A Quiet Morning with Coffee
At eight o’clock, I slowly woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. My host had kindly prepared two cups, and with the first sip, caffeine rushed through my body, clearing away the last traces of sleep.
Thanks to that, I was able to work with unusual focus throughout the morning. Breakfast was simple—two slices of bread topped with honey and peanut cream. After yesterday’s “Vegemite mistake,” I chose more carefully and ate with ease.
Places a Bicycle Cannot Reach
Before noon, my host suggested we go out. The sky was brilliantly clear, the kind of blue that made me long to ride my bicycle. Still, I trusted his suggestion when he said, “These are places you can’t reach so easily by bike.”
We drove along the coast to a spot known for the discovery of dinosaur fossils, including those of the Tyrannosaurus. Few tourists were there, so the wide sky and calm sea felt like they belonged only to us. On the beach, a local man scanned the horizon with a telescope, hoping to spot a whale. In this area, sightings are not unusual.
A Giant Stingray at the Jetty
Next, we walked the length of a jetty that stretched far into the sea. At the end, something caught my eye—a massive stingray gliding effortlessly beneath the water’s surface. Its size was overwhelming, easily larger than my own height if measured vertically. Watching its slow, graceful movements reminded me of the vastness and mystery of the ocean.
Sushi in Australia
Later, we stopped by a supermarket to pick up sushi for lunch. Expecting rolls like California rolls, I was surprised to find trays of fresh salmon nigiri that looked closer to what I knew from Japan. It was an unexpected delight, and I savored the familiar taste of the sea in this distant place.
The Beginning of a Journey with Flowers
In the afternoon, we visited a home improvement store, where I bought seeds and small plants for gardening. Over the course of this journey, I have received food, clothing, and countless acts of kindness from strangers. I wanted to give something back.
That is why I decided to carry flowers on my bicycle—to grow them during the journey and give them to people along the way. “Traveling with flowers” may sound like a small idea, but for me, it has a clear purpose: to share gratitude in a living, growing form.
Fish and Chips and Deep Conversation
In the evening, my host brought back fish and chips from a local shop. The crispy batter, tender white fish, and warmth of the simple meal filled me with comfort.
That night, we talked about politics, music, and the reasons behind my journey. Even with my imperfect English, I felt our thoughts and values connected. In just three nights and four days, we had built a bond of real understanding.
As the night grew late, I caught myself thinking, “I wish tomorrow wouldn’t come.” That is how precious this short time together had become.
