What do you do that makes you feel alive?
One trip to Burleigh beach lead me to many interesting people. Followed by one simple question: "What do you do that makes you feel alive?
The man in the hat
“The true answer to that is...I think. I use my brain. I believe it’s the essential aspect of being human and that makes me feel alive. Now I may think of different things: food, a pretty woman, star signs or politics, but I think.” - Professor Peter Gresshoff (70)
I could not help but notice Professor Gresshoff’s hat and German accent when he accidentally bumped into me and apologized. When asked to be taken a picture of, Professor Gresshoff removed his hat. However, I suggested to keep it on. It was a nice feature.

The mom
“When you see the first view of the ocean and the sun glimpsing on it. I find myself getting quite emotional. The ocean is big and powerful, makes me feel like I am quite insignificant. All my big worries are actually only small worries when it comes to the enormity of the planet I suppose.” – Tabitha Pallister (40)
As golden hour was about to begin I noticed English Tabitha from far away, playing with her son by the ocean. Patient. She looked patient. Six months ago, she moved from Singapore and discovered the beauty of running during sunset.

The happy child
“Music. It gets me on my feet and it makes me dance. I like dancing, but I don’t like it as a sport or doing competitions, I just do it for fun. 2002 is my favourite song.” - Clara (9)
South-American Clara is the type of girl you spot miles always. She has bright blue eyes and a wandering spirit. “Please mommy please, I want to become famous”, she begged when I asked her parents for permission to interview her.
Hopefully someday someone will paint a picture of her while singing at top of both her lungs.

The teammate
“The sense of bonding you gain with your teammates while rowing. Especially during a race when you all have to be in perfect sync and harmony in order to be successful in the race. The races are painful, everyone wants to give up, but we all know if one person stops you have to let your entire boat down.” – Emma Gharibian (20)
American-Armenian Emma replaced the feeling rowing gives her with travelling. Ocean might be close, but her teammates are not. A friendly face at Burleigh turns out to be an exchange student at Bond University.
