Life with a View.

People don't really think of a ferry as public transport. I suppose that this is because sailing seems to be a sport embraced by the upper middle class - or else, that the idea of everyone owning a boat is not feasable.

I played the truant this afternoon and caught the bus to Circular Quay. I'd like to say that I had this blog in mind when I did so, but I didn't, really. No. It was more a case of the capital weather, and my penchant for that particular part of the city.

Quite spontaneously, I bought a ferry ticket and went joy riding. I love ferries. The world seems a very different place when viewed from a boat.

I tend to lose myself when I'm sailing. Just a little. Truth be told, I hardly see how one could be anything but encapsulated. Escaping the shadow that is reality seems so much easier with the sun on my hair, the wind in my face, and nothing but an unmitigated expanse of glass-surfaced water as far as the eye can see.

I occupied my seat, at first willingly, and later because I was frozen to it, for an entire round trip. I was freezing, absolutely frostbitten...but I was sorry to alight. Everything just seemed so peaceful...as though all was right with the world.

I feel the same way about buses, and on the rare occassion, trains too. I don't know. Being able to look out of a window with the breeze in your face, and the landscape quickly passing you by is a curious thing. You almost feel as though you own it...just through being able to appreciate the view.

It could merely be that I am too curious. Undoubtedly, views of all description interest me. I enjoy, not unlike the concept of the Baudelarian Flaneur, creating self-identity through the art of observation.

I wish I had a balcony.

For the meanwhile, I shall satisfy myself with another ferry ride, I think.