Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen Australia

Wednesday 22nd January 2020 marks the day that I left Australia. Exactly 365 days before I had left my home in the UK. 363 days in a full circle standing in Melbourne airport where I had landed about to start my new life on the other side of the planet. I don't normally give much consideration to numbers but aboriginals have a circular belief of time and a view that the circle never ends and therefore it seemed quite fitting that I was back at the beginning and simultaneously at the end too.

I had planned to go to Australia for a year, then return and slot back into the rat race, find a job and make a permanent home and 'life' for myself in my country of origin. However, I was not ready to settle into what society told me I had to rush into. I was free as a bird and I wanted another challenge. The next challenge was Asia. Previously, I had never imagined that I would travel around Asia by myself. Even Australia was a spontaneous decision. Having survived Australia solo and meeting so many people who had been to Asia I felt confident that I would survive.

Whilst my time in Brisbane was coming to an end I felt excited about the next chapter but also progressively more and more anxious. Leaving meant returning home was encroaching in the short term future. Also, Asia was a different ballpark. Sure, there are a range of deadly creatures in Australia but there are many more dangers in the Asian continent. I wouldn't have been as worried had it not been for the comments, horror stories and warnings made by people I knew. "If I saw you in Asia, I would target you", "You look like an easy target" and the look of fear and shock on people's faces when they asked "You are going by yourself?!" and the advice to cover my blonde hair and face if possible. Even my parents who were very relaxed and easy-going seemed concerned asking me questions about where exactly I was going to be and who with. A distant family member even felt the need to tell my presumably already stressed-out father that I shouldn't go to particular places. It felt as if everyone thought I would be that traveller that ended up going missing or return in a body bag. I knew their concerns came from a place of love but inevitably it played on my mind.

Ultimately, I decided against listening to the fears of other people and I had faith in my capabilities. Aren't you supposed to do something that scares you every day anyway? I couldn't listen to the fears of other people and well if I died, then it wouldn't really bother me as I'd be goneski.

Standing in the airport about to board my flight to Singapore, I had no idea what the next few months had in store, what I would discover, the types of people I would meet or if I would change. I hoped I would continue to grow as a person and being outside of my comfort zone seemed the best place for that. Up in the sky, I left Australia, feeling accomplished as I didn't waste the time I knew was so finite. I did so much, filling my time up with amazing memories and exploring. There was still so much more that Australia had to offer but I was happy to know there was more to come back to when I returned.

I did feel sad leaving behind some of the most genuine people I had ever met. It was upsetting to leave friendships and love, but at the same time, I carried them with me. I left, more open to the world and to people. With a lighter heart and greater compassion. To Imogen, my soul sister, Tonie my Irish companion, Tony, Kathi and Vinnie the people with the biggest hearts in the world I miss you and love you. To all the colleagues who became great friends, and my mentors who encouraged me and were always there for me in difficult situations, thank you you made my time in Australia an unforgettable experience. To all the backpackers that I met along the way, you changed my life in some way or other. Thank you. Lastly, to Australia thank you for looking after me, having so much to offer and being so serene and beautiful.

Leaving to go travelling, even though it sounds incredibly cheesy was the best decision I had ever made. I was confident continuing the journey was a going to be a good decision.

The end of a year and the end of an era.

#Travel #Backpacking #Australia #Solotraveller