"We're all a little weird, and when we find those people whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness and call them our best friends."
It's about that time....summer has ended, Melbourne's weather is worse than ever, jobs are scarce, and well life is a bit too comfortable for the backpacker lifestyle....yes, time to MOVE!! Beginning tomorrow, April 14th, Emily Meyers, Chris Johnson, Josh Purdy and I will be beginning the long Journey from Melbourne, Victoria to Perth, Western Australia.
To get a perspective on things. This drive will be about the equivalent distance of driving from Ohio to California....despite the fact that we will be driving across 15 hours of vast, empty dessert and the only wildlife will consist of camels, kangaroos and deadly snakes. Oh, and our destination?? Perth - the most isolated major city in the world. No worries though, mate! I'd like to say we're only driving through the "bush", a term used by Aussies to describe going into the outback....but "not quite there". Our route will be along the southern borders of Australia so we can stop through the city of Adelaide and gorgeous surf town of Esperance before arriving in sunny Perth. The thought that we're staying somewhere close to the water (well at least by the looks of a map...) and not going into the treacherous outback is the only concept keeping me from peeing my pants a bit.
So how did I get myself into this situation?? Not quite sure. What do I know?? I love Melbourne. I love the vibrant city and the incredible people I've met along the way. I love my home and the friends in it. I love how comfortable things are.....but that's where the conflict comes, the word comfortable. We are living like Aussie residents would...which is fun and wonderful and exciting (or would be more exciting with a better job...), but my time in Australia is limited. With proper jobs not working out, it's time to get back to the backpacker lifestyle and start a new adventure!!!
Emily and I began planning our trip like most people - looking up cheap flights. When this became a bit disconcerting, Chris casually mentioned another option....relocation vehicles. This is how we stumbled upon our 6 person, Volkswagen Campervan Cheapa Delux. For $1/day and $500 free gas, we have 6 days to move this campervan from Melbourne to Perth. It's an affordable option that offers an adventurous road trip with four great friends. DEAL. Chris put it in perfect words for me, "what are you going to remember in 20 years, Patty? A 4 hour flight or a 6 day road trip with your best friends?". Well, if it involves me camping out in the "bush" for 6 days and showering in a van - I'm pretty sure I'm not going to forget that!!
So the adventure begins. Another road trip - but this time to a new city with two more friends to add to the mix. It's time to once again get lost wandering the city, walk along strange streets, stumble upon random parks or small beaches, discover favorite cafes...and don't forget those cheap food specials and fun happy hours. I'll miss all the amazing friends I've made back in Melbourne, but I promise to make it back for one last goodbye before we get kicked out of this country :)
Cheers to more job searching, blue waters and surf, a new adventure and many more stories along the way!!!
April 13, 2011
3400 km and 6 days to go...
"We're all a little weird, and when we find those people whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness and call them our best friends."
It's about that time....summer has ended, Melbourne's weather is worse than ever, jobs are scarce, and well life is a bit too comfortable for the backpacker lifestyle....yes, time to MOVE!! Beginning tomorrow, April 14th, Emily Meyers, Chris Johnson, Josh Purdy and I will be beginning the long Journey from Melbourne, Victoria to Perth, Western Australia.
To get a perspective on things. This drive will be about the equivalent distance of driving from Ohio to California....despite the fact that we will be driving across 15 hours of vast, empty dessert and the only wildlife will consist of camels, kangaroos and deadly snakes. Oh, and our destination?? Perth - the most isolated major city in the world. No worries though, mate! I'd like to say we're only driving through the "bush", a term used by Aussies to describe going into the outback....but "not quite there". Our route will be along the southern borders of Australia so we can stop through the city of Adelaide and gorgeous surf town of Esperance before arriving in sunny Perth. The thought that we're staying somewhere close to the water (well at least by the looks of a map...) and not going into the treacherous outback is the only concept keeping me from peeing my pants a bit.
So how did I get myself into this situation?? Not quite sure. What do I know?? I love Melbourne. I love the vibrant city and the incredible people I've met along the way. I love my home and the friends in it. I love how comfortable things are.....but that's where the conflict comes, the word comfortable. We are living like Aussie residents would...which is fun and wonderful and exciting (or would be more exciting with a better job...), but my time in Australia is limited. With proper jobs not working out, it's time to get back to the backpacker lifestyle and start a new adventure!!!
Emily and I began planning our trip like most people - looking up cheap flights. When this became a bit disconcerting, Chris casually mentioned another option....relocation vehicles. This is how we stumbled upon our 6 person, Volkswagen Campervan Cheapa Delux. For $1/day and $500 free gas, we have 6 days to move this campervan from Melbourne to Perth. It's an affordable option that offers an adventurous road trip with four great friends. DEAL. Chris put it in perfect words for me, "what are you going to remember in 20 years, Patty? A 4 hour flight or a 6 day road trip with your best friends?". Well, if it involves me camping out in the "bush" for 6 days and showering in a van - I'm pretty sure I'm not going to forget that!!
So the adventure begins. Another road trip - but this time to a new city with two more friends to add to the mix. It's time to once again get lost wandering the city, walk along strange streets, stumble upon random parks or small beaches, discover favorite cafes...and don't forget those cheap food specials and fun happy hours. I'll miss all the amazing friends I've made back in Melbourne, but I promise to make it back for one last goodbye before we get kicked out of this country :)
Cheers to more job searching, blue waters and surf, a new adventure and many more stories along the way!!!
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