A reflection.

Before beginning this journey, I set up a blog in the hopes of documenting each place we visited. Although (as usual) I took a lot of pictures, I didn’t do a great job on the blogging front - experiencing life took precedence over writing about it, I suppose - so I thought I’d condense a half year of my life into one post. 

Looking back on my six months away from home, I can’t help but feel like it was a lifetime and the blink of an eye simultaneously. Long term, long haul travel has always been something I have wanted to do, but I was never in a position to actually take the leap. So much thought, planning, and preparation went into leaving - not to mention intense feelings of trepidation and excitement, in equal measure. Once wheels were up August 18th, though, there was nothing more to do but enjoy the ride.

Al and I took some sort of character survey a few months ago, on the suggestion of a friend. Upon completion, I found that my number one trait was “appreciation of beauty and excellence”, which I have found to be accurate - especially under these circumstances. I have tried to pause and appreciate every sunset, every rainbow; every clap of thunder and raindrop. The sound of a car alarm outside my window; the faces and sounds of passersby from across the globe. I've made it a point to try and take it all in. Al’s number one trait was “gratitude”. Funny enough, I feel like after all of this, that should have been mine. 

I am and will forever be grateful to Al to have had this experience. Hearing the pound, click and clack of jig shoes at the Guinness factory in Ireland. Taking in the smells and sights of the Plaka in Athens, while looking up at the Acropolis in awe. Experiencing Crete’s pristine turquoise waters and tantalizing tastes. The hustle, bustle, and neon lights of Singapore. Bali’s beautiful beaches and other worldly sunsets. The anticipation of the towering skyscrapers and frenetic pace of Hong Kong.

And...Australia. I have spent the better part of the last week in tears, knowing that I’m leaving soon. If you know me at all, you know that I hate change, and the past few months have seen some monumental changes in my life. I feel settled here. I feel comfortable here. I feel at home here. 

I’d like to think that friends of Al’s have become friends of mine. We’ve been very fortunate to spend quality time with most of his family. Having familiar faces around made things a bit easier for me, being so far away from my own friends and family for so long.

There are so many things I’ll miss about Melbourne...I don’t know that I can put all of them into words (but, I’ll try). I’ve well and truly loved the antipodean life.

I’ll miss our little apartment that has served us so well. I’ll miss being able to walk just a few steps outside our door for a coffee, a wine, or a McChicken (they’re really good here). I’ll miss my favorite TV shows; I’ve grown addicted to the Aussie Married at First Sight (...I know, I know...) and The Cook and the Chef. I’ll miss popping over to the Jam Factory and enjoying the Gold Class movie experience. I have loved being welcomed into the Wednesday night Trivia crew - though for me, admittedly, it’s more of a spectator sport. I’ll miss people saying G’day (it’s an actual greeting here) and trying to decipher the accent - and people trying to peg mine. (No, not Canadian!) I'll miss the American bar that carried Tito's, and the amiable barman downstairs, who became a fast friend - and ample pourer. I’ll miss it being sunny and summer in otherwise winter months, and the horse races and the cricket matches that I love to hate. Mostly...I’ll just miss living here. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the struggles that occurred at times, especially on a trip of such depth and breadth. I am calmer, happier, and have slept better than I have in ages, though (which is a huge deal for me). The positives have far outweighed any negatives, and that speaks volumes. 

My reality and perception have been altered for the better, and I’ll be forever changed after this adventure. One thing I can say with certainty is that the world is only as big or small as you make it. My beloved Milford will always be home, yet I feel as though my exploration has only just begun. 

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for humoring me by reading this stream of consciousness. :) 

As I’ve become accustomed to saying, it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. I've circumnavigated the globe, and am one lucky girl. 

Melbourne, you’ll forever have a piece of my heart.