Mike Douglas
Dec 7, 20173 min
Its December again. I hope I am ready for this!
I thought this would be a good time to reflect back on some of those triggers before they get to me. So its Australia flashback time.
I returned to the UK from Australia in July 2014. From there started so much. Depression, Divorce and a downward cycle.
Australia was truly amazing, I would like to think I'll go back at some stage. I have recurring dream about going back for 2 days (how ridiculous would that be!). I think thats just to be able to look back on it as my experience, rather than tie it to a previous partner.
That said if I don't go back, I think I would be ok with that.
During my time in Australia I visited Sydney, Adelong, Melbourne, Mansfield, most of Tasmania, Adelaide, Perth, Denmark, Cairns, Brisbane and quite a few places in-between. In that time I worked at an Orchard, a Zoo, a Farm, as a Fundraiser and Lifestyle Product Promoter / Seller (those that know know). I swam over part of the Great Barrier Reef, camped next to a Lion's enclosure, fed a camel with my mouth, held a Joey and koala, attempted to surf, spent Christmas on the beach, walked dingos, hitched a three week ride with a German, climbed a mountain, swam naked in Wineglass Bay, watched the Australian Open from a bridge, slept with cockroaches and looked at a sky filled with stars.
I travelled, I lived.
The trip was amazing in every way. There is much more about my journey on a previous blog that I will not be linking too hahaha.
While I was in Australia I was fortunate enough to meet a few professional contacts to discuss future work opportunities in education. It was very fulfilling to arrange this all as an individual without the support or backing of a workplace to get me in the door. A few of these people I have spoken to since returning to the UK, though only a couple in the last year or so. At the time work opportunities in my field seemed very limited, it was a case of look again in 2 or 3 years.
Even having heard that, if you are thinking about going to Australia I would say go! It is such an amazing place. I think traveling changes your outlook. Personally it has also helped me to understand how cool some of the things are that I have in the UK.
If you are thinking of moving, travelling, or visiting Australia...DO IT!
It is an amazing place, I know people that went over before me and people that have gone since I've returned. Im still jealous of them all.
In my reflective mood, I thought it worth posting a few links to places that I enjoyed and would recommend.
I can't look at Australia photos for too long or it may set me off. But theres some amazing memories. I guess this December I want to be able to focus... or appreciate the cool stuff I experienced, without ending up focusing on the down side of returning to the UK and what happened next.
Heres to the good memories!