What have you come to learn about Physical Journeys?
             From my studies of physical journeys I can deduce that a physical journey is not just one that involves getting a traveller from one place to another. Physical journeys encompass a number of different issues including the mystery and uncertainty about life after the journey, obstacles and barriers to overcome, the psychological and mental state of the traveller, reasons for the journey and also issues about self identity and knowledge. The texts that best describe these issues include: 2 poems by Peter Skrzynecki- 'Crossing the Red Sea' and 'Migrant Hostel.' These are poems from his book 'Immigrant Chronicle' which focuses on difficulties faced by migrants in Australian society. 'Journey to the land and sea' is an extract from the Smithsonian Library which details the effects of a physical journey. A documentary aired on the ABC on Australian Story: 'On the Mountain' tells the story of Victoria Friend who has had a life changing experience after embarking on a physical journey. And finally an article from an adoption internet site called 'Journey of Self-Discovery' by Alexis Tompkins-Larrance shows that a physical journey can lead to self discovery.
             Crossing the red sea focuses on the physical journey of exiles, leaving their old lives travelling, by boat, towards new land, full of hope and promise. It is written in free verse so it is therefore very accessible to the audience. Skrzynecki effectively communicates the reasons the migrants left Poland through strong biblical allusions, symbolism, voices and imagery. These migrants left because of war and the threat of communism. The notion of communism symbolised by the colour red. Memories are emphasised and contrasted throughout poem- through voices and imagery. Voices contrast- first the good memories of Poland but then contrasted by the negative memories which...