Living on a boat, magnetic island part 2

Fred and I got along really well, he would sit and listen to me go on about the rat race of life that I didn't want, something he's heard from a lot of couch surfers. Some nights, even though electricity was limited he would stick his PC on and we would watch movies. He would pick me up from work on the shore with his dingy late at night and have an evening meal all prepared for me and joke that he would make an excellent house wife. At the start I'd feel a bit bad, a bit guilty that I was almost taking advantage of Fred's kindness but mark had said its something he enjoys doing. He whinges and grumbles sometimes but it keeps him busy having couch surfers over. I suppose that's what life's all about anyway isn't it, you need 2 things, Love and purpose. If you have just one of those then your alright. 

I noticed one day that Fred was managing his couch surfing site and had a request. "Great lets have them over!!" From then on I managed the site and responded to the requests for Fred since he said I may aswell be his receptionist as I'm the one who wants them over and he's happy either way (gotta love laid back fred) it gave us both something to talk about when they had left and I met some interesting folk, we took them on tours around the island when I had time off work, this included a visit to the wild koalas, the loraqueets feed at the YHA hostel at 4pm every day where a dozen of them would swarm on you for a bit of wet bread and the rock wallabies a short drive away where we would stop over at the local supermarket and pick up some carrots to feed them with. I always enjoyed taking some snaps of everyone at every stop, like who doesn't want a good photo of themselves?. i used to enjoy photography back home so it was always good to capture a moment where someone got their first close encounter with an aussie animal. The views along the drive were beautiful, Townsville could be seen or magnetic islands mountainous coast line. It always felt like I was on treasure island from the way the rocks all lay on top of one another and it held some paradise beaches, each with their own character. Depending on the waves direction some beaches would get huge waves, perfect for surfing and so much fun to jump through. It felt good to show backpackers around the island, like a proud house wife giving a grand tour of her beloved home because for a short time maggies really was my home, a beautiful haven. and even now at home as I'm writing this, maggies will still feel like a home to me. I got to know the locals at work and one time I even found myself at a locals "house party" - so I thought.

After finishing my shift I found chef Kelly sitting on a park bench near shore so I sat with him. He invited me to a party and others from work would be there. Great! I text Fred to let him know and that I would be staying at Kelly's that night so he didn't have to pick me up late. When we arrived I Introduced myself to the owners of the house and saw a couple of people from work so I felt a bit better. I got talking to someone I'd seen around the island a lot, a lad that dressed as a woman but had a bigger cleavage than me (not that that's hard to achieve) anyway, I proceeded to make everyone else (probably) feel awkward - I'm pretty good at that - and ask how on earth he/she achieved it. Sandy was awesome she was so outgoing and open about her sexuality, she didn't like labels and wasn't gay or bi or a female wanna be. She was just a lad who likes to dress as a girl. Her sense of style was brilliant. she was inspiring, I loved her! I admired her confidence and even got some tips on how to create bigger boobs. Funny times. She explained it was hard outside of the island because it was hard for people to accept her. Australia in general isn't very accepting of homosexuality. Racism was another issue but then I suppose you get a fair bit of it in the uk if you explore enough places. 

Another girl was performing a bit of a show, hooping, and someone started playing guitar. It was nice that so many of the locals got together like this and I wondered if there was a particular occasion. It seemed that I was the only one appreciating the performances around me and everyone else seemed to be deep In conversations. 

There was a medical outer house with a picture of a woman, that same picture was also outside the house in the garden and I started to wonder what sickness was so bad that someone had to have a medical centre in their own home? A girl just 15 years old came out to give a speech. She spoke of her mum and how much she loved her and the memory's she had of her. It was then I realised Kelly had invited me to an anniversary of someone's death. Fucking Kelly.... I felt so awkward and so disrespectful, till the girl giving the speech said her mum was all about having a good time, partying and living life to the full so the more the merrier. 

They put their mums playlist on that night and passed the bong around which I took part in before searching for Kelly to throttle him. He slipped me some vodka and I calmed down, then complained I drank all his vodka. So we went back to his and discussed my new part time job - cleaning his place. 

Kelly's apartment was the kind I was cleaning when I was woofing at Chris' so it was perfect. A refreshing sea breeze regularly swept the balcony that over looked another island in the distance, however this was all ruined by the chaotic mess in the place. At least it gave me a job though. 

I once locked myself out and Kelly was asleep and failed to hear me knock so Chris had to let me in. Chris was really lovely and chatty, more so now I wasn't living at his anymore and we had a bit of a catch up. That was the last time I would see him. Sometime after I finished cleaning I took advantage of where I was and relaxed in the jacuzzi or swam in the infinite pool which had the same island view as Kelly's balcony.  Oh man I miss those times. It's strange looking back because I know I was grateful then, I know how much I appreciated that very moment but I still wish I appreciated it more, like I didn't know how lucky I was. I wish I could capture a moment and re live It.