2009 was a very confusing year for me. But a lot of soul-searching led me to land in Sydney, Australia on October 4. This was the beginning of my six month adventure, where I was lucky enough to get to see the way people live "Down Unda" and create memories that I know will last me a lifetime. Not only did I spend time in Oz, but I got to visit New Zealand, as well as South East Asia, specifically Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Traveling has really opened my eyes, literally, to a whole new world. Yes, I know that is cliche and is also a Disney song, but I'm not kidding. As corny as it sounds, I was able to experience exciting, challenging and emotional times and I was able to visit some of the strangest places I've ever, and possibly, will ever see.
My second day in Australia!
From climbing Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand to visiting a floating village on the Mekong River and watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat Temple, I never really knew enough about our world to realize how insanely beautiful and diverse it is. I never really cared for travel until, as I mentioned above, my friends began to get their backpacks and take off to places unknown, and now, I feel like the whole world is waiting for me to explore it.
Our hiking boots. Ready to climb a glacier!
Can't believe I climbed that!My bucket list is quickly getting longer. There's a force stronger than myself that is pulling me in the direction of South Africa. This could be my next adventure. I realize that at some point I need to move out of the parents' house. I refuse to be 30 and still living at home - although this means I only have about 11 months left. Yes, I'll admit it - I am 29 and I live with my folks. I go to school and my father makes my lunch everyday. On a side note, does anyone know of any kind of self-help group for people like me?
Inside a beautiful Buddhist worship temple.
For the time being, I am happy to think that I have found a career that suits me. After working in the legal field and hating my life, I'm enjoying school at the moment, but I am waiting to see where I'll end up after school is over and "real life" begins again. The Professional World Round 2. My parents must be counting the days.
Although I came back from my adventure 20 pounds heavier, as did the majority of my friends that I spent time with while away, those pounds were a symbol of happiness for me. "Happy fat," a friend once dubbed them, and I guess I was okay with that - until I had to get back to reality and couldn't fit into my old work clothes. Back to real life it was, but I won't lie when I say that traveling is the best and the worst thing that you can ever do. The best because what better way to discover the world and, yes another cliche, to discover yourself? The worst because now, I never want to be in the same place for longer than a year and don't think I'll ever want to settle. So what does that mean for me? I better find a career in public relations where travel is a must - luxury travel resorts, perhaps? I better look into some internships ;)
...Claire Was Here.
