is the motto. Everyone that I have met so far practically lives by this saying. If there is any place on earth that encompasses a population that knows how to enjoy/live life, it would be Australiaaa. No not the poorly made movie that starred Nicole Kidman, but the land of koalas, kangaroos, aborigines, and beautifully rounded folks. Before I came, I was told by professors and friends that Australia is the place where students study hard and party hard. That is the truth and nothing but the truth. But one thing that I have learned from these past few weeks is that the people here enjoy life to its full potential. They are the chillest of the cucumbers. I wonder if they know the feeling of “stress”, ’cause if they do, they hardly show it.

I went on a date this past Sunday. I guess you can call it a date. I think it was just a friendly hangout amongst two individuals but tomato tomahto. (aussies really pronounce tomato “to-mah-to”. no kidding, it’s awesome.) So as Michael (friend) and I were walking alongside the Yarra River, I asked him where he’s traveled to and what not. He’s been to South America and he said some other places but the countries have slipped my mind. Then being the American I am, I asked him why he went to those places and his duration of the stays. I only asked because for some reason, coming from the states, everyone has some sort of reason as to why they go somewhere and the more I think about it, it’s completely moronic. Why do we have to have a reason to depart from our home, why? Why can’t someone leave a place just because? Just because. Michael responded, “me and a mate went to South America and stayed there for 9 months…. I don’t know, we just wanted to go and ended up staying there for that long.” Brilliant.

I also talked to my co-worker Mike (confusing hey?) different people, about his travels and his reasons… I really need to stop asking “why”. Remember me talking about him and his travels in previous posts? Well I asked him when he was planning on returning back home and he responded, if all goes according to plan, he would be back this time next year. That is a loongg time away. He even plans on volunteering in Cambodia for a month. Seriously, can this guy get any better? I seriously admire him and find him truly inspirational. So I nonsensically asked him “why”. His response?

“haha, only an american would ask why. Silly american!”

I am quite silly thanks. He then said something that I will forever keep with me and my current/future travels: “it’s not like I’m on a mission for answers, traveling is the answer.”

 I really consider myself lucky for having stumbled across my job on google and then meeting Mike. Upon meeting these two Michaels, it made me wonder if there was a freaky friday connection between the two or if all Michaels were like this. I’m kidding obviously, but I wouldn’t put it pass me and my infamous blonde moments. So these encounters got my mind churning. Oh me oh my. I know I said I need to stop asking “why”, but this next portion is just going to be overflowing of that three letter word.

Why can’t we all just go out into the world just because we want to? The majority of my friends that are scattered around the world are there because they applied to be there… essentially. I mean, I’m here in Australia because I applied to go to school here. Granted I wanted to come here regardless, but I probably wouldn’t be petting kangaroos or writing this blog had I not decided to study abroad here. Why must we have a reason to go somewhere? Why do we listen to the people around us? Why do we let others make decisions for us? Why don’t we have a mind of our own? I don’t know why I changed point of views just now, but still. It seems to me, Americans are always worried about the next thing coming and not focused more on the present. The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson is one of my all time favorite books and is the primary reason as to why I live my life the way I am now. If you haven’t read it yet, do it right now, please. It will change your outlook on life, it surely changed mine. Australians, Europeans, basically anyone who is not American live their life carefree. They don’t worry, they just do. (This isn’t statistically backed up so don’t banter on about it. It’s only by my observation skills). They aren’t worried about the “what ifs” but are more focused on what Nike promotes, “just do it.” Here is a challenge my friends. What is something you have wanted to do since you were a child? Or what is it that you have been meaning on accomplishing? It may be something that has been a dream of yours, or something that you have just thought of. No matter what it is, I challenge you to put down what you’re doing, and go out and do it. If people question your actions, don’t waste your breath. Instead, save that extra breath for that extra puff of air whilst hiking Machu Picchu or that extra gasp before jumping off of La Quebradas cliffs, which are 45 m (148 ft) high. The places you go, your heart will break and please let it. Embody the culture and eat everything. Become one with the country(s). When you return from your travels, people may not recognize you, but you’ll love yourself so much more than you did before. Why are we holding back? Are we in fear of just letting go of our security blanket? Take a risk. Jump. Dive into the world head first. I present you this challenge, my dearest of friends. I know I have quite a few obstacles to hurdle over myself, but I am trying. I am trying to connect to my inner Sally Pearson. You guys can bet that I will be updating you all as I tackle every item on my list. It won’t matter if I am broke as a hobo when I get back, because I know I will be gratifyingly rich on the inside, and that is all that matters to me.

Pictures of my mentioned place(s)/person:

Machu Picchu

Sally Pearson, Olympian- just won Gold in the 100m hurdle race for Australia! woooo!

 La Quebradas Cliffs in Acapulco, Peru.

“I like it [Australia] a lot, I think it’s a terrific country; they really know how to live. The natural history of the place is endlessly fascinating.” – Bill Bryson