A Toast to Wanderlust

I had a desire to travel from a very early age. Through most of my childhood, into my teenage years, and on into adulthood my dream was to go to Australia.  The realization of that dream came in 2004. With a few great friends, I was able to travel to Sydney and spend the week of a lifetime.  Though I knew I would love the experience I would never have guessed the innate connection I felt with the area when I stepped off the plane.  The walk down to "The Rocks" was actually emotional for me.  The sounds, the smells, the sun, the sandstone...it felt like they were all a part of me.  I spent a whirlwind week taking in sights and sounds, my heart swelling with every experience.  When it came time to leave, I cried. I realized I was "homesick" walking to the plane. I couldn't even truly enjoy New Zealand (our next stop) because I was in mourning...a large part of me was left in Australia.

Wanderlust begins, returns and ends in Australia for me.  While I hope to see all the world and experience numerous cultures, I know I will always want to return to the Land Down Under. I want to explore the Great Barrier Reef and attend the symphony at the Sydney Opera House.  I want to bring in the New Year with my Australian friends on a roof top overlooking Sydney Harbor Bridge....and I will.  I will live in Australia for a considerable duration of time, at some point in my life.  So until that time, I'll dream and I'll plan and I'll save.