Ten years ago I decided to experience a different part of the world before settling down. Too many people around me said 'if I could, I would, I should have' a bit too often for my taste. Also I realized life was easy having the safety of a home, a circle of dear friends and a job. These ties became part of my identity. I wondered how I would do without. Could I be happy without it all?
When exploring possibilities to live abroad for a while, the option of a working-holiday visa (valid in Australia) was advertised. This was of course a great opportunity to travel a long period of time without having to save a substantial amount of money before take off. I had no idea what Australia was like, never really paid much attention to her. This changed when the ticket office asked me where I would like to arrive and from where I would like to depart within or after a years time. I got a Lonely Planet at the book shop and started reading. There were three things that pointed my direction: first of all my eagerness to experience the real Australian way of life, to avoid the 'been there, done that'-backpacking scene and gut feeling. The places that drew my attention were Arnhem Land, Broome and Esperance but the latter less then the first two places. So a logic travel route for me was to arrive in Brisbane and to travel towards Perth. I booked, quit my job, sublet my apartment in Amsterdam and took off within six weeks.
Although friends were shocked, sad and convinced I would stay away the full year, I thought I might also be back after three weeks if it turned out that Australia and/or traveling did not suit me.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
In the nineties Astrid fell in love with Australia. It took her ten years to acquire a visa. In 2008 she and Joy traveled from The Netherlands to the other side of the world to start a life there. Here we can share our life's experiences and stay in touch.
