Jaunting Borders with Miranda: Takeaways
This is Part 7 and the final installment of our blog series, Jaunting Borders with Miranda. After spending 3 years working to make sure high school students have the opportunity to travel the world, Miranda decided to take an epic trip of her own. Her 7 week trip took her across Australia and New Zealand.
Last week, I completed my 7 week journey. After such an incredible trip -- one which included jumping out of a place (twice), living on a boat for a week, swinging from a canyon, and chilling with many new friends -- I think it is important to take some time to reflect on some key takeaways. Here are my top 7:
1) Sometimes you have to put the camera down and just be where you are. Don't let a lens separate you from what's happening.
2) When people tell you the sun in Australia is super strong because of the ozone layer thinning... believe them.
3) Travel isn't a break in real life -- it is real life. Make time to really experience it as a part of your overall life journey, not as a pause in it.
4) Kangaroos in Australia are like deer in the USA- free roaming pests. Deer in New Zealand are like cows in the USA- raised on farms. Bats in Australia are huge. Really, really huge. Baby seals bite. Pretty hard. So do kookaburras. Koalas are kind of boring.
5) Aussies eat beets on everything, including on hamburgers. When in Rome...
6) Everyone has something to teach you. Be a respectful traveler who listens with an open heart and mind, and the people you meet will astonish you.
7) Be someone who says "yes." When you have the opportunity to try one more trail, stay out late with new friends, or try a new activity, say yes. These moments, the ones you almost missed, often turn out to be your most treasured memories.
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