Ausencia

Amor mio,

nos hemos encontrado

sedientos y nos hemos

bebido toda el agua y la sangre.

nos encontramos

con hambre

y nos mordimos

como el fuego muerde,

dejandonos heridas.

Pero esperame,

guardame tu dulzura.

Yo e dare tambien

una rose.

 

My love,

we have found each other

thirsty and we have

drunk  up all the water and the blood,

we have found each other

hungry

and we bit each other

as fire bites,

leaving wounds in us.

But wait for me,

keep for me your sweetness.

I will give you too

a rose.

Pablo Neruda

  

To My Lips, Wine

  

 

My hands trace the pale, smooth arc

that forms the curve of your waist,

along a narrow drop of

translucence.

Pale in beauty,

yet strong.

Fingers

entwined with care

along the slender stem,

that is you.

Within you,

the red substance,

of intoxication.

Held elegantly against

the sunshine of my

lips.

For you are the wine,

that creates the heady

heights,

of desire

to those who thirst.

The fruit of all needs and

wants,

held within the forbidden redness,

that offers food

to those who hunger.

A sea of red,

held upon a gentle stem,

that holds life,

and offers love.

For you are to my lips,

wine.

 

 

somewhere i have never travelled

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond

any experience, your eyes have their silence;

in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,

or which i cannot touch because they are too near

e.e. cummings (1894-1962)

Rolling Hills of Yellow Silk

 

Australia is a land of magical rolling hills and changing landscapes. There is a certain effort involved in finding the hidden gems that make up the towns and cities of Australia, but each hidden gem is worth the effort. The roads leading to these gems seem endless and without end, but like an oasis in the desert, small communities of humanity crop up at regular intervals. Without a doubt, all of your creature needs can be satisfied, namely cappuccino’s and latte’s at the ready no matter how small the town. Along with such creature comfort’s come friendly smiles, antique shop’s, small cafes and a comfy place to rest your head for the night.

Such a theme continues in the town’s of Dubbo and Gulgong. If you visit Dubbo, you must visit the Dubbo “jail”. This jail dates back to the turn of the century and gives traveller’s an idea of the fate of convicts who were destined to reside on the shores of Oz for the remainder of their short yet predetermined lives. That being said, in keeping with true Oz style, the performance is hilarious and at the same time educational. A perfect location to sit down, have a coffee, enjoy a bit of history and relax from the fast pace of life that exists in downtown Sydney.

Gulgong is the home of Henry Lawson. Famous poet and Australian writing icon. If you ever get the chance you must visit the Henry Lawson centre and museum in Gulgong.  The true essence of real Australia exists in the small towns and people that make up the people and culture of Australia. Gulgong doesn’t have much in terms of modern architecture but it makes up for it in small town charm and appeal. The beautiful solitude cannot be found anywhere else, and when the sun sets and twilight begins, your eyes are instantly drawn to the overwhelming beauty of the starry skies that can only be described as breathtaking in their  overall breadth and depth. The stars in the outback surpass any starry skies I have ever seen before in the world.

From Dubbo and Gulgong I made my way to Mudgee. Home of twenty or so wine cellars and endless rows of vines that create beautiful semillons and chardonnays. Mudgee is the home of fine Australia wines. If you ever  get the chance you must go on a wine tour. Of particular note is Frog Rock and Peter van Gent winery’s. From Frog Rock comes a succulent 2003 premium vintage white wine. And from Peter van Gent, a 2006 Matrix Chardonnay along with a borrowed grape from the German vine, a Muller-Thurgau 2006. Not to be eclipsed in terms of a fruity and aromatic white, comes a beautiful 2008 Mudgee Semillon from Huntington Estates.

Once a year Huntington Estates re-arranges their hard won wine oak barrels to make room for the classical sounds of a Sydney orchestra. What better way to celebrate the beautiful and sweet sounds of Australia’s best wines? Bravo I say, and if you ever get the chance, Huntington Estates Winery is a must see whilst visiting some of Australia’s best vines in Mudgee….

More wine to come…(After I sober up from being shnozelled…) Ah, Australia, how can I ever leave?