Natural simplicity of the Peninsula

My first visit to the 'Peninsula' which is located on the Central Coast, was such a contrast in its natural simplicity to the stressful, faceless, concrete, overcrowded environment of the 'big smoke' that I found it absolutely delightful.
Hills without houses covered with trees that chirped as they swayed gracefully in the wind.
People who smiled and actually exchanged deep and meaningful greetings like "Hello!"
Beautiful blue water framed by golden sand, numerous species of both air and land, and I knew I was in paradise.
Minutes after arriving in Woy Woy, my sister and I were awaiting service at the local 'watering hole', as the temperatures had soared to around 40 degrees.
Suddenly my attention was caught by someone to the left of me making enquiries as to my state of health.
"How's it goin' love? Hot enough for ya?"
Turning in the direction of this faceless voice, I was immediately struck by the friendly demeanour of the inquirer.
He was not bedecked in an impressive Gucci or Dior suit but simply clad in country apparel of shorts and T-shirt, the latter colourfully spotted with what appeared to be the remains of a hastily eaten lunch of something and tomato sauce.
But at that precise moment I knew this place was to become my home.
The main street of Ettalong where I eventually settled consists of a post office and two banks.
There was a third but it along with a funeral parlour left town shortly after my arrival.
Also, there are a few small businesses, a general coop store and a recently constructed memorial club of Goliath proportions by comparison to the much smaller buildings of a bygone era.
However, this anachronistic intruder, as some may see it, is a great attraction to the local population and they arrive in droves to take advantage of the many and varied facilities contained within its walls.
It houses a gym, a theatre, a bistro and sports room, along with a children's game and party room, a nightclub and multiple poker machines, to name but a few.
Oh! And they also organise bush walks.
As a city dweller, walking was always an activity that I found quite boring.
However, in my special piece of paradise, this is nothing short of a spiritual experience, particularly in the mornings whilst strolling through the bush or on the beach observing the many varieties of fauna that find sanctuary in this area.
As a point of interest, the Central Coast houses the biggest pelican breeding ground in the Southern Hemisphere as well as many other birds including lorikeets and cockatoos.
Possums and lizards roam freely and an amazing sight is watching the dolphins and whales interrupt their northward journey to the warmer waters as winter approaches.
I may visit friends in the big city or choose to travel to exotic destinations but I know my heart belongs to the Central Coast and I shall always return to my wonderful 'Wandin Valley' with water.