The Beach
Australia
The Australian beach is a fertile Information ground. I have lived at the beach since 1998 and have observed the social interactions of locals with locals, locals with visitors and visitors with visitors. Regulars who sit in the same spot start chatting. I have met a fabulous group I call “The Juicy Crones” – women in their 80s. Amazing life stories, many of travel . One, an 80 year old sole traveler to Patagonia who in the seventies had overlanded from Britain to Afghanistan and hasn’t stopped travelling since. They tell of fabulous spots to visit, family and social history etc. Many of their stories are poignant but are told with wisdom and humour. I feel so privileged to be trusted with their reminiscences. These are feisty women still engaged in active living who have much to offer in information exchanges. Young families meet and greet sharing local news.
Shan Kelly
Faculty Librarian (Education)
University of the Sunshine Coast