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Published: March 14th 2009
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Alright then, first of all let me clarify something; I am completely new to this blog and travel thing. Not that I didn't want to be here many years ago and not that I couldn't have been if I hadn't of pursued it with more verocity; but, well circumstances have changed, and to cut a long story short, here I am, in the here and now; right now.
I am older then most people who pursue travel, 10 years older at the most; but, well, better late then never!
I am currently reading a book I picked up off of a friends' place I'm dossing at called "The right place", it was a complete random pick and just happens to be a true story, about a guy, who was in a remotely similar situation to myself and was now backpacking; only it all happened about 15 years ago.
Now, if I had done this 15 years ago, a) I would be extremely young for a backpacker and maybe have broken some sort of guiness world record, and b) I would be carrying at least 1/2, no; a 1/3 of what I'm carrying in my backpack right now! Ok,
we're talking about 1985 here, hint; no digital camera (lucky if you have a camera at all...honestly); no camcorder; no laptop; no technological crap!
Don't get me wrong, I love all my equipment; hell, without I wouldn't be able to write this blog, stay in such easy day-to-day contact with my friends and family, keep my memories with me at all times, wherever I am, and all the rest!
But... How nice would it be to pack a bag and not have to think about all that crap? I mean, honestly; clothes do not weight that much, so really; where do you think all that extra weight comes from? You can't tell me you've never thought about it.... I'm sure some of you out there are still doing it.
Anyway; back to my story... or the bits I want to share anyway!
I arrived in the UK 1 month ago tomorrow. I have been through a massive life-change, and thought I was ready for a compete overhaul; until about 1 week in, when I shat myself and pretty much had a panic attack. Well, I won't go into those, but they have only been coming in fits and spurts since. Back to the story (yes I know, again... they're called annie-dotes, get used to it... " Annie-Dotes"?!); I arrived here 4 weeks ago on an ancestery visa, so I'm lucky not to have the worry most Aussie's (or most foriegners for that matter) have to endure during that first year of a working visa.
My plan is to base myself in the UK, but; to work only here and there, with a lot of travel in between. Actually, work will be more of an after thought; well, that's what I would like anyway ...we'll see how that pans out!
So far, alright. I have seen most of what London and some surrounding area's have to offer; and am currently on my first official trip "abroad", in Belgium with my brother (also on the ancestery visa, he arrived about 6 months ago). I can't really comment on Belgium yet, as we have only spent about half a day here, but; we're off to either Bruges or Gent tomorrow and are both very eager (especially for some good weather) to see some sites.
He is a keen photographer, very recently developed more of a passion then a hobby; and, well I just like to take it all in regardless. Of course photo's and video's make excellent memories (and I do all of that, of course!) and talking points... but, honestly; I prefer to enjoy the moment and absorb it into my skin... like a sponge. This is what I have been calling myself most recently; the " sponge ". You may think it's weird, but I quite like it, and was given it by what I would consider to be another sponge; a good friend back home. My philosophy however; is to take all the good out of it, and leave the bad. Then he calls me a preymantis; which I'm not sure is so appealing, as I'm pretty sure they kill and eat the male after having her way with it... or something like that. Anyway, the sponge it is, that sounds much better to me and I think I'll stick with it (like a stick insect perhaps, but without having my way with them...!).
I have my first job lined up at the end of March; I'm a vet nurse and have a job waiting for me in Camden, London. Yep, busy, happening part of London...I wonder if I will survive the craziness?? Thankfully, it's quite normal for people in my profession to contract themselves out; it's also (thankfully) fairly reasonable for the english to include free accommodation in this contract... woo-hoo! This obviously saves me a lot on rent AND transport; and even better, I am not tied down to this job. All of those things (the free accommodation, no transport costs and time and felxibility with my job) most of my Aussie friends in London are very jealous of. Obviously, if it works out, great; but, I also have the privilidge of leaving if for some reason (such as travel...) I might need too.
Mmmm, I think that is about enough ramblings from me to start with; I'm sure there will be plenty more where that all came from! I hope whoever it is out there that may read this feels compelled to follow their heart; because, without going into too many details, that is what I have done... but god damn it; I'll tell you, it's bloody hard to do. Be prepared.
Peace out and enjoy what life has to offer! ( No, seriously!)
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