Recommended Reads

Friday’s Recommended Reads – July 28th

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G'day!

In what I hope will become a regular Friday feature here on Aussie on the Road, I’m going to recommend the five posts from the week gone by that most interested, amused, or educated me.

If you’d like to suggest a link (your own or somebody else’s) to include in an upcoming edition you can leave a comment, Tweet me, or hit me up on Facebook. I’ll read it, Tweet it, share it on Facebook, Stumble it, and maybe even feature it here in my Recommend Reads.

The Reads

Life is Short – Travel Now by A Dangerous Business

Amanda’s blog is one of my absolute favorites to read, and she’s an absolute darling to chat to as well. Always eager to discuss travel and travel writing – so humble for somebody whose blog is so popular!

This particular piece is all about living in the moment and not putting off your travel plans. It’s perhaps best summarized in this post from here entry:
Life happens, and by the time you retire and your kids are grown and your house is paid off, you have bad knees and weak lungs and you simply can’t visit all those places you dreamed about in your youth.

Life is short. Travel now. Words to live by.

How to Use Timeshare Pitches for Travel but Avoid Buying by Around the World L

I’d never even contemplated the prospect of capitalizing on timeshare opportunities until I read this piece, and it sounds like Lillie got one hell of a cheap vacation out of it. While there’s a later entry on the vacation itself, this entry is full of useful tips on how to enjoy yourself without falling victim to the inevitable hard sell.

The Day They Tried to Ban Vegemite by Bitten by the Travel Bug

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud reading this piece about the battle between Australian’s signature spread and the camp supervisors are a Jewish summer camp.

Nicole’s got a great, easy to read style and paints a great picture of the battle between good (Vegemite) and evil (camp counselors). I very nearly wrote ‘Jewish people’ there, but that would veer a little too close to Mel Gibson territory for my liking.

The Poor Writer’s Guide to Cheap Travel by The Life That Broke

By the time this post plops I’ll have hopefully had the pleasure of meeting Lauren over beers at the Sydney Travel Massive meeting, but for the time being I’ve had to content myself with reading her very entertaining blog.

As a part of Brooke’s (from Brooke vs. the World) ongoing project to build a cheap travel eBook, Lauren suggests a few of the ways she has found to make ends meet while you’re out and about on the road. A good read if you’re like me and can’t budget to save your own life.

Is Budget Travel All that Matters? by yTravel Blog

Caz and Craig are legends in the travel blogging business and when it comes to travel advice, their word is pretty much gospel in my eyes. In this piece, Caz talks about how operating on a budget while traveling can sometimes mean missing out on truly remarkable experiences.

It’s also about finding that balance between living frugally and living like a pauper. After all, you’re on vacation! It’s supposed to be fun.

Caz’s example discusses how she and Craig cut back on their accommodation comforts so they could afford to experience seeing gorillas in the wild. And isn’t that worth two weeks worth of ramen dinners and battling mosquitoes?

As always, Caz and Craig have encouraged discussion and there’s a lot of it going on. So swing by, enjoy the read, and then weigh in by contributing your own priceless experiences.

What’s Going On?

I’ve got four entries in the queue ready to go up over the next few days, and they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Next week you can look forward to an entry about relationships on the road (including some tips on how to meet people while traveling), a piece on street markets, something about street performance’s role in tourism, I discuss getting out to see local sports while traveling, and I make my contribution to Brooke’s budgeting tips when I discuss the value (financially and experience-wise) of walking when you’re traveling.

And with Heather from The Kimchi Chronicles in town, I’ve got a lot of travel coming up. This Saturday we’re taking the ferry over to Manly to see the famous northern beaches, I’m headed up to Newcastle to catch up with family, we’re checking out the Aroma Festival in The Rocks on Sunday, and I pay a visit to Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium on Monday with Heather and a tall Dutch beauty.

Life on the Road, Relationships, Round the World

Relationships on the Road: How to Meet Girls

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Meeting Girls While Traveling

In the next few weeks and months I’m going to post a series of articles about my experience with relationships while abroad as well as some little nuggets of wisdom that I’ve picked up along the way. It’s by no means a comprehensive guide, but I think you might find it an entertaining read all the same.

I’m not a Casanova or a Don Juan. I’m not fending girls off with a stick, nor do I claim to. I’m just a guy who has had some luck meeting fantastic people on the road, and I thought I’d share a bit of the ‘how’ in that equation.

Over the course of my time traveling I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of dating some wonderful girls. I’ve kissed pretty girls in picturesque places, gone on first dates in smoky hookah bars, and dealt with breakups in a tight knit foreigner community where you can’t just hide from the fallout.

During that time I’ve learned a thing or two, and I’ve had a few friends ask me to share what I’d learned along the way.

I’d like to just preface all that follows by making three things very clear:

1). I am not an expert on dating or on relationships. In fact, of the four longer term relationships I’ve been in while traveling, only one of them has lasted beyond the first few months and of the three that didn’t – I was the dumped rather than the dumpee. But I’ve been lucky enough to never have had trouble meeting girls or getting a date, so take that for what it is.

The advice I give below is not to be taken as gospel. These are just observations based on my experience with dating and relationships on the road.

2). I’m not here to offer pick-up advice. I don’t go out with the intention of ‘nailing a hottie’, and I really don’t endorse other guys doing it. That just makes it harder for the nice guys to meet nice girls.

3). The tips below are what work for me. You might be a good looking son of a gun who can get by by following the ‘treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen’ adage. I am not. But I am confident that other shyer, quieter, or just nicer guys will be able to take a little something from my assembled knowledge.

This series is about relationships on the road. Meeting girls, going on dates, and the realities of the romantic world when you’re in a supercharged travel environment. If you want pick-up advice, look elsewhere.

Striking up a Conversation

If there is one thing I feel that I excel at, it’s the meeting of girls. Well, meeting anybody really. I’ve never had trouble striking up a conversation with a group of strangers whether it’s been in a dingy Korean soju bar or on the beaches in Fiji. The principles of meeting new people and meeting a new girl are pretty much the same.

 

  • Don’t be scared to approach a girl. If you’re both travelers in a strange place, she’ll probably welcome a friendly face and a familiar accent. But don’t be put off if she rebuffs your advances. She might have had a bad day, she might be waiting for somebody, or (sadly) she just might not be interested in talking to you.It’s frustrating but stop and think honestly – have you never brushed somebody off when they tried to start a conversation with you?
  • Be yourself: Nothing puts people off as much as somebody playing the part of someone they’re not. And even if you do manage to convince them that you’re this other person – do you really want to maintain that ruse? What if that girl you’re hitting on ends up being that girl you’re leaving the country with?
  • Her eyes are up here. Don’t ogle her.
  • Don’t invade her personal space. If she’s interested in you, you’ll be able to tell. She’ll touch your arm when she laughs at a joke you tell or she’ll ask you to dance. That doesn’t mean she wants to have your babies, but it’s better than crossed arms.
  • Listen! You might think that you’re the most fascinating person in the world, but that pretty Norwegian girl sitting across from you will never find out if you bore her to death with your life story before you’ve even had a drink together. Women respond to a guy who listens to what they have to say. Let her do the talking.
  • You have something in common. Seriously. “You like travel? I like travel too!” It’s that easy. You’re both traveling. Talk about your travels. It’s not rocket science.
  • Questions to ask a fellow traveler: Simple! What did you do back home? Did you study? What brought you out here? What has been your favorite place so far?
  • Questions to ask a local: If the girl you’re talking to is a local, you’ve got a thousand possible things to talk about. Maybe she knows a good local restaurant she can show you. A good hike. A great little place to grab coffee. It’s an insta-date!
  • Questions not to ask: What religion are you? Right wing or left wing? Threesome?
  • In the words of Barney Stinson: “They all drink vodka cranberry”.*

Seriously, I’m not here to give you expert advice. I’m not an expert by any stretch. But the above are a few things that I’ve noticed work when talking to a new person. I’m not saying it will get you laid or even get you a phone number (it didn’t always happen for me) – but at the very least, it’ll get you a conversation.

* = May not actually be true.

Don’t Be Afraid to Dance

Most girls respond well to a guy who can dance. If you’re not a confident dancer, don’t try and impress her with your fully sick pop and lock. Will Smith said it best in Hitch: Keep it simple stupid.

Me? About half of the girls I’ve ever dated or made out (and yes, I feel like a teenage girl typing that phrase) with have been subjected to my limited array of swing dance maneuvers. I kid you not. A bit of spinning and a dip at the end does wonders. Dancing shows you know how to move, it shows confidence, and if you’re doing the old fashioned kind – it makes a girl feel more special than if you’re standing behind her mock slapping her ass.

The Dangers of Dutch Courage

If you’re anything like me, you need a little bit of liquid courage to approach a pretty girl. There’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s a fine line between confidence, arrogance, and utter sleaze. You’re not doing yourself any favors if you’re struggling to stand up, slurring your speech, and eye-f**king the poor girl.

A good rule of thumb: If you’ve gotten to the stage where you’re really good at pool – it’s time to drink some water. It’s all downhill from there.

Too much booze also has another potentially dangerous side effect and I think you all know what I’m talking about: beer goggles.

Save yourself the awkwardness of finding out via Facebook about your previous night’s tryst.

Getting a Number

There’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Unless the chemistry is crazy good, there’ll come a time in the evening when it’s time to end the conversation. If you’re lucky enough to have a mobile phone – long-term ESL teachers will appreciate this – it’s as simple as asking if you can grab their number or add them on Facebook.

If you don’t have a phone, and most times while you’re backpacking you probably won’t, it might be easier to just organize to do something together. Don’t make it a date. If they’ve mentioned a hike they plan to go on, ask if you can tag along. If they’ve expressed interest in that tour you’re doing – ask them! Maybe they know a good coffee shop that you can try with them.

At the end of the day, you’re not traveling to meet a girl and settle down. You’re out traveling to experience the world, but it doesn’t hurt to have some company while you do that.

My most important piece of advice, and the one I struggle most to follow, is to just play it by ear. You might meet the love of your life on the road, but you’ll probably meet a lot of other people first. Don’t take life (or yourself) too seriously, enjoy the thrill of a romance that can’t last beyond your current stay in the town, and most importantly – leave that person’s life having made a positive impression. Don’t be that guy who leaves a string of broken hearted and disgruntled girls in his wake. After all, you wouldn’t want to be the poor sucker who breezes into a town full of girls who hate Australian guys.

Go Online

Know your travel plans in advance? Making use of apps like Tinder or sites such as Go Date Now can be a great way to ‘scout out’ an area before you arrive and strike up a promising conversation with somebody.

Share your Thoughts Ladies!

I would love to get a female perspective on this. Obviously I can’t offer advice for a girl looking to meet a guy beyond ‘Look pretty and talk about sports’. Females of the travel blogosphere, please share your wisdom!

Later…

There’ll be a few more parts in this particular series. I’ll write a piece about dating on a budget and in a strange new land; one about the realities of a blossoming romance while abroad; and a last on dealing with the break-up away from your support network should it happen.

If you’d like to contribute something to the series, please let me know. I’m always interested in new content.

As always, if you like what you’ve read, please add me on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

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30 Day Travel Challenge, Armidale

The Country Charms of Armidale

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30 Day Travel Challenge – A Place That Makes Me Laugh

This is ostensibly part of the 30 Day Travel Challenge, but I kind of veered off topic and just talked about how amazing Armidale is.

The original challenge called for me to write about a place that makes me sad. The closest I’ve come to an emotionally charged location would probably be the DMZ in South Korea. While I can appreciate that visiting a place like Gallipoli or Auschwitz would certainly conjure up powerful sadness – I’ve not had the chance to experience those places just yet.

And there are certainly places in Australia associated with great feelings of sadness as well. Even my fifteen year old self could appreciate the powerful emotion attached to a place like the tastelessly named ‘Gin’s Leap‘ in northern NSW. This otherwise unremarkable cliff was named for the dozens of Aboriginal men, women, and children that were driven to leap off it by early settlers. But while that did make me sad, it’s not a destination I’m likely to ever visit again.

Belying its dark history, Gin's Leap looks like any other hill in country NSW. Photo courtesy of Narribri Tourism

So, I took a page from the book of my friend Kimberly and decided to choose a destination that makes me laugh. No place makes me laugh on its own, but I had lots of laughs in lots of places. Side splitting, tear inducing laughter has been had all over the place. I’ve chuckled in Portland, laughed my ass off in Sydney, giggled in Idaho, and chortled in China.

And the winner is…

But if I had to choose just one location, I’d probably opt for Armidale in northern NSW. Sure, it’s not a glamorous travel location, but three years of college and drunken silliness have provided me with countless funny memories. The time a friend tried to ninja fly kick me off of our verenda missing and knocking himself out on the concrete below; the masturbation challenge; dislocating my shoulder playing theater sports; and the time a girl managed to outsleaze the sleaziest guy I know. I don’t know that he’s ever fully recovered.

A much younger (and skinnier) Chris at a redneck ball in Armidale. 2003.

I was lucky enough to spend three years in Armidale studying theater, and I still enjoy getting back to the town whenever I can. Unlike most country towns, Armidale has a really multicultural and cosmopolitan vibe. Due to the presence of the University of New England, there’s no shortage of festivals; performances; and art shows to capture the eye and the imagination.

Why Visit Armidale?

Armidale is not without charms of its own though. As a part of the New England region – Armidale is one of the few places in Australia that sees all four seasons. It’s in autumn (fall) that the country town really excels. Its streets are transformed into broad avenues flanked by vivid red, yellow, and orange. It really is something else. March 31st of each year sees the annual Autumn Festival as well.

There's no shortage of beautiful flora to be seen in Armidale. This was taken in October 2010.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts will find Armidale to be something like heaven. There’s a whole series of amazing national parks to explore on foot or by helicopter. Secret pools to swim in as you watch grey kangaroos bound effortlessly through the thick gum scrub.

Drivers will find no shortage of scenic drives either. The road through Glen Innes to Grafton sees the terrain switch from traditional bush to a stunning inland rain-forest. A fishing enthusiast is going to find plenty of places to pursue trout – both in their natural habitat and at a series of trout farms that allow fishermen to cast in a few lines.

There’s a rich tapestry of Australian history to explore as well. Bushrangers and tough-as-nails Aussie farmers; rich landowners and the local Aboriginal tribes. There’s a bit of something for everybody. Saumarez homestead is definitely worth a look to see how the wealthy landowners lived, and nearby Uralla is the home of the infamous folk hero, Captain Thunderbolt.

Armidale might not be a place for the adventurous or the party people, but there’s a lot of charm in this very green corner of inland Australia. Whether you’re a hiker, fisherman, rock-hound, or history nut – there’s something for you in Armidale. And no, they’re not paying me to say that.

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An Ode To..., Restaurant Review, Sydney

An Ode to the Pub Meal

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There’s no shortage of delicious foods on offer in a multicultural city like Sydney. Whether you’re eating seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets, dining in style by the glittering waters of Darling Harbour, or mowing through some kung pao chicken in Haymarket’s Chinatown district – it’s safe to say that Sydney is a foodie’s wet dream.

But what if you’re on a slightly tighter budget? Or if you’re just feeling like something a little less sophisticated than fragrant Thai or spicy Korean BBQ?

That’s where the humble pub meal comes in. With a slew of options that generally weigh in somewhere between $10-$15, a pub meal is a hearty meal that won’t take too much out of your wallet. That’s a must for a backpacker on a budget.

The mainstays of Australian pub food are pretty universal. There’s the chicken schnitzel and its parmigiana cousin, salads, pizza, burgers, pasta, risotto, the ever present steak, and even a few desserts if you’re lucky. Coupled with a beer, preferably a local, it’s a recipe for a filling meal that doesn’t quite approach the usually high prices you’ll encounter elsewhere in the city. An Oscars and a schnitzel at the Stratton Hotel on Castlereagh Street in the CBD, for example, is going to set you back the princely sum of $13. That’s marginally more than a generic sub from around the corner at Subway.

The atmosphere at a pub offers up something pretty uniquely Australian too. There’s something very down to earth and laid back about a pub meal. The rattle of glasses being moved around, the occasional burst of raucous laughter from a local, and the tinkling tunes of the pokies make for a pretty unique soundscape.

The Best in Sydney

There’s no shortage of pubs with good menus in Sydney. Walk down almost any street in any suburb and you’re going to find a local pub who can offer up a good steak or schnitzel. But the best of the best? Well, here’s a few…

Hart’s Pub, The Rocks

With a fantastic selection of Australian brewed craft beers (try the Three Sheets or the Gold Digger) and a wonderful old timey atmosphere accentuated by a series of stenciled quotes about imbibing liquor – Hart’s Pub would be worth a visit even without its menu. But the menu is probably the biggest draw-card for me.

The spicy Cajun crocodile bites are to die for, and even the generic sounding bucket o’ fries is worth a look. I’ve yet to find better chips in Sydney. Then there’s the truly mouth watering burgers and the best dessert going – a big cookie served piping hot in the skillet with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream to finish.

Cajun Crocodile Bites at Hart's Pub

The menu at Hart’s has been revamped lately to include a few more tempting delights. Rocks Poppers, the Crocodile Burger, and the Boxer’s Roo all leap out from the menu as potential new favorites for me.

Hart’s might not be cheap (food ranges from $12-$22 and beers are roughly $9), but it’s worth a look. It’s by far my favorite Sydney bar.

Four Pines Brewery, Manly

Located on the waterfront in beautiful Manly, Four Pines Brewery serves up its own selection of in house craft beers coupled with a great menu of pub staples. The hefeweizen and kolsch are my favorite of the beers, but there’s a sampler on offer that will help you decide which libation best suits.

Lunch offers up a series of affordable ($13) burgers that hit the spot, and there’s plenty of mains (ranging from $20-$29) to choose from as well. My personal favorites have been the Ploughman’s Platter or the Chicken Pie, and the sticky date pudding is to die for if you’re looking for a dessert.

Lunch at Four Pines Brewery in 2010

Four Pines also has daily meal and beer specials, so there’s always something new to try. Again, it’s pricier than your average pub fare, but you’re getting restaurant quality food.

The Stratton, CBD

The previous two offerings have been for those on a much higher budget, so let me take things back a little with the more affordable Stratton Hotel on Castlereagh. With $3 Oscars lager available until 7pm (and even then it only jumps up to $4) it’s not going to break the bank. The added bonus? I’m there most Fridays!

The highlight of the menu for the budget conscious will be the $10 menu – which includes wraps, a pretty impressive parmigiana, a rump steak that my co-workers swear by, and the Aussie icon of calamari and chips.

Feeling a little fancier? There’s a rich and creamy boscaoila for $14, a spicy Portuguese chicken burger for $14, or a more traditional fish and chips for $14. There’s also deep fried ice cream at $6 if you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth.

My favorite part about Stratton’s is the staff though. Flirty Trudy will always have a saucy comment for you and Olivia and I have had many a chat about Korea when the bar’s quieted down some. Centrally located and cheap as chips, Stratton is a great lunch or dinner option at the heart of the city.

Special mention also goes to the Stratton’s sister pub, Sweeney’s. I’ve still yet to find a better Padang Curry in the city.

Best Padang in the city at Hotel Sweeney's in the CBD.

Strawberry Hills Hotel, Surry Hills

My local when I worked for Telstra in 2010, the Strawberry Hills transformed seemingly overnight from dingy dive to upscale eatery. One of the venues for my farewell shenanigans when I jetted out for Korea earlier this year, the Strawb’ (as it is affectionately known) offers mains ranging from $12-$15.

A fantastic burger at the Strawberry Hills Hotel

The pick of the menu include the lamb shanks in old port ($15), the twice cooked pork belly ($15), and the classic chicken burger ($12.50). The upstairs eatery area is pleasant and the beers downstairs are pretty cheap to boot.

The Strawberry Hills is a short walk from Central Station and a range of backpacker hostels. Definitely worth a gander.

The Sugar Mill, King’s Cross

A slightly trendier option in Sydney’s night life mecca, Sugar Mill boasts a blend of corner pub and the trendier trappings associated with its location. While most pubs tend to hide their cocktail menu for fear of reprisals from angry locals, the Sugar Mill offers up a range of cocktails at the Sydney standard $14.

A decadent $16.50 all day breakfast is a highlight in my eyes, and there’s also an extensive array of steak and schnitzel options starting at $10 and working their way up to $27.50 for a milk fed Black Angus T-Bone.

A favorite amongst locals, the Sugar Mill offers a bit of everything regardless of your budget or mindset. Worth a look.

Elephant Cafe, Woolloomoolo

Not far from the famous Domain in the heart of Sydney, the Elephant Cafe (attached to the Elephant Hostel for my backpacking readers) offered up what has been, to-date, the best chicken parmigiana I’ve had while living in Sydney.

Holy amazing chicken parmigiana, batman!

As if that wasn’t lure enough, there are two ‘Aussie’ items on the menu that I need to go back and try. The Australian Salad looked amazing as my friend Heather (from The Kimchi Chronicles) sunk her teeth into it. Sundried tomatoes, macadamia, beetroot jus, and caramelized pineapple? Yes, please!

And the Aussie pizza, complete with macadamia and kangaroo meat, looks a winner too. I might just head back down later today…

Bazaar, St Leonards

In a bit of a change of pace, Bazaar is a Czech bar and eatery. Like Four Pines and Hart’s, you’re going to be paying a little extra for your grub here – but when the menu includes veal goulash and sauerkraut dumplings, you won’t be so put off by the prices.

The true lure of Bazaar is the beer though and at $5, you’re going to be able to indulge in a few beers without emptying your wallet.

Bazaar isn’t the only European option for Sydneysiders either. The Belgian Bier Cafe chain has locations all over the city for your drinking and eating pleasure.

In Closing…

The above represent the very tip of the iceberg. I’ve obviously highlighted a few of the pricier options, but I’m lucky enough to live and work in Sydney. I can afford the occasional splurge on a fancier pub meal.

Truth is, if you’re looking for a cheap meal, you’ll find one at virtually every single pub in the city. Just walk up and you’ll doubtlessly see a chalkboard boasting a few affordable lunchtime specials. Strike up a conversation with the staff and Bob’s your uncle – you’ve had a dinky di Aussie experience!

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Musings

Why I Travel

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The other night I was talking to my good friend Heather (not to be confused with my good friend Heather from The Kimchi Chronicles or my sister Heather) about what we wanted from life. She spoke of the pressure she felt society placed upon her to conform to a certain set of life rules.

You know the ones I’m talking about. Get married, have a 9-5 job, raise 2.5 delightful rugrats, pay off a mortgage, retire, and die in your bed at the ripe old age of 85. It seems like we’re born with this plan stretched out before us, and while we’re free to choose the route we take to get there – we almost all inevitably end up conforming to this capitalism feeding cookie cutter life.

And I’m not judging those people who want to go down this path. My sister (another Heather) is happily married, has just bought her first house, and just had her first baby (that’s right, I’m an uncle now). That is what makes her happy, and I’m happy that she’s found that.

Part of my friend’s problem was that she felt like she wouldn’t be happy until she’d reached that point or at least got herself started down that path. I don’t know whether or not that will give her the happiness she wants, but I know that it wouldn’t make me happy.

Enjoying an ice cold soda in Lake Ponderay, Idaho

The things that make me happy are far less conventional, but I’m sure most of you who have traveled with be able to relate. I get a giddy thrill out of stepping off of a plane in a new country. I love the initial surge of a plane beneath me as I take off on another adventure. I live for tasting a new food or trying a new thing. I take more pleasure from waking up to the gentle purr of the ocean than I do from achieving a promotion at work or paying off my car loan.

Why do I travel? Because it’s what makes me happy. Because the idea of settling down and raising a family and waking up every morning knowing I’d be doing the same thing today as I did yesterday fills me with something resembling dread. That’s not to say I’ll never want that for myself, but at this point in my life, that couldn’t be further from what I wanted.

When I was in primary school, I’d listen on with envy as classmates from more well-to-do families would tell us about their trips to Bali or New Zealand or Disneyland and I’d wish I could offer up a more interesting tale than my week in Byron Bay or a visit to my grandmother’s house in sleepy Rathmines. So maybe part of my love for travel is that early envy. That desire to have a good story to tell. Hell, isn’t that why I started a travel blog?

What am I good at? I’m good at writing. I’m good at rolling with whatever life throws my way. I’m good at making friends. I’m good at appreciating the little things. When I stop and think about it – travel is really the only thing that makes sense to me. It’s the only thing that consistently brings me happiness and the only thing I’ve ever felt comfortable doing from the get go.

I owe travel a lot too. Prior to going to Korea in 2004, my life was something of a mess. I’d graduated from Uni and somehow ended up back in my home town working at a grocery store. My life, outside of work, was basically playing World of WarCraft and drinking with my equally laid back housemate. The opportunity to go to Korea saved me from becoming just another twenty something loser stuck in his hometown.

Michael and I going on an adventure. My first weekend in South Korea.

Korea taught me to be independent. Korea took a shy country boy and turned him into the confident, friendly, and sociable animal he is today. I experienced love for the first time while on the road. I made friends I’ll never forget and had so many experiences that will stick with me until the day I die. Like any drug, travel is addictive – and I think I was hooked from the very moment I emerged from Incheon International Airport and felt the cold kiss of a Korean winter less than a day after leaving scorching Sydney summer.

Travel is what I love. It’s what I daydream about when I’m bored at work and what I plan for when I’ve got some extra money in my pocket and a free weekend coming up. Love of travel is a requirement in any girl I date, and it’s a love of travel that stops me from crazy impulse buying when the need grabs me. And it grabs me pretty often.

I love travel and travel loves me. And how could it not?

Sippin’ on a coconut in Hainan, China

So, why do you travel?

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