In true backpackers style, I am 8 hours into a 24 hour bus ride taking me up the coast from quiet Hervey Bay to busy Cairns (aka the Great Barrier Reef). Brenda and I said our goodbyes this morning as she is heading off to Cambodia for work (lucky girl!) so I am embarking on this long trek on my own, giving me lots of time to reflect on this journey. Brenda and I have been talking a lot about our favorite travel quotes so I’ve decided to do some reflecting with the guidance of some of the quotes that we’ve discussed.
“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain
After nearly a month of travelling with Brenda, and being together almost 24/7, I can confidently say that I like her! Obviously we were friends before we embarked on this journey but that friendship has deepened in many ways. It was such a joy to experience this adventure with such a wonderful soul. We now know more about each other than most and are comfortable talking about just about anything. We’ve laughed, cried, danced, marveled and reflected together. Both Brenda and I have some big decisions to make in the near future and were perfect companions as we talked and talked and talked some more trying to figure out the right next steps for each of us. I am so grateful to not only call Brenda a dear friend, but to have experienced all of this wonder with her.
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
I have met so many wonderful people on this adventure, as I’ve reflected upon in numerous blog posts. Most of these new friends were just passing through my life ever so briefly but not before impacting me in one way or another. A few have made a deeper impression and I hope to keep in touch as we all get back to our “real lives”. One of the friends that I made on our first stop in Melbourne will be meeting me on my last stop in Cairns, a wonderful way to wrap up the trip, from start to finish. There are so many interesting and kind people in this world and travelling is a surefire way to meet a whole lot of them and is the reason I think I will forever be a wanderer, even if it’s a settled wanderer.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien
This is one of my favorites and is surprisingly from a Lord of the Rings book. Many of the travellers that I’ve met are the least lost people I know! They wake up each morning with purpose and joy and confidence on their journey. I have gone from feeling a little lost leaving California a couple of months ago, to returning to California with joy, strength and excitement for the next steps. Wandering has helped me find myself again and was exactly what I needed.
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle
This morning over our last breakfast together, Brenda and I talked about our favorite memories from each town. Although they were hard to narrow down, here are mine:
Melbourne: A few nights after arriving, I found myself having dinner at a new friends house, surrounded by other new friends laughing and talking away. I had a beautiful moment of pause as I absorbed how quickly one can feel at home in a new place and connected to new people and what a wonderful feeling that is.
Tassie: Spending the day exploring Hobart by bike, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my face and feeling completely joyful in the moment and grateful for everything that had gotten me to that point.
Sydney: Sitting on pillows on the floor, drinking hot tea and listening to amazing acoustic music at an art co-op at a secret music event introduced to us by our friend Stef. I felt like a true local!
Byron Bay: Walking down the street in our long dresses and being swept up by some travelling musicians, dancing along the sidewalk before parting ways, I loved the spontaneity of strangers meeting on the street brought together by music before parting ways.
Hervey Bay: Hanging out on the beach with Brenda with not a soul to be seen. It’s off-season (aka winter) in Australia and we were lucky enough to spend much of an afternoon with a beautiful beach completely to ourselves!
Cairns: We have a busy few days planned in Cairns including a day of snorkeling and a rainforest tour. I know there will be many wonderful memories made – stay tuned!
To wrap up, here’s a final quote that holds meaning for me, what does it mean to you?:
“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley
Ps. Check out photos from Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay & Fraser Island in the gallery to the right!
