Crystal Castle

I've been itching to do the light house walk again, so this morning I made the trek at 6:00 am...from my house. I definitely underestimated how far my house was from the light house, but I felt extremely accomplished when I finished the 2 hour hike. Can't say I'll do it again, but it was a great way to kick off my weekend! Had a beautiful view of my favorite beach!

After my hike, I headed off to Crystal Castle. I've been taking advantage of Helen's car while she's away in Melbourne. Crystal Castle is a private botanical garden filled with extraordinary crystals collected from around the world. It's a place of reflection and meditation as crystals are believed to have special energy and healing powers. It took me a full two hours to go through the entire property. I first visited the Stupa, a sacred monument built by the Tibetan Buddhists to represent universal divinity. I did the Stupa walk in which you walk around the structure three times, clockwise, at a steady pace, spinning the prayer wheels which releases the prayers of the monks into the universe.

I then did a reflexology walk which involves walking barefoot on cobblestones. It based on the principle that there are specific reflex areas on the hands and feet that are linked to the internal organs and other parts of the body. Completing these walks is said to enhance your well-being. I also completed a walk through the labyrinth and I found the significance of it very interesting. Labyrinths are designed as a form of meditative inquiry, an entrance into sacred time and space to seek insight or inspiration.The winding path that takes one to the centre is symbolic of entering the unknown. It becomes a metaphor for your journey of self-inquiry. It was interesting because the information plaque said that labyrinths were being built in schools to calm anxious students and behavioral issues.

I then went and saw the world's tallest geodes. They were spectacular! The view behind them was equally beautiful. This geode was created millions of years ago when a giant bubble formed inside a molten lava flow. Over time the lava cooled and hardened and mineral rich water seeped through the hard rock exterior. The water evaporated or leached out of the rock leaving behind tiny mineral deposits. As millions of years passed, these iron rich deposits grew really slowly forming beautiful lavender amethysts.

Lastly, I completed the Buddha walk which had sculptures of Indian deities and the most beautiful bamboo forrest I've ever seen.

During my time at Crystal Castle, I met an American woman who had just moved to Melbourne from Seattle back in January. She had moved alone and said she was adjusting much better than she thought. She said she moved to Australia because she felt that Australia functioned for the people, not for businesses like America. She raved about the health care, her paid vacation time, retirement being paid on top of salary, etc. The one thing that bugged her though was Australian's lack of urgency. She thinks they're very lackadaisical compared to her co-workers back in the US. We had a create conversation while eating lunch and a little friend stopped by to eat with us!

Overall a great day!