See ya Melbourne!

It’s Thursday 22nd January. Today marks my final day in Melbourne and I never thought I’d say this but I am actually a bit gutted to be leaving so soon. I overheard someone in my hostel bar saying ‘I came to Australia to find myself but I’ve never been so lost’ and this completely resonates with week one me. But week two Annabel has a completely new mindset. I needed to stop being so uptight, so set in my ways, so focused on having a plan and just ‘go with the flow’ – after all I did book a ticket to Australia with no set idea of what to do! I discovered the beauty of waking up every day and thinking that I could literally do anything I wanted. So I made the most of it: I explored the famous Great Ocean Road, I took a trip to Phillip Island to see the parade of the penguins (which was incredible and something I’ll never be able to experience again) and one day I just took a book to the beach and read. I’ve learnt to slow down and take a moment to experience living. I’ve met some great girls who have taught me things about the world and about myself and who I hope to stay in touch with as I travel North. We went to Victoria night market last night and danced to a live folk bank until it closed. I can honestly say I just felt content.

Today, Jo -a yoga teacher in my dorm – and I went to a vegan cafe in an old convent just outside of the city. It was non-profit and you gave a donation based on what you thought the food was worth. This for me was completely new but I think it’s a wonderful idea as everyone there volunteers. The food was also super tasty and filling (there was even chocolate cake!) After heading back to the city, Jo gave me a tarot card reading on the rooftop of our hostel. I was completely stunned with how the outcome reflected my time in Australia so far and the journey I hope to have. I wouldn’t say I am overly spiritual, but I do believe that everything happens for a reason… My cards talked a lot about having more self confidence and being trusting of people, which relates a lot to opening up to new people who I will be constantly meeting along the way. This is so important when you are trying to slot yourself into an already established group as it can be intimidating but you just have to put yourself out there. The majority of my cards were fire cards which reflects unpredictability, passion, enthusiasm and energy, but the most resonant for me was the symbolism of determination, strength and expansion. I would have said I was an extrovert before but really I don’t open up to many people. I feel like I have already become so much stronger in myself and creating relationships with people. It has also made me want to make more effort with preexisting ones when I go home. I was ready to throw in the towel by my third day but, thanks to the support from home, I persevered and I am so glad I did as I will be able to take away so much from this whole experience. I also drew two water cards, first and last, which was interesting. I have talked about not being a city person and wanting to get to the beach and this reflecting this side of me.

The element of water is symbolic of fluidity, feelings and emotions, intuition, relationships, healing, and cleansing. My cards read that I already have genuine relationships which I rely on for stability and protection and that I need to open my mind to the ideas of others who are different to me. I think this is true as I was relying heavily on the support of people back home, but it wasn’t until I starting to connect with people around me here that I really started to enjoy my experience.

So thank you Melbourne, it may have been a love-hate vegemite (Australian marmite) relationship but you have definitely opened my eyes to what this country and journey has to offer. I will be writing a post about my top things to do in Melbourne so keep an eye out for that. Next stop, the sand and surf of Sydney!

Annabel x