Summary:
I have been dreading writing this post for the whole year, not only does it mark the end of the greatest adventure I have ever embarked on, but also it is so exceedingly difficult to summarise a life changing experience. One concept I find strange is that of time, where the heck has it gone, a year of my life and one of the best has absolutely flown by. China seems nothing more than a blink of strange foods, friendly Dutch, couchsurfing and touristing. Thailand is a flash of sandy beaches, buckets of sugary cocktails, hilarious friends who I could have the best parties with and the best food I have, and probably will ever have, in my life. Australia was a significant part of my travels as well as my life. I spent nine months in this beautiful country exploring every coast, every crevice and every part I possibly could. I built roots here, had my first major dose of home with some of my favourite people visiting and just being there. Not only that being somewhere for a bit longer allows to to build a greater and deeper connection with the people you meet. Again that concept of time. You get that with people which is something you don't often get during travelling. In Sydney the goodbyes were less frequent, the old friends visiting was more frequent and life was an absolute pleasure to live. Money, alcohol, a home, beautiful people with the greatest souls and characters. Not to mention that beautiful city wherein left my heart. Hands down Australia was the hardest place I had to leave. Sitting on the plane with the feeling that someone had punched me in the stomach! Flying over and away the harbour bridge having to physically hold back tears, if that is not love of a place I certainly don't know what is! New Zealand came next, time for adventure and definitely a change in the weather. Again some incredible people with the kindest hearts, people who really care about you despite knowing you for a week. Who cares that doesn't matter. Travelling allows to to meet the real person inside the body. Everyone has nothing to hide and everything to share and I'm happy to have shared the amazing times and unbelievable scenery and beauty of New Zealand with the kiwi experience. Leaving New Zealand for a hot tropical climate certainly wasn't a hard decision and Fiji was a well needed break. I'm sure everyone thinks that travel is just kicking back, slacking off and having a good time... Well of course it is exactly that, however it is also exhausting. Fun in the sun with the beautiful culture of the islands and again of course wonderful new friends, fresh food, sunshine and spectacular scenery. I love Fiji, it is impossible not too. America was up next, heading back to places you have been before is weird however I'm so glad I returned to La. A place that I first hated! This time round was different, the weather and experience was perfect leading me nicely into catching up with a very special group of people. I can't begin to explain how much my Huntington friends mean to me. All I know is the last time we all said goodbye we were all on tears, boys included, unaware of when we will see each other again. Of course this is a feeling you feel frequently whilst travelling. However seeing these guys again made me realise it is never too hard to see the people you meet and love again! Following on from this I finally met up with my father after 10 months of being away from my best friend. I also got to spend some time with family, I was looked after, saw some spectacular things and did the most amazing experiences. Felt very fortunate to travel with my father from San Francisco to Vegas to sacramento. That leads me to New York. A magical and beautiful city that you cannot help but fall in love with. This post is short, not detailed and perhaps a bit of an anti climax but you have to understand how impossible it is to explain to someone who hasn't done it. On that note DO IT! The million dollar question: have I changed!? In my opinion a ridiculous question, of course I have changed. The things that I have seen, done, smelt, tasted. Some people don't experience what I have in a year in their whole life and trust me I feel very fortunate. The foundations of myself and my personality are the same I will never fully change. My name is Kara I am stubborn, argumentative, I think I know it all, however I have seen the beauty of the world and the beauty of people and places and that will always be a part of me that changed, a part that has grown and developed and a part that will always keep me hungry for more. Once you start you never really stop watch this space...