Perhaps it was hearing about the development of Surfer's Paradise that exploded in the 70's, driven in large part by the grandfather of my son-in-law's best friend (still with me here!) Barry Small, former mayor of Surfers Paradise. He was a fun-loving man who had a vision for this remote area that was attracting surfers with their Volkswagon vans and surf boards. He saw what you are seeing today. High rise apartments and affluent tourists. Along with this vision for growth in Surfer's Paradise, he initiated many tourist attractions including "Meter Maids". (You mean, Rita the Meter Maid of Beatles fame did not work for the electrical company!) Meter Maids became a tourist attraction as they strolled the streets along the beach clad in skimpy bikinis putting money into the expired parking meters of tourists . . . something they still do today!
Surfers Paradise is the city you see in the background. The higest peak is Q1 - one of the largest residential buildings in the world at 55 stories.
Maybe it was seeing what can happen with vision - or maybe it was just the sheer contrast of beach and city - whatever it was that triggered it - I could not stop the words of the 70's song . . "don't it alwys seem to go - that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone . . they paved Paradise and put up a parking lot!"
If we can create with visions of wealth and material prosperity, can we create a vision to retain and restore the beauty of this planet? Can we finally see that the materials things, higher apartments - fancier clothes - more expensive meals - have only left us seeking more of the same. It has not filled the spiritual place in our hearts. Can we create a vision to restore the planet to a Garden of Eden to be enjoyed by all?
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