When I worked in the Netherlands five years ago, I heard some colleagues take a sabbatical leave to go on a long-term holiday. At that point, my travelling style was already directed to slow travel, which means spending time in one place (or, in my case, still one country) and exploring the area with a loose itinerary for each day. I like this arrangement because I can feel that my holiday is somewhat longer than when I have to constantly move my luggage every couple of days. Further, I can try to live like a local. Thus, the idea of committing six months or more to a holiday was an eye-opener for me.
Then came my idea to do long-term travel in my 40s.
The first thing that came to mind when I decided on this plan was to set aside some money each month until D-day. It succeeded until recently, I used most of the funds for other travel, hahaha! Yet, I don't lose this dream and will start saving up again for the trip.
Little did I know, my life is directed towards an early long-term trip.... to Australia! These days, I am still waiting for my PhD applications and job offers, but I am done waiting while not doing anything. I came across the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) Australia, which allows me to stay in the country for one year and work to fund my trip. So, instead of a long-term trip in my 40s, I will have already fulfilled my dream at age 27! I still want to fulfil that original plan, though. Anything is possible, and in my case, I will make it possible. Anyway, when I applied for the WHV, I didn't realise that at all because I was fixated on more working and less travelling during my time in Australia. Approaching my departure date to Melbourne, my first destination, the realisation kicked in and hence, writing this post.
This post is the introduction of several writings in the future about my reflection and experience in Australia. There are many things I want to do and many places I want to visit, but here is the list I can think of up to right now:
Live in Melbourne and Sydney for at least one month, experience like a local and tourist
Do part-time jobs for the sake of new experiences (and money, duh)
See (and touch) koala and kangaroo
Visit a zoo
Watch a musical
Watch a concert at the Sydney Opera House
Visit museums
Sit and do nothing at a park (if the weather allows)
Make day trips while in Melbourne and Sydney
Travel to Tasmania and Brisbane
It is a general list with no specific event in mind. I didn't include points of interest in every city I plan to live/visit since they are already indirectly included somewhere on this list. Well, I hope to check everything or do something unexpected during my trip. The trip is nerve-wracking as uncertainties are guaranteed, but I am really looking forward to my adventure in Australia!
Cheers!
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