Epilogue

Travelling is life changing. It is hard. It is beautiful. Some days your heart will be full. Others your heart will break. You will never fully understand the extent to which you change unless you experience it first hand. Aside from all the cliches about finding yourself, you genuinely will learn things that you did not know before. You will learn how strong you really are. You will be forced to make decisions and be determined. You will learn that you are your own worst enemy but also the only company you need at times. You will learn the importance of friendship, family and love and the time apart will ensure that you never again take for granted the moments together. You will meet people who open up your mind to the world. They will make you realise things about yourself you didn’t want to admit. They will become your closest friends and you will share your experiences with them; share your highs and lows with them. Share stories, beds and pizzas with them.

Travel is the only thing you can spend money on which makes you richer. Despite the climax of my adventure I leave with no regrets. I have become braver and more self assured as a person. I thank my mum for inspiring me to take a leap and follow the footsteps she trod thirty years ago. I hope for my children to one day be encouraged to do the same. Life is too short to not experience the world and the world is too big to not explore.

I’ve slept under stars, swam with sharks and fell 15,000ft from the sky. I’ve cuddled a koala, curled up with kangaroos and stroked a snake. I’ve danced in waterfalls, caught knarly waves and climbed mountains. I’ve experienced so much and will forever look back in awe. I have admiration for the beautiful country I was so lucky to explore but also for the person I was coming to Australia and, much more so, the person I am leaving. I’m proud I stuck it out and have memories, friends and experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. I urge anyone to be brave, take risks and have big adventures. Australia, this is not a goodbye. I will be back.

Annabel x