I spent my entire 20s travelling around the world so it’s no surprise that I often find myself drifting back to memories of places I’ve been.

I’ve been on some crazy adventures and have so many stories to tell. I actually hope that someday I can get them all told. Maybe I’ll write a book? Until then, I’ll continue to share what I can on here.

Tonight I was talking to a good friend about my time in America and how there really are places out there that are ‘just like the movies’. I once lived in a town that was part of a county who didn’t allow chains. That’s no chain supermarkets, no fast food places, no taxis, no buses, no trains. It was insanely bizarre yet I ache to go back. I’ve never been anywhere like it and I’d LOVE to revisit.

What’s sad is I often look back knowing I will never return. Heading back to this part of America wouldn’t just cost me a lot of money but I’d need a lot of time off work to travel too. So really it’s a retirement job which means it is such a long way away most of the older people I met out there a decade ago will no longer be around. Best keep playing the lottery then!

I got to thinking about the time I lived in the Outback. The homestead I worked at was so terrible that I was desperate to leave. The staff were awful to me and I was so lonely. Everything about the place made me quiver and I still look back on the experience with dred! The place was described as the only stop for travellers crossing the territory border with 460km between towns. In this country, can you imagine driving even 10km without passing anything? I was truly in the middle of nowhere trapped. When I finally broke free of the place I had to wait days for the next bus to show to take me away!

I remember when I first got a taste of civilisation.. I think I saw the McDonald’s M and let me tell you, freedom never felt so good. You know I must have been desperate to leave if I can get excited about seeing a McDonald’s!

This part of my life feels so distant now. It’s like a movie in my brain and I hope it never fades. My blog acts as such a great reminder for me and I’m thankful I kept it going for so long. I hope to clean it up a little if I ever get the time but for now, it is what it is..

Here’s an entry I wrote back on that homestead.

There really isn’t any point to this blog post, it’s simply just me having a nostalgic moment. So if you are reading this I want to leave you with one thought..

If you have the time and the money; travel. Live out your dreams and go wherever you want to visit. Life is short and you only get one chance to live it. Even at my worst on my travels, places I truly hated – They have still left me with unforgettable memories. I actually think they had even more of an impact on me than the places I loved! I never regret any of my travels and I look back often as well as looking forward to new adventures too.

xx Sophie