Inverloch beach, February 9 2019. Photos: Robert Kenyon
The skies were black and the wind icy as Etsuko Yasunaga joined a team of volunteers on Inverloch beach to share the joys of surfing with those who usually miss out.
 Etsuko Yasunaga came from Japan to Australia with a suitcase, a little savings and a little English. These days she is happy to call Inverloch home. By Etsuko Yasunaga
MY YEAR 2018 started with an accident, a very painful one. It was January 4th, day one of our bike ride trip. We were nearing our destination for the day. A friend suddenly called out “SNAKE!”. I reacted, and squeezed the handbrakes as hard as I could, on the gravel road. I skidded, and landed heavily on my right shoulder. The dust enveloped my body in a horizontal position. One moment ago, I was riding my bike strongly, and I was enjoying the sense of freedom. Next minute, I was helplessly lying on the ground. I was still in the state of the shock, and didn’t feel much pain. As soon as I started to move; however, the pain was piercing. Even breathing hurt. My collarbone was broken.  Etsuko Yasunaga came from Japan to Australia with a suitcase, a little savings and a little English. These days she is happy to call Inverloch home. By Etsuko Yasunaga
ON RETURN from our recent holiday in France and Italy, I was happy to be back in the spaciousness and quiet of Inverloch. Travelling is always an eye-opener for a curious mind. Different places, different languages and different foods stimulated me immensely. I embraced the whole experience of travelling. Although not everything was rosy, I tried to stay positive. We visited many incredible places, walked hilltop paths with superb views, and tasted delectable local produce. I was delighted when local people understood my tentative French. In one way six weeks went like in the blink of an eye, yet six weeks were quite a long time to be away from home. When I saw the lush green hills of Gippsland, and the bright colour of the water from the window of the VLine bus, the feeling of homecoming was intense. |