As you read this, I’ll be on my merry way to the airport.
Photo by Nick Meek
To this very moment, I’m not 100% sure where I’m going (after I land in London; read below for how I’d love your help on this). Or why. Two weeks ago I did a post on being a modern day nomad and that my challenge is trusting that I need to move on, often. And being OK with moving one dot at a time:
“But it’s become my latest experiment…to trust that the dots will join and that I must simply move to the next dot. I don’t have to have a complete picture; I just have to look out for the next one. Then the next…This, of course, entails constantly watching for serendipitous opportunities.
Alright then. Time to do it.
how it will work
Looking out for serendipitous opportunities…It will entail being quite mindful and less rushy than I normally am. It will entail taking up offers and invitations and ideas as they come up, gleaning advice from people who know more than me and just trusting from there. Few plans, just trusting.
I read a while back the best way to make decisions is to defer to others who know more than you. We have limited decision-making energy. So the less we use of it – by deferring – the more energy we have left over for good, important decisions.
I also have a few aims.
I’d like to record them so I can come back to them. Also, by putting them out to the world, as I am now, it means I have a better chance of honouring them.
* I want have to disconnect. Unglue myself from social media ties. It’s influencing my nervous system, my cerebral synapses. Even when I meditate, my whole nervous system can’t “let go” of this attachment to engagement. I keep ricocheting away from mindfulness to my “I need to respond to…” or “I have to update…” default positions. It’s got me really sad of late. To the point where I’ve been snapping with people, annoyed that they’re another commitment, another thing to respond to. Terrible. Terrible. I’ve written a post on this, which will run in the next few weeks.
Could I do it where I am, here in Australia. Nope. I have to have a symbolic break. I need a holiday from it. I need a holiday (it’s been 7 years since I’ve had more than two days offline).
* I’m looking for a new home. Australia ain’t cutting it for me just now. I’m not nation bashin’ or nothin’. Well, perhaps I am. My position is this: I find the political and social climate here flaccid. It’s been too good for too long and we’ve lost the striving, surging forward, fired up spirit that once defined us. Politics is a shamble, but it’s merely a reflection of where we’re all at. The rest of the world is suffering genuine economic hardship. We’re not (the standard of living across the board has only improved). Yet we’re getting worked up about minutiae and giving less of our hearts than ever. I could be wrong, but I feel there are other places in the world just now that are striving and surging and getting fired up a whole lot more. As I say, I could be wrong. But I have to go see. I’m looking out for community and social initiatives geared at bringing people closer. Outdoor experiences. People giving a shit. Please, if you know what I mean and you’ve found somewhere that fits this brief, please share.
* I want to climb back out to the farthest limb. This is where I breathe best. I want to get a bit scared and I want to “fend” with what I’ve got. I want to stand out there naked of my protection and guises and meet people on exposed terms. No background. No story. It’s been too long since I’ve done this. It’s good to get a bit scared.
* I’m starting the next phase of my life. I’ve done everything in Chapter 1. I don’t want to hover here, waiting for the bits of the plot I was anticipating (kids, husband etc). I want to move on and create my next chapter. A few months ago I wrote about wanting to quit the dress rehearsing and enter the play.
“For the first time in my life, I’m not rehearsing for anything. There’s no next milestone on my path. What’s left? What’s next?”
This is the “what’s next”. It will lay the foundations for Chapter 2. I hope.
* I finally know what I need to do. I’ve explored a few themes lately that express stuff that’s been bubbling. None of it has coalesced fully. But it’s come together now.
I’m curious to know what life is like when I let nothing happen, when I let go of plans.
I’m curious to know what it feels like to jump…and have life just support me.
I’m reminded of my favourite poem, by Mary Oliver, which I wrote about here. It brings things together nicely:
The Journey
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice-
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.
The melancholy has been terrible. Truly.
The next couple of months…
I know above I mentioned I’m disconnecting, but it’s only 90% true.
For the next four weeks I’m off email and this blog (I’ve written a bunch of posts that will go up automatically, and Jo will be running things and answering questions…you’ll barely notice I’m gone). I’m also disengaging from most social media (although Jo will “act” as me, responding to any issues on Twitter and Facebook etc).
However, and this might seem contradictory, I will be using Twitter and Instagram for travel purposes. I’ve thought about it. It works for me.
If you were keen, I’d love your input.
From time to time I’ll shout out when I’m in a town or region and invite anyone nearby for a cup of tea. Or perhaps I’ll just reach out to get some travel tips…in the spirit of taking up serendipitous opportunities. I truly hope to cross paths with you.
Until, then, adios amigos.
xx
Oh, but please do share any places in Europe – and beyond – that you think are worth taking a look at for their great social/community/heart-engaged initiatives. It will give me something to read on the plane.
You should really check out Poland. Not only is the country absolutely gorgeous, it has a rich history. It is the only country in Europe right now that is doing ‘well’ and prospering, and the people are proud of it rather than taking advantage. They have a beautiful mountain region – Zakopane, awesome historical cities such as Krakow (which had it’s own dragon) and, although depressing, I believe everyone on earth should visit Auschwitz at least once to gain perspective on their lives. It will change you.
Enjoy your trip of self discovery. I hope you find what you are looking for!
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June 7th, 2012 at 8:30 am
I agree with Sarah, Poland is amazing and Zakopane is just beautiful! The river ride on the border of Poland and Slovakia is spectacular! The history of Poland is so interesting too. Make sure you visit the salt mine just outside of Krakow. The countryside is wild and wooly – perfect for a cycling adventure
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June 7th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Agreed! Just got back from Krakow a few weeks ago – my 4th visit. Largest city square in Europe – I’ve been known to sit ALL DAY just to see humanity do its thing. This has included a marriage proposal and a Russian flash mob performing disco!
More importantly, it’s the perfect spot for the salt mines, Auschwitz & the Schindler Factory museum (..as in the movie Scindlers List).
The Polish people are fabulous.
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June 7th, 2012 at 11:57 am
Hmmm, intrigued. Leave it with me…
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June 7th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Wow! You are SO lucky to have the provision to get up and move like that and the skill set to know you can find new work opportunities! I’m SO jealous! If I didn’t have sick family members to take care of and bills to pay, I think I’d do it to – just eat, pray, love – ya know? To much responsibility here.
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June 8th, 2012 at 11:46 am
Poland is one of my favourite places in Europe. Great hiking in the tatras too, which is a short hop over the border into Slovakia from Zakopane.
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June 11th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I’m home sick !!! People are hospitalbe, food is yum, scenery is awesome, beer is great. Most underrated tourist spot on earth. You should hear the wind whistle through the trees in the Lakes district . . .. . unforgetable, and the smell of the earth . . . . home sick. Have now turned GREEN.
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You’re off.
I’m jealous.
Dip in every now and again so I can live vicariously through you (please).
Enjoy it all!
Disconnect to reconnect.
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June 7th, 2012 at 11:58 am
“Disconnect to reconnect.: … i like that
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Wow, big news Sarah. Good on you for recognising the symptoms and taking such a bold step. I too left Oz a couple of months back for reasons that were different yet strangely similar to yours and am so glad that I chose to shake things up. All the very best to you on your journey and if you ever find yourself in Lewes…
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Sarah, wishing you safe fun travels. Leaving everything behind and heading to Europe is something I have done and it is amazing. I made the mistake of coming home after 6 months, if I hadn’t I do believe i would be still there now, and that was 34 years ago !!
Enjoy, embrace, explore, just a lil’ bit jealous
Chris xxoo
@deansmum
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See you there, when you arrive, Amigos!
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Have fun Sarah – your next few months sound lovely. So many things you have said above resonate with me, especially the part about our general political and social climate right now. It is doing my head in!!
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For The Traveller
by John O’Donoghue
Every time you leave home,
Another road takes you
Into a world you were never in,
New strangers on other paths await.
New places that have never seen you
Will startle a little at your entry.
Old places that know you well
Will pretend nothing
Changed since your last visit.
When you travel, you find yourself
Alone in a different way,
More attentive now
To the self you bring along,
Your more subtle eye watching
You abroad; and how what meets you
Touches that part of the heart
That lies low at home:
How you unexpectedly attune
To the timbre in some voice,
Opening a conversation
You want to take in
To where your longing
Has pressed hard enough
Inward, on some unsaid dark,
To create a crystal of insight.
You could not have known
You needed
To illuminate
Your way.
When you travel,
A new silence goes with you,
And if you listen
You will hear
What your heart
Would love to say.
A journey can become a sacred thing.
Make sure, before you go,
To take the time
To bless your going forth,
To free your heart of ballast
So that the compass of your soul
Might direct you towards
The territories of spirit
Where you will discover
More of your hidden life;
And the urgencies
That deserve to clam you.
May you travel in an awakened way,
Gathered wisely into your inner ground;
That you may not waste the invitations
Which wait along the way to transform you.
May you travel safely, arrive refreshed
And live your time away to its fullest;
Return home, more enriched, and free
To balance the gift of days which call you.
Namaste Sarah!
If your in Dublin July 5-11 let me know,
Seeker, xo
(Sydney X-Ray/ABC)
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June 7th, 2012 at 8:57 am
my mum would love to give you a bed in Dublin! wouldn’t you ma?! (she might not figure out how to reply so don’t take that as a no!!)
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June 7th, 2012 at 11:59 am
When you travel,
A new silence goes with you,
That’s gorgeous…NOW i know who you are!!! Will let you know if I go to Ireland xx
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oh and Skibereen, Co. Cork, Ireland … check it out along with Galway! xo
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June 8th, 2012 at 12:26 am
Skibbereen is lovely, my parents’ birthplace. Has a food festival in September…
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good, disengage, i know its your job but you are on high speed and i think most people need to just stop thinking people actually give a shit about the tiny bits of crap they put out there. Im the anti-facebooker. In saying that, thank you for the inspiration over the years. Its been great seeing a woman my own age really living. Though my path has been towards a little house on the coast it was a huge move away from a lot of shit and you helped. My tip: Morocco, Essouira, late june for the Gnaoua festival. The roots of reggae its a really amazing festival thats free, in the most gorgeous old town on the coast, a tribal north west african mix. Its stuff you think this modern world has lost. Mix that with the call to prayer, fresh seafood, artists, donkeys and men and women in djellibahs and kaftans and private courtyard performances on moroccan carpets,it blows your mind without the hashish. Marrakesh, Essouira, Chefchouan, Fes (the most amazing city) anytime are great.
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June 7th, 2012 at 9:44 am
i LOVED Essouira!
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Another vote for Morocco. And if you feel adventurous and haven’t already been there, I would HIGHLY recommend stretching your wings a bit further and getting to India. For any Western person searching for meaning in their life, you’re bound to find bucketfuls of inspiration, challenge and lots of heart in India. Of course, you may have already been there, but if not it would be my No.1 vote if you decide to venture further than Europe.
Good luck on your travels and good on you for doing what you need to do to grow!
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Wow Sarah! Just wow! If you feel inclined, visit the Aeolian Islands – seven islands just above Sicily, Italy. Start at Lipari, the biggest. My family originates from here so I am biased, but truly they are so beautiful & when I visit I am always told, “piano, piano” “slowly, slowly”… there’s no rushing going on here, there is time for everything, and everything has it’s time. A perfect place to reconnect I think. Elisa x
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Thanks Elisa…I will probably go to Greece…
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June 8th, 2012 at 11:14 am
Sarah — Greece is a beautiful place, even with it’s climate of upset at the moment. The islands are a must, as well as some beautiful mainland places like Nafplio and Patra.
However, in the mental state you’re currently in, a quiet place to visit is Meteora — a collection of monasteries which sit atop huge monolithic rocks formed by the winds over time.
No matter what your beliefs are, it’s a wonderful place to be still and contemplative, and think of your place in the world.
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June 8th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Hey Elisa,
My family originates from the Aeolian Islands too! Well part there, part Calabria. Which island are they from?
I would also have to agree with this recommendation, for something unexpected, and beautiful.
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Good on you Sarah. GOOD ON YOU.
Especially after awful, snipey comments recently posted on your blog. Two fingers up to those not understanding what you were trying to achieve.
What a brave and amazing woman you are. I love that you have so much self-awareness and realise what you need to do and have the courage to do it.
Can’t wait to hear where you pop up next. Godspeed and travel safe you lovely thing. x
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Those comments were a bit upsetting…
Thank you for your well wishes…
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June 8th, 2012 at 6:16 am
Anyone who puts themselves out there publicly is going to receive negativity from someone, it’s a shame, but try not to let it upset you or stop you from doing anything you want to.
My mother is Hungarian and we visited together a few years ago. I loved it. Pop over while you’re in Poland?
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June 9th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
The Hungarian countryside is amazing! All around near the Balaton Lake and to the south near Romania. It’s simply stunning, and people are so happy to make new friends and show you around. Plus the local food is so exciting and full of flavour
Best of luck Sarah, your attitutde and aspirations have inspired me to better my own life, which means more than anything.
Keep doing what you love and you will find peace
Bordeaux and Sweden were my two absolute favourite places
Both would be lovely this time of year.
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Both are on my radar…any particular spots/experiences?
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June 7th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
I´m in Sweden and if you want unique natural beauty the northern west coast is amazing, there´s really nothing like it! And if you´re around Gothenburg you´re welcome to come for an allergen-free paleo dinner
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Go to Ladakh – in the Indian Himalaya… high, dry cold desert…
The community spirit and the deliberate disconnection from the bullshit we have created in the modern world will cleanse your soul… don’t think about it, just go!
http://www.localfutures.org/ladakh-project
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June 7th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Shhh don’t tell other people about it!
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If you end up in North America Vancouver is AMAZING! It’s so beautiful and full of socially conscious people. Just a thought
Have a great trip! x
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You will have an amazing, breath-taking trip, no doubt. Breathing different air is what we need sometimes. Best wishes Sarah!
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I envy you. I would like to do the same thing but lack the monetary resources at the moment. However, I will work towards it. Currently I am getting rid of all the extra stuff in my life. Good luck Sarah.
I say go to Devon and Cornwell in the UK. I went last year. It is a wild and wonderful part of the UK. The people are lovely & welcoming. I suggest the Garden House B&B in Exeter for a night or two. Really lovely couple run it and they make their guests very welcome. Also try to catch a play at the Minack Theatre in Portcurtho. Incredible location, great walking and a much slower pace of life.
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Love to you Sarah. That is all.
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Ha. Thanks x
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Have a wonderful time Sarah
Your post reminds me of a blog post I read by a guy reflecting on travelling and his time spent in Australia ( http://carlosmiceli.com/top-10-lessons-australia/ )
“We’ve all seen the photos of a friend or family member on the Eiffel Tower, or the Big Ben. Everyone knows what to expect (which doesn’t make it any less beautiful). Not only that, most people that go to Europe for tourism, already know what they’re going to see before they go there. Their itineraries are very well structured.
On the other hand, when you go to distant places that you don’t know much about, there’s no clear expectations. You remain humble, you keep your eyes open because you don’t know what you’ll encounter. You struggle more, sure, but you also see things that you would have never seen if you would have gone there with a plan.”
…and on his time in Australia (and why he was ready to leave):
“However, I realized about the same time that I had to leave soon. Australia offers a comfortable life, but with serious trade-offs: too much control and regulation, a focus on leisure, and not much to do for the socially and professionally curious. Sure, there are outliers, and I got a chance to meet many of them, but like in Argentina, they are too few to make a serious cultural impact yet. So, while Australia and Perth are great places to live, they may not be great places to grow.”
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
K, that is SO spot on. Not great places to grow. Thanks for taking the time to copy and paste this. xx
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June 7th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
K – thank you for that. It has put into words why I’m so desperate to escape Australia for a while…you’re a gem.
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June 8th, 2012 at 11:09 am
Love this, not sure I could grow there either, I needed to leave and am wrestling whether it is time to go home or not.
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re : ” I want to climb back out to the farthest limb. This is where I breathe best. I want to get a bit scared and I want to “fend” with what I’ve got”
Well Sarah , I have felt these impulses and similar frustrations with Australian society. In terms of my local community I wanted to stay in one place and be grounded so I found freedom when walking and canyoning in the wonderful Wollemi National Park just west of Sydney – Wild over powering beauty, fresh and a little bit scary. Very interesting people to walk with from differing backgrounds and no obligation to go along all the time
“Press on regardless ” subw motto – love it !
http://www.subw.org.au/ x Best Wishes ,Lluisa
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Hi Sarah,
That is excellent news. I am in a similar position to you, having recently quit my very secure/known job as a lawyer in NZ for my very own European adventure!
I will be leaving for Madrid in two weeks and will be travelling around Spain and Morocco for the first month. The rest is wonderfully (and frighteningly) unknown. I would love to meet up with you so I’ll try to keep a look out for your posts and let you know if we are ever close by (although, like you, I intend to be mostly technology-free).
The dates I know:
27 June to 12 July – Morocco
13-16 July – likely to be Pamplona/San Sebastian
17 -21 July – Madrid
All the best x
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Hmmm, maybe we’ll cross paths. I’ll be online by then. I might be in Spain at that time.
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June 8th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Well drop me a line at claudia.holtz@gmail.com if you are.
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Happy Travels Sarah!
Your piece resonates well with me. When i bought my property 5 years ago, I said I wouldn’t be going overseas until once I get married and on my honeymoon. That didn’t happen. I’ve been overseas at least 3 times. Maybe people consider me to be selfish but for me there is sooo much goodness happening everywhere and if I don’t satisfy my desire to experience or see it then I won’t be true to myself and appreciative of the people I have in my life (if that make sense!). At 32, my priorities have changed. I’ll be buying a round the world ticket for years end, so maybe I will bump into you, but then again maybe I won’t. Serendipity.
ps – i try to avoid the tourist traps but not all! http://www.travelgreenchic.tumblr.com
pps – on big trips I like to carry with me, Oh the places you go! by Dr Seuss
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
You have brains in your head! You have feet in your shoes!
You can steer yourself any direction you choose!
You’re on your own, and you know what you know
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
Marvellous
Incidentally, selfishness is a horribly underrated virtue. It’s simply honesty, dressed up in a different suit jacket.
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I’m so envious and happy for you Sarah. This is exactly what I need to and will probably do similar in 6 months. Not too far off. I admire you tremendously. I wish I could not plan!
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How fantastic. I envy your ability to get up and go (not literally but in a push yourself kind of way!) Enjoy, and all the best!
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May your heart find what it is searching for, you are a tremendous source of inspiration to me and many of my friends.
Sometimes forging on through and breaking boundaries and challenging norms is BLOODY HARD work.
Enjoy a great big breather you deserve it
Big Love x
Rachel Cooper
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
I loved reading that just now Rachel…gladdens me. (Little tears)
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June 8th, 2012 at 5:59 am
Well said Rachel! I second that x
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My goodness Sarah – this is fantastic – I’m jealous!
There’s no doubt that you will find, live, enjoy and experience all that you are searching for.
Enjoy Chapter 2 – what a ride!
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I’m really inspired by this. Love the idea of just trusting – need to bring more of that into my own life. I wish you an inspiring journey. Bonne chance.
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Enjoy Sarah – I am so happy for you!
I recommend Italy. I visited earlier this year, with no expectations at all.. I found that I have a lot to learn from Italians, and I think you will too. Italians (generalising here, of course) manage to be relaxed and genuinely care about things at the same time. There is no sign of apathy; they manage to marry a passionate zest for life with an innate sense of satisfaction with their lot – something I am trying to work on! Plus it is just such a lovely and welcoming place to be.
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June 7th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
perfectly said.
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What a gorgeous article Sarah. Am jealous, excited and can totally understand your sentiments.
Good on you for taking a leap into the unknown… it will surprise you, I am sure.
My recommendations are:
- Stockholm in summer is amazing!
- Prague and especially cesky krumlov is magical… I went in winter and it blew me away.
- Sicily… need I say more (if I do, get in touch and I will send you some details of magical crumbly down cities)… preferably go slightly off season.
- anywhere with an attitude for adventure in summer will be awesome.
Best of luck xx
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inspiring sarah. one suggestion; hang in a yurt with some kazakhs and reflect on how blessed yet disconnected we are. wishing you safe, joy-filled travels. switch off so you can switch on.
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I wish I had your guts, Sarah. I suffered from AI a while back rather severely & am battling with a horrible post traumatic stress (which, yes, I am getting help with). My body does not trust itself and my mind doesn’t trust that my body won’t give out at any moment. It’s ruining my life. So although I would do anything to do what you are doing right now and dream often of running away somewhere alone, overwhelming fear stops me.
I truly admire you.
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June 7th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Have you done any reading of any spiritual information? You should know that that fear will consume you…you must do some research on hope to rid yourself if it, believe me, you will be so profoundly changed, just read everything you can find….absorb it, and let your mind cogitate on it all, then try to get some Spiritual help, go see a Spiritual counselor, anything, but, please, do something. One baby step at a time, like I had to do, but I’m getting there.
Not sure why I stopped by your posting, I think Spirit directed me, ’cause I was about to leave the site…so I’m not here by accident.
If you want somewhere to start, try here……
http://spiritbearwellness.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/you-are-what-you-think.html
If you want more links, please ask…I am here to help you…
Love
Sylvia xxx
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June 8th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Thank you for reaching out Sylvia. I will definitely read your link. I am doing some reading already, too. I am seeing someone for help, too.
I also believe Something Else directed you to me, and directed me to comment here in the first place. I have never commented on any of Sarah’s posts before now.
More links are welcomed.
Thank you so much xoxo
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I love to read about people stepping up and doing new things! Good on ya! I’ve been hunting for a place to call home on and off for the last few years now. I may have finally found it in New Zealand, a little city called New Plymouth. It’s a little off the main routes and has a community feel to it. I’m looking for some of that after spending most of my life in the soul-suck of Vancouver, BC. Lots of friends and family don’t really understand what’s not to like about “home” but there’s just a feeling that I’d enjoy life more elsewhere. (A mix of politics, overcrowded cities, a constant “go go go” laced into everyone’s life, the ever-present need to “keep up with the joneses”… just a few things spurring on exploration.)
So, go forth and enjoy! Good luck and I hope that you know all your readers will miss you but we understand completely the need to disconnect!! I wish I had some suggestions for Europe but my exploring hasn’t taken me that way yet. I think heading over without a set plan will serve you best anyways because then you can go with the flow and find places based on what you like. You’ll find that other travelers are always keen to share as well so can’t wait to see where it takes you!
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I jumped on the WWOOF-ing bandwagon in France last year and can highly recommend it! Spent an amazing week with a lovely family in Brittany – I was introduced to local goats cheese producers, picked vegies from a local organic communal garden and visited a chateau or two! I’m happy to give you specific details if you’re interested…
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I’d like to follow you on instagram. Would you share your username? Blessings on your quest.
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June 7th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Sarah’s instagram address is: _sarahwilson_
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Sarah, it seems to me, you are Quantum jumping….I’m in awe of you, this is what we should all be doing, surrendering ourselves to the Universe. The TM must have been working…lol…
You have learned so much in your short life. (well, this one anyway)…I wish you all the good things for the future, take care…Love your work..
Love
Sylvia xxx
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You’re one bloody brave inspiring woman!!! Enjoy every step of your journey!
*Bordeaux- if you can stay in the countryside you’ll really get a feel for community! (not to mention wines & brilliant produce)
*San Sebastian(old town)
*Cinque Terre – genuinely happy, bubbly locals( probably best slightly off season)
*Orvietto in Italy. This is not a tourist hot spot. It is however a beautiful little town that you can not reach by car. I felt as if I was in an old world movie when I visited!
*Paros in Greece
I can’t wait to watch your journey unfold!!
Sunshine & Sweetness xxx
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I honestly don’t think you could be anymore inspiring if you tried! I have read your blog for a few years now and I just adore you and respect everything you write about. I’m going to miss you but I totally understand where you are coming from. I really do hope that you find what you are looking for! Have fun and safe travels!! x
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Somehow I’m inspired by the ‘great place to live, not a great place to grow’ saying. Do we Australians take Australia for granted?
I’d say I’m jealous of your quest Sarah, but there’s no reason why I can’t step out the front door and do the same thing.
Good luck and safe travels.
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June 7th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Hear hear, glad you brought that up!
I’ve done it and it was totally out of character for me, but the gut feeling was so strong and the timing was right, I just did it! Never looked back.
Everything’s possible, life’s a state of mind, choose a good one wherever you are!
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Pokhara, Nepal …. I may call Brisbane home but my heart resonates in that lake. If you find yourself there at some point in your journey, you will see why.
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Well, i do believe there will be a few of us living vicariously through this amazing journey Sarah! So be true to yourself and stay aware …..and know that we’re all cheering you on! For all the idiots out there, there’s hundreds more fully lovin’ the stuff you do & frothing over the stuff you’ve opened our eyes to. I think we all are selfishly hoping that this journey is not only going to enrich your life, but ours as well.
Wish I had some good European recommendations but I’ve only explored parts of Asia & Africa. However, if you end up in Southern Africa, my sister lives in Namibia and you will definitely see things you’ve never experienced anywhere else
XOX
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Good blessings Sarah. Your blog has instigated life changes for me, it is important.
Thank you x
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Yay Sarah! Always follow your heart.
Isn’t it funny how we see things differently, depending on what stimuli we need for our current period of growth? I see Perth as a marvelous place to grow. Purely because I need a stable and beautiful backdrop for which to view my innermost self right now. My light is being shone squarely within. At least for this chapter.
The most beautiful city I have seen (so far) is Prague in the Czech republic. Worth it for the food alone, I had a pork knee there that nearly made me weep with delight. Delightful people too.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back. Always xx
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June 7th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Yep! I had my birth chart done some years ago by an astrologer in Dublin (Andrew Smith) who told me that depending on where and at what time you are born, there are certain places in the world that are better for you than others, or that you will FEEL better in … Hmmm Im not really explaining it very well – any astrologers out there know what I’m on about?
He told me that my home town was a place of limitation (i think he mentioned saturn) and saw sydney as a place of growth and happiness for me … i knew it already in my heart, in my gut, but was interesting to hear it in an astrological kinda way!
maybe it’s something similar that sarah’s feeling ….
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June 8th, 2012 at 8:53 am
I’m not an astrologer, but I read a nice article called “coming Home”, which talks about a womans experience with this (astrocartography)
http://www.novamagazine.com.au/article_archive/2005/05_08_cominghome.htm
She writes, “I imagine a world brimming with souls which swirl and shift like particles of golden dust, taking flight from their places of birth and finally settling, perhaps in a distant corner of the planet, where they can shine most brightly.”
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June 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
As an astrologer, it is called a relocation chart, which can be done for any place in the world, besides your place of birth. Astrocartography is very similar, it shows a map of the world, you can see the places of growth, good fortune & also the places where you could feel heavy, sad etc.
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June 7th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Mia – good god, the food in Prague!!! That was a BIG week…We got a great recommendation for this place, Sokolovna, in Prague. And we went two nights in a row. And they recognised us the second time, kind of embarrassing…
http://www.restaurantsokolovna.cz/
I had no idea Goulash could taste so good. Or that chicken soup could be so incredibly rich and delicious. Or that you could get such good food for about $5 AUD per person…
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June 7th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Bridget – I KNOW! You just can’t describe how amazing the food is until you try it, can you? It’s just amazing, and real food too. Amazing for the price.
We had one amazing night there staying on the top floor balcony of our apartment complex, overlooking this surreal Disney-looking village, drinking ourselves silly on Jagermeister. The absinth and hard liquor is also ridiculously cheap there, a fact that proved to be my downfall!
Did you notice the women there are ridiculously beautiful? We were all stopped in our tracks. The entire country is like a fashion parade, except nobody is anorexic or pretentious, just… extraordinarily, nearly unnaturally beautiful.
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June 7th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Incidentally, this is why I should never multi-task…everything becomes “amazing!” Haaa
June 7th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Yes, the food is so simple! I don’t actually know what makes it so good. And the booze…yeah. I swear a schooner of draught (good beer, too) was like 30 cents.
And yes, I think I remember the amazing looking women. The whole striking, no make-up, Eastern European thing? I dunno, was probably too busy thinking about my next meal.
June 8th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
So agree, perspective and timing is everything. London is wonderful and was great at first but I was eventually worn down by the full on pace, excessive focus on career and working long hours, and drinking to socialise. In Perth I now have the time and energy to connect with like minded souls, explore my interests and generally take things much easier. I also really value the economic stability here as if I’d stayed in London I would have faced redundancy, as many of my friends and colleagues have.
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June 9th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
COMPLETELY AGREE! I still work in London but have just moved out of it for all the reasons you state above. I think the UK should take a few tips from Australia personally on how to run the country (I am English). After living in Austalia and NZ for a few years, I am grateful for all we have on our doorstep, but would still rather live in your neck of the woods anyday!
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Sarah you are truly inspirational and bloody brave! I was just listening to your webinar on how to make money from your blog and the part where you said that people can sniff if you’re not real/genuine really resonated with me (can’t remember your exact wording).
But every time I read a post from you I can feel the realness and openness and I think it’s so brave of you to put yourself out there, even when you get nasty comments on here you respond in a genuine way.
Well I wish you safe travels and many many adventures which I’m certain you will have. As for any suggestions well the last time I was in Europe was many many many years ago but my husband is Hungarian and from what I have heard, the food I have eaten and the pictures he has shown me it is a beautiful country. So Budapest, if you can go would be a suggestion of mine. Plus if you go I can live vicariously through you as I have yet to visit
All the best!
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One of my favourite quotes is “you cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”. Congratulations on taking a courageous step – the universe will only reward you Sarah. Oh – that’s another favourite “fortune favours the brave”.
Thanks for giving all you have on your blog (and for giving me the gift of the IIN scholarship). In so many little ways you are changing people’s lives and in a big way you changed mine.
I’m about to have my second child (like, literally, any moment) and my husband is soon to find out whether he’s got a new job overseas. Setting up a new life somewhere with a toddler and a newborn might sound crazy – but I say – what is life if not an adventure? I love travelling to new places for the sensory overload – when you are so acutely aware of where you are and the smells and sounds. We lose that after spending too much time in one place.
I lived in a gorgeous town called Sundsvall in the north of Sweden when Autumn changed to winter and I must say that the extreme change in seasons was something to behold. So was the (almost) ever present darkness and seriously cold weather. I knew I’d never experience anything like it again. In saying that, if you can get to Sweden for mid-summers, I’ve heard it’s the best party EVER!
And somewhere else I really liked exploring was San Fransisco – tons of amazing things happening there.
Enjoy! I’m sure it will be an amazing beginning to Chapter 2 xx
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so excited for you xxx
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Being wrong is half the fun !
Bon Voyage ..
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Wilson!!!!
Everything you have said I was feeling the same a few years ago. I needed to jump and deal with however I landed. I was looking for the next part of my life and didn’t really know what that was. I knew though that it wasn’t the life I was living.
Since leaving Oz last yeah I have made friends I have been searching for my whole life and have 100%job satisfaction. I’m that happy person people find annoying!
Enjoy your life jump… These are the moments that make life worth living!!!
Axx
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I second an earlier post on Slovakia – My brother has lived there for almost 10 years and feels family and community connections are stronger. He has taken the decision to live there permanently as his autistic daughter receives more than 10 times the amount of services and intervention she would get in Australia.
I also imagine Scandinavia would be a good place to try – they seem to have their social and environmental systems working
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Consider India – seriously. I’ve lived here for 3 years, and think it’s better than the West for a few reasons: one’s sense of curiosity and wonder is tickled constantly (and everywhere); everything, even a visit to buy groceries, is an adventure. There’s a sense of optimism and can-do and vigour that comes with any developing economy on the move. Every week, I have a new, exciting business idea. It’s a good balance of connected and disconnected (just not always when you want it – meaning, wifi is often promised, not always delivered). It’s a complex place, socially, politically, culturally, so you’re always feeling challenged and stretched – unlike Australia, where I felt the sense of suburban torpor creatively stilting me. And there’s so much available. If you’re after a spiritual journey, head to Gaya or Dharamsala. Nature, peace and clean living = Pondicherry/Auroville. Exciting big city adventure = Bombay. Beach bumming = Goa. An ayurveda retreat = Kerala. Starting a business and hanging out with enlightened people from all over the world = Delhi. You can live as cheaply or as comfortably as you like. And if you’re living cheaply, a weekend of luxury at a 5-star hotel isn’t too far out of reach. Feel free to email me if any of this piques your interest.
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June 8th, 2012 at 2:15 am
Ditto.
India is a vast spiritual hotchpotch of anything, everything and everyone you can possibly imagine. I’ve also spent the last few seasons there as well as a few other places, over many years. I’ve just spent time in a Tibetan Buddhist monastary in Nepal if you’re serious about ‘getting away’… (Kopan Monastary)
I liked the quote: “you cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”
I’ve had the ‘lucky misfortune’(?) of being at sea and discovering so many new oceans that the sight of the shore scares me! Fear of the unfamiliar (whatever unfamiliar is to you) means we have to find the courage to face those fears. I’ve just arrived in London to find a job – I’ve been away for 20 years, I’m facing this fear!
Anyway some unsolicited, but hopefully useful advice… to be mindful and bring awareness to your trip/life, you need to slow it all down. Don’t let your trip become so busy and full-up with ‘stuff’ that you’re as busy and anxious as you are at home. I see so many people trying to fit all sorts of things in, searching for something. You need to slow down to find the stillness to be mindful. Said by someone who has spent 20 years running around like a mad hatter!
Wishing you the very best on your journey, which will be unlike anyone else’s.
Jennie
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What an exciting, brilliant, excellent thing you are doing Sarah. I’m currently staying in a beach town in Santorini, and it’s just perfect. The slow pace, the friendly faces and so, so much time in the day to explore and disconnect from the Internet. Highly recommend!
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Sarah it makes me so happy to read this! You are such a phenomenal person. I am seriously overjoyed to hear that you are off on an adventure. I look forward to hearing about your journey/new inspiration. The last time I travelled, I spent the first three weeks wondering “am I doing this right? am I having an optimum experience” – perhaps try not to let these same thoughts plague you. I know it will be fabulous no matter what comes of it.
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ps I once read that we grow the wings we need when we jump…
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This is amazing! You should come to Vancouver, Canada. It’s amazing and a magical place in the summer.
I am happy to be a host!
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Goodbye Sarah Wilson, it has been a pleasure reading of your bravery and exploration. ENJOY the beginnings of Chapter 2. Laugh, ponder and feel lots, there are so many wonderful places out there they will find you. X
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Its has been two years and four months since I free-fell and found myself on the path less travelled. You know, its been funny because I think as a result I am beginning to find the person that I really am or really was. Creating inventions, cooking, concocting new ideas through my writing, coming to a place that I’d seen as a child and subsequently ignored. As Don Juan said in the book by Carlos Castenadas “my blood ran to vigerous for me to understand”. So in your journey over sea and across valley and stream, may you find “a path with heart”. For as you know, it is the only path that really matters. My guess is though you have already found it. Godspeed.
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Prague has quite a thriving alternative scene and expat population and the Czech countryside, as well as being Incredibly gorgeous, has an extensive and well marked system of hiking/biking tracks. I have an apartment there for renting out if you’re interested (furnished, with Internet). Now I live in Turkey which is an endlessly fascinating country of paradoxes that I don’t think I will ever understand. Amazing food markets though
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Sarah, I sobbed reading this. I feel like it could have been me writing this when I quit my own job earlier this year after years of dissatisfaction and feeling helpless. It felt great to do it. You inspire me in so many ways and I have followed your blog since the start. Thank you for being so open and honest – this is truly what we need more of in this world, and it is brave. You have the courage to speak what a lot of people feel but won’t share. I too wish to be in Europe with no plan (I was blissfully back there last month but not for long enough and I hate being in Australia now, anchorless…) and that melancholy and needing a new chapter resonates deeply.
May I ask two personal-ish/practical questions though that I hope you would be happy to answer and that may have occurred to others also – have you been saving a lot of money in order to do this indefinitely; and also, do you have a particular visa or passport that will let you work when you find your new home? I ask this only because these are two things that are holding me back that I am looking into rectifying also.
On another note – I think that Berlin would be somewhere you would adore – everyone rides a bike, there is a huge creative and arts scene, many expats and extremely good looking residents. It seems very you, in fact. Otherwise, Europe is Europe! Anywhere you find will be right. It is special, gorgeous, creative and worth it.
Safe journey.
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I’ve made a massive leap, with a man, and it’s been amazing..never thought i would just step into the deep and trust…but it’s brought me on an even more amazing journey…we are travelling a bit at the moment, I’m in San Francisco, and the energy here is amazing. Really cultured and engaged and sophisticated without pretension…a huge foodie community, co-ops, farmers markets, sustainability, recycling, public transport, community initiatives…anyway I’m not living here and I think it’s worth checking out. It is a big city and there’s a lot of the down side of that, but I see a place that is fairly tolerant and forward thinking within a bigger place that isn’t working so well, and that energy is partly what Sarah is describing.
You are super brave, I know exactly where you are at and it’s brave to live truly and not put up with the ‘expected’ path…you will ulitimately have a richer experience of this life than most people. Be the bravest, craziest, most unconventional you can be — you are extraordinary and more alive right now than most people could ever hope to be. Travel safely, may love and light lead your journey, always
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The number of posts with well wishes is a testament to the influence and effect that you have had on people’s lives. I too shall live vicariously through your travels, whilst respecting that you may not always feel like sharing.
I too, like many others, admire your courage.
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I know it’s horribly clichéd, but seriously: Paris!
If you want to be inundated with beauty, there’s no better place. And if you study at the Alliance Francaise, you’ll meet fascinating people from every imaginable country and make great friends.
The cliche about rudeness is, however, quite wrong! There are lots of lovely French people.
The French also understand lifestyle: finding that work/life balance is a national obsession.
Hopefully you’ll return to Australia in the not too distant future.
Good luck and happy travelling!
Ipomen Scarlet
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Hi Sarah,
Good on you for listening to YOUR heart.
I wish you all the best in your new adventure.
I am currently studying with IIN and it is life changing. I am loving the course but feel a bit overwhelmed with everything I need/want to do at times.
I am making a conscious effort to slow down and to go through my day mindfully. Life is too precious and I don’t want to rush through it, not taking the time to enjoy it.
Take care,
xxoo Julie
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Firstly – HOW EXCITING!!!!
I did a big Euro trip a while back and lived in Paris for a bit. Like someone above, would always recommend Paris.
The city is JUST SO GORGEOUS. Had many ‘pinch myself’ moments there – intense, illuminating, orange sunsets projected onto buildings, light hitting the GOLD Opera Garnier after a storm, sitting in gorgeous, old restaurants, going to my amazing french class (avoid Alliance, too big, impersonal and expensive) what else…wandering around the Marias, wandering around the beauuuutiful 5th and 6th arrondissements… going to amazing markets, Montmartre, Belleville, eating, drinking brilliant, cheap, organic wine… SIGH.
Secondly, if you’re ever in Croatia, specifically Dubrovnik, go for a day trip on the little state-run ferries (not the tour company ferries) to an island called Kolocep. Not even exaggerating, it is paradise. Tiny little island, no cars, you get off the ferry and just walk around, past people selling tomatoes from their gardens, you pass fruit trees hanging over dirt pathways, bush bash a bit…There is a beautiful, tiny old church that we went in to, there are lots of hidden beaches that you just stumble upon, and the water is incredibly, unbelievably clear…While waiting for the last ferry, at the end of the day, in the middle of summer, I sipped on a gin and tonic, hung out with my boy and it was complete bliss.
Now just forget all of that and go there with no expectations like we did
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June 7th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Still in Croatia, I LOVED Zagreb. Gorgeous and faded and crumbling. And lovely people. Sensational berries at the main markets there. Blackberries unlike anything I have tasted before, ever. And again, so inexpensive.
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Ah Sarah, best wishes for a fabulous adventure finding yourself and your new direction. I am the teensiest bit (ok, majorly) jealous of your courage and will to embrace change. I’m hoping to take a leaf out of your book and take the leap into the unknown. May it be all that you need and so much more.
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This sounds amazing, I almost feel I need to do something similar although I’m only 2.5yrs into my Australian adventure…from England of course! Still a few more years left in me before I start my next chapter…..
Although I am off to Blighty for three weeks this Saturday – please try and find the time to go to my hometown Whitstable, it’s a very lovely spot! South east of England, right on the coast, pebble beach, famous for oysters and just a general nice hippie vibe. The Neptune is the pub right on the beach – local beers and live music, a must!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16891901@N08/6175038546/
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I meant to say enjoy and all the best! I’ll be here cooking IQS recipes
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Hi! Good luck … I spent 7 years in London after intending to go for 6mths, and had an absolute ball. Wouldn’t change a thing about taking that chance, just go for it. My favourite places in Europe (which may have been mentioned above) are Porto, Portugal; Paris, France; Ljubljiana, Slovenia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; anywhere in Greece and also Budapest, Hungary; and Prague, Czech Republic. Have a great time! Amy
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Firstly bon voyage
I’ve done this more than once and whatever happens it changes you and adds wonderfully to your life
I’ve done more than my fair share of travelling and there are far too many places I would recommend but for now Tarifa – where the med and the atlantic meet – about an hour and thirty west of Malaga is a place where I landed after Morocco and could seriously have stayed forever. It has a really special energy and I met a number of people who landed there did just stay. Also the best windsurfing in Europe. I joke it will never be over populated as you can get an exfoliation as well as a suntan on the beach. all that wind.
Also http://amritnam.com/ I did my kundalini yoga teacher training here. It’s near grenoble in France, near Mont Blanc. Something in your post makes me send you this words such as community, nomad, bit scared
Also walk the el camino de santiago de compostela – they call it the walk of relationships – i suspect they mean the one with yourself – best not done in summer. it’s very very high on my list
and as i’m irish i’d say head to the west clare or connemara. there’s a lack of nonsense there of a more lyrical nature than i have found in many other places. It’s beautiful in a wild way.
also listen to david whyte and his 3 marriages http://www.davidwhyte.com
oh and john of god in abidiania in brazil
I did a trip like this 4 years ago (again) and it was an amazing year. My jewels emerged from it and while i am back in sydney for the moment I suspect it is not forever. As you know the journey is always within
Take very good care and most of all play and have fun. Life is too short t be taken seriously x Eilish
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Sarah, I have setup a base in the lakes area in the North of Italy. If you pass my neck of the woods sing out.
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A few of us have already said this on Twitter, but you’re always welcome in Qatar! The heat is great and it’s a fascinating place to visit. That’s if our scheming to get you here ‘professionally’ doesn’t work!
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Oh and good luck. I hope you have a fantastic time. Since you’re going to Europe I’ll throw hiking in Switzerland into the mix. Best walking I’ve ever done. Head to the Jungfrau region (Lauterbrunnen, Interlarken) – so good. Perfect walking conditions and absolutely beautiful scenary.
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Hi Sarah,
Congratulations on making ‘the call’ – the hardest bit.
Have a fabulous time, wherever you end up. You really are very inspirational. I don’t think I’d have the courage to do it, but I hope / wish that I could.
I haven’t been there, but I hear that ‘Bhutan’ is a place where instead of Gross National Product, they have Gross National Happiness. I think that sounds like the place to visit.
Amazing, caring and genuine people! Although this is Asia not Europe.
Travel safe and look forward to hearing about your chapter 2.
(Sorry if anyone has mentioned Bhutan already – I couldn’t read every comment – there were a lot!)
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good for you!
no point in just sitting around contemplating what could have been (what you thought should have been – kids, husband etc). Enjoy xx
Barcelona and Austria are gorgeous + loved Scotland.
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Hi Sarah, I feel so excited for you and send you lots of love for your journey; or continuation there of! I’m excited because in letting go you will find happiness. And then you’ll get to know (and love) yourself on a whole new level! A good dose of consciousness expansion! So cool. We are dreaming and working towards the kind of community initiative you’ve describe, a combination of outdoor, permaculture and mindfulness/personal potential education and workshops. Perhaps we can invite you to visit the south coast (NSW) in 3-5 years time?! I’ve just started a new blog that will track our progress towards ‘the dream’, if you feel you’d like to connect.
Stay in the flow and enjoy
Rachel
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Check out Sarajevo Sarah…and good luck, I’ll miss you’re presence in Australia even though I live at the opposite end.
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I love this! I am going to Europe in two weeks for a month and then plan to move to London at the end of next year when I am financially and academically ready. I have decided i need to make big changes and live life! So excited for you!
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You articulate everything I think and feel. Wish I had the guts to do this. I know you will write about your experience at some point. Really looking forward to it.
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Sarah, wah wah I shall miss you! OK, it’s not about me, I get it.
Themes I recommend in my ancient wisdom are: work outdoors, stay away from overt do gooders (bloggable tourist help in ) in favour of something worthy not newsworthy, befriend plain untitled unknowns and old people, relax in unpretentious pubs where the locals go and the visitors do not.
And I’d say, don’t worry about giving back just yet – maybe the universe thinks its time to give back to you! Have fun! Lisa
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Get your hot ass to Greece!! I have NEVER IN MY LIFE felt so… positively disconnected from the rest of the world – light, open and, well… ‘airy’ as my time spent exploring the Islands. I roamed the land for 4 weeks, no plans, just doing as you are, met loads of wonderful people, ate the MOST amazing food (and my weight in squid and yoghurt) and just chilled right out. LOVE. Take me with you…. PLEASE.
Have the best journey sweets. You will no doubt! x
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Hi Sarah,
Enjoy this journey ! I did the same 5 years ago and I don’t regret it at all : I quit a great job in a big french magazine in less than 2 weeks, moved in another city with no family/friends around, and with no prospects at all. It was the best decision of my life. I met amazing people and focused on what I really wanted to do with my life. I now run my own (little) publishing house (books, magazines…). The funny thing is next september, I will release a new lifestyle magazine in which women from different “backgrounds” share their journey, just like you. I was wondering if you would like to share your story/philosophy/quest with french readers in the first issue ? An informal interview, no pressure, you will have the “final cut”
Anyway, if you come to Paris, I would be happy to meet with you, share my french sugar-free recipes (yes there are !) and favorite places, if you are in the mood .
All the best
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June 7th, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Patricia – is there somewhere to be notified when this magazine gets published??
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Hi Sarah,
Sounds like interesting times for you…
It’s been a while since I was in Europe but:
Croatia – specifically the island Mjet (hire a care- tranquil, stunning, of another time)
Corsica- do the absolutely breathtaking hike for 4 days…stay in divine villages along the way, they cook lovely meals and you get a glass of wine at the end of each day)
Tel Aviv- you WON”T regret it…it’s so alive and full of energy and passion…particularly and specifically staying in Jaffo.
Cadiz and Tarifa in spain
And…las cuervas in granada…
oh and get to seville in october- the aweinspiring flameno festival x
Are you using airbnb.com? highly recommend it…used it in America
for more helpful tips happy to share you can find me at @meditatecreate or @mindfulinmay
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Hey Sarah, come to Slovenia it is beautiful – lakes, mountains, seaside – all on a small territory – and from here it takes 2,5 drive to Venice, 5 to Florence and Tuscany … in a radious of 4h drive is Vienna, Budapest …
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June 7th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
… and Croatia is also next door neighbor with beautiful islands. Now I start to sound like a tourist guide, which I am not
. Good luck!
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What an amazing time you’re going to have Sarah…you just might not come back!! I too recently made a big move – after 13 years of living in Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Berlin and parts of Asia, I finally decided to move back home to Perth so I could be close to family…my heart was aching for this. I was worried it might be ‘career suicide’, but so far so many doors have opened.
Wishing you all the best on your fabulous journey xx
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Wow Sarah, big changes afoot!
Don’t forget the UK isn’t just London, get your arse to Wales, Scotland…Ireland.
From a Welsh point of view it’s wonderful here, head to Cardiff (you can come for the day if you don’t want to stay long check out http://www.megabus.com for cheap fares – although be warned it takes FOREVER). Come experience our gorgeous landscapes, wonderful coastal areas and of course – talking Cardiff – the shopping and nightlife.
All in all have a great time, explore London life a tourist and enjoy the British culture. Such a shame you weren’t here this past weekend to indulge in the jubilee celebrations!
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Hi Sarah,
Welcome to London!!!
Would love to meet up with you while youre here for a cuppa or something….. if you have time. I live in central London, near Old Street.
My email address is laurennzuk@hotmail.com
Take care Sarah …hope you find bits of what youre looking for upover…LOL
Oh and by the way Id recommend Mykonos in Greece but only at the end of the season like mid Sept when all the noisy, party people have gone. Its a beautiful Cycladian island with picturesque white cubed house with blue trims, lovely beaches and the fascinating, ancient island of Delos to explore.
Love Lauren x
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Hi Sarah,
Your blog, ideas, interests resonate so well with me. I took off from Australia for very similar reasons over a year ago and after much travelling, I am living in London.
I have no idea what the future holds for me, and that is scary, but with it comes excitement, so much growth, fantastic and inspiring people. I would love to have a cup of tea with you if you have a moment here.
I just read your post of when you are shitty, you climb a tree, and I know those days when I should (but don’t always) immerse myself in nature and silence.
Enjoy and let me know if you are free in London
All the best, Karen x
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Oh go see Amsterdam for this reason alone, everyone has a talent they nurture there. I met a man whose entire career is writing manuals for a certain type of engineering pipeline. I could get lost in a world of artisans. And Sweden because U love the way the culture is just a little quirky. Enjoy, find, chill.
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Earlier this year I bought a one way ticket from Melbourne to Amsterdam, and have been here for a month now. Officially I am here to complete a 6 month internship, but unofficially this is an opportunity for me to reset: focus on my health (fellow AI sufferer), give myself room to grow creatively and to build a new life away from what defined me back home. And most importantly it is a bit of an experiment in going with the flow/seeing where life takes me (a great challenge for a VIRGO control freak like me).
Although A-dam has a reputation for being the vice capital of Europe, this is mostly confined to one tiny part of the city. This place is the best bike city I’ve seen (before I came here I had a phobia of bikes, now I ride every day), has beautiful canals, amazing cheese shops, and a great energy (especially when the sun is out).
I hope you can make it!
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You are so brave. Good luck with your journey!
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I’m so happy you posted this – I’ve been in London for a year and still feel the need to express why I needed to leave Australia, to myself and others. This is why.
I would love to cross paths with you in London or Europe somewhere – please keep us posted on your travel plans. Good luck with chapter 2.
x
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Thank you and enjoy yourself, there is such a sense of freedom to take life as it comes!
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“I’m looking out for community and social initiatives geared at bringing people closer. Outdoor experiences. People giving a shit. Please, if you know what I mean and you’ve found somewhere that fits this brief, please share.”
Sounds like Canada to me!
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Sarah, I salute you!
I just got back from a life-altering experience in Nepal. I would highly recommend it, though they are in monsoon at the moment…! Beautiful people, beautiful energy, beautiful vistas. We trekked for 7 days through the lower Annapurna region and I also spent time in Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park.
I purchased my 2-week holiday almost on a whim because Nepal had always intrigued me. I could not have predicted that by the end of my time there I would have made such connections with the people, the country and myself in a way that I don’t believe I could have done at home. My PTD (post travel depression) was pretty intense when I came home but I have channelled that into making some positive changes in my life. And of course, started to plan my next trip over there to do some more trekking and soul-cleansing!
Travel changes us so profoundly if we are open to what the world has to offer. I truly hope we cross paths one day and I wish you the best in your…ahem…journey
Courtney xx
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Istanbul is my tip. I went recently for the second time a few years ago and it is a true melting pot of cultures. Perfect positioning. Incredible weather + vibe, art and people, gourmet food. I want to live there or at least give it a go. I am attempting to learn Arabic to fit in but to be honest, lots of people there speak English, we are lucky it’s universal. When it gets tough and/or fantastic, meditate.
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June 10th, 2012 at 6:03 am
I agree about Istanbul. Except the fact that it is really hard to find someone who is fluent in Arabic in Istanbul. It is Turkey, people speak Turkish.
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Have a sensational break/time out/recharge. If you end up in the States maybe look up Ocean & John Robbins creators of the Food Revolution- they are doing some amazing things!!
And if you are in Paris- buy some delicioous yummies from a food market – jump on a vehib bike- and ride to the Eiffel Tower- take a posi in the park – lie down have a picnic and soak it all in!
ps the trick with the rent a bike is they are free for the first 30mins – so the Parisiens just ride from one bike station to the next (they are everywhere!) and xchange bikes- so you can have the bike for the whole day! We unfortunately did not realise this and took the bike for 5hours and paid for it! But still one of our best days in Paris!!..Enjoy!
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Loved this Sarah and is resonated with me so deeply. I am 2 months into a new chapter of my life. I left Melbourne for 12 months as a volunteer on an island in the Philippines. I am a primary school teacher with a nutrition and health background and am working with an NGO on various programs they run here for homeless families. That first leap of faith was hard and it still is hard but the growth that I have witnessed within myself in just 2 months is amazing. It would be so easy to choose the most beautiful place to relocate to…with access to creature comforts, leisure activities and the food and everything I am used to. Why do that though when you can choose a place where the beauty is not as evident straight away. Also, why move somewhere that enables me to keep living my life the same way…just a different location? I needed to force myself to change habits (good and bad habits) that I had accumulated over the years. It forced me to find the beauty I know is everywhere…but just hidden slightly below the surface in some places. Every time I have an internal grumble about not being able to have a surf, a good coffee or pop into my local health food store, I quickly snap out of my thinking when I look around. Then I blog!
I cant recommend a location I am afraid…but just as the Philippines was made the obvious decision for me, I know the right destination for you will also be revealed.
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I’ve heard from my very creative and awesome friends that Berlin is amazing right now- they were drawn there and have no intentions yet of leaving. For me, my new adopted home from Australia is Indonesia- it is a really amazing place with some of the nicest, most compassionate, funa nd passionate people I have ever lived among (and I have lived in the UK, China, and Vietnam) and travelled wth (I have been around the world twice!).
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Sarah,
If you tire of Europe, South America is amazing. It’s relatively easy to travel around, your money goes far and gives you the opportunity to meet amazing, friendly people and cultures. The Bolivian salt flats are breathtaking.
Good luck x
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Hi Sarah, Congratulations on beginning your next chapter ! Australia is a place so under the spell of materialism at the moment (maybe always has been) and there is not a lot happenning that is particularly inspiring politically or in the way of social change. Even the Byron area is feeling tired and a little confused, perhaps from the onslaught of materialism it has had to bear. Even though we in Oz are materially prosperous the surrounding vibe is generally one of fragmentation and alienation it seems. Perhaps the biggest challenge is in transforming this somehow ? Wishing you a Sweet Chapter !
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Good luck Sarah and good on you. I support you whole-heartedly as you dive into the next chapter of your life.
Presently, I am about to start a new chapter in my own life. Your post has come at a time when I have been searching for inspiration and comfort in identifying parts of my self in others. In finding ‘Lauren Rose’ and setting myself up for what I feel *I* need to do to for *myself* in this life.
As one work contract comes to a close, I am praying another will open. I have identified opportunities. I am 23. I know this is not my dress rehearsal – this is the play, and even though I am currently working with one of the world’s most recognised iconic brands, I just feel I need to get out and spread my wings. Otherwise, down the track.. I may get too comfortable and never leave… most people in this industry just stay in because it’s just too good to leave. But I’m scared of living in a bird cage while I am at this age and especially since the politics and world economy is in such a volatile state.
It is a leap of faith. But I have the faith and I am constantly inspired by the life decisions you continue to make Sarah. I admire the way you trust your own gut and instincts. How exciting for you! And yes, visit Poland if you can. My best friend is an Australian-born Pole and she is the most amazing friend a girl could have!
Safe flying xx
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June 8th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Lauren Rose – DO IT!
You will never regret it. You can always pick up another contract some place, some time. I first did it when I was 24, I’m now 44 and been doing it for 20 years… I have had the richest life ever, no regrets. The universe is big. Start now.
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June 8th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Jennie, thank you! You have brought me a big smile. If you are a walking example of getting ahead through acquiring broad experience then hopefully I can follow suit!
Congrats on being 44 and content with your life xx
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Congratulations Sarah… what you have done is PERFECT. Our spirit takes us on journeys we cannot explain. DESTINY. The universe rewards the brave.
Come to the edge he said
They said we are afraid
Come to the edge he said
They came, he pushed them, and they flew
Enjoy xx
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June 8th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Gorgeous, Sam
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Hi Sarah,
All the best for your trip!
You already know what to do, just be spontaneous! I remember travelling through Italy and doing the touristy thing, the best part of the whole trip was when I just got off the train at some random spot and had a look around. It was a place called Lucca, near Pisa and it was fabulous. Never heard of the place but it felt like the right time to get off the train, so I did and found a walled town with an amazing feel to it. Just get off when you get the feeling
Another journey which was perhaps the most rewarding that I have done is the Camino de Santiago in Spain. You make the ‘pilgrimage’ what you want and it is different for everyone. It is the perfect opportunity to find yourself, a little bit each day, and also meet some amazing strangers, some of who have an amazing effect. The wine is great too! ha ha.
Safe travels to you Sarah, keep smiling and ‘buen camino’ as they say!
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Bled, Slovenia. The air is better there.
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oh id suggest the island of Cyprus – its got a great mix of ‘happening’ and ‘sleepy’…a mix of modern and tradition. I love it there, okay my family is from the island so im biased but it truly is a lovely place to relax and check out – a lot of history, natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and an hour drive you’re in the mountains…bliss! on top of that the food is awesome, the locals are happy and the boys are cute!
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sooooo inspiring, thank you for sharing and being so honest.
I live on Dartmoor, Devon, near to Totnes where I work, I think you’d very much enjoy seeing whats going on in Totnes….home of Transition Town, and Dartington Hall Estate, Sharpham Estate, a really strong community of people working together for change. I work at The Arcturus Clinic on the high street…..pop by if you decide to visit Totnes. You can get the train from Paddington London…straight in to Totnes. Fridays are the best with a wonderful vibrant Market.
Wishing you wonder-full travels.
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For an amazing place to unwind and find yourself, I cannot go past Cinque Terre in Italy. A beautiful coast line of 5 fishing villages in Italy, with beautiful walks along the coast with amazing views. Very simple, but such a gorgeous place, which I always find is the perfect get away from modern life.
I always stay in a village called Riamaggore.
Happy travels where ever your path takes you!
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I always get something out of every post you write. This one moved me to tears.
TBH I’m not sure why. Perhaps its the very real fact that at 34, I am thick in the plot that you were ‘anticipating’ (husband,kids) and yet all I want to do is pack my bags and ‘bump’ into you somewhere. BUT a mother can’t do that, can she?
Umm yes SHE can because she is a WOMAN too. Perhaps this mama will do just that and pack the kids along for the ride. Climbing trees and showing them what REALLY going out on a limb is ALL about!
Stace aka Sunny Mummy
PS you’ve probably read it but my favourite poem of ALL time is The Invitation by Oriah. This passage in particular resonates with me for you right now;
“It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.”
EnJOY your company Sarah x
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June 8th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Oh wow, Stacey, I just Googled The Invitation. Thank you, feels like I was meant to find this today. x
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June 8th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
You’re welcome Step. I wrote about this one here: http://sunnymummy.com.au/2011/09/the-greatest-love-of-all/
Another favourite is by Robert Burns, which you can read here: http://sunnymummy.com.au/2011/09/for-me-and-you-x/
So glad you found the invitation, it’s life changing and one to be revisited constantly
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June 12th, 2012 at 11:41 am
hey stacey! I have this book on my shelf and picked it up about a year ago and loved it, it certainly tied in with alot of the stuff Sarah writes about, but mostly it put words on emotions i was feeling and wasn’t sure how to express, its a brilliant piece of work, have no idea how I had it – musta bought it and then forgotten about it, but i don’t recall putting it on the bookeshelves … what a special gift it was to pick it up one sunday afternoon … i’d love everyone to read it!
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Oh Sarah, this is so inspiring. You have me now thinking how I can adapt this kind’ve attitude to my life which is : about to give birth to babe number two, three year old son and partner at home — I want to ponder how I can take leaps of faith and search for serendipity as my life is less spontaneous — can it be done??
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June 8th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
It’s almost impossible to do this when you have responsibilities to people other than yourself Sharni.. Perhaps saying yes to opportunities that come your way and having faith that all will be well xx
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Sarah,
I want to wish you all the very best wishes for your next phase. You have given me so much pleasure reading your musings about love, food and bicycles.
With much love, M.
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Hi Sarah,
All the best for your trip. I hope you find what you’re looking for.
I made the move from Melbourne to Europe about a year ago and eventually settled in London. I came in search of many things – a challenge, a more cultured way of living, access to travelling a part of the world I am fascinated by, a change of pace, career opportunities… the list goes on. I’ve reached almost a year of being away and I’m starting to feel ‘done’ with things over here. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that we sometimes go in search of things that we think will be bigger and better when we never realised how good we had it to begin with. I can assure you that the record unemployment in the UK and the looming Eurocrisis is having a huge impact on this side of the world and the general mood is a genuine reflection of that. Since I’ve been away I’ve certainly developed more of an appreciation for Australia – the place I call home. I doubt you’ll find a slower pace in cities like London but perhaps you can find a quiet small town in Europe somewhere to take some time out. If you’ve got some spare time while you’re in London I’d love to meet up and share my story over a cup of tea. Feel free to email me: sharon [@] sharonjgreen . com
Best wishes.
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Hey, if your travels take you to canterbury area in Kent I’d love to meet for a cup
I’m a fellow hasimotonian on a recovery path. Not well enough (or quite brave enough) to make the leap you have … But thanks for the inspiration and have a fun, fabulous break! Carly x
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Hi Sarah
I am an expat living in Greece, yes I agree with what you say about Australia having it so good for so long , that I think it has lost a bit of perspective about what a ‘troubled economy’ is. Life here is hectic and disorganised but above all passionate.
I too recommend Meteora as a place to be still and fill the spiritual tank. Also an exicitng place to walk and VERY off the Euroean radar, yet easy to access via Europe, is Albania. Untouched by tourists,it has so many y extremes, the capital Tirana,is very modern and the southern part is poor and stuck in the 1950′s. It has UNESCO heritage listed towns and no one goes. It is, I think, one of the last places in the European/Balkan map that has not been manipulated by the tourism industry.
More than happy to give you a tour and if you are in Greece at all I also would be happy to have you stay. I have a house in a mountainous region of Greece that is wonderful for walking and I never say no to agood walking partner.
Happy travels and looking forward to you sharing , as always, your experiences which touch so many of us.
Keep safe.
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Safe travels Sarah!
I’m an Aussie living in London – I moved here to shake myself up, to immerse myself in another place. Though thought of to have strong ties with the Australian culture, I think there are a lot of interesting differences here, and adjusting to such a HUGE city can be, at times, overwhelming. Still, subjecting myself to letting go, freeing myself of my assumptions and getting on my confidence boosting horse, I’ve found this trip to be so rewarding…
There’s a lot to explore here, and the city’s really changing and coming alive, especially with the Olympics coming – (it’s been really interesting and awful at the same time!)
Good luck! If you find yourself adrift when you get to London…
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Much love to you Sarah, you’re a constant inspiration and I hope you find the foundations of chapter 2 out there somewhere. xx
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What a blast – I do envy your courage. You will have the best time, just trust in that. the only thing i can say to you is trust moving away from cities – England is such a small country but has such lovely countryside and characters!
enjoy, enjoy enjoy
hugs
x
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Sarah, The Journey is my favourite poem, closely followed by The Door (Miroslav Holub) and now The Invitation which another of your followers has led me to today.
I have just had one of those “weeks from hell” and badly want to run away….maybe next year!
I hope your “Chapter 2″ is amazing, but always remember Chapter 1 of your life has led lots of us to discover amazing things about ourselves, others and the world.
As for travel tips, and maybe this will help you re-connect with the Aussie spirit that is missing from Oz right now… Visit the battlefields (and moreso the graveyards) throughout the Western Front of France. You wont be disappointed. x
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I love the idea of leaving where you are to find places of communities and to give. But why start in London? Europe is hardly a place of giving at the present time only a place of laying blame. I think Asia may answer your calling. I am in Hk nd have lived here for 20 years and feel the same – that’s it time to leave for different but surprisingly similar reasons as yours Sarah, but my idea is to go to country Australia, sw wa is my ideal location but not sure it’s affordable. So I read your comments with concern about what to expect if I do uproot and leave Hk. Anyhow I wish you well on your journey.
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I love all these comments. So wonderful to know so many people resonate with the wonder of a journey. I spent 6 years exploring the world. Taking offers from new friends along the way created the most memorable adventures. I love the openness of the world and people to the traveller. It’s something you can’t tap into so easily at home. I feel the excitement just reading your post and it makes me want to explore. India. Oh the people you will meet, the things you will see. Turkey, for openhearted people just ready to welcome you. Fes in Morocco beautiful people, food. Sri Lanka the island of serendipity. Wherever you go may it be inspiring. One thing my mother always told me though, “wherever you go, you always take yourself.”
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Check out the school of life in London for many things including a book prescription for your break. And I have friends in Stockholm who are always hospitable, especially for midsummer, they even have a maypole and make the head wreaths ! Get Jo to email me if you would like details.
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Sounds wonderful (except the part that Australia may not be a great place to grow!
… We moved over here three years ago from the UK and am slowly finding myself here and learning to be happy, so I guess I don’t want to hear about people desperate to leave, but hey, everyone has a different perspective on things and there are so many factors involved. So many great comments here and yes I suppose I’d have to agree on the materialistic front, but I have confidence in the unseen, quieter movements towards a better life that are going on around me here. I’m doing just that, and though I get very homesick at times (food in particular!) and miss various places in Europe, I am happy here right now. As for where I’d go, one of the small Greek islands. Kefalonia had a lot of magic for me back in 2004 when I visited. We loved it. Driving along and stopping into strangers’ houses for some of the best meals we’ve ever had and feeling like we were the only ones experiencing these great people and their heartfelt food made it a very memorable place. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter.
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Sarah: you should look up Mountainfilm in Telluride, Colorado and put it on your calendar for May 2013. It is legitimately life changing. The ‘Happy’ Movie [by Roko Belic] premiered there, as did Tom Shadyac’s doco ‘I AM’ and so many other inspiring film.
It really IS summarised by your words: “Outdoor experiences. People giving a shit.” People seeking authenticity and investing in the conversations [and subsequent actions] that truly matter.
Or as Miss Oliver puts it…. people ‘striding deeper and deeper into the world.’
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Rome and Barcelona are an absolute must! So much beautiful architecture and the food and culture are amazing
have a wonderful and safe journey Sarah
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“Oh, but please do share any places in Europe – and beyond – that you think are worth taking a look at for their great social/community/heart-engaged initiatives. It will give me something to read on the plane.” – Maybe take a look at the Transition Town Network in the UK/Ireland? It started with Totnes (Devon) and Kinsale (Co. Cork, Ireland) and has now expanded into several other places such as Brixton (London), Falmouth (Cornwall), Lewes (Sussex) and Lampeter (Wales). The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins would make good aeroplane reading too.
Welcome to the UK Sarah
Tali
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You’re off! Wow Sarah, good for you. Just go where ever you’re feeling is the right place at the time. Explore, indulge…Maybe even a bit of Eat Pray Love??… I spent most of my twenties and early thirties overseas (with the occasional visit home), and for the most part had the time of my life (minus the heartbreak from a particular Canadian). I lived in all the countries that would allow me a working holiday visa, had various relationships with foreign men, drank a lot.,,.you get the picture. The travelling you’ll be doing I imagine will be quite different… a little more spiritual and sans alcohol I’d say…. I suppose I just did the typical Aussie travel thing really….
Anyway, as mentioned in previous post… Poland. a must. I am half polish (mum born in Poland many, many polish rello’s..). Such sad history (can you go anywhere in Europe without that?) but beautiful people, amazing cuisine, breathtaking countryside….But Just go everywhere! Vietnam (although a bit touristy now) is brilliant. Simple.
You’re an inspiration, Sarah, you’re the reason I started TM and am now studying at IIN Like you, if something presents it’s self more than twice, I strike too.. Best of luck. I will be following you….
Halina xxx
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Wow, so inspiring!
)
Are you still in London – would love coffee sometime!
x
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Hi Sarah,
Loved your post! I totally get it!
I am an aussie-(kind-of)-ex-patriate. I spend about half the year in Europe – mostly in Germany and Switzerland, and all over, doing volunteer work for a humanitarian organisation. Have been travelling all over the globe for the last 16 years, since I was 16 and moved to a community in India. . So I have lots of contacts all over Europe – I can hook you up if you let me know where you are going to be.
Switzerland is awesome! My husband is Swiss and we spend a couple months a year there.
I have heaps of ideas for you while you are in Europe! Drop me a line…..
You’ll love the awareness of natural health in Europe!
I am currently studying at IIN, and thats how I came across your blog – one of my fellow classmates in our IIN europe/UK study group sent me the link, and I was stoked to see that you live in Byron Bay – thats where my family live, and where I am when I am in OZ. Have actually been in Byron for the last three months and was secretly hoping to run into you. I am back in Europe next week.
Theres a great IIN community in Europe that you could hook up with…
Wishing you the best!
Luv,
prana
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June 8th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
PS: ‘All those who wonder are not lost’….
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Hi Sarah!
I’m an Australian living in Stockholm and would love to show you around this beautiful city if you visit.
If you are looking for a country with a love of the outdoors, beautiful scenery, hiking, lakes and islands, Sweden is stunning.
I can highly recommend visiting the region of Dalarna. This is the real Sweden, with little red wooden houses dotted around lake Siljan. It’s a great area to drive or cycle around, to go walking along the lake and to relax in.
I also love the north of Sweden. Abisko national park is stunning and hiking in the part of the world is fantastic.
The archipelago near Stockholm is also great. I had a friend who just took a backpack and a tent and hopped from one island to the next over a week or two, eating berries straight from the bushes, fishing, cycling and meeting great people.
If you come to Sweden in summer, don’t be surprised to find Stockholm empty. The swedes all head off to their summer cottages by the sea or lakes to spend time with their family and friends. It’s not uncommon for people to take the entire month of July off work
Great cities for exploring on bike are Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Uppsala (a little student town in Sweden) and Utrecht in the Netherlands.
I first moved from Oz to Austria when I was 19. I just knew it was a place I wanted to be in, and I fell in love with Vienna, so much so that I moved back there again when I was 23. I’ve also lived in a few other places in Europe and all I can say is that when you get to where you need to be, you will know. Some places just feel like home, you walk around with a smile in your face and you feel fantastic.
I wish you much luck and happiness in your adventures!
Michelle
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Hi Sarah!
I live in Heidelberg in Germany, its on the wine route and the castle route…and it has community organic farming gardens which are pretty awesome.
Beside that, Germans are pretty darn awesome- because of their keen sense of environmental consciousness, and the awesome bike routes every where!
For a very interesting community which I’ve been wanting to check out but have not yet managed to, check out http://www.findhorn.org/
It would be great to show you around if you do make it to this small town, Sarah!
-the indian girl in Heidelberg
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Sarah, from a long time loiterer, first time poster, “well done”. I’ve taken great inspiration from you over a long time, mainly because you reflect the very state I find myself in. I’m in my late 30s, sans partner/baby and perpetually waiting for those things to happen, rather than accepting where I am with grace and “sucking the marrow” out of life. In Aus, I feel stuck and judged and stifled by inner suburbia expectations of what I “should” have at this point. I know so much of that judgement comes from within though, and I need to bust out of this rut and see a world beyond 4wds, Bugaboos and discussions about private school enrolments 5 days post birth. I need to rejoice in what I have not lament what I don’t, and accept there are many ways to live in a rich, fulfilling way.
I am well travelled already but feel an urge to trust myself and the Universe and just…wander. I love your references to serendipity – such a marvelous thing! I’m thinking of visiting Norway/Sweden later this year to view the Northern Lights – best in 50 years apparently and I’ve always wanted to see that.
Tips for you: Positano, Italy. Gorgeous place, beautiful people who will open their arms to welcome you. Berlin for its cool, urban vibe and incredible history, and Greek isles of course.
Wishing you safe and serendipitous travels. And Thank you for being you!
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Sounds lovely and life-changing. I was just in Costa Rica for a week and did somewhat of a digital detox. Just enjoyed the nature and peacefulness. Everyone needs to disconnect for a while. I envy that you’ll get to do it for a full month!
If you haven’t looked into it, I recommend Austin, Texas. I’ve lived here since 2003 (grew up in Houston) and it’s a fun place. It’s changing a lot right now–it’s transitioning from a laid-back college town to a high tech/start-up hub with tons of new condos and growth. But they city is very liberal, healthy, into farmers markets and local food, and obsessed with music. People here are very friendly and love the outdoors (we have natural springs, hiking, nearby rock climbing, a running trail around a lake in the middle of town). People here are very active on social media, which can be annoying, but interesting as well. It’s a pretty cool place. It gets God-awful hot in the summer, but I know that Australia can be pretty toasty as well!
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I’m packing my Northcote life up at this very moment, to head to windfire yoga in France for the summer. 14 weeks of offline life. Whoohooo. I’ll be giving myself to the healing matrix of yoga and nature where I can enjoy sane company, fresh air, wildlife, solitude and quiet. I last did this eight years ago in Umbria, Italy. The benefit lastest me almost that long.
If you find yourself in France, you should make your way to http://www.windfireyoga.com. Their website will tell you more about what the courses offer. I highly recommend. It was all life-changing for me when I first went to their courses in Ibiza in 2000.
Anyhooo… Happy trails.
From me (who has lived in Christchurch, Wellington, Reading UK, Brighton UK, Brisbane Aus, and Melbourne, and a lot of other smaller places in between. Is it the romance I chase? It’s not easy in reality, moving cities/countries on your own. New friends are made, but as I get older it gets harder to meet people. I’ve noticed, particularly in Australia, that people who are born and bred in the region are a lot less inclusive than those that have ‘arrived’. But I digress.
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Hi Sarah,
Good on you. I hope it’s amazing and you get to reconnect on every level.
I have hashies and I wish I could escape from life for a while. It’s all so stressful! I just want to switch of and enjoy and connect on a different level
Oh to dream!
A xx
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I sooo recommend Granda in the south of Spain. Simply seeing the Allahmbra for the first time at night will take your breath away. But it is actually the life of the town and the people that is captivating. The home of flamenco guitar and flamenco dance, full of passion and fun. Plus set in amongst the most amazing mountains prefect for solo bush walks to regenerate during the day.
Have a great time where ever you end up Sarah!
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Dear Sarah,
I was very excited to read that you’re off on your own adventure!
I have been living in The Netherlands for two years now, studying and training to be a professional Modern Dancer. The Netherlands is a melting pot for arts and culture, and a fascinating, doll-like country to visit. The openness of the people and their customs is beginning to wear off on me, and I would really love to share this with you.
If you want to visit Amsterdam, or Rotterdam, or the cute little village of Delft (where Rambrant and Van Gogh were inspired), please contact me. This country is small but powerful!
madelineharms1@gmail.com.
I’m also interested in writing and blogging about my playground of adventures. I have been following your blog since I was in Year 12, which helped me get through that hard year! Now I love reading it to keep in touch with home.
My offer is there.
All the very best and enjoy your freedom!!
Much love,
Maddy
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Good luck, Sarah, and happy travels. I get a lot of joy (and information) reading your blog. I hope you find everything that you wish for and more.
All the best,
Lesh x
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I just had my first overseas trip in Europe where I stayed in mt rigi, Switzerland. There was nothing else to do but sit on a hill, look at the sky and just be..no distractions,no noise. It was perfect. I hope your trip is full of moments like these.
Much love, Sophie
Ps when I was in high school and you were cosmo editor, I wrote to you asking for advice on what to study at uni because I wanted to be a journalist. You wrote back a lovely detailed email and I was so thrilled and grateful you took the time to write to me. I still remember it and just wanted to say thank you once again. Oh and I’m now a journalist
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[...] The crew came and filmed her in Byron Bay a while back. She hasn’t actually seen the segment because she’s on holiday. [...]
Hi Sarah, am thrilled you are taking an (uncharted) “journey”! You have asked for recommendations whilst in Europe – if you find yourself in Italy, there is a tiny hill town named “Anticoli Corrado” near Tivoli, about an hour out of Rome. It is simply …. magic! Check out my Tripadvisor review – http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g1383228-d1412034-Reviews-Antica_Locanda_Arcos-Anticoli_Corrado_Province_of_Rome_Lazio.html (Look for Cheviecat review – “Another great find ….”) AND well worth a road trip of its own! But … use your body as an instrument of navigation and let it decide for you – as you blogged out earlier. Have an awesome time of discovery and look forward to your updates! Love xo
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[...] own Sarah Wilson is one – she is heading off on a trip of the unknown, and switching off from her obsession [...]
[...] of me that led to this light bulb moment at approximately 9.30pm. This first blog post was from Sarah Wilson’s blog (my idol) and is about her jetting off to Europe with no real plan in mind. Sarah’s challenge [...]
Hi Sarah – all the best – thanks for all the helpful little life changing tips and links that you have provided through this blog and your Sunday Life column. I know reading some of your entries has made a real different to my health and way of life.
Living in another country is quite an experience (I’ve lived in 3 different ones)- Australia is not my home country so I am learning a lot living here.
I really look forward to reading about your adventures. One place I know my sister likes to visit is Hungary – she goes skiiing there – but I think there are some other things she likes about it.
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Go visit Findhorn near Forrest in the north of Scotland. There you will find community, inspiration and joy!
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June 12th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
That should have read Forres!
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[...] course, by the time you read this, I’ll have departed overseas. The magic of WordPress [...]
I agree with seeing Poland. And I also recommend Slovakia. My top two too see are:
Bialowieza National Park, Poland. Rural, wild and a great place to cycle. The hostel there is friendly. Internet is limited but that was a great appeal to me. Plus a good place to stop off at if you are heading up to the Baltic.
Zdiar, Slovakia. Check into the Cheeky Monkey. Great place to relax, take long walks and stare at mountains.
Both take a bit of effort to get too, but worth it for when you need to be somewhere that you can relax and just be.
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Dear Sarah
Having never known who you were prior to to watching 60 minutes, and having lived on this earth for 40 years.
Seeing you on 60 minutes, I have never seen such a beautiful girl as you.
You took my breath away,if my heart had of been made of chocolate it would have melted.
It makes my Heart sad to know I will never meet someone as special as you.
I wish you happiness and a wonderful trip.
Stephen.
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For somewhere off the beaten track, try Ohrid, Macedonia – there is an amazing energy about the place, an ancient city on a giant lake nestled in the Balkan mountains – there are over 365 churches in Ohrid, locals say one for every day of the year. It is beautiful and picturesque – the mineral springs at Sveti Naum are a must visit, so revitalizing, and there are countless ancient sights to see, or if you prefer a more homely approach, old villages to visit. The town has a great history of arts, and nearby town Struga hosts it’s summer poetry series every year that is well respected throughout the region.
Also, for a paleo like yourself, the Macedonian diet is very protein and vegetable based
the eggs are some of the best you’ll taste and the meat is phenomenal 
Plus, it’s not overrun by tourists – you will not regret a visit!
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I’d recommend the Orkney islands. My mum lived there for a number of years and loved the community spirit of the islands and how much people cared for each other. It probably benefits from being small in that respect. Aside from that it is one of the most lovely places I’ve ever been in the UK. The sea and sky feel eternal and the landscape is surprisingly varied for such a small place.
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[...] I read a post by Sarah Wilson about taking OFF and I knew a storm was brewing. Suddenly I was fantasising about leaving [...]
Oh how exciting! Very happy for you and wish you all the best on your adventures. I recently returned from Amsterdam and it was an extremely bike-friendly and beautiful city, you would love it!
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Hej Sarah,
Check out the prinzessinnengarten in Berlin-Kreuzberg.
mobile urban agriculture + community gardening + …
So inspiring, so amazing.
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[...] early June I’ve been in Europe wandering. I’ve got a better idea of why and for how long and where next….but more later. For now just a [...]
Just reading back through this post to catch up on why you are travelling. I am sorry to read of your melancholy Sarah, which I know must be painful. Glad you have the guts and resources to pursue a new path, and the faith to let it take you where it will. I hope you get all the real-people connections you need to lift you out of it and onto the next chapter. I hope you feel supported by all your long distance friends, family and readers, and that you don’t feel too alone out there in the big wide world x
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If you’re in Spain, be sure to stop by Altea, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean. The sense of community is strong here, and there’s something truly magical that makes people stay or at least forever hold Altea in their hearts. As for the serendipitous part, we share the same name. For that alone, we should meet.
If you are able to squeeze Altea in to your travels, be sure to let me know or track me down in AlteArte, the cafe/bar that my husband own in the Old Town. If not, best wishes for amazing travels and kudos for not settling for anything less than the extraordinary!
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Having low self-esteem can also result from other issues not directly related
to sexual performance. This is something that doctors deal with regularly and are trained to find necessary solutions.
Do yourself a huge favor and try an herbal treatment.
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