O'neill Trip to Morocco!

Does it matter where we come from? It defines who we are, but it should not invite prejudice remarks or negative experiences.

When different beliefs, backgrounds and languages meet an explosion of adventure is created.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful big white house that stood tall on the dry cliff side of Imssouane. It was surrounded by multitudes of deprived soil and faced one of the most perfect right hand breaks ever to be seen. It was full of exciting people who had travelled from Spain, France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia and Switzerland; and consisted of 12 happy girls and only 2 men. Writers, photographers, surfers, no matter the profession, we all shared the eagerness to open our eyes to the Moroccan surfing lifestyle.

Imssouane, a small fishing village, was the office to the working men of the Moroccan families who lived in the larger towns a few miles away. The streets were destitute of women and it was a shock to the sea goers to see so many of the opposite sex. Confidence in numbers is what approved our short skirts and brief tops and the ever inviting sun to bronze in our bikinis was simply irresistible.

Morocco=

Waves. Tangines. Fresh fish. Beach football with locals. Lazing by the pool. Repetition of assalamu alaikum (peace be upon you). Perfecting arabic skills. Lack of internet. Tandem surfing in bikini. French banter with territorial locals. Dirt roads. Burn outs in hire cars. Goats in trees. Hot sand. Burnt feet. Translating. Early mornings. Late nights. Extremely sweet mint tea. Unpredictable electricity. Itchy/lonesome street dogs. Smiling. Photos. Laughter. And some more laughter.

BoardXhouse.com

Transformation of the Lingual Mind

From a young age I have been interested in languages and travel. I have always been fascinated by the fact that different sounds form different words uniquely in each country. At school, I learnt Japanese to a high level and unfortunately now I struggle to understand a simple conversation. I am determined to become fluent in French before moving on to the next language. I am proud of my progression in 2 weeks and I thank those who have helped and for their patience.

Normally, I am a chatterbox, I love a good ol' chat, and it was such a great experience in France to shut up for once and listen to someone else's in depth opinion. I was able to take it all in, compare beliefs internally and respond briefly. Although it does amaze me how many words are the same in French as English, they just open their mouths more and pronounce the words with such flare and precision. It's as though they take pride in enunciating every word to its full potential rather than the English mumble where the word lazily rolls out of our mouths.

Dear Lingual Mind,

I know you have already started to experience confusion, but I would promptly like to inform you that it's just the beginning. The search for english words will no longer be automatic, the action of forgetting will no longer be rare and the dual carriage way of French and English will be a bumpy ride. Hang on, hopefully it won't take too long! We're in this together!

Love Raine x

Vive la France!

Waking up at dawn to the laughter of Kookaburras is a beautiful part of living in Australia. I've always wondered why they're laughing? at whom? or what?

Is it because they're mischievously disrupting the dreams of humans? or do they have a special role in the magnificent ecosystem we live in?

The sounds of les petits oiseaux (the little birds) in France will forever remain as a fond memory. I can not wait to return to Hossegor and settle in a comfy place in which I can wake up to the sound of the sweet birds. I love the French lifestyle, language and it's people. Such a romantic air is breathed, and the welcoming sensation I felt while I was there is indescribable.

We all know I'm not one to go crazy in the social scene, however I do like to open my arms to anyone within close proximity. I love to learn, listen and get an understanding about anyone and everyone. Even though I'm a believer of not poisoning one's true self with alcohol, I am genuinely glad to be reconnected with everyone from Dick's Sand Bar and to have a French family. (I know I am a major hypocrite and truthfully I like to believe I don't drink, but out of all honesty it's because I don't have a mature palette, whether it's expensive, good quality, dry fruity, goon, or pure crap, I can't tell the difference! Although I do like a nice mojito.)

Spending only one week in the beautiful town I love I was able to reunite with old friends and commence building new friendships. I can't wait to return and have a great summer!

bon anniversaire Sophie!! 14th May 2010

Ugg Boots in Amsterdam

The Ugg Boot, a well crafted, soft, woollen boot that should not be worn with anything but trackies, pyjamas and casually down to the corner store to grab some milk. Surprisingly, the ugg boots that are imported to Holland have lost this tag in customs and so the Dutch are left unaware of the rules of the comfortable boot. These boots being "comfortable" are meant to be worn in a comfortable fashion not as an alternative to leather boots, heels and other outgoing shoes. Day time is not so bad, but in bars, pubs and clubs, not acceptable!

The Dutch girls are beautiful! Always well dressed, groomed and with their long flowing hair and black eye lashes fluttering at their not so attractive partner, they should realise that after all their efforts they do come crashing down finishing a fashionable look off with uggies. Ultimate no no!

Red Light District

Once upon a time sex was a spiritual bonding and a way of expressing the emotion of love. Today for just €50 for 15 mins you boys can cut the bullshit of dates, flowers, and seduction and head straight on in. If you've got the cash.

Sex has become part of the materialistic world. Red used to symbolise love and passion it is now an attractive light that lures the sick minded to the half naked girls who wait in their windows...

The body is a temple, what these men and women believe must not be as important as the service provided. The world has evolved so much that we can not put a price on a natural action that creates families.

And family is where love resonates.

Diary Excerpt - Amsterdam

Amsterdam was a shock from the very first second, after being in a city that was so humid, walking off the plane and into the freezing air was a great awakening to all the senses.

Instead of modern high rise buildings there was an intense history oozing from the Dutch walls.

Instead of continuous car horns and the fast pedestrian crossing sound there was a swift sound of trams and a harsh dutch accent passing by.

I can't say I tasted the traditional dutch food, fried everything with carbs on the side isn't my kind of thing, however I did try a herring with onion and pickle, that was different, I wouldn't say yummy but an experience in itself to try a delicacy.

Amsterdam didn't have a particular smell, however the variety of seeded, organic, wholemeal, not wholemeal, spelt breads had that lovely fresh baked bread aroma which brought a rush of warmth in the crisp air.

I arrived in Amsterdam on Thursday morning and was straight into the office. It was really good to meet everyone from O'neill Europe. I met the whole of the women's design team which was great to go through the new range. Everything with O'neill has been very positive and I'm excited to have a successful year with them by my side.

Friday night was a night out with the girls, dinner then drinks and then on to a club to show the Dutch some Aussie moves. I think I got a good understanding of the way they party, pretty similar to Aus, simply drink, drink, dance, drink some more and then see if you can dance. It was good to sit back and watch it unfold.

Saturday I was taken around the city centre, got lost in the similar looking streets and canals, rummaged through the wacky flea markets, pushed our way through the hoards of spectators cheering the big bike tour, dodged the many pedestrians on our bikes and soaked up the Dutch vibe. It was a long day but we pretty much covered every street and viewed the many statues who stood tall with the silence of their meaning; while I snapped a few shots here and there pretending I had some profound knowledge of the story behind them.

A Letter of Apology

Dear Dutch Bicycle lane users,

I would sincerely like to inform you that there is a reason why the hired bikes in Amsterdam are red.

The colour red is eye catching and is commonly used on signs displaying danger, for example, STOP, No Entry, Caution Danger etc.

Unfortunately, other countries do not have the great infrastructure nor the flat grounds for bicycle lanes and so have not been brought up with great talent manoeuvring the two wheeled contraptions.

We admire your skill and I, on behalf of all the retards that explore your beautiful city would like to apologise for causing frustration and traffic in your efficient lanes.

Kind regards,

Raine Jackson

Diary Excerpt - Hong Kong 2

As we entered the clouds in the cable car time seemed to slow down, the eery travel up to the Buddha just became uneasy and definitely turned a nice cruise up the mountain side into an adrenalin filled carnival ride. Once at the top Veronica and I watched an informative movie which explained the story of Siddhārtha and how he searched for the feeling of pure being. We trekked up the millions of stairs to visit his statue, it was massive and unfortunately due to the weather it was difficult to see him entirely. It is incredible that a certain person, religion or way of living brings people from all different backgrounds, irrespective of language or belief to learn about others.

The action of opening you eyes every morning is an invitation to knowledge, for it to proceed into the conscience brain.

www.samedmonds.com

Check out the other profile shots and theres more to come!

Diary Excerpt - Hong Kong

After a horrendous start to the beginning of a fun time away, I have realised it was all meant to happen this way! Yeah I may not have clothes for a few days in a city that is only 13°C, Amsterdam, but it was all meant to happen like this. After releasing about 100 buckets of water from my tear ducts everything has turned a full 180°, I was very fortunate to sit next to a young man named Dave. Major help at the HK airport, checked through as a resident with him so I didn't have to wait in the visitors line, then caught the bus over to central and he told me exactly where to disembark.

Being a girl that lives on the beach, any city you come across hits you pretty hard. The only way I can describe this incredible coastline is 'organised chaos', the disorganised orderly fashion the cargo units were displayed was overwhelming, the astonishing high rise buildings were literally breathtaking and the rude man that pushed pass me at immigration left a distasteful first impression, however my homeish tasting soy chai latte from the busy Starbucks has brought me back to my open mindedness and has reconnect me with the cyber world with their 20 mins of free wi-fi allowing me to sit back and watch this mixed environment. Such class, sophistication and refinement. Then again I am at central. Just wait till I enter the chaos of the exterior.

Fragments of the Mind

I travel alone, have no one to tell those who I meet what I am truly like or who I truly am. Do I portray myself to be someone I'm not, do they like that person? Do I like that person? Am I me? Who is me? I am who?

Actually written in Jamaica 2008 but thought that it applies to my present expeditions.

Merci Andrew!

Driving along the Bilgola Bends and reading the Happy Birthday, farewell and even comical signs truly brighten peoples' days.

There I was on my way to my Nanny's in Newport when I come round the corner and a blue, surfboard shaped sign appears, "Bon Voyage Raine, We will miss you!" Pure rush of excitement, smile from ear to ear, and a little woop woop to myself!

Thank you Andrew, for getting up at an incredibly early hour of the morning to sneak out and display your crafty, unique sign! Such a special moment seeing that sign and letting the rest of home know that I was outta here!!

Home! Don't move a muscle! I will miss you! and I promise to be back soon!