Bangalow Bungalows

A pretty town close to Byron Bay, not so pretty in my book, is Bangalow. Here again we see the lovely colonial style 30s bungalows with wide decks and overhanging roofs. Mostly wood and tin built they are. Several upmarket shops to be found here. A great music shop and interior shop, a little Japanese shop with a friendly Ozzie proprietor and a Tibetan shop with the most gorgeous contemporary Tankas at suitable prices. The proprietor let it down a bit by putting out a vibe of "I've been there, you haven't" I thought. This contrasted to the Afghani shop where the owner narrated his love of the Afghani people and his travels there with a bodyguard.

Highlight of the week was meeting Camille, for such a short time admittedly, but looking well and seemingly content with Byron. Her and Darren have a lovely appartment near the beach . I can't wait to see her again in Auckland and make the trip to Tahiti and Marquesas with them.

Meanwhile we have returned to Bellingen where we have a week of quiet. I have started, very tentatively, to paint on a very small scale. It feels cosy to be home in our wooden chalet and listening to the torrential rain on the roof.

Thinking of all dear family and friends in Ireland. It is so good to get the odd text and snippet of news. If they were not there there is a strong case for living in this vast land.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om