I’ve imaged Byron to be some hippie enclave where all the shops are beach huts, there’s drumming in the town square and everyone’s happy and beautiful living in a palmed paradise. It is stunning; everywhere you look is a perfect thousand mile white beach with surfers riding on wave after curling wave and the scenery is emerald green like “Jungle Book” but the town has done what all artist towns do; sell out. One rainbow, tie die, dream-catcher, plastic Buddha, surf shop after another and my beloved hippies burnt to a crisp in the brain department. There’s one wandering down the street carrying a stuffed dog in an afro wig and his pants around his ankles, there’s another playing a folk song on one note with a back-up flute player imitating dolphin sounds dressed pirate-ish. I went to a tourist site called Crystal Palace where you pay 30 dollars to wander around landscaped gardens dotted with crystals; not tiny ones I’m talking the size of a big walrus which in the gift shop go for (You’ll be happy to know there was a 30% sale) only $7,000. If you couldn’t afford that, luckily there were cheaper dream-catchers and your compulsive plastic fairy or Buddha. It’s good to know the dream is still alive, though it’s probably better if you’re stoned. I have also always dreamt of seeing a whale and was told there were hundreds of them podding or whatever they do. I go to the lighthouse and see a fin. I’m trying again today so I’ll get back to you.
I’m lying here in Byron Bay freezing to death in the rainforest after doing a show last night where the sound system turned my voice into Darth Vader half way through but like a trooper I played on because that’s what you do on a stage when all around you is chaos; play on and think to yourself “Fuck it.” How I got here was I was booked to go to Sydney to do a talk on the brain and the what it can do to you if you don’t whip it back into it’s cage, which lasted an hour (I have never gone that far to do a talk so this is a record). I thought it might be stupid to just get on a plane for 27 hours do a hours talk and fly back. Call me crazy but I thought: That’s nuts. So I’ve wanted to come To Byron Bay for 20 years and they just had a book festival so they said I could come and do some of my show and sell some books.
I’ve imaged Byron to be some hippie enclave where all the shops are beach huts, there’s drumming in the town square and everyone’s happy and beautiful living in a palmed paradise. It is stunning; everywhere you look is a perfect thousand mile white beach with surfers riding on wave after curling wave and the scenery is emerald green like “Jungle Book” but the town has done what all artist towns do; sell out. One rainbow, tie die, dream-catcher, plastic Buddha, surf shop after another and my beloved hippies burnt to a crisp in the brain department. There’s one wandering down the street carrying a stuffed dog in an afro wig and his pants around his ankles, there’s another playing a folk song on one note with a back-up flute player imitating dolphin sounds dressed pirate-ish. I went to a tourist site called Crystal Palace where you pay 30 dollars to wander around landscaped gardens dotted with crystals; not tiny ones I’m talking the size of a big walrus which in the gift shop go for (You’ll be happy to know there was a 30% sale) only $7,000. If you couldn’t afford that, luckily there were cheaper dream-catchers and your compulsive plastic fairy or Buddha. It’s good to know the dream is still alive, though it’s probably better if you’re stoned. I have also always dreamt of seeing a whale and was told there were hundreds of them podding or whatever they do. I go to the lighthouse and see a fin. I’m trying again today so I’ll get back to you.
10 Comments
22/8/2013 09:09:22 am
Wow Ruby, ya Down Under, am envious. Check out Holster jellies (shoes not jelly fish!). They are flip flops with "bling". Just got x4 pairs sent by courier to London from Aus, Belinda
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Jilly
22/8/2013 09:15:45 am
Hope you have a better day today.
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mick riley
22/8/2013 10:13:08 am
you have to go get some bread from the holy grain in Byron near woollies-say hi to buff and trezzy.....
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22/8/2013 10:20:14 am
Welcome back to Oz, Ruby! Thanks for all that you are doing to promote mental health awareness & mindfulness (I'm in the same field). Wish you had time to travel around the greater Byron area- some gems around there, & less plastic :) Soak up the sunshine & safe travels home.
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22/8/2013 12:03:20 pm
Aloha Ruby… I would like to introduce myself to you my name is Toni Childs… I am a simple massively creative nut case who goes for the impossible and improbable and makes it happen. My husband and myself would like to invite you to dinner at our home while you’re here. If you need my pedigree in order to know I am a lovely respectable nut case, google me and check out my website…
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Tuntable James
22/8/2013 04:44:02 pm
For Hippies and Drumming, Ruby, tonight is your night - go to Nimbin. Not Far, but a long way.
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22/8/2013 05:30:19 pm
Your always welcome to come and chat about the contemporary shamanic approach to acute sensitivity... and walk New Brighton beach :-)
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Pat
22/8/2013 08:32:26 pm
When I walked into the theatre last night, I found it very interesting that you were already seated, drinking a cuppa and observing the audience as they entered. Your words resonated, and I have resolved to implement what I can from your book and your talk. Thank you for sharing.
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Fab Cal
25/8/2013 12:12:39 am
Ruby, it's a pity you came in the middle of winter. I guarantee the balmy evenings of spring and summer will bring out a different spirit and yes the drumming circles at the sunset point and multitudes of street musicians who will offer you more than you expected - including Byron Bay street corner musos who are just as likely to be playing in the clubs of NYC in August! Sorry you didn't get the best of it. Come back in summer...
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