North Island- New Zealand

Ahhh... atlas I knew I would inevitable be horrible at updating this thing, but in my defense this is the first time I have had access to an actual computer in months!

After living in Bondi for a couple of months, the girls and I finally threw on our packs and hopped a plane to New Zealand to start our worldwide adventure. Arriving in Chirstchurch, we spent our first night at the airport and jumped on a plane headed for Auckland the next morning. There, we rented a campervan and drove around the North Island for a few days. First stop, Rotorua. There we visited The Buried Village, which is an excavated village that was buried by a volcano in 1886. I'm a huge fan of archaeology, so I already thought this was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. But then, to my delight, there also happened to be a gorgeous waterfall on site (I have developed somewhat of a love affair with waterfalls while traveling.)

 

Next stop, TAUPO, for a 15,000ft skydive! I'll admit I was pretty much terrified as my tandem master, Brad, scooted me up to the door, but once you're out of the plane it is AMAZING! You are met with a split second of terror before the drag is pulled, then you enjoy a nice 45 second free fall, followed by a scenic parachute ride down to the ground. I highly recommend everyone try this at least once in there lives (I am already planning my next jump at 18,000 ft over Fox Glacier next spring.) The parachute ride down was gorgeous and Brad pointed out beautiful landmarks, including several spots where Lord of the Rings was filmed. 

After Taupo, we headed back to Auckland for a nice night out in the city. Then, a drive out to Spookers, a haunted house with a reputation for making people wet themselves. Now, I am not a fan of such amusements; especially when you have to shell out $45. So, while Jess and Monika scared the bejesus out of themselves, I made myself at home in our campervan, turned on some tunes to drown out the terrified screams, and had myself a nice cold Tui. 

And then we were off to the South Island...

The Great Ocean Road Trip



Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park



While in Melbourne, Jessica and I rented a car and hit the road in search of The Great Ocean Road. After getting lost for a very short period of time, we were finally able to make it to the start of the road. The Great Ocean Road runs along the coast of Victoria stretching 151 miles from Torquay to Warrnambool. We decided to stick to the coast for the most part, but we did include a few detours to Erskine Falls and Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park. At dusk we finally made it to the Twelve Apostles, which we heard was one of the best times to see them anyway. We really should have timed this little road trip better. We missed seeing shipwreck cove and we ended up having to book a room at a motel for the night and drove back to Melbourne in the morning.

 

Twelve Apostles at dusk

 

St. Paddy's Day in Melbourne

I had one main reservation about starting this blog and that was my ability to periodically update it! Well so far I have failed miserably at recording my time in Australia, but in reality I haven't done much traveling yet. So, my new goal will be to post at least once per month (but hopefully much more.)

After traveling twenty-some hours and changing ten time zones I then received a whirlwind tour of Bondi Beach. Less than 48 hours later I was literally running through an airport to hop on a domestic flight to Avalon, where Jessica and I caught a bus to Melbourne. We had an awesome first night at our hostel's pub where we dominated at trivia and won a free jug (aka pitcher) and a $30 drink tab. I must admit the weather was very cold and rainy, something I did not plan on, which resulted in me having to purchase a jacket. Still I am not complaining, because I know my friends stateside were enjoying a nice snowstorm.



Jessica and I exploring Melbourne

 While exploring Melbourne, Jessica and I happened across the coolest sushi place that I have ever been to. Basically, everyone sits at a big table, a sushi train goes around the middle of it, and whenever you see something that you want you just pull it off the train. I was kicking myself for not taking a picture, but I later found out that they also have them all over Sydney. Safe to say that if this little wonder hasn't made it to the states yet, it is only a matter of time.

I was surprised to find that St. Patrick's Day is not a big deal at all in Australia. No Australians really even knew it was St. Paddy's Day. However, Australia has a fairly large Irish population, so Jess and I wandered over to an Irish Pub to celebrate with some real Irish! Let me tell you I never want to spend another St. Patrick's Day without a real Irish band and Magner's on tap!

Much of our short time in Melbourne was spent touring The Great Ocean Road for two days. So lookout for my next post!

RTW Packing List

In true travel blog fashion I have compiled a packing list for my RTW trip. If you know me at all, then the thought of me living out of a backpack for 6 months seems quite laughable (let’s just say I have A LOT of clothes.) But, these are the parameters I face in living my dream; therefore I can honestly say that my research consisted of about 25% travel plans and 75% packing plans! I found it extremely helpful to see what fellow RTW travels had in their packs, so here goes nothing…

In my 34L Pack & messenger bag

Clothes

2 bras, 1 sports bra

8 pairs of underwear

3 pairs of socks

3 swimsuits

2 leggings

1 short skirt

1 long skirt/ dress

1 pair of yoga shorts

1 pair of jeans

1 pair of jean shorts

2 long sleeve shirts

3 dresses

1 long sleeve zip up

4 t-shirts

6 tank tops

1 scarf

1 fedora

1 pair of Birkenstocks

1 pair of boots

1 pair of sandals

1 small purse

1 knitted poncho

3 packing cubes (huge space saver!)

Misc. Items

Shampoo

Conditioner

Leave in conditioner

Surf spray

Soap

Deodorant

Mooncup

Vaseline

Glasses

Sunglasses

9 months of contacts

contact case & solution

eye drops

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Misc. cosmetics

Dry shampoo

Hairbrush

Mp3 travel speaker (splurge item because life needs music)

Laundry kit

Sleep sack

I leave tomorrow and I am finally all packed

Wicking towel

Flashlight

Journal

Scissors

Sewing kit

Wine bottle opener

Sudafed

Ibuprofen

Pepto

Imodium

Hair ties

Hair clips

4 headbands

Sleep mask

Earplugs

Ipad mini & charger

Ipod & charger

Iphone

Water bottle

Handkerchief

2 Combination locks

Digital SLR Camera

Camera supplies

Yes, I know. I over-packed. But, let me just say that this is what’s left after taking many things out… several times. Inevitably I will lose things, leave things and add things to my pack. I just hope that it doesn’t get any heavier!

7 Days and Counting

Ever since I can remember I've always dreamed of backpacking through Europe. After college I thought I would easily be able to check this ambition off of my bucket list. However, do to unforeseen circumstances (a.k.a. life) this dream had briefly been put on hold, rescheduled, and eventually fell under the category "to be determined at a later date". That is until my good childhood friend Jessica decided to move to Sydney, Australia last fall to live, work, and travel for roughly a year. 

Safe to say I was beyond jealous of her ability to pick up and chase after her travel dreams, so I devised a plan to follow my own travel bug. I visited Australia in my youth, but I jumped at an excuse to visit the land down under once again. At first, my plan was to visit Jess this summer and then head on over to Europe. This visit quickly became an extended stay with excursions to Melbourne, Perth, and New Zealand. We then decided to seize the opportunity to do some traveling in Southeast Asia, as of now that includes: Indonesia, The Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. From there I will say goodbye to Jessica and head to Europe with a very tentative itinerary. 

Somehow my dream of one day backpacking through Europe has become a 6 month journey round the world and I couldn't be happier with that outcome. To fund this trip I saved every penny and sold my car, furniture, and clothes. Then, I sub-leased my apartment, quit my job and moved back in with my parents. These means may seem extreme, but I know that the rewards will measure up. 

I have always been fascinated by other cultures and I cannot wait to experience an array of diverse lifestyles. I have never liked to go out and do things on my own, so a solo-backpacking trip is extremely out of my comfort zone. But, I anxiously anticipate the opportunity to get out there and meet new people. I hope to not only take away from this trip a new view of other cultures, but also a new stance on myself. This blog will track my journey, keeping my friends and family informed, but more importantly provide me with a written record of an unforgettable time in my life. I invite you all to follow along.

Wish me luck I leave one week from today!