Backpacks and Butterflies

As I wait in anticipation for my 14 hour & 55 minute flight into Sydney, Australia, the butterflies are starting to wake up and nerves are kicking in. I have been asked numerous times "what are you going for?" and the answer is not entirely clear. I have the travel bug, that's for certain.  And sometimes I say I am having a mid-twenties crisis, literally 25, and unclear of my future career path. But for real, there is just something that excites my soul about traveling to new places, meeting new people, and experiencing activities that I may not be able to explore in my own backyard. Sleeping in train stations (thanks Joe, Connor & Colin for that memory) and getting wonderfully lost in new cities makes me happy. I want to be rich in memories, not things, and I'm well on my way to being a millionaire in memories.

First and foremost I must thank my PARENTS. Because this next adventure would not be possible without them, thank you for not charging me rent, for feeding me, and loving me unconditionally. And thank you to those of you who have told me THIS IS THE TIME to travel. You reassure me that it's good to go now -before having a family, kids, and a career. Nothing is holding me back from adventure, except for an adorable puppy that I will miss dearly, but he is in good hands with my sister & my mom.

It's funny when you tell people you're traveling to Australia, they know someone who knows someone who knows someone that's in Australia. My uncle Alex just sat down at the kitchen table, and if you know my Uncle Alex you know that he is a character, he sat down and told me he has a very good friend "over there" who would love to take care of me. Guess I have to take a trip to Adelaide one weekend.

My backpack is packed, although I must have taken everything out and repacked about 15 times to see what I can get rid of so that my pack is lighter. Every ounce counts. So I said goodbye to two shades of lipstick, a can opener, and water shoes. However, I'm rethinking the water shoes at the moment. Hmm. Departure is Sunday November 8, 2015.

Until next post,

Kali