"Why are you going there?"
"Why'd you go there?"
I created this blog several years ago to document my travels through Egypt, and since I have maintained it to document interesting stories from other international adventures. I have been fortunate enough to travel to various countries and nearly all continents, something I have wanted to do my entire life. Over the past few years, this travel lust has seen a resurgence, as I have extended my reach, revisited old haunts, and have enjoyed new experiences. Those who know me know I am happiest when I travel. I become a different person. My eyes widen. My heart opens. I have this need, this addiction, to see the world. Not just visit the highlights, but to see anything and everything a nation has within its borders.
So it boggles my mind when I am asked why I am traveling to a certain country. My initial response is always, "Why not?" as I stare at the person asking me that question. Unless a location is likely to threaten my life, such as a war-torn nation, I am likely to say yes to visiting. And even then, if there was a way to visit but remain safe, I would still consider it.
Australia is one of those nations that many people know, many people would want to visit, but find it hard to ever actually go. For Americans, it is half way around the world. It is a long flight. It is expensive. Though there are things to see, it is easier and quicker and less expensive to fly to Europe and get more bang for one's buck.
That is not enough reason to keep me from visiting. I want to see it all. I will see it all.
The impetus for visiting Australia at this time was my friend Elizabeth, a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. She received a fellowship to work in Australia for half a year, or one university term. She would be moving there, and had some time to do some traveling within the country. When she asked if I'd be willing to be a travel buddy, I jumped at the opportunity. Even as she had trouble finalizing her visit, I was planning mine, with or without her. Nothing was going to keep me from going!
Before this visit, I knew a bit about this nation, and I had definite things I wanted to see and do. Going through my Lonely Planet, my list was confirmed by the authors' suggestions. Some would be difficult to accomplish in the time I allotted for myself (just two weeks). Some did not scream to me as much as the others. But still, no matter what I opted for, I was going to have a magical time. I was traveling. That is all I need.
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| Eeyore making the list of places to visit |
I began by making a list of the definite stops along the way. Great Barrier Reef. Uluru/Outback. Sydney. Whitsunday Island. Daintree rain forest. All of these could be experienced in the time I had. I figured by the time I arrived, everything else would just happen along the way.
Bringing home a kangaroo or koala was also on the list, though less likely than the others to actually occur.
I started my trip with a flight from Detroit to Los Angeles. A day spent there, visiting friends, seeing some museums, would be a good way to pass the time. I did all those, and it was wonderful seeing friends, seeing art, and eating some wonderful food.
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| La Brea Tar Pits |
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| La Brea Tar Pits |
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| LACMA |
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| LACMA |
The flight from Los Angeles left at 10pm that night, on a Friday. I knew the flight would be long, but I was not fully understanding how long the flight would actually be. I left Friday. I landed Sunday. Due to crossing the international day line, Saturday, 4 July, never happened for me. An entire day just gone. I hope you enjoyed your fireworks, America.
I managed to sleep some on the plane, though not too much. Fortunately, I was able to go immediately once I landed and outside the airport. I wasn't about to let jetlag impede my adventures, and adventures began immediately. No downtime just yet. I wanted to get on Australia time, so no sleep until that night.
I was finally there. It was time to see Australia.
Next time on Aussie Adventure: adventures begin.
