A Journey

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."-Lao Tzu

I feel like the quote is a great one to share, because people are constantly commenting on my adventure abroad. The most common statements; I wish I could do what you are doing, you're so brave, how are you able to do this, I'm jealous/envious of you. My comments back are you don't just have to wish or live vicariously through me, you can do it too! You can do anything you put your mind to and accomplish anything you want. Everyone has a reason or excuse why they can't or didn't travel or do that thing they always wanted to do, however if you really want it, it's all about prioritizing the things that are important to you.

I think the quote is perfect, I didn't overnight leave the country for a year. I decided 2 years prior, and started saving and planning about a year and a half before I left. It started with a single step, deciding that I wanted to go. From there, I needed to start saving, obtain visa, buy necessary items for trip, book flight, etc., but that didn't happen all at once. I took it day by day, step by step.  For those of you that wish you could've, should've, would've.....stop procrastinating, and find a way to do those things you always wanted to do. For me, it was travel, and I'm far from done with my traveling, but it's one step at a time.

Bye for now <3

Packing for a year overseas

Whether your packing for a few months abroad or a year away, in one country or a RTW trip; it's hard to pack your whole life into a backpack and not feel like you're leaving so much behind. I did much research and looked at many blogs about how to pack, what to pack, and what backpacks people liked. I thought I would contribute to growing list of options on the web about packing. 

I bought the Osprey Farpoint 70L backpack. See my previous post for links to some products I bought for this trip.  I liked the fact that you could unzip the daypack and use it for a weekend trip or day trips.  Also, I really wanted a front loading, not top loading, bag.

 

 

When packing, I had to think practical and only take neutral things, and outfits that could be mixed and matched. Since I'm gone a year, and landed in Australia in spring, I had to bring clothes to suit all seasons.

2 swimsuits
3 pairs of socks-2 regular, 1 running/sweat wicking socks
2 scarves
1 jacket
1 long sleeve shirt, 1 cardigan

make-up and nail polish. I'm relatively low maintenance, however I love my nails being painted and will defiantly not have the money to maintain manicures, so I brought 10 of my favorite colors with me. Excessive?!? Maybe to some, but it was a necessity for me.

2 towels (one for showers, one for beach) both quick drying
1 work out outfit (sports bra, shirt and pants)
sleep clothes-1 shirt, 1 yoga pants, 2 shorts

3 shorts
2 long pants-1 jean, 1 legging
2 skirts-1 maxi, 1 mini
4 tank tops
3 shirts

2 weeks worth of underwear
1 hat
4 dresses-2 nice/fancier, 2 cotton/ everyday
miscellaneous- thank you cards, adaptors, converter, pen, flashlight, "D" clip, USB, locks
5 shoes- sandals, wedges, runners, Toms, and flip flops
First Aid-Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial cream, antihistamine cream, tweezers, can opener



 





 

This is what I brought and what seemed to work for me. Will it work for everyone? No. But I hope this list can help some people out there setting off for trips, figure out what they need and don't need. Since being here, I have used/worn almost everything in my bag, and have bought a few additions to the collection. Unfortunately I brought enough to not have too much left over room in my bag, however I have a carry on tote, so that I can buy some things while here.

 

 

 

All packed up and ready to head off on my adventure!

 

 

Bye for now <3



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settling In

I have now been in Australia for almost 2 months and have been living with my family that I am working for, for almost a month. I am finally settling in to my new everyday life. I currently am working part time for the family, half day Monday and Wednesday, full day Friday and some Saturdays. I am enjoying the family, they are gracious and caring and have taken me in as part of their own family. I will start next week working Thursday's for a friend of the family's, to get some extra hours/money. I am enjoying where I am living, close to the beach, city, and public transit. I walk EVERYWHERE, which is great except the past week it's poured rain everyday. (That's right it's not always sunshine and perfect weather in Australia). I have met a handful of people and are making some new friends, and enjoying being able to get out and do fun things with them.

I have started my planning for my trip to NZ. I will be going mid February to mid March and am looking forward to the exciting places and people I will meet along that tour. I also am trying to plan a few long weekend trips in January.

Not much new to report, because my life has settled down and I am settling into everyday life here in Sydney.

Bye for now <3

Things to do in Sydney

Here are a few things that I have done, or want to do while here in the Sydney area.

Wander the city....see the Royal Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, the Rocks, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Pitt St Mall, Kings Cross, and the list goes on.

Bondi Beach....that's Bond-i. It's probably the most famous beach in the Sydney area, with thousands of tourists going to it daily.

Paddy's Market (near Central Station). It's open 7 days a week and full of survivors and nick knacks that can easily be brought back as presents. 

Do the Coogee to Bondi Coastal walk. The views are quite magnificent and it's a great way to see all the beaches along the way.

Take the ferry to Manly.....The ferry gives a spectacular view of the city from the Harbour. Manly Beach is very nice, and might be a bit quieter than the normal tourist beaches.

Take a stroll through Centennial Park. In the heart of the eastern suburbs, there is this massive park. Explore the park, maybe catch an outdoor concert, and then explore the eclectic suburbs around it, each one is a bit different, and offers something unique.

Go to the Paddington Market. On Saturdays the Market is full of vendors from all over Australia, offering clothes, jewelry, crafts, food, flowers, candles, live music, and much more.

Go visit the Blue Mountains....the Blue Mountains are not in the city, but about an hour drive outside the city. There are plenty of companies that offer bus day tours out to the mountains, so you don't have to rent a car.

Go to the races....if you're here at the right time of year, check out the horse races, they are a fun event where people get dressed up for a day out at the races.

As I do more I will add to this this. What have you done in Sydney that you have enjoyed and think is important to add to this list?

Bye for now <3