Goodbye Australia - Vlog 4

I'm leaving Australia tonight. After being in Asia for eleven months, it's time to go home for three weeks.

I'm always prepared to say goodbye to the people I've met because I know I will see them again - the people you befriend are always a bit similar to yourself and it seems that my little network in Australasia is quite full of tumbleweeds like myself.

Thank you, Melbourne clan, for letting me elbow my way into your little circle and allowing me to make myself comfortable. These past six weeks have flown by but I'm sure we'll continue the ruckus elsewhere.

Here is a compilation of little video clips I've collected over the past few weeks:

 

I depart for the United States tonight. My December 22nd will be about 40 hours long with a 14 hour layover in Fiji, 3 hour layover in Los Angelos, and then finally arriving in San Francisco at 5pm. 

I'm so excited to see my best friends in the next three weeks! It will be great to see how everyone has grown and developed post-college and over the last year, but mostly, it will be great to fall into a natural rhythm with the close friends who have shaped me to become the person I am today.

I look forward to updating you with my trips in Fiji, San Francisco, and Vail in two weeks' time.

New Destination Announced

I'm going to THAILAND!!!

I'll be working in Bangkok from January 20th - April 13th. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Thailand was my first choice and I'm looking forward to learning more about the country and the culture since I had such a great time from my last visit - which you can check out here, here, and here.

Last time I went to Thailand, I got bit by a monkey. I'll be based in the city, hopefully that won't happen again.

Life is good.

Couchsurfing in Adelaide

This past week I was in one of Australia's smaller cities for a business trip - population of about 1 million. I decided to try couchsurfing for a few nights.

There are a few reasons I decided to test my luck with a stranger than stay in a hotel.
1. Local Knowledge
2. Conversation
3. Cost

I had an amazing experience. My host was a young Australian gentleman who has travelled all over the world while helping run his family's mining company. He took me to a few nice beachside spots and in return, I made him hot wings - an American staple. He had some great stories to share including a party at the Playboy mansion, buying a taxidermic lion from bikers, and venturing into the world of film - check out this new indie psycho-thriller film he helped produce:


I was really comfortable. I had my own room, bathroom, access to internet, and my key. Being able to come and go was essential since I was attending two or three meetings a day for work. I would definitely recommend couchsurfing to any traveller - just make sure to do your research! I looked at this option a few weeks ago, friended him on Facebook immediately, and kept tabs on my host for a few weeks before arriving in Adelaide. A few texts and phone calls were exchanged and the situation felt safe.

Now, I have a new global contact and more knowledge about Adelaide. By the way... if you ever visit the small town of Adelaide then three or four days should be juuuust fine. Check out the upcoming vlog for some scenes and the scoop on Adelaide.

Wandering Plans

I just received the email from my company about 2013's training summit.

GOING BACK TO BORACAY! I can't wait! It's been a year of globe-trotting and I'm excited to reunite with my colleagues in January. But first, a little trip around the world to visit my friends and family back home... counting the days to see the people that have kept me sane from half a world away.

Next week:

Adelaide, Australia

December 15th:

Melbourne, Australia

December 22nd:

Fiji

December 22nd:

San Francisco, California

December 26th:

Vail, Colorado

January 3rd:

Portland, Maine

January 11th:

New York City, New York

January 13th:

Philippines

January 19th:

Bangkok, Thailand

Little road trip this weekend to Bells Beach, Australia. More on the vlog coming up :)