Quirkbag Collection #17 – 17.10.25
I’ve been to Australia 3 times in my life. Once as a baby, of which I have no recollection.
Oops.
The next was when I was a kid, which I remember sand-surfing and dolphin feeding. But this, my milestone trip to Australia, is the freshest impression I have of the land down south.
Now for context, this wasn’t a vacation. It was a predominantly work-related trip, during which one day was reserved for some classic Australian-type experience. The trip marks the end of my service to the military and this chapter of life. It has been a lifetime jammed into 22 months. A milestone in both my life and this chapter, it earned a mention in my adventurous blog.
But if you’re wondering…yes, there are kangaroos. And koalas.
The Plane Ride… to Australia
Most people actively dislike plane rides. I absolutely enjoy the ride in the air. I had an empty 6h block of time when I could enjoy being present in the sky, travelling at 500km/h. And in-flight entertainment is always welcomed, even if the choices are ever so familiar.
Now I did catch ‘You’ve Got Mail’ for the first time on my departure. It wasn’t what I expected, but really, it’s a fun watch. (I slightly prefer ‘Sleepless In Seattle’…)
Most people also actively dislike airplane food. I think it’s a surprise to hear the menu when that once-elegant but currently scratched and janky mini-cart comes down the aisle. (It still pushes so smoothly though.) Usually, I’d go for something familiar-sounding, like ‘stewed beef‘ or a ‘western breakfast’. Anyone who has seen airplane food knows that there are fruits, bread, the main meal, and then the mystery item. That’s my favourite part.
The departure meal:
The Boring Work
For the sake of my sanity and readership, I shall not be describing the boring work. I shall task you to imagine 17 days of complete work. Your imagination of the work is as accurate as I’ll ever describe it. Yes, work and work.
Was there any significant moment in the blur of 17 days?
No…but yes. There was an occasional sunset (probably 2) that caught my eye as the sky faded into an enchanting blend of orange, pink and blue.
An honourable mention: breakfast in a canteen came with a choice of black coffee, milo and milk tea daily. Spoilt for choices here.
The Australian Adventure
Now, the one day of ‘vacation’ would seem incredibly wasted without seeing some of those well-loved native animals. So here we go with the furry mammals:
The Australian Adventure continues with the many wildlife creatures in the zoo. I also touched a snake, held a skink, and saw many peacocks, goats and ducks. Plenty of wildlife for a day.
I still cannot believe how many peacocks there are. They seem like rare pokemons to me. And yes, those peacocks really live up to expectations with their feathers.
It would be criminal not to try a steak in Australia, and I am certainly not wasting this opportunity to have a steak.
Thick steaks are just otherworldly compared to the local normal skinny steaks. And that mushroom sauce tasted of quality mushroom soup; it was pinnacle mushroom sauce.
I do appreciate some good Australian farm humour there.
The smoothest gelato I have tried is undoubtedly this:
It’s dangerously smooth because you’ll want another…after the fourth one.
Home Sweet Home
October 15, 2025.
Now, I must reveal the mystery element in my airplane meal on the return trip from Australia.
Yes. It’s a kitkat. Not just the usual small one, but the generous bigger one! Fancy that.
It’s also fitting as it seems to tell me ‘have a break’ as if it knows I am returning from a milestone trip.
For those that actively dislike plane rides, where else can you find a view like this?
At some 60000 ft in the air, everything else really seems to fade away. And it’s you, your thoughts and the beautiful endless horizon you can only glimpse at from below.
It’s serene.
Being away from home for weeks can feel lonely once in a while. But some moments I’ve had on this trip with others showed me how absence can make the heart grow fonder. It adds a layer of depth to the gratitude and appreciation I have. The experience lasts a lifetime, and with it, this chapter comes to an end.
They say a window opens when a door closes.
Another chapter would begin in due time (and I’ll probably add it into this blog as part of the adventure).
Until then, it’s home sweet home.
And go take more plane rides whenever possible.
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