My dearest blogreader,
Unfortunately my 4 month journey is coming to an end. As I'm writing this blog, I'm looking at my suitcase which I will repack for the last time.
It has been good, those 4 months. I feel reborn. Does that makes any sense?
After Surfers Paradise I took the train to the Brisbane airport and flew Qantas for the last time to Sydney.
When I arrived in Sydney, where my little journey begun, it was pouring rain. Like the sky resembled the way I felt. That night I met up with a great guy I met on my last Contiki tour. Good thing he had an umbrella :)
The next day, my very last day Down Under, the rain stopped and this beautiful Autumn sun came out. As if Australia was telling me: It's okay...
That night I met up with Mattie, a guy I met on my first Contiki tour. We had a few drinks and a few laughs :)
The next morning after packing I had a quick drink with Jason, overlooking the Harbour bridge.
After that my airport shuttle was there.
As the immigration officer gave me my "Departed Australia" stamp he asked me: So, will you be back?
I replied: I hope so... He said: you should, a pretty girl like you is welcome in Australia anytime. :) That's a sign right? Haha....
My flight to the United Arabic Emirates would take 14 hours and 35 mintues.
You might think it's a lot, but it went by so fast. I watched 5 movies and some series. Read my book and had some meals and before I knew it we were descending into Abu Dhabi.
Yey, another stamp in my passport :)
My brother was there to pick me up and we drove to Dubai.
Yesterday I enjoyed some hot sun and in the evening we met up with a friend of my brother and his wife to have a drink and some sheesha.
And that brings me to today. My last day of this amazing trip.
When I look back I smile and think to myself: What a wonderful world :-D
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Off to paradise...
Today was my last day in Brisbane... I could easily move from A (Antwerp) to B (Brisbane).
But, at least for now, I can't. In one week I'll be on the plane to go and see my Brother for the weekend.
I'll go from 25°C in Brisbane to 20° in Sydney to 45° in Dubai to... 9° in Belgium???
Painfull thought.
Right now I'm sitting next to the lit up pool overlooking the lights of the Brisbane CBD and I can feel nothing but gratitude for this very moment.
I don't need much to be happy, something that became even more clearly on this trip
Give me a smile and a little bit of sunshine. That's all it takes for me to be satisfied. Everything extra is a bonus.
Brisbane... another city where I lost my heart. A lot of people think Brisbane's boring because it's not like Sydney or Melbourne, other people think it's too far away from the beach. But I, I love it.
I know I should never compare places, but I think Brisbane might be the new Antwerp. Not the biggest city in Belgium, but a great vibe. Not near a beach but with a nice river.
A little outside the city is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The place I was hoping to do some volunteer work with wildlife. But unfortunately the volunteer jobs are full untill the end of the year.
So on Monday I went there, by myself, to finally see the koala's. After travelling through Australia & New Zealand the last 4 months I saw many animals in the wild, but no koala's.
Why? Because they are endangered. Only 20% of the koala population is left and it's still decreasing. Which is sad because they are sooo cute!
I got to hold a fluffy female koala who just loved her gumtree (eucalyptus) leaves like I love my chocolate :)
I also got to hold a 2,5 meter Olive Python :)
What else was there? A platypus (looks like a flat duck), wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, prey birds, sheep dogs and sheep, dingo, ...
I loved it. I also loved the slogan they had: "The earth is not for humans alone"
Tomorrow I'll be taking the train to paradise, Surfers Paradise to be precise :) The white sandy beaches of the Gold Coast with the bronzed bodies of Surfers... Me like :)
Being a beachbum for the last time, maybe even taking a surflesson from a hot surfteacher (with or without the stripes) before flying out to Sydney...
Tania the beachbum
But, at least for now, I can't. In one week I'll be on the plane to go and see my Brother for the weekend.
I'll go from 25°C in Brisbane to 20° in Sydney to 45° in Dubai to... 9° in Belgium???
Painfull thought.
Right now I'm sitting next to the lit up pool overlooking the lights of the Brisbane CBD and I can feel nothing but gratitude for this very moment.
I don't need much to be happy, something that became even more clearly on this trip
Give me a smile and a little bit of sunshine. That's all it takes for me to be satisfied. Everything extra is a bonus.
Brisbane... another city where I lost my heart. A lot of people think Brisbane's boring because it's not like Sydney or Melbourne, other people think it's too far away from the beach. But I, I love it.
I know I should never compare places, but I think Brisbane might be the new Antwerp. Not the biggest city in Belgium, but a great vibe. Not near a beach but with a nice river.
A little outside the city is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The place I was hoping to do some volunteer work with wildlife. But unfortunately the volunteer jobs are full untill the end of the year.
So on Monday I went there, by myself, to finally see the koala's. After travelling through Australia & New Zealand the last 4 months I saw many animals in the wild, but no koala's.
Why? Because they are endangered. Only 20% of the koala population is left and it's still decreasing. Which is sad because they are sooo cute!
I also got to hold a 2,5 meter Olive Python :)
What else was there? A platypus (looks like a flat duck), wombats, crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, prey birds, sheep dogs and sheep, dingo, ...
I loved it. I also loved the slogan they had: "The earth is not for humans alone"
Tomorrow I'll be taking the train to paradise, Surfers Paradise to be precise :) The white sandy beaches of the Gold Coast with the bronzed bodies of Surfers... Me like :)
Being a beachbum for the last time, maybe even taking a surflesson from a hot surfteacher (with or without the stripes) before flying out to Sydney...
Tania the beachbum
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Excess baggage
Excess baggage is a term that can either be used literally or figuratively.
I suffered from both. My luggage was already too heavy when I left Belgium and so were my emotions.
I didn't know what to pack for four months of travelling and I didn't know what emotions to leave in the past as well. So I dragged my excess baggage with me.
But along the road, I started to get rid of little unimportant things, one at a time, to make my baggage lighter.
Now, almost 4 months later, I can say that I have left a lot of that excess baggage behind. Every new place I went to, every new stranger I would meet took a little piece of my excess baggage, and made life lighter for me.
The newly created space (either in my suitcase or my mind) has made room for souvenirs and priceless memories. Much more fullfilling but much lighter than my previous excess baggage.
It's like I reorganised not only my suitcase but also my mind. I can see things more clearly now. What I want and what I don't want in life.
My biggest fear now is, can I keep this up when I get back home? Will I tumble back in the old bad habbits and routines? Because, face it, our country is so small and even for only 10 million people, the governement can't compromise.
That's not a good example. Maybe policitians ought to travel a little bit more too. Not to the luxurious spa's but 'down to earth' travels, and speak to locals to get ideas on how things are done all over the world. Than come back to Belgium and see what is best for our country.
Enough politics now. Today in exactly two weeks, I'll be leaving Australia and my excess baggage behind and reclaim my life. :)
P.S.: The picture is me bathing Buddha on his birthday with fragrant water that smells like roses. You bathe the little Buddha by pooring the water over his left schoulder 3 times. This gives you inner peace and brings peace into the world.
I suffered from both. My luggage was already too heavy when I left Belgium and so were my emotions.
I didn't know what to pack for four months of travelling and I didn't know what emotions to leave in the past as well. So I dragged my excess baggage with me.
But along the road, I started to get rid of little unimportant things, one at a time, to make my baggage lighter.
Now, almost 4 months later, I can say that I have left a lot of that excess baggage behind. Every new place I went to, every new stranger I would meet took a little piece of my excess baggage, and made life lighter for me.
It's like I reorganised not only my suitcase but also my mind. I can see things more clearly now. What I want and what I don't want in life.
My biggest fear now is, can I keep this up when I get back home? Will I tumble back in the old bad habbits and routines? Because, face it, our country is so small and even for only 10 million people, the governement can't compromise.
That's not a good example. Maybe policitians ought to travel a little bit more too. Not to the luxurious spa's but 'down to earth' travels, and speak to locals to get ideas on how things are done all over the world. Than come back to Belgium and see what is best for our country.
Enough politics now. Today in exactly two weeks, I'll be leaving Australia and my excess baggage behind and reclaim my life. :)
P.S.: The picture is me bathing Buddha on his birthday with fragrant water that smells like roses. You bathe the little Buddha by pooring the water over his left schoulder 3 times. This gives you inner peace and brings peace into the world.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Mayday 2010
The first of May, in Belgium known as 'labour day'
In Australia it's just a normal Saturday because here, they celebrate labour day on May 3rd. This Monday.
All weekend there are celebrations for Buddha's birthday. Little asian markets with oriental food and goodies, music, and a corner dedicated to Buddha with a pond where you can make a wish. Which of course I will do!
The markets go on untill 10pm with lit up twinkle lights. On Sunday Buddha's birthday weekend will be closed with marvelous fireworks.
And on Monday, the aussies get to sleep in :)
On that same Monday I will meet up again with Marianka, my Canadian friend who I met down in Sydney. She is amazing and funny and she reminds me a lot of Kristin, my American friend who I met in Australia last year.
Both girls are vibrant, cheerful, funny and truly amazing. I love them.
Of course, I do not only 'survive' and stay sane in this crazy world if it wasn't for my friends back home. Some I have known for years from the time I was still a teenager, some even from when i was still a kid and some I only got to know in the last couple of years or even months.
But they all have one thing in common: they are there for me when I do need a friend. Even when i'm 12,000km away they will still comfort me when I'm sad, or listen to my crazy stories, or keep me updated about what's going on in Belgium & their lives. Either with stories or with pictures.
So thank you, my friend, for always being there when I needed you, for accepting me the way I am, for loving me the way I am.
And please forgive me for the times I might not have been there for you. I know that sometimes I get caught up in my busy life and forget what's really important: you!
So let me dedicate this blog to you, my friend & my family. Whether it's by blood or by spirit. You truly are the most important thing in my life. Because if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have found the courage to come here in the first place. I wouldn't have learned so much about Australia and most of all about myself.
If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be me.
Love always,
Tania
In Australia it's just a normal Saturday because here, they celebrate labour day on May 3rd. This Monday.
All weekend there are celebrations for Buddha's birthday. Little asian markets with oriental food and goodies, music, and a corner dedicated to Buddha with a pond where you can make a wish. Which of course I will do!
The markets go on untill 10pm with lit up twinkle lights. On Sunday Buddha's birthday weekend will be closed with marvelous fireworks.
And on Monday, the aussies get to sleep in :)
On that same Monday I will meet up again with Marianka, my Canadian friend who I met down in Sydney. She is amazing and funny and she reminds me a lot of Kristin, my American friend who I met in Australia last year.
Both girls are vibrant, cheerful, funny and truly amazing. I love them.
Of course, I do not only 'survive' and stay sane in this crazy world if it wasn't for my friends back home. Some I have known for years from the time I was still a teenager, some even from when i was still a kid and some I only got to know in the last couple of years or even months.
But they all have one thing in common: they are there for me when I do need a friend. Even when i'm 12,000km away they will still comfort me when I'm sad, or listen to my crazy stories, or keep me updated about what's going on in Belgium & their lives. Either with stories or with pictures.
So thank you, my friend, for always being there when I needed you, for accepting me the way I am, for loving me the way I am.
And please forgive me for the times I might not have been there for you. I know that sometimes I get caught up in my busy life and forget what's really important: you!
If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be me.
Love always,
Tania
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
ANZAC day and more
Last Sunday was ANZAC day.
ANZAC is an acronym for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’.
This name came about when Australia and New Zealand joined forces to enter into World War One.
The ANZAC’s landed on the Gallipoli Beach in Turkey on the 25th of April 1915 (hence why ANZAC Day is on that date).
ANZAC Day now incorporates all Australian men and women that have fought in times of war. That being the Boer, Vietnam, Borneo, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars to name a few. It is a day when every Australian celebrates and remembers the men and women who have done so much for Australia.
On the ANZAC Day itself, all around Australia people gather for the marches in the streets with past and present soldiers and dawn services in such squares as Brisbane’s ANZAC Square.
It was an honour to experience this day in Australia.
What else have I been doing? I took a free walking tour and learned even more history about Brisbane and Australia. Apparently, about 40.000 years ago, carnivore kangaroos about 3 metres tall were living in Australia. Glad they have been extinged. Australia has enough dangerous wildlife as it is.
The most venomous snakes and spiders are found in the land Down Under. But as you can see, I travelled all around Oz and I'm still alive. :)
I've also been to the biggest man made beach in Queensland, which is right here in the city. It's a true lagoon, white sand, and crystal clear water with a view over the Brisbane skyline. *Sigh* If we only had something like this in Belgium!
And the bes thing about it: it's free. Yep, FREE... A lot of things in Australia are free. Toilets, for example, you never have to pay for a public toilet! Saved me a lot of money ;)
Or in every big city there is a free bus that loops around from 7am-6pm.
Water! Everywhere you go you can find free drinkable watertaps to refill your bottle, also in bars & restaurants the water is free.
In most parks you can find gasBBQ's free of use.
And of course, you can see so many sunrises and sunsets for free, along with the friendly smiles of the Aussies...
My feelings right now are bittersweet.
Sweet because of all the amazing things I've seen, done, experienced,...
Bitter because in exactly 3 weeks I have to leave this place I called home for almost 4 months...
But, alsways look on the bright side of life, I still have 3 weeks. I will go snorkling on Moreton Island to see the ship wrecks, I'll stop over in Surfers Paradise & Byron bay to enjoy some surfing and laid back beachlife to end up where I started: Sydney. the city where it all began...
ANZAC is an acronym for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’.
This name came about when Australia and New Zealand joined forces to enter into World War One.
The ANZAC’s landed on the Gallipoli Beach in Turkey on the 25th of April 1915 (hence why ANZAC Day is on that date).
ANZAC Day now incorporates all Australian men and women that have fought in times of war. That being the Boer, Vietnam, Borneo, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars to name a few. It is a day when every Australian celebrates and remembers the men and women who have done so much for Australia.
On the ANZAC Day itself, all around Australia people gather for the marches in the streets with past and present soldiers and dawn services in such squares as Brisbane’s ANZAC Square.
It was an honour to experience this day in Australia.
What else have I been doing? I took a free walking tour and learned even more history about Brisbane and Australia. Apparently, about 40.000 years ago, carnivore kangaroos about 3 metres tall were living in Australia. Glad they have been extinged. Australia has enough dangerous wildlife as it is.
The most venomous snakes and spiders are found in the land Down Under. But as you can see, I travelled all around Oz and I'm still alive. :)
And the bes thing about it: it's free. Yep, FREE... A lot of things in Australia are free. Toilets, for example, you never have to pay for a public toilet! Saved me a lot of money ;)
Or in every big city there is a free bus that loops around from 7am-6pm.
Water! Everywhere you go you can find free drinkable watertaps to refill your bottle, also in bars & restaurants the water is free.
In most parks you can find gasBBQ's free of use.
And of course, you can see so many sunrises and sunsets for free, along with the friendly smiles of the Aussies...
My feelings right now are bittersweet.
Sweet because of all the amazing things I've seen, done, experienced,...
Bitter because in exactly 3 weeks I have to leave this place I called home for almost 4 months...
But, alsways look on the bright side of life, I still have 3 weeks. I will go snorkling on Moreton Island to see the ship wrecks, I'll stop over in Surfers Paradise & Byron bay to enjoy some surfing and laid back beachlife to end up where I started: Sydney. the city where it all began...
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Torn between two... continents
In less than a month I have to leave this beautiful & amazing country to fly back to reality.
Only a few weeks left and this lifechanging journey is coming to an end. I can't believe how fast time flies.
I have changed a lot. Not the basics of course, I'm still me, goofy, stubborn, a dreamer. But when it comes to everyday life stuff, or dealing with others I have changed for the better.
Some other stuff that I have noticed:
-I look right before I cross the streets
-When I meet a belgian or dutchie I'm translating the English in my head into Dutch before speaking. Therefore I think in English now.
-I love to eat toast with avocado, in fact I eat avocado's with almost everything
-I'm much more laid back. Stressing over things won't help!
Some amazing things I have done on my trip:
-Walking on glaciers in New Zealand
-Swimming with Dusky dolphins
-Wine tasting in the Barossa Valley
-Horseback riding on the beach in Mornington Peninsula
-Walking around Uluru in the Outback
-Seeing crocodiles in the wild
-Meeting wonderful people from all over the world
And so much more...
At the moment I'm in Brisbane, the biggest city of Queensland. It's situated between the Sunshine coast and the Gold coast. Friendly people, surfers mentality, nice areas...
I think I'm gonna spend my last few weeks here. I feel at home in Brizzie.
As I said in my last blog, I'm trying to find a volunteer job to take care of wildlife. Unfortunately it's not as easy as I thougth. Near Brisbane there is a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I called them but all volunteer jobs are booked untill september!
Maybe that's a sign I need to stay here, don't you think? :)
Anyway, I will keep looking for a job here. In the meantime I'm having fun in and around the city.
Two days ago I got to see Pablo Francisco, one of the best comedians I know! I was laughing from the start to the end, good for the happy hormones. Added a few months to my life :)
Keep on smiling!
Tania
Only a few weeks left and this lifechanging journey is coming to an end. I can't believe how fast time flies.
I have changed a lot. Not the basics of course, I'm still me, goofy, stubborn, a dreamer. But when it comes to everyday life stuff, or dealing with others I have changed for the better.
Some other stuff that I have noticed:
-I look right before I cross the streets
-When I meet a belgian or dutchie I'm translating the English in my head into Dutch before speaking. Therefore I think in English now.
-I love to eat toast with avocado, in fact I eat avocado's with almost everything
-I'm much more laid back. Stressing over things won't help!
Some amazing things I have done on my trip:
-Walking on glaciers in New Zealand
-Swimming with Dusky dolphins
-Wine tasting in the Barossa Valley
-Horseback riding on the beach in Mornington Peninsula
-Walking around Uluru in the Outback
-Seeing crocodiles in the wild
-Meeting wonderful people from all over the world
And so much more...
At the moment I'm in Brisbane, the biggest city of Queensland. It's situated between the Sunshine coast and the Gold coast. Friendly people, surfers mentality, nice areas...
I think I'm gonna spend my last few weeks here. I feel at home in Brizzie.
As I said in my last blog, I'm trying to find a volunteer job to take care of wildlife. Unfortunately it's not as easy as I thougth. Near Brisbane there is a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I called them but all volunteer jobs are booked untill september!
Maybe that's a sign I need to stay here, don't you think? :)
Anyway, I will keep looking for a job here. In the meantime I'm having fun in and around the city.
Two days ago I got to see Pablo Francisco, one of the best comedians I know! I was laughing from the start to the end, good for the happy hormones. Added a few months to my life :)
Keep on smiling!
Tania
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Do as Dundee
Known as 'the top end' of the Northern Territory.
It's hot, it's humid; it's tropical. Once I get out of the shower and leave the aircon room I'm sweating again.
My hair gets frizzy from the humidity and the heat slows me down.
Right now we're at the end of the wet season here. Soon the dry season will start which is the busiest season in this part of Australia.
Darwin itself is not that special. In the 70's there was a hurricane and wiped out everything. They rebuilt some of the buildings but still, everything you see here is not older than 40 years. Buildings that is :)
The aboriginals have been here longer of course. Though they have only been recognized as 'Australian citizens' since 1972. Not even 40 years.
Australia... A home away from home. I love it here, as you probably figured after reading my blog.
Only 1 month and 2 days before I have to fly back to reality. It makes me sad when I think about leaving Oz.
I could live here easily. Well, not in Darwin because it's too humid but I wouldn't mind settling in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or maybe Brisbane, where I will fly to tomorrow.
I can't believe these 3 months went by so fast... I have seen so much beauty and I have learned so much from life. You could say I did a trimester on the University of L.I.F.E. :)
Some people asked me: What do you miss about Belgium? After long consideration I'd have to say: Belgian Chocolate :)
Of course I miss my friends and family from time to time, but thanks to the internet it's not that bad.
What else? My bed & bedroom. I've got quite used to living in hostels now, sharing rooms. But sometimes I wish I just have a double bed & my own room. Just for one night.
Maybe I do miss Antwerp too, just a little bit. You know on a warm day in the spring or the summer when you can go out and have a drink with friends.
But then again, here in Australia you live outside most of the time anyways :)
Everywhere you see barbies (and i'm talking about the BBQ not the doll). It's great to be able to enjoy the oudside so much. I don't think I ever had a tan like this either.
Not from sunbathing on a beach. I've only been to the beach 6 times in 3 months! But just being outside a lot. Even my hair turned darkblond!
For this last month i'm gonna try to find a volunteer job in a wildlife centre. Maybe it's the maternal feeling inside of me but I really wanna take care of koala's, kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes, ...
So hopefully I'll find a place where I can help out. That would be a good closure to my journey.
Big koala cuddles for you all,
Tania Dundee
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