Well its been almost 2 months since I left gloomy, wet, and wonderful Melbourne, and began my 2 year adventure to the other side of the world. I figured I better start writing something down about my time here so far.
I have kept notes on my tour which I will keep to myself...or maybe post in short form someday, so I will only mention it briefly.
My tour with Contiki on the European Impressions 18 day journey was amazing! I could not have asked for more. I was so impressed with everything, even (and especially) the places I wasn't invested in, like Munich.
I had the best time, with 48 other people, plus a great tour guide Jess (fellow Melbourne gal) and the super awesome bus driver Rocket. In those 18 days I visited 9 countries, and crossed crazy different climates.
Yes I got a cold on day 3, but I got through it, and went on each day as much as I could. But I had such fun, amazing experiences and broadened my horizons.
Top moments -
Staying in the Swiss Alps - the photos don't do it justice, and it was a dream come true.
Swimming in the waters of the French Riviera - I have never seen water like that. The rocks were painful yes, but the water was beautiful, everything felt peaceful, and despite the sunburn, it was a great day.
Parasailing in Nice - had no plans to do it, but went along with the other girls and thought..."why not?" So I did it...and it was so much fun, and a little scary...and again, painful getting out of the water, but it was a something new, and a lot of fun.
Bike Tour in Munich - our tour guide Jess had built it up so much, I thought I would hate it. But she was right. It was so much fun, and showed off the beautiful and weird gardens of Munich. The stop at the bier garden was fun, even with my coughing fit. Seeing the people surfing on the river and exploring the town in the evening were also highlights.
Flamenco Show in Barcelona - This optional dinner and show was worth every penny...or euro. The food was great, I ate so much calamari! The show was very impressive. What happened after though might be my fave thing of all.
The Flamenco Battle - The sangria was enjoyed by all, and the battle between Keegan and Adrian against 2 guys from another Contiki group was hilarious! And the two of them kept dancing during our free time in the town. It also included a fun random moment when I think I started group singalong of the Spice Girls' Wannabe with a few other girls...oh sangria I love you.
The tour ended on July 10, and it was a sad day. Saying goodbye to so many that were staying in Paris. There was a sad few on the bus back to London. We were all tired and tried (many succeeded) to sleep.
A few of us went to dinner that evening. The first time I had Indian food. And it was sad to say goodbye once it was over.
My hotel room was right on the courtyard, and I heard Jess giving instructions to her next tour at 6am the next morning. After 18 days, I was tuned to pay attention to her voice.
I spent the next few days in a bit of denial, and depression...after catching up on some much needed sleep. I had spent 18 days with someone telling me where to go and having meals and activities as well as transport provided. It was hard to adjust to being my own tour guide. I had to issues with the tube, but I missed the bus and my 48 friends. I got sick of takeway and eating out pretty quick. I spent my days in London's many museums and gardens. I got a bank account, and started actually 'living' here.
1 and a half months later, I find myself living in the South London suburb of Colliers Wood, in a share house with 4 other people. I have explored almost all the free things in this city, and discovered some interesting places. I have met so many new people, and hopefully will continue to with my connection to the Britbound group. I have also reconnected with an old friend from my Contiki last year, who inspired me to start this journey myself.
I have rewritten my resume (sorry CV) many times. I have applied to many recruitment agencies. For 2 seconds I had a job as a billings administrator. I met with a finance recruitment agency, in a crazy whirlwind experience they found me an interview straight away...literally, I was taken from their office in an uber to the interview! I started with a few hours as a tryout. This got extended to 3 days. After that time, I decided it was not for me. I was bored. I didn't love the environment. I stopped learning. I have saved for this journey for over a year. I decided it was not worth being miserable, when I wasn't desperate for the money. Yes I am still looking for work 2 weeks later, but I believe there is something better out there for me.
I just hope it turns up sooner rather than later. As I really want to start spending all my money on theatre tickets.
More to come
-Carlie
