Say good-bye, with tear in my eye!

I hate Bundaberg, its the arm pit of Australia, there is nothing to do. But I miss it already. I was there for 13 weeks, in that time worked for abotu 12 weeks, given rainy days and illness it was actually less, and i only saved about $2,500 AUD – not a lot really when you think about it. So why do i miss it? the people. everyone hates it, noone gets enjoyment from picking fruit on your year out, yes its an experience and yes you do laugh about it but still its not an ideal career. One thing it does do is bring people together, you live for your time off and appreciate it so much more. I have seen so many people come and go to the point where i could only name a handful of friends when i left – but they were the ones i spent most of my time with and I enjoyed every moment of it, every moment – especially the DVDs! Blockbuster had a good customer in me, that’s all i will say.

If i chart my way around the world over the past 10 months it seams so strange that I even planned to stay part of ‘team JAS’ the whole way. The truth is I think the best thing I ever did was take some time on my own, once again I am leaving brisbane, leaveing the people I am most comfortable around to find a new comfort zone, forever stepping outside my bubble! It’s hard to think that Amy and Sarah have been at home now for couple of months, and some for even longer – i could never have predicted what happened and now 2 months from my journey home I am trying to predict what is going to happen. I have no idea.

I leave for Bali tomorrow, I hope to see more of indonesia though. I consider this to be the long journey home, but I’m not sure I know exactly where my home is or where i want to be. Live in london, or wigan? teach or earn to travel, buy or rent a flat? they are the big questions and in a way easy to answer its the inbetweens thats are harder – the how, why what and wheres? Is every traveller running from something, or even running to find something? sometimes i think im trying to find that ideal situation – the one that makes me utimately happy. sometimes i think i am running from making that ultimate decision. either way does it matter? so what if my feet dont keep still for the next couple of years! perhaps i will take a teach asia job on? perhaps il get a work VISA in the US/Canada/NZ? I dunno.

Tomorrow starts the long journey home. I look back and think about the people who I have met and considering their stories I know I am not alone in my thoughts.

What’s the rush.
Money’s there to be spent.
Look after number 1 while I still can.
I like the weather here.
I dont like the attitude of people at home.
I want a change.
I want to Ski.
I need some time out.
Why not?
I didnt like my job.
I came to be with someone.
I never thought id be able to.
you only live once!

There are million more reasons why people are on the move. chances are if you thought of it someone else has too! Im saying good-bye but i still have 2 months to go, I will certainly make the most of it? who knows come christmas i could be travelling again. Let’s see what happens.

If I could name everyone from Cell Block I would, but i can’t. Thank you
If I could personally thank everyone in Brisbane right now I would.
To everyone I met in Australia – Thank you
To everyone in NZ and Fiji – a massive thank you
To all on the yellow truck in Africa – Thank you

there are too many people to name but its been great and I have had the time of my life upto now. I can’t wait to get on the road again in Bali.