In February of this year, Phil and I set off on our biggest adventure yet... one way tickets to Germany and only the vaguest of plans... and now it's over!!!!
Eleven countries, eighteen cities and over 7000 photos later and today is literally the last day of #adventure2015.
Tomorrow, we jump on a plane and head back to Melbourne!
Glancing back
How to possibly sum this year in one post?? The highs and lows. The new experiences. What will stand out most in our memories?
Definitely one of the highlights was the time with friends and family on our travels. We actually spent more than 9 weeks travelling with friends and family across the trip!! Not only did we have a lot of fun, it definitely took us home without, you know, actually having to go all the way home!!
Lex and I having a sister moment in Nafplio, Greece
And we got to spend loads of time with family in Germany. We went on an alpine hike, learnt how to cross country ski, attended two weddings and passed a super hot summer in Munich swimming in the Bavarian lakes, eating gelati and rollerblading around the neighbourhood. Good times!!
I felt like a kid again during our summer in Germany - playing outside all day in the sun!
Our trip around Eastern Europe was a revelation - so many fantastic spots like Ljubljana and Sofia. I cannot wait to get back over there to check out Romania, Bosnia and Croatia. Oh... and the rest of Turkey. And Greece. I think this trip just expanded my must-see list rather than shortening it!!
Ahhh... Greece!!
Our time in Bali has really been about appreciating our local area. Last time we were in Bali for an extended period, we travelled all over Bali and to Lombok and the Gili islands. I had itchy feet every time we got back to our apartment in Legian and it drove me crazy being spruiked at by the same people day after day.
This trip, we decided to lean into Legian... We were helped out by the fact that the local area has had a major revive with new cafes, restaurants and we also found some hidden gems - a couple of nearby rooftop bars with incredible sunset views and a fantastic local Thai restaurant, Sawasdeekha.
Legian beach sunsets are just stunning whether you're in a rooftop bar or on a bean bag on the beach
Phil met one of his biggest trip goals in Bali of learning another language - his Indonesian skills are already impressive and I think he'll continue to practise when we're back in Melbourne.
Plus, we still fit in trips to Amed in the east and Gili Air for a bit of snorkelling with sea turtle!
Last days in Bali
Our last week in Bali has been a surprisingly frantic one!! We've spent quite a bit time over the last two months upgrading our two apartments here and in this last week we've running around getting last minute things organised. And with 2 days to go, we still didn't have a couch despite ordering it in early November... aaaahhh, Bali time.
It arrived with one day to go - woo hoo!!!! But it's missing half the cushions
On the upside, they are looking better than ever! It's just a shame we don't have more time to enjoy it... I know, I know, no one's feeling sorry for us.
Jungle balcony!!
To farewell Bali after three lovely months, we organised a tour day... With a 6am start we headed up to Kintamani, where you can get a wonderful view of Mount Batur and the volcanic landscape. We drove through villages and rice fields and drank in the landscapes.
What a gorgeous view!
Our last stop for the day was a glass blowing studio run by a slightly eccentric Californian, Ron, who makes exquisite pieces.
We stumbled across his studio six years ago on our honeymoon and had a long and memorable chat to Ron, who gave us a demo, and we bought a vase as a souvenir.
So it just seemed fitting to revisit horizon glassworks before heading home.
Look at this incredible pelican!!! Our souvenir is a little more pedestrian...
It was great to see that Ron was still cranking out some amazing work and have a chat about the challenges of being an artist and running a business in Bali. If you're ever around Ubud, it's well worth your time to drop in.
With our farewell touring day behind us, we caught a last couple of glorious Balinese sunsets, and a trip to the barber (Phil) and mani pedi (me), we were packed and ready to head home!!
So what was it all about anyway?
This year has been fun, invigorating, challenging, relaxing, reflective... awesome. We've followed our instincts and interests and met places and people we have absolutely loved and won't forget!
I have especially enjoyed writing the blog. I think writing a journal keeps me focused on enjoying each moment - perhaps something to remember for "real life"?
And the lows? Honestly, there haven't been many. I have definitely missed home and our cat and and friends and family. I think I underestimated how much perspective people can bring to our lives... and how much we miss its absence.
Technology fails drove me to distraction at various times as did train delays and crap airport experiences, but we seemed to avoid a lot of the most annoying parts of travel just by moving more slowly and staying longer in each place. I guess we've been pretty damn lucky!!!
In case it isn't obvious from all the posts across the year, I would absolutely do this again and if you're at all thinking about taking some time off to travel... start planning - it's easier than you'd think.
My two long term top travel tips are the Citibank card - only Aussie account with zero withdrawal fees or currency conversion charge. And trail wallet - a brilliant budgeting app that makes tracking the spending kinda fun.
I feel genuinely transformed by this year away, which I wasn't really expecting. It sounds odd, but I feel more like myself - I think a long trip reveals what you would want to spend your time doing if you really have the choice, and therein to some extent, your values. The time away from daily pressures and white noise of modern life has been incredibly beneficial and a good reminder of what's important.
Like finding fun, silly moments on long train trips together
Also, a huge thanks to all our Melbourne people for joining us on our adventure - either in person, or through this blog, on Facebook, via email or just wishing us well. My biggest thanks goes to my favourite travel companion and biggest support, Phil. I love you and the spirit of adventure and fearlessness you bring to our travels. Let's do it again sometime??
What's next??
It's time to head back to real life. After a wonderful year of wandering, I will be back at my desk on 4 January (yikes, that's soon) and Melbourne life resumes.
It's lucky that we have a pretty good life at home!! I'm really looking forward to having family and friends a quick phone call or visit away, our slightly grumpy cat Millie sleeping on the bed (probably on my neck for the first week) and taking my beloved (mum's) doggies for a walk.
Until the next great adventure, signing off....
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