Oscar ain't the first

I doubt that Oscar the cat is the first one to have proven he knows when elderly nursing home residents are about to die. In fact, the last cat we had at work (prior to the one we have now) reportedly exhibited exactly the same behaviour. In the last hours of the person's life, he would come into the ward and sleep next to the dying resident on their bed. This provided peace of mind to the nurses (who cannot always stay at the bedside of the dying) to know that none of the residents would die alone.

Now, of course, everybody is asking how the cats know with such accuracy when a person is going to die. Do they recognise some smell or substance that is released in the hours prior to death? Or perhaps a change in the resident's activity? Secondly, what explains the behaviour of the cat? Does it really sense that the dying need company, or is it motivated by its own needs, such as warmth?

In any case, this is a really strange phenomenon, and I'll be interested to see what scientists come up with to explain it. All in all, it probably suggests that cats are more deserving of the title "man's best friend".

Journeys in Iceland

OK, so perhaps Iceland is a bit harsh, but Gippsland is close enough to the real thing. This is where I spent last weekend, and it was a good trip all round: apart from the ice factor of course.

I took a few pictures from the relative warmth of the train, and then enjoyed the scenery, which in Gippsland is quite beautiful at this time of the year.

Gippsland is where I was born, and who knows? I might end up going back there one day. But for now, I'll enjoy the warmer parts of Victoria. One month to go until spring!

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I shall return...

I have returned! The three weeks I just spent in the Philippines was awesome to say the least, one of my best trips so far. I got some really good photos too, which I might post for you.

So here I am, back here, adjusting to Australian life again. I really miss my Filipino friends (saying goodbye gets harder every time). I also miss the balmy weather of the Philippines (oh my gosh, it is so freezing here!), and I miss the close-knit community-culture of the islands. I miss the food (cereal is really bland after you've eaten fish for breakfast every morning), and I think my body is struggling to adjust to the lack of rice. I miss beautiful Philippines, and everything that happens when we go there.

However, I am getting used to this adjustment time - I know that fairly soon I'll be back into the swing of things here, and I will begin to anticipate my next journey to the Phils (yes, 'I shall return').

For now I am focusing on reaching out and really loving my friends and family here. I have some great people in my life, and after being in the Philippines I have realised how much many of my relationships lack true expression of love, the kind that is so readily expressed by my friends in the Philippines. I know I'm blessed to have experienced another culture, because all cultures have weaknesses, and I can take and use the strengths of another to enhance my own.

So bear with me over the next few weeks - I will return to regular blogging very soon (probably not long after I start studying. Haha...).