Dearest Jems,
Before I launch into our column this month I want to thank you and your gorgeous, wonderful and fabulous family for the generosity during our recent visit to your home. The only problem it wasn't long enough! Looks like we will have to plan something a little more substantial in the future - say a few months J
Arriving back in Australia was sensational. I love to travel (as you know) but as we crested the Opera House and gazed upon the Harbour Bridge I nearly stood up and burst into my own rendition of, "I still call Australia home!" My parents collected us at the airport and we then went back to their place for a cuppa and some sharing of experiences, jumped into our little vehicle and drove down the highway to Canberra. When we got home it was unpacking, washing, shopping and getting ready for the next day of work. I must admit that the first few days back in the chair were pure adrenaline - never again! In future I will make sure I have a few days rest before getting back into the workplace routine. Never mind, it is all behind us now and we are already planning our next holiday!
I wanted to lace this column with a trickle of our adventures but instead have decided to write a little travel documentary from the perspective of my Green Back Pack (to be published as a free eBook on this site). As you know I purchased this travelling companion in Vermont nine years ago and over that time it has carried lots of my prized possessions, text books and even was stuffed to overfull of remanets of transient journeys up and down the coast of Australia.
November is the second last month of the year. I am amazed at just how quickly 2007 has ticked over. There have been some mind blowing experiences and of course there have been a lot of challenges (most of which we have discussed in our web-based dialogue). Rather than go over old ground I would like to discuss the aspects of your life that you are most proud of this year so far. What I mean is, even though we have both faced our individual challenges what parts of your life do you feel have been enhanced because of these encounters?
Jems I want to share my revelations first if I could. In short, I feel different. I'm not saying it is a bad thing or something I have not contemplated for a long time but there has been a significant shift - I will explain how and why.
Throughout my life I have intellectualised and analysed my emotions. I have rationalised my experiences and have taken them out and studied them over and over. What I can say to you, My Friend is that since my arrival in the Nation's capital I have experienced a huge shift in my emotionality. I am not