Purple Nurple

Purple Nurple on O'Grady Street, Melbourne, Vic., 2013

Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman on a wheel. It gives a woman a feeling of freedom and self- reliance.

-Susan B. Anthony, New York World, February 2, 1896

Many informal Internet sources will define “purple nurple” as any one of the following: a synonym for “titty twister,” a variety of cocktail drink, or just simply a rhyming word used when describing something that is purple. I suppose the latter is the most true for me. I looked into the rusty eyes of my newly acquired two-wheeler as we were whizzing down narrow Melbourne back streets when I named my bike, Purple Nurple.

It just came out of me!

I actually said it out loud with a smile. I couldn’t wait to throw my bike’s new name into casual conversation. I giggle just thinking about it. Let it be known that Purple Nurple’s given name is The Traveler, which I feel is exceedingly appropriate for both the bike and the rider.

I love this bike. It’s rugged, it provides a smooth ride, it only has one set of brakes so I never commit to high speeds, and let’s not forget … it’s purple! Riding Purple Nurple makes me feel like Skipper. Barbie has the pink bike, but Skipper has got to have purple. It’s just the law. I always felt a bit more like Skipper anyway. She was shorter, like me. She always had comfy, loose crop tops (which are back in style, just sayin’), and she was usually super tan – probably because she was young and carefree and just couldn’t be bothered applying that second coat of sun screen while hanging out with her friends at the skate park listening to music on a plastic boom box.

The Purple Nurple and I have been hittin' the streets of Melbourne together for a solid week now, and we’re going strong. Purple Nurple reminds me that a bike can really open up my world. I have suddenly developed a new perspective on this city! Curiously, Melbourne’s motto is Vires Acquirit Eundo, which in its original Roman context translates as, “In her freedom of movement lies her power, and she gathers strength with her going” (www.melbourne.vic.gov.au). While I have not been the only partner Purple Nurple has kept over the years, I hope that our time together will provide us with unique and memorable journeys. Lent to me by a family friend, I selected Purple Nurple out of a choice of two bikes. I originally chose Purple Nurple based on gear-switching ability, which is excellent. However, I can already see the list of Purple Nurple’s attributes growing. 

Enjoying the ride, 

Little G

Aotearoa

Me on the Flying Fox, Wangnui, New Zealand, 2013. Photo by Peter.

Kia ora! I have recently returned to Melbourne after a two-week journey through Aotearoa (New Zealand). New Zealand was unique, spectacular, and humbling in many ways. I am thankful to have been a guest in Aotearoa. So, in no particular order, I am going to list a few of the things I grew to love about New Zealand. Please enjoy. I hope you will go and see for yourself.

1. Playgrounds. New Zealand does not, evidently, have an issue with liability when it comes to playgrounds. Therefore, all of the playgrounds are like a dream come true for children … and adults who still feel like children. Ropes and tunnels, swings and zip lines! At home, in the United States, they’d charge money to play at parks like these. In New Zealand, everyone is welcome. I still remember feeling disappointed when they dismantled the “Spider Web” and the “Spaceship” at the parks near my grandmother’s house in Willmar, MN.
2. Lookouts. In every city there are things to climb. Even in the smallest of New Zealand towns, there is a naturally occurring piece of land that is climbable. Whether it be a national park, a dormant volcano, or a cathedral atop a hill, New Zealand’s cities offer the visitor and the local an opportunity to feel they’ve seen things from a slightly new perspective.
3. Stubbies. The word “stubbies” describes a style of shorts for men that are shorter than average. Stubbies are common and practical for all.
4. Museums. Perhaps it is because I was a tourist, but I took full advantage of New Zealand’s museums. I went to the Auckland Art Museum twice. Having worked in a museum, I have an enormous amount of respect for the people who maintain and manage museums. I also value the opportunity to be a visitor. I spent multiple days allowing myself to be completely immersed in museum-ness. It feels good to be inside the warm embrace of a museum, knowing that each inch of the place has the potential to change your view, open your eyes, confirm your values, or teach you something. I feel youthful when inside of a museum. I let myself go. There is no time, no rush, and no right or wrong. The primary purpose is to absorb new knowledge and to see beauty in new and old things.
5. Water. Rivers, lakes, oceans, and sulfur springs. New Zealand has a wonderful habit of reminding you to look toward the water for direction and guidance. 

Freckles and Scabs

I remember my summers as a young girl. I frolicked endlessly in the thick humidity that reigns over Minnesota from June to September. I was always covered in freckles and scabs. The freckles were everywhere. The scabs, on my knees. Perhaps that’s why I feel so content sitting on this bed in my home away from home in Melbourne. I am once again covered in freckles and scabs.

I have been in Australia for over two weeks and have received so much generosity from my family: my aunt, uncle, and cousins, not to mention the new friends I’ve met along the way. Earlier this week, however, I was traveling alone, and my brain slowed down and began to process my experiences thus far. Walking back full-handed from the small town grocery on Stradbroke Island, just as a warm rain was starting to fall … I fell. I fell quick and hard onto the gravel. Like many people do when they trip or fall, I popped back up within milliseconds to avoid public pity. As I proceeded to walk toward the scenic, beach route back to the backpackers hostel, I looked down at my scraped knee and stubbed toe. Blood started to drip down my leg and was already pooling up between my sandal and my foot. As the rain dragged the blood further and further down my shin, I gave in. A few tears fell from my eyes as I set my bags down on the wet sand. I stared off toward the seemingly endless sea. As it raged, I wondered why I felt so defeated.

I washed my wounds in the salt water. Wave after wave reminded me to hold my head high. I didn’t feel like the little-girl version of myself that evening, I just felt like myself. Traveling brings up emotions because we’re soaking in so many new things. We’re hot or we’re cold, we’re enlightened or we’re saddened. Most of all, traveling helps me put my life into perspective. When I am abroad, I am able to further appreciate the foundation of love I have in my home country and I am challenged by the ways my ideas and perspectives take shape in a new context, in a new country, in a new community. I didn't feel sad that evening on the beach, I just needed to remind myself to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. While I could never count the billions of freckles that have resurfaced on my body since arriving in Australia, I can assure you I will pick at my scab!