Today’s travel was filled with unexpected delights! En route to Rockhampton, I chanced upon the charming village of Marlborough. The impromptu detour turned out to be absolutely worthwhile. Despite the overcast skies, the rain held off, allowing me to embark on an exploration of this hidden gem.
After refreshing myself at the gas station where I arrived yesterday evening, I turned left onto the highway, eagerly continuing my journey south. The anticipation grew as I approached Rockhampton, knowing that I was on the verge of reuniting with my family.
Back on the Road
Shortly before departing from the gas station, I took the opportunity to load some songs onto my USB stick using my laptop. Over the past few days, I had grown weary of the lengthy radio conversations dominating the Australian radio channels, with limited music offerings. Now, I could enjoy some of my favorite rock songs, as radio hosts in Australia seemed to have a penchant for extended conversations.
The roads stretched out in solitude, and the weather improved as the journey headed south. After an hour, a decision was made to take a break at a gas station for a restroom visit. A large greyhound bus surrounded by a group of tourists caught my attention, highlighting the freedom to go and stop at my own pace. Taking a seat for a while, water was sipped, and a macadamia white chocolate cookie from Coles a few days ago was savored. While relishing the delicious cookies, interactions among German tourists were observed. After ten minutes of people-watching, I resumed my journey, constantly amazed by the vastness of Australia.
I continued to drive, covering miles after miles. Eventually, I decided to pull over for a quick phone call. I informed my grandaunt that I would be arriving in Rockhampton around 2 pm. An hour later, I made a spontaneous stop at Marlborough, a quaint village located just 80 kilometers before Rockhampton. I parked the car and took a stroll through the village.
Marlborough Famous for its Chrysoprase
Marlborough appeared to be a small and somewhat deserted village. The charming houses and well-kept lawns caught my attention. As I explored, I came across a museum and decided to pay the 2 AUD fee to go inside.
During my exploration of Marlborough, I discovered that it is one of the two places in the world where candala chrysoprase, an apple-green mineral, is mined. Notably, famous personalities adorn themselves with jewelry made from this distinct mineral. After taking some pictures and absorbing the intriguing details, I returned to my car, having spent a brief but captivating 30 minutes in Marlborough.
Arrival in Rockhampton
Continuing my journey, I unexpectedly began feeling quite drowsy after just 10 minutes on the road. As the drowsiness intensified, I found myself nodding off while behind the wheel, realizing the urgency of pulling over. Aware that microsleeps could occur if I persisted in driving, I ironically recalled passing fatigue warning signs earlier on the road. Without delay, I stopped at the first available rest stop and took a 30-minute nap. Upon opening my eyes, I felt rejuvenated, allowing me to resume my drive and reach Rockhampton 30 minutes later.
Interesting tidbit: Did you know that Rockhampton is commonly known as the “Beef Capital of Australia”? Boasting a rich history in cattle farming, the city pays homage to its affinity for beef through the yearly “Beef Australia” festival. Don’t pass up the opportunity to savor some delectable steak during your visit!
Tourist Information and Shopping
Australia’s tourist information services are exceptional; nearly every sizable town boasts a tourist information center conveniently situated on the main road. Opting to visit the Rockhampton information desk, I inquired about obtaining a map and sought recommendations on noteworthy attractions. Additionally, I sought directions to the local shopping center. The attendant graciously provided the information, concluding our interaction with the customary inquiry about my nationality for their customer research records.
Upon departing, my initial stop was at Rockhampton’s mall. Parking in the underground lot, I strolled through the shopping center, intent on finding gifts for my family. My mother had suggested a bottle of port wine for my granduncle and either shampoo or perfume for my grandaunt. Ascending the escalator, I entered a liquor store where the attendant guided me towards popular brands. Opting for a bottle that exuded elegance and carried a higher price tag, I made my selection.
Exiting the shop, within the mall corridor, I came across a perfume stand, a quintessentially American touch. Consulting the attendant for gift suggestions and sharing details about my aunt, she directed me to a suitable gift package, which I promptly wrapped.
Meeting my Grantaunt and Grantuncle
Despite it being 2 pm, I was well aware of the route in Rockhampton. Locating my grandaunt and uncle’s house was straightforward, but the numerous traffic lights posed a hindrance, causing a delay of around 20 minutes in my arrival.
As I drove into the street, I spotted my uncle standing outside. Offering a warm greeting, I parked the car on the premises. My familiarity with my grandaunt and granduncle was limited; we had only exchanged greetings once when they visited my parents in Holland. Unfortunately, on that day, I couldn’t stay and chat as I had to work at my part-time job in the restaurant. It’s interesting how the money I earned from those countless Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at work contributed to making this journey possible. Now, standing here and having finally met my family on the other side of the world, I realize it was all worth it.
My aunt Leny and uncle Clemens are wonderful! They greeted me warmly with a cup of tea, and we had a delightful conversation about my journey. Later, my uncle took care of my dirty clothes and washed them, showing incredible hospitality. I already felt a strong connection with them. In the evening, my aunt prepared a traditional Dutch meal with vegetables and potatoes, a refreshing change from my travel diet. It was a wholesome and satisfying dinner that reminded me to incorporate more vegetables into my meals. I went to bed around 10 pm, looking forward to visiting the nearby zoo the next day.
