Williamstown

They say Williamstown is of parks, piers and pelicans.

My brother, a resident in Melbourne says we must visit the town to feel a little of the past. This sleepy cove was once a hive of activity in her hey days when the earliest settlement in Melbourne was recorded way back to the 1860s. It was a pleasant morning activity and perfect for old folks and people who are not growing any younger like us. Somehow we feel a need to learn of the past to observe the things of the present.

The streets are quiet and deserted but a pleasant change from the busyness in the city. Here you can walk casually without a need to hurry. Cars stop for you to cross the road.

A short explanation of the past is seen at the pier and how the first migrants shaped the future of the place. Australia is a favorite of many to migrate to...I read about the many who would risk their lives to reach her shores. Just yesterday the papers told me that many died the previous day when a boat capsized before reaching her shores. It has happened in the past and is still happening.

More glimpses here to tell of the main commercial activities of the past and how trade was carried out. I would assume fishing, trading and and agriculture would be the mainstay of the olden days here.

The almost forgotten shops along the water front. It must have once been a thriving town.

The old masonic hall up for sale. Someone creative will turn this place into a thing of the present?

I observe the small scale decorations put up for Christmas. Very quiet walkways.

Then we drove around to see the houses trying to see more of the past.

This is pretty neat and new.

Renovated and in good use for those who appreciate the town and still want to savor in the great ambiance of the clean and fresh air here.

Right int he heart of the town we witness the beauty of the shore.

Shipping is still the order of the day.

Do you see the birds and pelicans? They love the natural environment.

The pier in its splendor.

The past function of the waterfront is still in function today...

The serene parks around the town are great spots for reflections.

I also saw a school trip where girls wore lovely school uniform.The teachers are the same everywhere; behaving like shepherds all the way as I see them bringing the girls to the toilet and reminding them of things to do and not to do. Girls when they are young are so adorable; they listen and follow instructions.

This brought me back to the month of June when a group of students from Williamstown High school visited us; nostalgic.

The white and purple lilies are of a different species from the ones back home. They bloom large and lovely...the weather is the cause.

Right in the midst of the town is an information centre where tourists are given information about the town. The park is clean and neat...

...and perfect for my dear oldies to walk around. They still hold hands for survival 's sake for they might just fall... or...better still they appreciate each other more as they grow older knowing that that is what life is all about; you begin and end with each other minus the children you brought into the world.

Williamstown is renown for her fish and chips; and my dear husband is nuts over them.

The packaging though is unique. The fish and chips are packed in massive pieces of paper; perhaps to absorb the oh so much oil...

As we prepare to throw away the pieces of paper, I turned to my mother and asked: Don't these pieces of paper remind you of something of the past? Yes. I recalled. When I was a very little girl at 7 0r 8 I see the women folk folding papers like the ones above in shapes fit for use as menstruation pads. Mama reiterated that it was almost impossible for them to buy the luxurious cotton pads; way too expensive and so the women used paper pads instead. That is history. But a past to remind how the early people can survive and thrive under the most difficult situations.
Today, I am glad my father and mother have seen and savoured in some modern things making life so much more comfortable. My parents may be old but they teach me lessons which I reflect everyday.

Not every thing old is of no use.