Well, I’ve officially been in Australia for two months. Since arriving here, time has traveled at a strange pace. Sometimes, days have passed like weeks, and other times, days have blurred together into an unrecognizable mass. I’ve seen more of Australia than most Americans, but I still have a lot more to see.
I just realized that a forgot to write about what I did after I fixed my money troubles in Hervey Bay. As you may have guessed from my previous posts, I made it out just fine, and right now, I’m in Cairns. I’ve been here for the past three weeks or so. I intend to stay here for the next few months and acquire more photos during the tropical winter.
Holding a saltwater crocodile at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
I would be lying, if I said, “I haven’t felt a little homesick every now-and-then”, but I had expected that. Australia’s a lot like America, but there are some differences. Even though the United States is the third most populous country in the world, not many Americans are out here. In many ways, that is cool because I love meeting new people from different countries, but at the same time, I am less likely to keep in touch with people from far flung countries than people who I can visit via a relatively short drive or a domestic flight. That’s not to say, “I can’t keep in touch with them”. It’s just harder to maintain close relationships with people from all over the world, when you cannot physically spend time with them every year or so.
Common brushtail possum eating a melon at Fraser Roving hostel.
That said, I love my international friends. It’s so awesome sharing stories and learning about each other’s languages and customs (and dispel any associated stereotypes). That is one of the primary reasons you should travel. Even if you’re only traveling for a brief period, you will soak up so much sweet, sweet knowledge and experience!
Swimming with a green sea turtle on the Great Barrier Reef.
My journey from Sydney to Cairns.
Tidewater Teddy 