Broome

I have happy memories of Broome. I was here for a university placement in Broome hospital as a student.  I swam daily at Cable Beach then, and cycled everywhere. I remember friends visiting, evening glasses of red wine overlooking Roebuck Bay, night markets during full moon and travelling north to Cape Leveque with my brother. It was a shelter and a time apart. I developed fatigue already then. It was the heat.  Perhaps I was already unwell long before I realised.  

I feel at home here again though much has changed.  My family instantly like it here too. I let go of plans with my brothers, their families and my parents. My body needs time here.  I feel sad to miss this rare chance to be together; especially here.  Eventually I join them though it takes time to feel more than a shadow.  Travelling always highlights the weakness. But we're here.  Eventually I make it to the beach for a swim and an evening picnic on the foreshore. We watch the sunset and the line of camels pass toward the beach.  We listen to local musicians; an anti-fracking protest concert. John Butler plays that evening too but I've long been in bed. 

Broome is busy these days but it still feels relaxed. There's something about the colours and the light; a kind of soothing warmth and playful joy that is infectious here.