eloquently associated love with cholera.

Anyhow, I have started to regret meeting and knowing someone in my life. But I don't want to ruin my three-day break from work with all these negative thoughts and feelings that I have had for almost thirty days. So despite the financial insufficiency that I am experiencing these days (see this is another worry), I still spared some pretty penny for my trip to Western Australia this coming weekend. Well, my trip is simple, I am just looking at exploring the city of Perth and visiting the moonscape-like place located 270 kilometres north of the city- The Pinnacles.

It was early this afternoon when I, at last, made up my mind for this trip so I rang the Flight Centre and booked a complete package. But I needed to go to the store and pick-up the documents; so I drove all the way to Elizabeth and hurriedly went back 'home' (or 'farm', I live in the farmhouse) to prepare the chicken sheds for the final catch this evening... and on my way home, it was almost sunset. Before I entered the town of Port Wakefield, I noticed the sea water flooding this tidal flat located just a few hundred metres outside the town centre. For me, the lighting was nice so I pulled over and took some photographs; this is the best, so far:

The phenomenon had really caught my attention because it was my first time to see the water this deep in this tidal flat, everytime I drove past the area before, it was always relatively dry. I hope you like this photo.

Another 'first time'...

2011-02-21T22:46:00.001+10:30

I've been in Australia for more than forty-nine months now, but it was my first time to attend a funeral in this country this morning. It was very different from what I've experienced in the Philippines; I, honestly, have the impression that the occasion was a scene in a Hollywood movie and I was one of the background actors.

My boss's dad passed away seven days ago, and before taking his body to the crematory late this afternoon they had the funeral mass and eulogy this morning at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Clearview, South Australia.

The event was solemn and emotional, and there were approximately 200 people present- 68 of them came from overseas. Four members of the family gave memorial speeches in honour of their patriarch named Jose- who was a full-blooded Spaniard but born in Manila, Philippines. At the age of 50, Jose and his wife took the risk of migrating in Australia in 1971 to seek for a better future for his seven sons and two daughters; and he succeeded.

One of his sons, who spoke in behalf of the family, said that who they are now- their life and their continuously prospering poultry business is all because of their Papa. And even if he's gone, his memories and legacy will always be with them.

Like this photo that I've captured just this evening; after the sun had set, it left behind this beautiful and meaningful colors to the world!

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...bigger in Faith

2011-02-20T22:12:00.001+10:30

The Patron, St. Vincent de Paul, is depicted in this glass-stained window of the Roman Catholic church in Port Wakefield, South Australia. The parishioners had generously contributed to pay for the cost of this artwork. There are only few devoted parishioners in this community, though (less than ten)... the reason why at the base of this lovely window there's an engraved brass plaque that reads: Small in number yet bigger in faith.

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In due time

2011-02-19T21:31:00.001+10:30

It was cloudy, raining and drizzling the whole day yesterday, and last night I didn't have the chance to see the February 2011 full moon. But tonight, after shutting the blinds of the chicken sheds, I noticed this round, golden ball rising in the east... then I decided to take a photograph.

Indeed, there are times in this life when we couldn't get to see or achieve something right on the exact moment that we want it, but the universe has it's own special way of showing or giving it to us on a different but surely the perfect time... probably not exactly the same as what we desire but it could be as lovely or even more beautiful than we want it to be.

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Look up

2011-02-17T23:33:00.002+10:30

A juvenile magpie perching on my telly antenna. There were, actually, three of them when I was aiming my camera but the other two had managed to flew away right before I pressed the shutter button down.

This omnivorous bird is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, and though they have the same colour, Australian magpies are not related to European magpies. They are classified as passerine birds. (Source: Wikipedia)

Burn out

2011-02-13T16:18:00.003+10:30

One of the company's new chicken sheds. Port Wakefield, South Australia

I have a lot of stories to tell, but haven't got the luxury of time to write...

At work, I have more than enough in front of me, my plate is so full! 24/7. Shed alarms on my mobile phone (ringing even if I'm in the supermarket), feed stocktake, feed ordering, dozens of work-related phone calls in a day, bird weighing, night-time harvest (5 nights a week), daily mortality collection, water supply problems, hot temperature... No excuses, no day off, and no right to take a legitimate sickie unless it's really bad.

The farm capacity has doubled since December 2010- from 250,000 to 500,000 chickens... and until now the company is still struggling to find a qualified person to complete our staff so we can easily run the 'show'. There are qualified people out there but the next question is their interest or willingness to work and live in a secluded place like this- nothing but ten chicken sheds, fifteen grain silos, and four water tanks standing in the middle of the infinite, auburn South Australian plain... a modern chookery in a small town located 98 kilometres northwest of the city with the population of 600 people.

And just like in the previous years, I am facing the same challenge- I am in captivity! I am a captive of my ambitions- so powerful that I cannot just easily or instantly leave this job at this point of time until I am totally cleared of any immigration issue. Don't get me wrong, I like the work experience here (dealing with this state-of-the-art chicken farming facility, probably one of the best in the world), I wanted to stay longer... I am just in a desperate need of an assistant; and every time our job offer was turned down, I am considering to pack up- which is not and will never be a good option at all.

Seventy-nine days more to go... and as I get closer, and closer to my eligibility for Australian citizenship, the 'game' is getting tougher; really, really tougher! I am seriously tired, and honestly, I don't know how much further can I go.

(By the way, happy new year and happy Valentine's day to all!)
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Australia Day

2011-01-26T23:51:00.000+10:30

After the big parade in Adelaide, the multicultural crowd was patiently waiting for the Australia Day in the City Concert to start. Photo taken January 26, 2011 at Elder's Park, Adelaide, South Australia.

These blokes had just come out of the pub, and heading towards the Torrens River bank for the Australia Day concert. Their beautifully painted hat caught my attention.

Facing the red light, this car stopped at the Port Wakefield Road-Globe Derby Drive intersection. The driver was in a rush, he was driving towards the city- possibly, to witness the concert in the park.

Dear Santa...

2010-12-24T07:43:00.000+10:30

Port Wakefield, South Australia
24 December 2010

Dear Father Christmas,

Good day! How are yah?

Busy ay? If our chicken sheds are only empty, I would love to give you a hand in giving gifts to these excited kids down here who have been very good boys and girls althroughout 2010. But I still have two sheds of broilers left over the weekend, and will get emptied on the 27th, so sorry, I can't help you.

Just a reminder though, if you are coming to Adelaide today and tommorow, our maximum temperature forecast here is 34'C and it can possibly get even higher than that. So please leave your warm northern hemisphere clothes over there, you don't need that down here. I am saying this because for four years that I've been in Australia, I have seen you wearing those thermal garment well-suited for the winter season up there. Mate, it's summertime down here, I am only concern of your comfort, you know...

I believe that you know a lot of great costume designers in Australia or New Zealand, they'd be very happy to create a summer outfit for you. I just don't want to see you uncomfortable Down Under.

A Happy Christmas to you Big Bloke!

It's me,
RJ

An Hour at the Museum

2010-11-21T23:59:00.004+10:30

While waiting for my 4pm appointment with the tax agent today, I decided to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia in North Terrace, Adelaide City immediately after lunch. At the entrance, the receptionist told me that I need to leave my backpack at the baggage deposit area.

When the baggage personnel handed me the numbered card, I asked him if I can take my camera with me inside the gallery, he said, "Yes." So I did.

Then I explored the entire building for nearly two hours but never bothered to take my camera out of my waist-bag to take photos. When I was moving out of the Elders Wing, I noticed a group of tourists in the James and Diana Ramsay Gallery that had just started their guided tour. The scene in the said gallery (that houses the paintings during the Renaissance, particularly in the 17th century) was so theatrical- a typical picture of a museum tour so I thought it was a good opportunity to take a candid photograph... and this is what I got:


James and Diana Ramsay Gallery, *Art Gallery of South Australia*, Adelaide, S.A.

I forgot the title of these masterpieces except the second painting from the left, it's entitled 'The Crucifixion of St. Andrew' (by an Italian painter). I can't recall the name of the artists as well, huh! Next time I will take my pen and notebook with me.

Moments later, the curator came and told me, "Hey! Taking photos is not allowed inside the gallery." Then he went away.

I was intimidated, I was lost for words! I immediately left the gallery and retrieved my backpack and exited the hall, of course with the saved photo in the memory card of my camera.

To the Art Gallery of South Australia, I am very sorry. I have learned my lesson: When camera is allowed inside the museum, it doesn't mean taking photos is permitted.

Entry Fee:
Free

Opening Times:: Mon - Fri: 10am to 5pm; Sat: 10am to 5pm; Sun: 10am to 5pm; Public Holiday: 10am to 5pm; Christmas Day: Closed; Good Friday: 10am to 5pm

The facade of the Art Gallery of South Australia, photo taken 08 February 2008.

The Artists's Style

2010-11-16T20:27:00.001+10:30

I spotted these artists in one of the busiest streets in Melbourne- Swanston St. last December 7, 2008. Obviously, they were there to showcase their talent, and at the same time accepting some monetary gifts from the passers-by who appreciated their work.

I have some doubts with the authenticity of the other, though. How about you?

A 90-minute Getaway

2010-10-26T02:08:00.003+10:30

FANTASTIC FIVE. The pelicans in Gulf St. Vincent, Port Wakefield, South Australia.

The poultry farm is currently empty... and while cleaning and disinfection is being performed in preparation for the coming of the next flock, it is time for the poultry farmer to temporarily leave the farm, have a quick vacation and come back refreshed and recharged after a day or two.

I would normally go out of town, visit another state, explore an island or window shop during the farm’s downtime but today I decided to break this costly tradition by just roaming around and discovering more about Port Wakefield.

I have chosen Port Wakefield’s Proof and Experimental Establishment—an Australian Defence Facility that conducts weapon research and testing for the army and navy. However, outsiders are not allowed inside, so the guard directed me to drive down the mangrove-covered coast of Gulf St. Vincent. I've been living in Port Wakefield for almost thee years now, but it was my first time to visit the place.

BEFORE SUNSET. The pelicans grouping themselves into three.

I was expecting to see some large-calibre guns, but I have seen pelicans, instead!

A LOVELY ESCAPE. The pelicans flew when I was getting closer.

Aside from pelicans, I have also seen flocks of seagulls and many species of birds—big and small, that are yet unknown to me. Port Wakefield is really one of Australia’s most important sites for migratory birds. I hope this won’t serve as a threat to the health of our chooks inside the sheds.

The entrance of the Proof and Experimental Establishment in Port Wakefield Road.

A place to B...

2010-10-20T22:39:00.008+10:30

An abandoned house along Short Terrace, Balaklava, South Australia.

What could be more frustrating than watching a beautiful sunset knowing that the day has ended with another wrong decision made. Here I am again trying to uplift my own spirit after realizing that today’s toil would equate to almost nothing after being affected by some lapses that others have done.

But after the sun has hidden behind the York Peninsula hills and as the flickering highway lights of Port Wakefield starts to appear across the western horizon, my instinct would instantly direct me to the east reminding me that it is worthwhile to enjoy the rest of the night, fall in a deep slumber, and get up looking at the lovely sunrise the next day.

There’s, actually, another thing in the eastern side of Port Wakefield that shows me how pleasant and relaxing my life would B if I start to go slow, and learn to handle every day-to-day challenge wisely. I am always inspired how the locals in Balaklava, South Australia—20 kilometres east of this poultry farm- deal with their daily activities with a bit of time to enjoy with their mates in the evening.

The locals enjoying their beer in Terminus Hotel, Railway Terrace.

There must be something within each of these blokes that makes them happy and, I believe, contented up to their golden years. Their smiles have actually outweighed their wrinkles telling me that they have proven their resilience through the years.

Well, their place—Balaklava is an unfrequented town compared to Port Wakefield (my workplace). But it was once called the ‘industrial centre of the north (of Adelaide)’ because many Australian farm machineries were manufactured in this town. Grain farming was also encouraged in mid-1900 when the early European settlers built some large grain storage facilities close to the railway running from a town in eastern South Australia to the most important port during those years—Port Wakefield.

Grain silo 1 beside the old tramway.

Grain silo 2.

Grain silo 3.

Until today, Balaklava is still thriving with its local farmer’s grains, and hay products which are exported to Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China.

Balaklava's grains.

HARVESTING. Balaklava-Adelaide Road (Gwy Tce).

Oats, cut oats and hay along Balaklava Road.

Patrick Portlink (S.A.) South Australia’s first inland container terminal.

Office of BALCO- Australia’s leading processor and exporter of high-grade oaten and cereal hay.

There are two leading Australian banks, a supermarket, hi-tech gadgets and appliance shop that have their branch prospering in Balaklava proving that this town is economically sufficient despite its seclusion.

ANZ (pronounced as /ey-en-zed/) bank at Balaklava's main street.

There are fast foods and two hotels catering for the locals and guests, where night life is also guaranteed especially during weekends.

The Royal Hotel at Edith Terrace.

...and if you want some locally-made yet delicious pizza and pasta, Balaklava is really the place to B!

Balaklava Pizza and Pasta. Yiros-flavoured pizza, small at Au$11.

Balaklava, S.A. is also known for its annual horse-racing festival - Balaklava Cup, and a culture and arts show - the Eisteddfod which are both celebrated every August. I don’t have a decent photo of the racecourse, so better come and see it yourself.

St. Andrews Catholic church, 1889.

Several old and historical buildings are still standing until today and if you are interested in history, the Balaklava Centenary Hall is the best place to explore. Picture-taking is not allowed inside, though. The museum's swarming with donated historical articles with a 3-dollar entrance fee... it is really worth a visit!

Ph. number 08 8862 1854

Open 2.30pm to 4pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Other times by appointment.

Balaklava is 92 kilometres north of- or about an hour drive from Adelaide, a little town with a lot of things to boast and to teach.

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Sevenhill, South Australia

2010-10-17T17:58:00.008+10:30

The photo shows the details of the outside walls of St. Aloysius Church in Sevenhill, South Australia. The bricks were, actually, quarried just around the property back in 1864. If you are thinking that this is just another typical church, you're wrong, because there are quite a few things that make it so unique. So why not join me, as I trace my journey back from the poultry farm in the town of Port Wakefield to the charming village of Sevenhill in the Clare Valley Region!

Sevenhill, S.A. is around 69 kilometres from my place, and while I was driving along the former railway town named Halburry, I noticed this antique shop beside the road. I just thought it's worth more than just a thousand words, isn't it?

I went through the town of Auburn and after a few kilometers, I was attracted to this verdant hill on the right where a flock of sheep was peacefully grazing. I hadn't seen any shephered looking after them, though, and so I thought that we may be sharing the same loving 'shephered'.

Not so far away from the flock of sheep, there was a herd of Angus cattle in a relatively dense pasture! Well, I had seen the virtue of the patience in this herd; surely, these animals have trusted that in due time, the farmer will eventually take them to a greener pasture that they always desire.

The fresh buds growing out from the wooden vine reminded me that it's springtime Down Under; and in a region where wine is the primary product, nothing's lovelier than the serenity of this landscape!

The St. Aloysius Church humbly standing in the middle of the vineyard. This was built by the Jesuit priests thirteen years after they arrived from Austria to escape from the political and religious prosecution that time. The Society of Jesus started the vineyard, currently 59 hectares with 16 varieties of vines, in 1952- a year after their settlement in the village.

However, due to the lack of funding during those years, the original plan of this church was not followed. Have you noticed the the front tower? The steeple is missing! As you can see from the previous photo, there's a white post standing on the front-left, that's the church bell... Sevenhill's St. Aloysius Church has no belfry!

The tree in the photo above is a red gum, it's endemic in the area... its timber was used in the roof arches of the church.

These days, anticipated masses are held every Saturday at six in the evening.

The holy water stoup located at the left-side entrance of the church.

The underground cellar of the Society of Jesus.

The visitor centre and the cellar is...

Open daily:
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday/Sunday/Public Holidays 10am-5pm

and closed during Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday.

The Sevenhill major wine products- white, red and fortified sacramental wines, and a wide range of other wines. The altar wines are distributed althroughout Australia, and some are exported to India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

After the mass, I was physically hungry. It's good because the Sevenhill Hotel- bar and restaurant is just located nearby.

...with a very hospitable, and beautiful bar tender and cashier.

Fresh Tommy Ruff Fillets on a Bed of Rice with Bokchoy and a Thai Curry Sauce (Au$24)

...serving one of the best meals I have ever eaten! A glass of Anne's LN Moscato completed my meal ( I didn't have my dessert), it's value was actually much, much more than its price (Au$6)!

It was only a 5-hour vacation but it was so meaningful! And while the meal that I had is a 'must try', visiting Sevenhill's church and cellar door is a 'must do'!

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An E-mail

2010-10-14T23:55:00.013+10:30

'An E-mail' is an open letter of an OFW to his sick mother. The story is factual, and is highly metaphorical. The letter sender- RJ and his friend represent the Overseas Filipino Workers. While RJ's ailing mom is, actually, the Philippines amidst the chronic political and economic problems- which, the author believes, are still curable. The other characters may be a typical family member of an OFW, and the rest of the Filipino people.

This is written to show the support of The Chook-minder's Quill to the 2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards.

"Strengthening the OFW Families:
Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation."

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FROM: rjofw@yahoo7mail.com
TO: mrs_filipinas@yahoomail.com
DATE: 14October2010 11:59:01 PM

ATTACHED img-PEBA&thecmquill.pdf

Dear Nanay,

Kumusta? I hope that you have been feeling very well these days regardless of your thirty-day isolation period. Across the oceans, I have been seriously praying for your immediate recovery after that radioactive therapy twenty-four days ago; and with the help of the Almighty I trust that you’ll be healed... online publications have stated that the type of thyroid cancer that you currently have has a very good prognosis. I want you to know that even if I am not physically around to take care of you, I have left my heart and my mind at home—and I believe that, with my frequent prayers, these are enough for you to stay stronger and eventually restore your health. Kabay pa...

By the way, my flight from Davao to Adelaide was so tiresome; my stopovers and transient stay in Manila, Brisbane and Sydney before finally touching down in Adelaide wasn’t really enjoyable. In my next holiday, I might get back to the convenient itinerary of Singapore Airlines... it may be a little bit dearer, though.

Nevertheless, the time I spent with you, and with the rest of our family last September was so memorable, especially during your testimonial program and party. It was a very remarkable event, ay?! I am actually planning to send a ‘thank you’ card to your ex-co-teachers in Bialong Elementary School for the preparations and execution that they’ve done; the way they gave honour to your thirty-eight years of government service was truly exceptional!

Uhmn... I have attached our family photo during that event with this email, please check it. I know that Rose has her own version in her digicam over there, but I have noticed that my copy is much better so I decided to send it to you. I’d be very happy if by the time your ‘isolation days’ are over, you can develop a copy of it and if you don’t mind, please buy a decent picture frame from Ivan Robert Bookstore in M’lang and have it mounted. I have already displayed my own copy of that photo here in my living room.

You know Nay, our family picture would have looked happier if Tatay had been with us. I believe you have plans to visit his grave tomorrow; it’s his birthday, right? Just stay away from the crowd, remember you’re under the power of radioactive iodine.

I understand that you feel so crook most of the time and can’t manage to send an SMS to my roaming phone every single day. Don’t worry, because I have been getting regular updates about you from Rick... People may not always find him nice but, yeah, I can say that he has been a good brother to me the reason why I didn’t have second thoughts to give him my 6300 when, before I go, he asked for it. Weng had also sent me a message saying that it was a relief that she and Rick have their own mobile phone now. I bet... the gallery of that Nokia phone must have been full of baby Clint’s photo because Weng was so excited to tell me that she’ll upload some of their photos in her FB account. I am happy that my younger brother has successfully started creating his own family... Somehow, I can feel that Rick isn’t really interested to come to Australia; he told me that he will pursue his plans to join those ‘boys in blue’ in our country. I’m not sure if he has already shared it to you, but that’s what you wanted him to be, anyway.

It’s good that your next visit to the endocrinologist falls on a semestral break, Rose can surely accompany you that day.

Rose told me, by the way, that she is looking forward to satisfy all the requirements of her degree in October next year (so, I better schedule my next holiday). I believe that our decision to purchase a public utility tricycle for Jeff has really gone well with their current situation, at least a good source of Rose’s daily allowance, plus a regular vitamin dose for their daughter- Athena. In that way, Rose’s tuition fee is our only outstanding worry... but leave it to me, I’ll take care of it. Mayad duman di-a kung makatapos. I have, actually, felt the air of remorse during our conversation back home while we were preparing the ‘give-aways’ for your retirement party. Certainly, she has learned from all her mistakes.

I am a little bit concerned about your medical check-up fees in the coming weeks so I electronically transferred some amount to your account this morning. I am surprised that an Australian dollar has been surging up to ninety-nine and a half US cents! I have also heard in The Filipino Channel that the Philippine peso has been getting stronger lately, and is expected to continue to rise especially that the OFW remittances to their loved ones are high before and during the Christmas season.

Speaking... It was on my schedule today to get a Forex box from Ate Nati this afternoon but I haven’t gone because South Australia is currently experiencing a cold front with some showers; and tomorrow we’ll be experiencing a winter-like condition down here. It was also forecasted that the mountains close to the capital city of Tasmania—Hobart will have a snowfall tomorrow. Very unusual for an Australian mid-spring season, and it only aggravates this post-vacation syndrome that I’ve been suffering since I get back. But just like our current weather here, I know that this feeling won’t last very long. Holiday Season Down Under is scorching hot!

But, yeah, as soon as the chicken harvest is over, I will resume my packing so I could send this box the soonest as possible because I know that Paul is expecting to have his robot on Christmas Day. The looks of that little boy really reminds me of the face of Rose when she was younger. Paul really look like his mom, doesn’t he?

It’s almost midnight down here, uhmn... it’s only 9 p.m. up there. I have to turn the feed lines off in the chicken sheds in preparation for the 5 a.m. bird catch tomorrow.

Get well soon, Nanay. Get well... Who knows, my next vacation will not only be for Rose’s graduation, but for my ‘long table’, as well.

Love,

P.S.

Oops! Nay, remember my friend here in Port Wakefield whose from Batangas? The one who requested me to carry home his gifts to his wife and kids when I had my holiday last month? He told me that their newly-opened bakery and refreshment business has been luckily getting an excellent payback. With this, his family is now having second thoughts in pursuing their plans to migrate here in Australia next year. Perhaps, we are gradually gaining from the fruit of our own labour with the help of the sincere efforts of the new Philippine government.

Huhmn... I am planning to put up a poultry farm in that vacant area adjacent to that mango orchard there. What do you think?

Same

'Chicken Joy'

2010-10-12T00:16:00.002+10:30

The sun would set at around 8pm in Port Wakefield these days. While I am writing this, the sun has already set, but for me and my job, the day isn’t over yet.

Twenty thousand chickens were taken out of our sheds last midnight... we collected the dead birds from the sheds this morning, and did some mechanical, electronics and plumbing works this afternoon. At 3pm, I received a call from the dressing plant—sixteen thousand birds will be going before dawn tomorrow. This means that I have to do the same pre-catch ‘rituals’ that I did last night, and then starve the birds starting midnight so they could empty their crop before the early morning harvest starts. And tomorrow at eight, the collection of the dead chooks will again commence...

...there are a lot of exhausting stories behind the juicy-licious roasted chicken of Red Rooster or the crispy, spicy fried chicken of KFC... and that is the life of a poultry farmer, the life that I have chosen for almost three years now.

I don’t know if occupying a house built a hundred meter across the poultry shed is a blessing, and at this moment I have this uncertainty if living in this house is really ‘living’ or is actually ‘working’. I am very grateful to have this gift of sight and I wish I could continue to admire the view from my windows which I, actually, doubt if it is really a scenery or just a mere surroundings. It really takes some efforts to split my mind set between my job from my ‘real life’, and during the harvest season I would temporarily lose the power to differentiate a night from a day.

The wages of sin is death; I admit I am a sinner but I don’t want to ‘die’ while I am still 'living'! I have been desperately looking for some other ways of paying the price of being too ambitious, because I believe that this is not the only way. Currently, I fear that the ‘powerful sticker’ stamped by the Australian Immigration on my Philippine passport has started to lose its potency to sustain the euphoric effect that I felt the day it was granted.

I hope I could figure it out—is this job really hard, or I am just weak?

Worms and Snakes

2010-10-05T10:27:00.011+10:30

I WAS CIRCUMCISED AT THREE... not at three years old, but on the 3^rd day after I was born... I am grateful I cannot remember the pain of circumcision. So luckily, I was one of those elementary boys who could bravely show their ‘worms’ to each other in the school toilets to prove that they were really tuli*. Ilonggo boys have been jokingly tagged as pisot** but in my life, I haven’t been mocked or branded as one.

Many years later... January 17, 2007, it was my first day in my new job as a piggery farm worker in Queensland. Strict biosecurity was implemented there, requiring the farm staff to take off and leave all their street/house clothes and undies in the shower room’s ‘dirty area’, then enter and take a 10- minute shower in a small cubicle (which was located in the middle of the shower room), and put on their farm overalls in the ‘clean area’ before proceeding to work. Of course there were separate decontamination rooms for every gender.

That summer morning, there were three of us—Filipino guys who were about to take a shower. Honestly, we were literally shocked to see our Australian workmates—who, after greeting us, took all their clothes and undies off, and waited on the queue while chatting to us. We—the new Filipino workers were, at that moment, like the Biblical Adam who were covering our valuable ‘possessions’ with one of our hands, and blushing. I didn’t know the reason why our face had reddened that time—probably because we still weren’t use to this kind of showering routine yet or maybe because we had seen the uncovered ‘snakes’ of those locals dangling in front of us! It was really a funny, memorable conversation when we got back to our accommodation that afternoon!

Three months later, the decontamination routine eventually became a normal thing to us, no covering, and no blushing even if the ‘brown snakes’ were everywhere. Work performance became more important especially when the first job evaluation came.

Being trained as a technical person in the Philippines, the daily piggery routine was very exhausting for me. Of all the new Filipino workers, I was the one who, the superiors said, had the slowest pace at work! I was even told to work quickly and not ‘properly’—because I was very particular with the details that time. I became the subject of mockery, and was rated very unsatisfactory under the ‘Knowledge of the Job’ category.

The next morning, when we were having our smoko in the farm’s lunch room two of my workmates (who were natives in town) ridiculously asked me, “Hey RJ... How would you insult a Filipino guy back in the Philippines?”

“Tell him that that he is UNcircumcised!” I instantly said without even thinking.

The locals immediately blushed, and had a fake smile.

Instantaneously, I remembered that both of them were ‘uncut’. Well, seven out of our ten local workmates were pisot. And in this country, I think, this is not an issue at all.

-----

*tuli- a Filipino word for a circumcised boy or man.

**pisot- a Hiligaynon term for an uncircumcised boy or man.

Finding the cure

2010-09-28T20:45:00.004+09:30

Nanay is sick.

She had her goiter removed last August; a thyroid sample was taken for biopsy and it revealed a follicular papillary thyroid carcinoma or simply (complicatedly)—thyroid cancer.

I went home twenty-four days ago to attend Nanay’s Testimonial Program and Party—a tribute given to her by the Central M’lang District for her services and achievement as a public school teacher for 38 years. It was a remarkable event; it actually exceeded my expectations. Modesty aside, the eulogy that I gave was, I think, one of the highlights of the programme.

But three days after the testimonial party, the endocrinologist-surgeon advised Nanay to submit herself into a radioactive iodine therapy. She agreed, underwent a strict non-iodine/no salt diet for seven days...

...and three hours before my flight from Manila back to Sydney she was admitted to the hospital, was then isolated and dosed with a small, but (hopefully a) very powerful radioactive iodine capsule. Nobody was allowed to come and see her for four days because the ‘radioisotope of iodine’ that she had taken was very potent and hazardous to every individual! When Nanay was discharged from the hospital, she was separately transported back home, and has been isolated in her specially-made payag* for five days now. Luckily, my younger brother and our youngest sister were there to assist her, and to provide what she needs.

Nanay’s entire body was thoroughly scanned in the hospital yesterday. Whether it was done to detect the cancer cells or radioactive material left in her body is the thing that I don’t know. I have decided to stay innocent of all the complex things the medical doctors had, have been and will be doing to my mom because I have chosen to trust them, and most especially, I have ultimately trusted the divine power to heal my sick mother.

I had phoned and spoke to my mom a couple of hours ago. Nanay told me that she has been feeling drained and weary for the past few days. She has also lost her appetite, but forcing herself to devour some mangosteen and guyabano... believing that the therapeutic power of these fruits comes next to Heavenly Power.

Nanay is scheduled to see her doctor three weeks later. I am sure that the result of the radiation therapy and scanning will be discussed. I couldn’t put my thoughts into words, nor could I clearly explain my feelings...

If iodine-131 could only alleviate my prevailing anxieties, I am willing to undergo this radiation therapy to get treated.

_____

*payag is a Hiligaynon term for a nipa hut.

Ageing

2010-08-31T21:06:00.003+09:30

Aging
Originally uploaded by Chook-minder's Lens

A year has passed... and another year has been added to my period of existence in this beautiful world. I am getting older, and after a year, my age could no longer be found in any of the longest calendar month. But honestly, I feel like I’m only on my twenty-fifth.

I do always think that I am younger than my actual age, and I hope that my looks would always do the same. A couple of years ago, a Caucasian acquaintance was surprised when she realized that I am 10 years older than what she had previously thought! While a month ago, a 15-year old Australian bloke working in hardware shop believed that I was only nineteen. I don’t know, of course, if they were lying. I hope they didn’t...

But ageing doesn’t bother me. I may not be earning a lot, but I am sure that day by day I am discovering and learning a lot from this lovely world!

I haven’t been to many places across the globe, but, somehow, I have started to bloom in this humble place where I have been planted; and looking forward to bear many fruits in the later years.

I am not globally renowned like many other guys of my age (eg. Manny Pacquiao) but I am luckily bestowed with scientific knowledge and fortunately blessed with the necessary skills to understand the 'animal world'—a true usefulness in helping creatures that cannot help themselves.

My bank account is unbelievably close to nothing, yet I am sure that every person that I love the most has been whole-heartedly taken care of.

I am still single, but, definitely, not loveless. I have loved, and will continue to love all those who have genuinely given their love to me, as well as those who have brought out all the best in me.

I will never reveal my birthday wish in this page until that wish is being granted. ...but a sound mind and a strong physique, as well as a long life are all I need so I can continue to serve, and fulfil my mission in this world.

.

The Stranger

2010-08-21T08:57:00.005+09:30

The Spencer Gulf, Port Agusta, South Australia

I know it's not right, but I have spoken to a stranger... I invited him to my place, took a safety risk overnight. But here I am now, filling a page of this blog.

The final month of the 54-day broiler chicken growth cycle is always very stressful; and during the last days of the batch, my responsibilities become more and more demanding not only because of the physical challenges but also because of the fact that a day after the six sheds get emptied, I am emotionally tortured and mentally pressured to know if my chickens have performed or not. My chickens’ growth performance would directly speak about my work performance.

Well, luckily, for the past three batches my birds have performed. ...and with the 7 to 10-day shed empty and rest period I always have the chance to escape from the poultry farm perimeter, roam in some parts of Australia to relieve all the tensions, and recharge. I actually have a little regret of not thoroughly documenting my travels and adventures in this blog, I hope I could find time in the future.

I was, actually, planning to visit Western Australia this time, but because I’ll be spending a 17-day holiday in the Philippines next month, I had deferred my W.A. trip and decided to visit the second largest city in South Australia, instead. It’s Port Augusta which, excitingly, is pronounced as Port Agata by the indigenous Australians... it is 209 kilometres away from my place. With this trip I believed that I could relax and enjoy without spending a bag of Australian dollars, only a pinch.

My trip to Port Augusta was very educational and entertaining! Through the Wadlatta Outback Centre, I have seen how the Australian continent has metamorphosed for the past 15 million years! I will not promise, but I hope I could share some of these interesting stories in my next entries.

Andrew's map, he purchased it from Indonesia.

I had the chance to visit the tip of the Spencer Gulf and have seen the Great Western Bridge of Port Augusta. And while I was on my way to Woolworth’s supermarket (which was located close to the gulf) to buy some drinks, I saw this not so skinny, long-haired white guy juggling his 3 or 4 coloured balls beside the walkway. With my desire to take photos of some exciting people I see in the place, I immediately headed towards him. I then saw his backpack and camping gears beside him, and a relatively huge map of the world on the ground which was ‘anchored’ to the ground by a book, a compass, etc., and an up-side down hat with some coins in it. I picked and dropped a two-dollar coin in his cap and thought that it would be a little or enough act of kindness before asking if I could take a photo of him.

Then I asked, and he permitted. After the shot, the guy immediately asked a favour if I could send him the photo to his email. I expressed my agreement so he wrote down his email ad on a piece of paper and gave it to me. His name was Andrew Sable from Lithuania.

I then stayed for a little chat, while Andrew continued juggling, and realized that he had been hitch-hiking from his country, to Russia, China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia! And for that journey, he only had to spend money for his airfare from Indonesia to Perth, Australia and all the rest were free! Just hitch-hiking— stopping truck, private cars, motorcycles along the road and ferries for a free ride! He had been doing it since March and he survived! He has seen almost half of the world for free!

It’s been my desire to see the world, and I thought it was very expensive! Not until I heard the story of Andrew. I have met Bertrand before- a backpacker from France, and Phil from Denmark but they were not doing the same risky adventure like what this Lithuanian guy had been doing.

During our chat, Andrew said he will be heading to Adelaide the next day; of course he will be passing by Port Wakefield—where I live and work. Because I am very interested to know more about his adventure, I told him that he could drop by my place.

I was driving to Adelaide yesterday to go to the Asian grocer and supermarket for my tinola-cooking assignment for the KaBlogs Journal, when a blocked number phoned my mobile. It was illegal when driving, but I answered my phone, and it was Andrew on the line! He was in a camping area in Port Wakefield, and was asking if I’m going to pick him up there. I did a U-turn and drove back to where he was.

I took him to my place, offered a meal, a drink, an internet connection, a washing machine, a shower a warm room (it’s late winter in the southern hemisphere) and a comfortable bed.

Before he went to bed, we chatted and he showed me all the photos he had taken during his journey. He said that, so far, Indonesia, and Australia were number one on his list as the best countries he had ever been! ...Indonesia because people are very friendly despite their limited English-speaking skills, and Australia because of its diversity.

After Australia, Andrew will find ways to proceed to New Zealand; then continue his adventure to the Pacific Islands, parts of the USA, South America and North Africa, Western Europe and then back home. The Philippines was not included on his list, but I will let him experience the Philippines under my roof. We will be going to the Barossa Wine Region later for the Barossa Gourmet Weekend... He was still sleeping in the guest room while I was writing this entry.

I accommodated a stranger. Yes, Andrew was a stranger, but only until I have started to speak to him. After that, he was no longer a stranger, but a friend I believe.

Andrew Sable- the hitch-hiker from Lithuania.

You can visit Andrew's blog and follow him as he discover the world.

The 'Heart', in situ

2010-08-08T23:40:00.004+09:30

It’s my first time to visit Riverton, a small town in South Australia known as the heart of Gilbert Valley. As we drove through the main street, there were three art galleries and a few antique sandstone buildings which, I believe, were erected in the mid-1900 when the first settlers arrived in the place.

The hallway in the care home, with handrails on the walls.

Riverton is approximately 85 kilometres southeast of my place. The sealed roads and highways were occasionally pine-lined; and across the endless horizon were the flourishing wheat and barley plantations, and the blossoming canola that creates a patchy artwork of verdant rolling plains and bright yellow hills. As we came closer to Clare Valley and Auburn, there was a very distinct transition of vegetation from a rich, blooming field to those leafless vines and melancholic vineyards...

The residents and the caregiver in the lounge.

I went to Riverton not as a tourist, though, but as a friend. Together with Tony and Jane, and their 3-year old daughter Ella, we accompanied Aling Siony to the Riverton Hospital which is also a centre for elderly care in the region. We visited Charles—Aling Siony’s husband who will be turning eighty-four by the end of this month. Charles has been in the care home for more than a year now, and every time he sees his wife he would say, “I think I’m gonna die...”

I, actually, don’t want to think how Charles and the other residents have survived in the care centre. Don’t get me wrong, aside from the inevitable smell of soaked adult pads, the hospital is very clean and tidy, equipped with a complete range of age-care facilities, and by the looks of it, I can say without second thoughts that the entire building has been regularly maintained inside-out. I believe that every member of the staff is well-trained to run the centre and is competent enough to offer the best care to their residents.

The residents' shared room.

...but it is the sense of belongingness that concerns me the most. The caregivers may have been doing the same job for years—skilled and knowledgeable, but the fact that they aren’t even related by flesh and by blood to their patients is truly an emotional pain for me. Elderly people don’t just need excellent care of their competent caregivers, but genuine love and care which should and could only be given by their own family. There are twenty-two residents in the ‘home’, two of them in each room but they don’t even know the name of each other, and couldn’t even remember the life story of their roommate. A ‘care home’ is not a home!

Charles' walker...

We were sitting in the lounge when Charles asked Aling Siony to take him to his dad. He said he wants to see his father, and his brother. Aling Siony held the hand of his husband and squeezed it, she blushed and dropped a tear... the truth is—Charles’ dad has passed away many years ago... dementia had possibly made him believe that his dad was still alive.

Charles asked Tony to open the built-in case of his walker; he said that there’s a lemon and a grapefruit inside. Tony obeyed, and to my surprise, there were fruits in that box! Charles took the grapefruit, handed it to Aling Siony and said, “This is for you, dear. Take it home.” We soon realized that the fruits have fallen from the tree standing in the backyard of the elderly care centre.

When it was time for us to leave, Aling Siony took the visitors book of her husband so she could sign. The last entry was June 23, 2010—a visit made by herself, Jane and Ella. In the first Sunday of September, Australia will celebrate father’s day. I wish that Charles’ children from his first four once legal wives (but now legally-divorced) will come and say hello to their dad (Aling Siony is the fifth, and the couple hasn’t been blessed with a child).

Charles, Ella (the grapefruit behind her pink backpack), and Aling Siony.

I will be celebrating my fourth birthday in Australia this month. I am definitely getting older and older... in this Land Down Under where the conception and views about elderly care are very different from what we have back home. I have been granted with a permanent resident visa in this country, and with what I have seen in Riverton today, I am reconsidering my plans to achieve the ultimate immigration status down here.

The dining, with the lemon and grapefruit trees outside.

I am looking forward to visit Riverton again, not to see the home for the aged but to explore the town and discover more about the real heart of Gilbert Valley.

Lost in Translation

2010-07-12T00:47:00.002+09:30

Ako'y naaliw. Sa wakas tumawa rin ako ngayong araw!

Nang dahil sa Facebook, kinailangan kong buksan at gamitin ang Google Translate para maunawaan ko ang mga updates ng isang kakilalang Pranses na nasa aking friends list. Ayos pala, naunawaan ko ang mga updates ng aking kaibigan kahit na ito'y nakasulat sa French.

Subalit nang sinubukan kong ipasalin kay Tito Google ang isinulat ko sa aking Facebook status noong June 18, 2010, ito ang naging resulta:

ANG ORIHINAL
"Kung alam lang siguro ng mga alaga kong manok na napakaganda ng Tasmania, o ng buong Australia, siguro hindi sila papayag na ikulong doon sa sheds. Tiyak maghahanap sila ng paraang makalaya mula sa kanilang kulungan, at lumipad papunta rito sa Hobart!"

ANG SALIN NI GOOGLE
"If you only knew the owner would probably chicken superb Tasmania, or around Australia, maybe they are not willing to shut up there in sheds. Surely they find a way to be free from their prison, and to fly off to Hobart!"

.

My Favourite Teacher

2010-06-29T00:57:00.001+09:30

Pagod na raw siya. Hindi na raw niya kayang gumising ng maaga, maghanda ng almusal at babaunin, gumayak at pumasok sa pampubliko at mababang paaralang naging bahagi na ng kanyang buhay sa loob ng tatlumpu't-walong taon. Kaya sa gitna ng pagpipigil, at paghihikayat ng kanilang school principal na kaya, at pwede pa siyang magturo ng mga dalawang taon pa, hindi na magbabago ang desisyon ng aking ina- siya'y magreretiro na.

Ang aking ina noong siya'y nagtapos, 1971.

Katatapos lang ng halos apat na 'pung minuto naming pag-uusap ng nanay. Ikinuwento niyang noong Biyernes ay huling araw na raw ng kanyang pagtuturo, naka-leave na siya ngayon, at matapos ang araw ng panunumpa ng bagong naihalal na bagong pangulo ng bansang Pilipinas, opisyal na ring matatapos ang kanyang pananagutan bilang isang guro. Sa tono ng kanyang mga salita, masaya naman ang aking ina, halatang excited sa panibagong kabanata ng buhay at mga gawaing kanyang haharapin sa mga susunod na araw.

Pero ako, tulad ng kanilang principal, ayaw ko pa rin sanang iwan ng nanay ang kanyang trabaho (pero siyempre hindi ko na ito binaggit pa sa kanya kanina). Sixty-three years young pa lang naman kasi ang aking ina, at pakiramdam ko kaya pa nya, pwede pa s'yang magturo. Isa sa mga iniisip ko kasi kung ano ang kanyang gagawin sa aming tahanan at ang kanyang magiging libangan after her retirement? (Wala pa naman akong anak, kaya hindi ko siya maha-hire bilang baby-sitter dito.) Mabuti naman akong anak sa kanya, napakabuti... pero sa ngayon parang nararamdaman kong hindi ko kinu-consider ang kanyang nararamdaman, at ang kanyang mga dinaramdam na karamdaman sa kanyang katawan. Kaunting galaw lang daw niya kasi ngayon, pagod na siya kaagad.

Mahaba-haba rin ang pagsasakripisyo ng aking ina para sa aming tatlong magkakapatid. Ramdam ko noon ang pagtitiis nila ng aking namayapang ama, kung paano nila hinigpitan ang masikip na nilang sinturon para makapaglapag ng desenteng makakain sa aming hapag, upang makabili ng aming mga damit at sapatos, at mapag-aral kami sa isang paaralan at kursong abot-kaya.

Sabi ng nanay, simula July 1, wala na raw siyang sweldo. Sabi ko naman kapag mauubusan siya ng panggastos, mag-text lang siya sa akin...

Sabi ng nanay, umiyak daw ang limang taon kong pamangkin nu'ng sinabi niyang hindi na niya ito masasamahan sa pagpasok sa school araw-araw. (Akala siguro ng bata, sa buong taon ay magkasabay pa sila ng kanyang lolang maghanda tuwing umaga at pumasok araw-araw.) Sagot ko naman, kailangan lang sigurong ipaliwanag ng husto kay Paul ang kalagayang ito, nang maunawaan niya ang mga nangyayari. Pero iniisip ko kung paano mainindihan ng isang paslit ang ganitong sitwasyon.

Sabi sa akin ng nanay, kung buhay lang daw ang aking ama, siguro'y magiging madali ang pagsagawa ng kanilang mga pinaplano noon pagkatapos niyang magretiro. Sagot ko naman, nagbago na ang lahat dahil wala na nga siya; tuloy ang buhay at kung kailangang magbago ng mga plano para maging angkop sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon, gawin ito.

Si Nanay Sima at ang kanyang kakambal, si Uncle Simo.

Marami pang sinabi ang nanay, pero hindi ko na halos nakuha sapagkat ang nasa isip ko ay kung ano ang mga posibleng mangyari sa hinaharap... 'di ko alam, pero parang ako ang mas emotional- ang mas nalulungkot na tuluyan na rin niyang lisanin ang kanyang nakagawiang gawin sa halos apat na dekada niyang panunungkulan.

Achievements niya? Hanggang Master Teacher lang, hindi naman siya naging head teacher o principal, o di kaya'y nabiyayang maging district supervisor o division superentindent. Pero pakiramdam ko, ipinagmamalaki niya sa aking ganap ang kanyang naging karera. Ayos na sa kanyang nananalo sila noon paminsan-minsan sa speech choir at reader's theatre, daMATH, comics strip, poster-making contest, atbp.; at manalo ang kayang kupunan noon nang siya'y ilang taong naging coach ng soccer kapag may mga district, division o regional meet.

Naging teacher ko ang nanay noong ako'y grade VI. English, Math at Music ang mga subjects na hawak niya. Kung ano ang tawag ko sa kanya sa loob ng classroom- 'Ma'am' o 'Nanay'? Hulaan niyo nalang. Alam kong may iniisip kayo, pero hindi ako naging valedictorian noon, salutatorian lang po.

Napaka-selfish ko talaga ngayon. Ayaw kong magri-retire na ang aking ina sapagkat nakikita kong sa gitna ng mga hirap at hamong hinaharap ng isang pampublikong guro sa Pilipinas, nakita kong nag-enjoy, at nakikita kong nag-i-enjoy siya sa pagtuturo. At hindi ko alam, hindi ako sigurado kung simula July 1, ay magiging masaya at makulay pa rin ang kanyang buhay araw-araw.

Sabi ng nanay kapag nagri-retire daw ang isang teacher, nakagawiang may gaganaping testimonial program. Tanong ko naman sa kanya, "Kailan naman po ba ang testimonial program para sa 'yo?"

Sagot ng nanay, "Baka sa darating na August or September... Makakarating ka kaya?"

"Siyempre... makakaasa po kayo, uuwi at dadalo ako niyan."

Sa puntong 'yon, kahit na nasa kabilang linya siya, nakita kong ngumiti ang nanay.

(Wala akong latest picture kasama ang nanay pero meron akong nai-post dito noong nakaraang taon.)
.

Discover, and learn...

2010-06-06T22:59:00.000+09:30

Not only humans have the capacity to learn. Animals, too. And so do machines. This June, we chose 'learning' as our theme to celebrate the opening of classes in the Philippines. Being the month of weddings, we also featured a couple of articles about love and marriage. And what can be fitting this month than to honor a fellow blogger who happens to be teacher, too! We are also proud to present to you an article written by a kabayan teacher in Thailand. True, there's so much to learn from this issue.

-the KaBlogs Journal 3rd issue

Explore the pages of the KaBlogs Journal and be part of it! It's not mine, it's not yours. It's ours! Enjoy reading...

Ang Bukang Liwayway

2010-05-21T00:14:00.006+09:30

Kapag masaya ako, at wala akong pinuproblema, natatakot ako. Batid ko kasi ang katotohanang habang ako'y nabubuhay, siguradong may haharapin akong mga hamon. Kaya kung wala man akong pinapasan sa ngayon, posibleng mamaya, bukas o sa susunod na araw ay may darating na panibagong suliranin...

Ako'y napaka-unfair dito sa aking blog, kasi madalas ang update kapag ako'y may masamang dinaramdam o nalulungkot; pero kapag ako'y masaya, walang naidadagdag na mga bagong pahina. Pero heto, pilit kong pinipiga ang aking utak, nang may maisusulat dito sa ngayon habang ako'y masaya.

Seventeen days ago, inilabas ko bilang 'status' sa aking Facebook account, na para akong naturukan ng morphine, nawala ang lahat ang mga nararamdaman kong hapdi at sakit noon, at para akong nakalutang sa alapaap! 'Yan ang hatid ng Australian Permanent Residency visa na ipinagkaloob sa akin ng DIAC noong May 3, 2010. Alam kong para sa iba, ang bagay na ito ay walang halaga. This is nothing. Pero para sa aking mahigit tatlong taon ding hindi nakaramdam ng saya sa nakuhang trabaho rito sa ibang bayan (sapagkat napaka-stagnant ng aking naging kalagayan sa mahabang panahong 'yon), ang aking PR ay sapat na, o sa tingin ko nga'y humihigit pa sa kinailangan kong gamot para malunasan ang noo'y malubha kong karamdaman.

Naalala ko tuloy ang aking linya (bilang si Padre Guerrero) sa isang play noong ako'y nasa kolehiyo pa... Ang tanong ni father kay Badong (na nangangarap maging isang ganap na sakristan), "...at itinuro rin ba sa 'yo ni Father O'Connor ang kahalagahan ng tiyaga at ang kabanalan ng paghihintay?"

Lubos at taus-puso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng aking mga naging kaibigan dito sa blogosphere... nang dahil sa inyong mga payo, nakayanan kong maging matatag noong mga panahong muntik na akong sumuko.

Sa ngayon, nakapagpahinga na rin siguro ang pagod na tenga ng Diyos nang dahil sa aking paulit-ulit na mga dasal noon. Magtatatlong linggo na rin Siyang hindi nakarinig ng mga personal na kahilingan mula sa akin, sapagkat sa nakalipas na mga araw ay puro pasasalamat ang aking nasasambit sa aking mga panalangin.

Sa ngayon, hindi pa rin alam ng aming mga alagang manok na iniwan na sila ng kanilang dating farm manager. 'Di ako sigurado, pero sa tingin ko ay hindi nila naramdamang ako na ang bumabalikat sa kanila. Natutuwa akong ang aming lumang farm vehicle ay pinalitan na rin sa wakas ng isang desenteng sasakyan. Nagpapasalamat din akong ang isang tauhan ditong noo'y hindi nakikiisa sa pangkat, ngayo'y nangunguna sa pakikiisa lalung-lalo na sa mga maintenance and repair works ng manukan. Kung saan ako mahina, may taong nakisama at nagkataong napakahusay naman sa aspetong ito.

Wala na akong inaalalang napakamahal na bayarin para sa private health insurance, sapagkat tinutulungan na ako ng Medicare Australia. Wala na rin akong dapat alalahaning ma-i-expire na working visa.

Nagkaroon ako ng kapalagayang loob, nagkaroong muli ng focus. Hindi ko na iniisip sa ngayon ang napakakapal na alikabok at mga nakalutang na hibla ng balahibo sa loob ng chicken sheds. Wala na akong paki-alam kung umabot man ng-50'C o 'di kaya'y mag-minus 9'C sa labas. Ayos lang sa akin ang maging on call beynte quatro oras, pumasok sa loob ng manukan ng alas-diyes ng gabi o 'di kaya'y alas dos ng madaling araw, basta ang mahalaga, maging maayos ang lahat dito sa aking trabaho. Nakakapagtaka, kahit na araw-araw akong pumapasok, pakiramdam ko araw-araw rin akong naka-day off. Hinahangad at ipinagdarasal ko talagang sana ay ganito nalang palagi ang aking pakiramdam.

Sa ngayon, nilalasap ko na muna ang mala-morphine side-effect na naging bunga ng mga pagbabago sa aking buhay kamakailan lamang. Maaaring bukas ay darating na aking kinatatakutang mga problema, pero sa tingin ko, sa dami ng mga hirap, pagod at hapding nalagpasan ko noon, anumang uri ng hamong darating sa akin bukas ay siguradong aking kakayanin. 'Ika nga ni Doc Ed, na boss ko sa Monterey noon, "Anything that isn't fatal will surely make you stronger."

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Si Hilda at ang Makru

2010-05-12T16:40:00.002+09:30

Hanapin sa mapa ang Port Wakefield, diyan kami nakatira nina Aling Nati at Aling Siony...

Noong nakaraang linggo, inanyayahan ako nina Aling Nati at Aling Siony para maghapunan kasama nila. Habang kami'y masayang nagsasalu-salo, biglang tumunog ang telepono ni Aling Nati.

Tumawag si Hilda, ang isa nilang kaibigang nakatira sa Edithburgh kasama ang kanyang asawang puti- si Jim. Dito sa Australia ipinanganak at tumanda si Jim, 74 years old na siya ngayon.

Nangumusta lang naman si Hilda. Malamang gusto lang na may makausap na mga Filipino, siguro'y nalulungkot sapagkat dalawang taon pa lamang ang nakalipas magmula nang siya'y dumating dito sa Australia. Nalaman niyang ang kanyang kausap sa kabilang linya- si Aling Nati ay noo'y kasalukuyang naghahapunan kasama kami ni Aling Siony, kaya itinanong ni Hilda kung ano ang aming ulam.

Hindi naman nagsinungaling si Aling Nati, sinabi niya kung anu-ano ang aming pinagsasaluhan.

Biglang ipinagmayabang ni Hilda (naririnig namin ni Aling Siony kasi naka-loudspeaker ang mobile phone) na nakahuli rin daw sila ni Jim ng isang malaking isda sa Gulf St. Vincent, palibhasa fishing ang pastime ni nilang mag-asawa. 'Yon pa nga raw ang inihahanda ni Jim para sa kanilang hapunan.

Itinanong ni Aling Nati kay Hilda kung anong isda ang kanilang nahuli.

"Hindi ko kilala, ewan ko ba kung meron nito sa atin..." ang sagot ni Hilda.

"Anong itsura, at anong kulay, may kaliskis ba?" mabilis namang pag-usisa ni Aling Nati.

Maririnig sa kabilang linya na tinanong ni Hilda ang kanyang asawa kung ano ang tawag sa malaking isda na kanilang nahuli. Sumagot naman si Jim sa kanya.

Kinausap ulit ni Hilda si Aling Nati na naghihintay naman sa telepono. "Ah, kuwan pala, MAKRU. Makru daw ito sabi ni Jim."

"Hah?! Makru?!" halatang nabigla si Aling Nat.

"Oo, yan ang sabi ng asawa ko. Basta malaking isda ito, Nat- makru."

Kahit ako ay napaisip kung anong isda ang tinutukoy ni Hilda... Huminto ako sa pagkain at inisip kung ano kaya ang hitsura ng isdang makru.

Ngunit biglang sumali sa usapan si Aling Siony... "Makru?! Hindi, Nat! Mackerel. Mackerel siguro 'yan."

Biglang natauhan si Aling Nati matapos marinig ang salitang 'mackerel'. Kaya bigla niyang isinigaw sa telepono, kay Hilda sa kabilang linya, "Hilda, mackerel 'yan, hindi makru! Hahahah!"

"Ah, ganu'n ba?! Mackerel pala ito..." ang marahang sagot ni Hilda.

Ang Aking 'Manok'

2010-05-03T22:33:00.002+09:30


The Chook-minder's Quill seriously supports

Au's Untold Story

2010-04-22T09:07:00.001+09:30

Easter Monday 2010 at Rundle Mall
corner Rundle and Pulteney Sts., Adelaide City, South Australia

Turista

2010-04-15T01:58:00.005+09:30

Napakaganda ng Kangaroo Island!

Ang bus na aming sinakyan galing Adelaide patungong Cape Jervis kung nasaan ang Sealion 2000 ferry.

Kasalukuyang ala-una ng madaling araw sa South Australia. Kararating ko lang galing sa Kangaroo Island; ako'y namasyal sapagkat walang laman ang mga chicken sheds ngayon (matapos ang halos isang buwang harvesting) kaya tatlong araw akong walang pasok sa trabaho.

Saka na ako magkukwento tungkol sa naganap na tour, sapagkat masyado akong apektado ngayon sa nangyari kaninang lunch time doon sa Vivonne Bay Bistro.

Masarap ang pagkain, tomato soup with a bread roll and butter, garden fresh and pasta salads, isang hiwang Australian-style roasted chicken at isang malaking Australian sausage. Maraming salamat sa Kangaroo Island Tours and Charters sa napakasarap na pagkain kanina.

...the two-course lunch at the Vivonne Bay Bistro, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

Ngunit hindi tungkol sa pagkain ang aking kuwento ngayon.
Sa isang mesa doon sa bistro, sampu kaming nakaupo, siyempre hindi magkakakilala. May mag-asawang nasa retired age na, sila'y galing Canberra kasama ang kanilang dalawang kaibigang nagmula pa sa New Zealand. Napamakuwento at napakamausisa ni Lola, hindi niya halos maubos ang kanyang sopas at lumalamig na rin ang kanyang tinapay sapagkat tanong nang tanong sa aming lahat na nakapalibot sa mesa.

Una niyang napansin ang tatlong magkakabarkadang nasa kanyang kanan. Tinanong niya, "Where are you from?"

Ang isa ay taga-Hongkong, ang isa naman ay taga-Korea at ang isa ay nagmula pa sa Japan. Tinanong ni Lola kung anong ginagawa nila sa Australia. Sagot nila, "Our parents have sent us here to study in the University of Adelaide."

Ang hapag na nasa likuran ko kaninang lunch time sa Kangaroo Island.

Ang isang 20 years old na binibining nagngangalang Agnieszka Koss na taga-Poland ang ngayon nama'y sumagot sa tanong ni Lola. "I am studying and at the same time working in my country, I am just visiting my uncle here in Adelaide for a month and be back to Warsaw soon."

"I've been in Australia for nine months now. I've been to Fiji and had also spent a month in New Zealand..." sabi naman nitong 21 years old na binatang taga-Denmark.

"Oh, that's good! So are you working as you go along?" ang tanong ng matanda sa Danish na si Phillip Andre Westh Olsen.

"Nah... no! I have no time for that. Just travelling..." sagot nito.

"And how about you, young man?" ang tanong ni Lola sa akin. (Natuwa akong kahit na thirty na ako, young pa rin ang tingin niya sa akin, o malabo lang siguro ang kanyang mga mata.)

"Uhmn... I'm working in a poultry farm in a small town called Port Wakefield, around 91 kilometers northwest of Adelaide." Ang sagot ko sa kanya.

"Ah! So you're a worker!"

"...and a tourist at the same time," ang mabilis kong sagot.

Nang dahil sa kuwentuhan kaninang pananghalian, nakita at naramdaman ko ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng aking bansang Pilipinas.

I'll show you the photos taken from Kangaroo Island in my succeeding posts.

the Aussie way

2010-04-02T23:03:00.000+10:30

Olive twigs, not young coconut leaves.
Palm Sunday 2010 at St. Vincent de Paul
Port Wakefield, South Australia

Cadbury's chocolates in colourful foil wrappers.
...in preparation for the Easter Sunday 2010
Port Wakefield, South Australia

Did you know that Australians would start greeting each other a 'Happy Easter!' as early as Holy Monday? I have, actually, received four Happy Easter greetings and have eaten five egg-shaped chocolates since the start of the Holy Week.

Sparkling white...

2010-03-23T23:27:00.007+10:30

Beer, wine and spirits...
Handorf, South Australia

Sa tingin ko'y kailangang magdiwang sapagkat matapos ang labintatlong araw na pamamahinga ng aking pluma, heto't sinisikap ko uling makagawa ng kahit maiksing post. First time itong gagawa ako ng post na hindi ko inisip ang aking isusulat habang namumulot ng mga 'hindi pinalad' na mga manok sa loob ng sheds... at first time ding magsulat akong diretso na rito sa posting page ng Blogger at siguradong hindi ko na ito mabibigyan ng kaunting style. Kung ano ang maiisip ko ngayon, 'yon ang magiging laman nito... 'yon bang parang nakikipagkwentuhan lang ako sa inyo ng mga updates tungkol sa hamak na magmamanok.

Sa nakalipas na sampung araw, masyado akong napagod sa nangyaring paglilipat ng work place, at sa nangyaring transition sapagkat inatasan ako ngayon ng trabahong mas mabigat ang responsibilidad. Sumuko kasi ang isa sa apat na mga farm managers ng kumpanya sapagkat napagod at nagsawa sa dami at napakamabusising requirements ng HACCP. Somehow, nag-aalangan at natatakot din sana akong tumanggap ng trabahong iniluwa ng iba sapagkat siguradong hindi ito madali. Kung hindi lang ako nangangailangan ng panibagong visa, honestly mas pipiliin ko ang dati kong work assignment; mas maraming oras para sa sarili, sa panood ng TV, sa pamamasyal at pagba-blog. ...sa bagay interim manager lang naman daw ako rito, kaya kapag may makita silang mas karapat-dapat kaysa sa akin, siguro balik na rin sa dati. For the sake of 'growth' in this country, okay na rin ito sa ngayon.

Bagong trabaho, bagong tirahan. Umalis na rin ako sa aking caravan- na naging silungan ko sa loob ng dalawang taon at dalawang buwan. At dahil weekdays (working days) nu'ng ako'y naglipat, isang tao lang ang tumulong sa paghakot ng aking mga gamit papunta rito sa bahay (na ipapakita ko sa inyo sa mga susunod kong posts). Kaya, pagod... Hindi rin kasi natapos ang paghahakot sa loob lang ng isang araw sapagkat sa umaga nagtatrabaho muna ako rito sa manukan, at 'pag tapos na ang mga mahahalagang gawain, saka ko ipinagpapatuloy ang paglilipat ng mga gamit. At isa pa, ute (pick-up) ang ginamit namin sa paghahakot, wala kasi kaming licence mag-drive ng sasakyang may hinihila (trailer/caravan) at ayaw ko na ring magbayad pa ng driver dahil medyo may kamahalan.

Of course pagkatapos magkahakot, kailangang mag-ayos. Whew! Sana ay wala na munang mangyayaring lipatan, after two years pwede na ulit kapag may hawak na akong mas magandang Australian visa.

Speaking... ang permanent resident visa na matagal ko nang hinahangad ay on the process na sa ngayon, nasa stage 2 of 3 na. Sinagot na rin ang matagal kong ipinagdadasal; bumait bigla ang employer nu'ng nakita at naramdaman nilang kailangan nila akong ilagay sa posisyong ito. Biglang inayos ang regional certification ng aking job/position at nagawa kaagad nila ang nomination/sponsorship documents para sa aking residency. Ako'y nananalangin na ma-grant naman sana ang visang ito sa akin.

Six days earlier, tinanong ako ng farm owner kung kumusta ako rito, sabi ko so far, so good. Nagsinungaling ako ng kaunti dahil sa totoo lang medyo nanibago ako sa dami ng aking pinapasang tungkulin sa ngayon, pero alam ko namang I'll get used to it... soon. Dinadagan ko pang bakit maghanap pa siya ng bagong manager gayong ako'y kilala na niya ng mahigit na dalawang taon.

"Absolutely," 'ika niya. "I'll be reviewing your package and see what I can do about it."

Hindi pumasok sa isip ko kung ano ang ibig niyang sabihin sa 'package' na 'yon hanggang sa noong nakalipas na pay day, napansin ko nalang nadagdagan ng 10% ang aking wages. o",) Natuwa ako siyempre. (Pero hindi ko kayang isulat ang aking naramdamang tuwa at saya, mas sanay kasi akong magsulat kapag malungkot ang tema; aaralin ko 'yan sa ngayon.)

It seems that the whole universe has been conspiring for me, kung si Paulo Coelho pa. Huwag naman sanang biglang ma-misalign ang aking mga bituin nang sa gayo'y tuloy-tuloy ang kasiyahan.

Noong nakalipas na March 13, 2010 ay dalawang taon na sa blogosphere ang The Chook-minder's Quill. Hindi man lang ako nakapag-blow out; pero gagawin ko 'yan kahit na late na. Wish kong sana'y mabigyan pa ako ng good health- a sound mind and a healthy physique upang patuloy pa akong makakapagsulat dito sa aking blog na naging 'kaibigan' ko na for a couple of years now.

Matatapos na aking 1.5-hr break... Darating na ang mga manghuhuli ng aming mga manok in half an hour. 12:37am na ngayon dito sa South Australia. Pagod at puyat... pero ayos din, nang dahil sa pagiging abala, wala na akong panahong mag-isip tungkol sa mga bagay na malulungkot. Hahah!

Sabayan niyo ako, mag-celebrate tayo! U

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AUrora

2010-03-10T21:49:00.000+10:30

Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

I woke up this morning standing on the edge of a cliff, facing the ocean that promises growth and wealth in this continent. On the 15th of this month, there's no other choice but to dive and explore the depth of the water...

I am not a good swimmer so I wish I could stay afloat in case the waves aren’t mild... as I hope that nasty sea creatures won’t get wild.

...praying and believing to find some pearls of success and happiness at the bottom end of this endeavour.

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The Hidden Treasure

2010-02-28T06:40:00.007+10:30

It was a remarkable Thursday afternoon; I skipped my weekly routine of visiting the Elizabeth Shopping Centre because of the scheduled activity in the poultry farm by nightfall.
For a change, I opted not to stay inside my carav an and wait until after sunset so I took the farm ute and drove off to Port Wakefield to enjoy the rest of the afternoon outdoor.

I chose a spot along the Wakefield River; it’s a picnic point towards the north-western side of the town, around 250 meters from the roadhouse strip. I had driven by this area many times before but didn’t really dare to stop and stay like what I did last Thursday.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

What a peaceful place! There’s nobody here except me and this middle-aged moustached man in the other side of the riverbank who’s tidying his SUV under the shade of the pines. Luckily, there are flocks of seagulls resting on the sand and some are perching on the wooden fences whose casual squawks perfectly blend with the clatter of the lush pine and palm leaves blown by the mild, late afternoon wind.

Port Wakefield is one of Australia's most important sites for migratory birds! -About Australia

It’s late summer but the breeze is relatively cool, as if reminding me of the coming of the colourful autumn in the next four days.

The river has been flowing smoothly yet its surface distinctively ripples every time the south-easterly wind sets a powerful puff. From the wooden bench where I’m sitting right now, the water appears to be boasting of its bluish dye, when in fact it is only a generous reflection of the mostly clear sky.

The wooden bench.

A streak of cirrus cloud has been selfishly depriving the river of its faintest image, forcing me to gaze up above thus allowing my eyes to capture the rapidly soaring jet across the big dome as it leaves a thin strip of visible gas that gently dissipates in the air.

The Wakefield River.

Two cars have passed by the road nearby—one with a learner-driver’s plate and the other with four panting dogs inside but the drivers of both vehicles never decided to hit the brake and get off the vehicle to experience the serenity of this place... they just wound their windscreen down, had a glimpse, and off they’re gone! I'm sure they were locals but, like those weekend tourists who just drive through the highway and only stop at the fuel station if they need to fill both their tank and stomach full, they were strangers in the neighbourhood! Never did they know that this frequently ignored site has its own unconcealed beauty waiting to be discovered!

Sunset at the Wakefield River...

The sun is now hiding behind the sparsely painted clouds as its lowest brim touches the tip of the Yorke Peninsula hills in the west. Simultaneously, the previously azure sky is gradually transforming into a grey canvas with an abstract artwork of gold and deep orange colours! The vegetations and the birds are now silhouetting against the remaining glow of the day...

Bird-watching...

This magnificent scenery would have been lovelier if the clouds are thicker and if a beautiful maiden will come and cross the wooden bridge reclining in the distance. How I wish... but just before my vulnerable mind totally succumb to these early evening illusions I was averted by the mouth-watering aroma of a sizzling steak diffusing from the neighbouring hotel.

Built 1856 as Rising Sun Inn, renamed as The Rising Sun Hotel in 1859.

The moustached man had packed-up and left, probably to have his evening tea and a mug of ice-cold West End Draught in the adjacent tavern.

T-bone steak with mushroom-black pepper gravy and mashed potato
of the Rising Sun Hotel.

Finally, the great ball of fire is now invisible across the western horizon and the once golden firmament has turned greyish and purplish-red... it’s now time for me to leave and go back to the poultry farm to shut the blinds off... and I guess it’s now time to end this lengthy log for the day.

The roadhouse strip by night; Port Wakefield, South Australia.

Four hundred ninety

2010-02-25T00:35:00.005+10:30

70 x 7 =?

A simple mathematical equation that reminds me of how many times I have to forgive somebody whom I perceived has done something wrong against me. But honestly, doing it in real life is quite difficult because forgiving isn’t as easy as solving that simple arithmetic problem presented above.

Nobody is holy; I’ve even inherited a sin from our fore parents which means I have had it since the time I was conceived. With this, I feel guilty to be uncompassionate to someone who’s admitting his or her own fault and, to deny my pardon to an apologetic offender, especially if it is done publicly.

Thru a phone call, the power of my ballot was stolen in the May 2004 presidential election, but the equation above simply implies that the theft still has another 489 chances for me to be patient and for her to be forgiven. (More stories here.)

The past Australian parliament had once decided to seize the children of the natives thereby depriving them of growing up with their own culture, but the federal and state governments can still enjoy the remaining 489 times of exoneration. (More stories here.)

Countless men and women have been sexually assaulted by some members of the clergy, yet undeniably, the church possesses and at the same time teaches that we should grant our brethren the limitless opportunity of absolution. (More stories here.)

A world-renowned golfer has committed adultery and admitted his sexual relationships to more than a dozen women; luckily he still has more than 39 dozens of opportunity to be understood by his family, friends and fans. (More stories here.)

The British 'child migration scheme' in the 1920's-1960's sent an estimated number of 150,000 children to Australia without the consent of their parents thereby painfully tearing those families apart... but the kingdom still has 489 chances to make up with each of these victims. (More stories here.)

Assessing the sincerity of the remorse as the transgressor expresses an apology is very subjective, most especially to the one who has been offended because of the complexities of the prejudices involved. Objectively, when the offender refrain from doing the same mistake for a lifetime, only then can one conclude that he has genuinely repented. But in the case of ‘addiction’ of any immoral, illegal or anti-religious acts, genuine repentance is more likely unachievable!

But then again, I should not judge; I should not condemn. I should love my neighbours; I should love my enemies. I should forgive so I shall be forgiven. It is worthwhile to note here that according to the University of Wisconsin, happier and healthier people are those who forgive. (More...)

Lucky are those who are forgiven, they have all the opportunity to be happy and be healthy, as well. They are being freed from all the horrifying punishments and restitution entailed because of their shortcomings.

Forgiving a person who's asking an apology isn't the end of the story. The question if they have forgiven themselves of the guilt they've inflicted in their own heart and mind after committing a mistake as well as the shame of doing a public apology (if needed) and, above all, if they have asked for and received the divine forgiveness that they surely need are now beyond my control. Of course, I am a sinner, and I know that I also need the same.

Political 'Affairs'

2010-02-16T15:01:00.005+10:30

I really would like to submit myself into an elective surgery; I wanted my occipitofrontalis muscle be severed so I could stop raising my eyebrows!

There's something about the modern Philippine politics that I simply hate the most- when leaders of various religious organizations deliberately choose to appear old-fashioned by entertaining the ‘serenade’ and ‘go dating’ with the national electoral candidates. Or shall I put it this way: ...when these candidates are desperately doing a ‘serenade’ and going out with these ministers for a ‘date’.

I, obviously, don’t know if who among them is enjoying this kind of affair, the electoral candidate who ran after the religious minister or the minister being persuaded by the soon-to-be a national leader.

...just can’t believe that gaining and giving a support for one's candidacy is as difficult and embarrassing as that. For me, yes. But perhaps, for these candidates who desire to earn millions of votes in the much-awaited May 2010 election, courting an influential religious leader may be much easier than visiting every household in the 41,995 barangays throughout the Philippines.

This type of political campaign is undoubtedly like courting an intended spouse amidst a number of equally competent rivals! And with these preachers openly saying to reveal their decisions, if to whom they are giving their support, in the next or after a couple of month, it would surely drive the ‘dandies’ to intensify their flattery so they could savour the heavenly flavour/favour they’re craving for—the powerful votes.

Courtship is an art; I believe nobody would dare to disagree. Undeniably, special gifts such as stuffed toys, delicious chocolates, expensive flowers, as well as sugar-coated words are all part of the craft. The finest presents and the most excellent promises that could gratify these ministers, of course their suitors know best.

I am not questioning the religious leaders’ ability to assess a potential and to choose a good candidate to vote, nor am I taking away their right of suffrage. With their credibility, well...

It seems that I am going too far, far away from what I wanted to point out in this post- that when somebody decides whom to vote there are only two possible outcomes—a right choice or a wrong choice. And in the case of these great and most ‘sought after’ religious ministers, millions of votes are at stake! Of course I haven’t forgotten that the Holy Spirit is ____ there to guide them, hopefully at all times and NOT just always.

The question on why the followers of these religious organizations behave like water buffaloes with a nose-string is another lengthy story.

Now back to dating and courtship... I know you know what’s next—engagement and marriage. In the Philippine political affairs, I am giving all the benefits of the doubt regarding ‘engagements after the election’.

.

Ang Medisina ng Pag-ibig

2010-02-13T18:25:00.020+10:30

Ang 'pag-ibig' ay isang talamak (chronic) at napaka-kumplikadong karamdaman ng buong katawang (systemic) tumatama sa lahat ng tao sa buong mundo (pandemic). Ang sakit na ito'y mas nauna pang natuklasan kaysa sa ketong, black plague at pagkabulok ng ngipin, ngunit ang sanhi at mga paliwanag tungkol sa sakit na pag-ibig ay pilit pa ring tinutuklas ng mga dalubhasa hanggang ngayon. Kaya sa kasalukuyan, mas angkop pa rin itong tawaging isang syndrome.

May mga teyoryang ang pag-ibig ay tumatama rin sa mga hayop pero hanggang ngayon ito'y hindi pa rin lubusang naunawaan o maipaliwanag.

SANHI (ETIOLOGY)
Tulad ng nabanggit na sa itaas, hinding-hindi pa rin natuklasan ang tunay na sanhi ng sakit na ito. Datapwat kapansin-pansing kapag ito'y tumama, sa isang kaso'y palaging dalawang tao ang tinatamaan, maaaring maging mas kumplikado kapag tatlo, at 'di malayong mangyaring apat ang apektado!

Sinasabing ang 'pag-ibig' ay may direktang kaugnayan sa puso, utak o sa mga bahaging pangkasarian subalit kahit na ang mga ito'y idinaan na sa mga mabusising pagsusuri walang nakuha o nakitang mikrobyo sa mga bahagi ng katawang ito na maaaring sabihing siyang pinakadahilan ng- at maiuugnay sa karamdamang 'pag-ibig'.

May mga pag-aaral nga lang na nagsasabing tumataas ang antas ng dopamine sa dugo ng tao kapag siya'y may sakit na 'pag-ibig'. Ang kemikal na ito ang siyang nagbibigay ng lubos na kasiyahang-loob at pagpupursige sa mga taong apektado ng pag-ibig.

KWENTO KUNG PAANO NAGKAKASAKIT (PATHOGENESIS)
Nagsisimula ang karamdamang ito kapag ang isang tao, babae man o lalake ay natamaan ng isang 'kathang-isip na palaso' sa dibdib na nagiging sanhi ng malalim na sugat; at kapag natusok na nito ang puso, ang mga bahagi ng utak ay agarang maglalabas mga kemikal na pheromones, dopamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin at serotonin na may epektong tulad ng sa mga amphetamines. Kaya ang taong natamaan ng matulis at matalim na pana ni Kupido ay makakaramdam ng kakaibang kaligayahan at aliw- ang masama pa, ito'y nakaka-adik!

CLINICAL FINDINGS
Ang mga nabanggit na kemikal ay may mga side effects tulad ng mabilis na pagtibok ng puso (tachycardia), kawalan ng ganang kumain (anorexia) at nahihirapang makatulog (insomnia), at 'di maipapaliwanag na sigla ng buong katawan.

Nang dahil sa tachycardia na madalas nararamdaman kapag nakikita ang taong iniibig, nagiging mas kakaunti ang dumadaloy na dugo sa buong katawan pati na rin sa puso, kaya maaaring magkaroon ng pananakit ng dibdib, panandaliang pamumutla at panlalamig ng mga palad pati ng mga talampakan. Pagkatapos nito ay bigla namang magkakaroon ng pamumula ng pisngi (blushing o hyperemia).

LESIONS
Kahit na ang matulis at matalim na 'palaso' ang siyang naging simula ng karamdamang ito, walang makikitang anumang lesion (mga sirang tissues o bahagi ng katawang nakikita nang dahil sa karamdaman o sakit), walang sugat o impeksiyon sa katawan...

Subalit kapansin-pansing kapag nawawala na ang 'pag-ibig' sa puso o utak ng dalawang taong apektado, maaaring magkakaroon ng 'di-mapigilang pagmumuta dahil sa matinding pagluha (lacrimation) ng mga mata; at kadalasan sa mga kasong ito makakakita ng mga sugat at mga pasa sa katawan ng mga biktima lalung-lalo na sa kanilang mukha.

Sa mga taong naging apektado ng 'pag-ibig' hanggang sa mga bahaging pangkasarian, nagkakaroon ng mga maliliit na pasa sa leeg o kahit saang bahagi ng katawan, at maaaring magkaroon ng pilas o wahi at kaunting pagdurugo lalung-lao na sa ari ng mga kababaihan.

TRANSMISSION
Hindi masyadong nauunawaan kung paano naisasalin ang 'pag-ibig' mula sa isang taong apektado papunta sa mga hindi pa apektado ngunit ang matamis na mga salita, natatanging kalinga, pagreregalo (ng mga rosas at tsokolate), at paghahawak-kamay ay ang ilan sa mga posibleng paraan ng pagkakahawa ng nasabing 'sakit'.

Pinagdududahang ang pagkikipaghalikan ay isa rin sa mga mode of transmissions ng 'pag-ibig', subalit ito nama'y madalas na nangyayari kapag nagkahawaan na kaya iniisip ng mga dalubhasa na ang pakikipaghalikan ay makapagpapalala ng karamdamang ito.

EPIDEMIOLOGY
Hindi man lubusang naipaliwanag ang pagkalat ng sakit na 'to, ang 'pag-ibig' ay laganap na sa buong mundo (pandemic) bago pa man nagsimula ang kasaysayan. Subalit sa kasalukyan, walang ganitong uri ng karamdaman sa mga bansang Iraq at Afghanistan, pati sa mga bahagi ng West Bank hanggang Gaza Strip sa Israel, at sa Pakistan.

Napag-alamang habang papatapos ang panahon ng taglamig sa mga bansang nasa hilagang bahagi ng daigdig at sa huling buwan ng tag-init sa katimugan- o tuwing Pebrero, tumataas ang kaso ng karamdamang ito.

Nakikitang ang mga taong nagkakaedad mula sampu o labindalawang taong gulang (puberty) hanggang sa mga matatanda ay mataas ang tsansang magkakaroon ng 'pag-ibig'. Ito'y pangkalahatan kung tumama sa mga nilikha, marami ang nagkakasakit (very high morbidity) ngunit kakaunti lamang ang namamatay (very low mortality).

DIAGNOSIS
Binabase ito sa mga nakikitang palatandaan at sintomang nabanggit na sa itaas. Hindi u-obra ang biopsy o autopsy; mas lalong walang magagawa ang complete blood count sa pag-alam kung apektdo ang isang nilalang ng sakit na ito (pag-ibig).

Maaaring gumamit ng ECG, ngunit walang halaga ang x-ray. Sa kasalukuyan, ginagamit ang MRI o magnetic resonance imaging upang pag-aralan ang mga bahagi ng utak na apektado kapag ang tao'y nakakaramdam ng pag-ibig.

TREATMENT, PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Napakahirap kontrolin ng pag-ibig!

Ang pagsasabon at paghuhugas ng kamay o di kaya'y pagmumumog ng mouth wash bago mag-holding hands o maghalikan ay siguradong walang bisa kung nais ay iwasan ang pagkalat ng 'pag-ibig'.

Maaaring uminom ng gamot na pampatulog at kumain kasabay ang taong iniibig upang maganahang kumain.

Hindi na kailangang gumamit ng Benzodiazepine/calcium channel blocker na Diltiazem, o di kaya'y Atenolol o anumang uri ng beta-blocking agents kung nais na maibalik sa normal ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso (tachycardia) sapagkat ito'y kusa at paunti-unti namang mawawala...

Talagang kamangha-mangha, ngunit totoo- ang pinakamabisang panlunas sa 'pag-ibig' ay pag-ibig din mismo.

If you like this article, try to read this: Monetary Pharmacology
-----
Sources:
Wikipedia
Personal Experience
.

The Heart of the World

2010-02-06T00:40:00.001+10:30

The City Cross
Rundle Mall, Adelaide City, S.A.

Eight days from now, the world will be filled with countless heart-shaped sketches and objects... will be painted with exaggerated red colours... will be covered with legions of rose buds and petals... and will be sweetened with tons of confectioneries...

...but I haven’t written my article about love, yet! I couldn't find ways to gather the exact letters and words to highlight the upcoming celebration. Honestly, I have started to fear that I don’t have a heart inside my chest; I may have one but possibly, it’s just a hollow muscular organ that rhythmically contracts to pump blood to my body.

I don’t mean to write another gloomy post this time so please stop wrinkling the skin on your forehead and start feeling the beat your heart. Is it beating?

Now, kindly take a look at the world news headlines I’ve got from Yahoo while I was writing this post (05Feb.2010, 10:50pm):

Jesus’ message is very short and clear, “Love one another...*” And I believe Mohammed has said so.

-----
*John 13:34

.

Banaag

2010-02-01T16:55:00.006+10:30

Kung kaninang umaga'y matiyaga niyang hinintay ang pagbubukang-liwayway mula sa bintana ng kanyang tirahan, ngayon nama'y nandito siya sa Liwasang Elder sa pampang ng Ilog Torrens ng Adelaide... nilalasap ang mga nalalabing panahon ng panandaliang kalayaan, at inaabangan ang paglubog ng bolang apoy doon sa kanluran.

Unti-unti nang nagiging banayad ang sinag ng araw, ngunit ayaw pa rin niyang tumayo at maglakad-lakad... Mas pinili niyang umupo sa lilim ng malaking puno katabi ang isang pulutong ng mga seagulls. Nararamdaman niyang tagos sa kanyang suot na 503 ang tusok ng matulis na dahon ng mga damo sa kanyang mga hita't binti. Marahang umihip at animo'y nangangagat sa kanyang pisngi ang maligamgam na simoy mula sa hilaga kaya siya'y napahanga sa malawak na damuhan sapagkat makalipas ang dalawang buwang tag-init ito'y nananatiling luntian.

Mula sa kanyang kinauupuan ay natatanaw n'ya ang mga malalaking itim na tagak at ang kawan ng mga itik na lumalangoy ng pasalungat sa agos ng ilog. Sa tabi ng nakadaong na bangka ay may isang pelicang matapos sandukin ng kanyang tuka ang, sa tingin niya'y, maliliit na isda mula sa tubig ay biglang lumipad palayong tila umiwas mula sa lente ng kanyang Power Shot A430.

...bigla niyang naitanong sa kanyang sarili kung bakit patuloy na dumadami ang mga ibong mailap sa pook na 'to, at kung saan kaya sila kumukuha ng sapat na ikabubuhay sa gitna ng maingay na lunsod gayong mahigpit namang ipinagbabawal sa mga namamasyal ang pagbibigay sa mga ito ng anumang makakain.

May mga taong nagbibisekleta, at mayroon ding naglalakad ng magkahawak-kamay sa sementadong pampang... At sa di kalayuan ay may mag-anak, na sa tingin niya'y tubong-Adelaide, na masayang nilalaro ang kanilang bunso habang paisa-isa at sama-samang pumupuwesto sa magarang gazebo para maglitratuhan.

Sa parkeng ito, nakatutuwang pagmasdan ang mga nagsasaya at ang mga dumadaan! Naisip niya tuloy kung tulad niya, sila'y nandito rin upang panandaliang makawala sa kani-kanilang mga hawla at pilit kinakalimutan ang mga hamon ng mundo habang nililibang ang sarili sa kaaya-ayang kapaligiran... kung sila'y nandito dala ang pag-asang matatagpuan ang inaasam na kaligayahan... o kung sila'y nandito upang siya'y imulat na ang buhay ay likas na puno ng kasiyahan at mga kagandahan.

Tulad ng kanyang Australian working visa na mawawalan na ng bisa 305 araw mula ngayon, malapit na ang takip-silim... Sa paglubog ng araw siguradong susunod ang karimlan... ang kadiliman ng kawalang-katiyakan.

Elder Park gazebo by night.
Adelaide, South Australia

fair dinkum

2010-01-28T13:32:00.007+10:30

(The Adelaide Central Market series, part 3 of 3.)

I know it's late, but I wanted to greet all Australians a Happy Australia Day!

January 26, 2010 is the 222th Australia Day, it marks the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove last 1788 with the British troop, headed by Capt. Arthur Phillip, raising a British flag as they proclaimed sovereignty in the newly-found land.

Don't worry, I won't be lecturing about the History of Australia in this post; forget about the dates and the personalities that I've mentioned above because, as promised, I will be taking you again to the Adelaide Central Market- the meat and seafood sections.

Have you noticed the yellow banner saying "BBQ a roo on OZ Day"?

In the Philippines a 'barbecue' is primarily a marinated meat fastened in a bamboo skewer (kebab) grilled over a flaming charcoal. In Australia (as well as in Britain) a barbecue is simply an unmarinated meat grilled fast in an hot metal plate powered by an LPG. It is the same as broiling in the USA and Canada.

'Roo' is a shortened term for a kangaroo or a kangaroo meat. So the yellow banner says, "grill a kangaroo meat on Australia Day!"

But before we proceed, just take a quick look on these lovely and colourful flowers in the Adelaide Central Market...

Have you noticed the word 'Special' on the price tag of this stargazer? It doesn't mean that this lily is the exceptional or the best, it means its current price has become lower than the regular price; Filipinos call it 'Sale!'

Back to the meat section...

"What would you like, a roo or a croc?"

Quail, pheasant, guinea fowl, duck, goose, etc....

Cosmopolitan Adelaide loves wild and exotic meat, as well.

...remember my post about cheese? Some shops sell both dairy and meat products.

The total length of the pig's large and small intestines are about 19-24 meters.

-FAO

Spanish & Portugese, Turkish, and Italian products.

The first time I went to the Butcher Shop in Australia was in Millmerran, Queensland. I told the guy I wanted to buy 300grams of bEy-kon, he couldn't and didn't understand what I wanted until I pointed the thin strips of cured meat behind the glass! He then nodded and blurted out, "Ahhh, bAy-kon!"

The fresh meat...

"Stay behind the yellow lane!"

Finally, the seafood section of the Adelaide Central Market...

There's something in common with the South Australians, Australian permanent residents and temporary residents- they love tinapa!

This ends The Chook-minder's Quill's The Adelaide Central Market series.

Part I- Say Cheese
Part II- Come and Glow
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Eagle's eye

2010-01-23T00:15:00.001+10:30

Hungry Jack's
Main North Road, Adelaide, South Australia
September 11, 2009; 11:04:24 AM

St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral
Wakefield St., Adelaide, South Australia
January 10, 2010; 11:00:48 AM

"Eagles have extremely keen eyesight which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance. This keen eyesight is primarily contributed by their extremely large pupils which ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light."

-Wikipedia

Monarchy: Economy?

2010-01-18T13:41:00.012+10:30

I didn’t care about Prince William’s arrival in New Zealand yesterday, as well as his scheduled visit here in Australia tomorrow. But it doesn’t mean that I hate the monarchy...

It is The Prince’ first official overseas trip on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II— ...since yesterday my mind has been troubled in finding any direct or indirect effect of this event in the life of a foreigner who's working as a chook-minder in the monarchy of Australia. Perhaps, I care... but this doesn’t mean that I love the monarchy, either.

As an innocent boy being raised in a small village in Southern Philippines, I had the belief that the dominion of kingdoms, if they existed, has already ended many years ago... that those kings, queens, princes and princesses are only fictitious and are only present in the pages of fairytale books. Well, obviously I was wrong because they are factual and still exist until today.

I know that I need to read more to understand more about the British Throne, especially its absolute relevance in the Commonwealth Realm of the present day when every nation has its own government chief executive. A survey in New Zealand—a member of the Commonwealth of Nations has, somehow, surprised me. It says that in the recent years, around 40 per cent of the Kiwis voted to end their royal ties with Her Majesty and support the creation of a republic. Today, Australia’s Channel 7 is inviting the Aussies to participate in the poll tonight asking if this Land Down Under still needs monarchy. I can’t believe that these two developed nations have been considering to gain complete independence from the British Monarchy—whom, I believe, they owe a lot.

For me, there’s a thing called ‘British Magic’, and I believe in this magic... in its power to establish economically-stable nations such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand! Just like the Philippines who bravely fought for independence from the Spanish, Japanese, and American rules, it is worthwhile to think about the ‘what if’s’ had South Africa and India dwelt under the British authority until today.

Singapore and Hong Kong are very fortunate! The two countries’ history was almost the same- while under the British Empire, both islands were occupied by the Japanese during World War II but the British regained their control after the war. These currently-wealthy cities didn’t fight through a bloody battle to achieve their independence from Britain, they waited for ages to gain their stability and used the war of words: Singapore outlined some policies that convinced the British; while Hong Kong, through the People’s Republic of China, initiated diplomatic negotiations. It is not destiny, it is the strategy.

Currently, according to the World Bank, Spain’s economy is the 9^th largest worldwide, Japan is the 2^ndlargest (and 3^rd from the United States of America and China when it comes to purchasing power), and USA is on the first place... and the Republic of the Philippines, well, I have no plans to consult Google.

Source: Wikipedia