“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese
I remember sitting in the airport in Vancouver October 3rd 2012 and I found myself full of conflicted feelings, anxious as well as excited. Anxious since I had no idea what lies ahead. Was I making the right choice leaving my life behind? What to expect from the journey I was about to embark on , who will I meet, what will I experience. So many questions stirring in my head.
I descended on my journey to hong kong which was a nice introduction to Asia and had the familiarity of home. Nepal where my mind was blown away. I climbed the annepurna circuit, pushing my limits beyond my expectations, while embracing the diversity of the culture and surroundings.
India was on another dimension. I found myself Dodging rickshaws, stepping over homeless people, while strolling pass the extreme affluent citizens of india. Scaled the hills in mynnar, breathing in the lush air, and being captivated by the beauty Of the country.
Sri Lanka where I climbed SIgiria to discover the most breathtaking view, cruising in a local bus cramped between locals while traditional music was played, and I also learned how to surf... Well sort of:) becoming familiar and friendly with the local people of their homeland.
Singapore where we were surrounded by prestige scenery, buildings, and exposed to a more American way of life. Off to Malaysia to splash out for our first Christmas away from home. We ate beautiful local food, motorbiked around the Island exploring waterfalls, wildlife, and even building lasting friendships with some incredible people.
Off to Thailand to celebrate the new year, a road trip through Mae Hong song loop and cuddled with tigers all afternoon. Zip lined through a jungle house among gibbons in Northern Laos, sailed down the Mekong river, and enjoyed a splendid evening in vang vieng drinking mushroom shakes and laughing until we cried. You know who you are:) explored the latitude of Cambodia to find one of the wonders of the world, Ankar Wat! I shot an AK 47! to let off so steam after my exposure to the deleterious effects of the Khmer Rouge towards their own people. The most inspirational people who overcame such adversity and managed to keep smiling. Remarkable! Explored the depths of Vietnam, walking through a steady stream of 3000 motorbikes, war museum that really hit home about the treacherous effects of the Vietnam war, traditional home stays in Sapa, sailing through the magnificent limestone cliffs of Halong bay. Over to Thailand to rev it up for a full moon party, to experience a great loss and than to gain some inspirational reassurance within myself. I was challenged and climbed mt Batur in Bali, explored the serenity of Ubud, than found gili t ( welcome home) and found myself healed by the happiness that surrounded me.
I left Bali June 23 2013 to discover my new life in Australia. I Arrived in Darwin, met some great mates at chilis, enjoyed casual banter, three hour service at hogs breath, moved in with the best flat mates, jumped into Lichfield, sunsets at Mindel beach, explored the Mindel markets, listened to digaredoo, fire shows, fire twirling, cruised along the river while crocs jumped towards our boat on search for meat, kayaked through Katherine gorge, wallabies, beautiful dinners, buff club drinks, monsoons on a night out, karaoke at shags, jam session at nirvana, swing dancing at bogarts, mandorah day cruise, wisdoms live music sessions, four day session with some great mates. And of course listening to the infamous Dave spry play some classic reggae:) 1000 times good! Darwin will always be my home in Australia and I have met some life long friends that not only added to the experience but made it life changing.
Melbourne where I reconnected with great friends for my second Christmas away from home, a day at the beach, many epic nights out where most reunited, simple things like the great ocean road, 12 apostles, Maru, koalas, horse riding in the hills, and obtaining a beautiful bond with my lovely girl, Sydney, blue mountains, classic jumping shots, epic talks, saint Patricks day, Byron bay working at Woody's, trivia night at arts factory, and having steak taken from my mate! Cairns we ran a muck. salt house. Gilligans, whoolshit, and pj's! Epic nights out and of course waterfalls.
My friends and I went on an epic road trip from Cairns to Darwin with generous john to find ourselves back in Darwin living the life! All the people I have met could not have made this journey more worth while but improved who I am as a person. I thank you all for having me and for making this journey the best it can be;) i will never forget this experience and all the amazing people Involved! you have changed my life in ways that I cannot describe:) live each day with an attitude of gratitude and we will all live a much happier life:) see you all soon!
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