Transitions

Having fun on a beach in Tasmania!

So we have been on the road for about 5 weeks.  We are on our second country and our eighth accomodation.  We have stayed in the homes of 3 relatives, 1 campervan, 2 air bnb's, 1 hostel, and 1 motel.  Surprisingly I seem to have transitioned quite easily from being a responsible income earner to a carefree traveller.  I expected some psychological challenge or emotional release to take place because I was changing the course of my life as I had always known...but it never transpired.  No instead I seamlessly embraced the leisurely morning coffee, a morning online yoga class and taking time to consider what the days activities will entail (first having to remember what day it is).  

One re-occuring challenge I've had is struggling with feeling guilty wanting a down day where we stay in, read a book, watch a movie, nap, etc...in my head I'm telling myself that I've taken a year off to travel, isn't every day a down day already?! How could I want a day off from traveling? But I had no idea how exhausting it is to take in a new environment and information.  The intake comes in the form of information and education from tourist attractions. Grocery shopping in a new country is the same but different and takes us hours, taking public transit and reading maps to figure out where you are, driving stick shift on the left side of the road (funny though, it was the reversing of the blinker and windshield washer that got me the most.  Rarely did people know I was turning but I was ready for a flash flood every time). And to add insult to injury...we're still in an English speaking, first world country! Can't imagine what it'll be like when we get to SE Asia...or India!

-Rhonda

Rhonda relaxing on the rocks in Bicheno, Tasmania

Terry the prehistoric beaver

Tasmania

MONA (Museum of Old & New Art)

Water exhibit

From our tour at the Port Arthur Penal Colony
(~1820-1860)

Our first night camping by the ocean (Eagle neck beach)

"Wally" our camper at Eagle neck

Wineglass Bay, we hiked 2 hours to this remote beach

Mama and baby Wallaby came to visit at our camp site

Echidna: like a cross between an ant eater and hedgehog

Tasmania = Okanagan Valley + ArizonaArizona + Vancouver Island + Aussies and other similar creepy crawlies ;)

It's been a great 10 day trip to this arrid island by the ocean, a few highlights:

-the historic penal colony of Port Arthur (cutting edge during the 1800s, where convicts received more rights, freedoms, and higher living standards than back in Great Britain)

-beautiful beaches with pretty cold water, the kind that makes your skin hurt at first and then you turn numb and say "It's not so bad once you get used to it" (I think you experience similar sensations with hypothermia)

-the first two days were partially consumed with fixing issues with our camper van but fortunately they were all minor and the company was helpful in providing solutions

-today we hiked up and around an area called Wineglass Bay, great views but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves

-the camp grounds have been great for the most part, offering comforts like hot showers and clean facilities. Locations next to beaches are real blessings as well
-Terry

Australia - Quick update & off to Tasmania

Blue Mountains w/ Vanessa & Richard

Been a while since our last post so I'll try to catch us up, this may be long:

-We're so lucky to be able to stay with family, it's been great hanging out with them and they've made the adjustment period so smooth, we're very grateful.

-We've taken 2 surfing lessons at Bondi Beach and both of us have managed to get standing on the boards, I think we might be hooked, especially Rhonda! One more lesson to go!

-A weekend was spent with family exploring the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves where we saw some amazing wonders of Australian nature.

-A good portion of our time has been spent on simply relaxing, reading, and gradually exploring the neighborhoods we stay in. Maintaining a bit of "normalcy" has been wonderful, again when we've got the time there isn't the pressure to "pack it in." 

-Our entry ticket into SE Asia has been booked and it's quite an experience picking a destination when you have no time restrictions. The world really feels like our oyster!

We're super excited for the next chapter of our travels as we have landed on the island of Tasmania. It's our first step out "on our own" and as of the 2nd day it's been another whirlwind learning curve. We've rented a camper van and learning to drive on the other side has taken some adjustment but it's coming along better than expected and is a very welcomed challenge!

So far, Tasmania reminds us of Vancouver Island with the laid back island lifestyle and scenery. We just finished 5 hours at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and by far it's the best art gallery we've been to (more entertaining  and provocative than the Louvre!).

We'll try and do a few posts to elaborate more on the above points so we'll see you then!

-Terry