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.
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!
"Keeping Up With AshMac"
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you, I can't wait to follow along on your adventures. Best of luck, enjoy every minute and cherish each moment :)
Thanks girl!
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