Flooded

(Photo credit- All Voices Global News) 

The north coast of Queensland is flooded.

Brisbane is flooded.

New South Wales is next to be flooded.

Melbourne is getting heavy rains and might get flooded.

The Gold Coast is not flooded, but wet... and has left me emotionally flooded.

I am finding myself inside far more often than I would like to be. Being inside has never been my thing, and let me tell you- being inside knowing there is a beautiful ocean ten minutes away that I can't enjoy makes it even worse.

I'm homesick. There isn't enough for me to do inside to keep my mind from wandering back to the US. 

I need to do something about it. Quickly.

 With one month down, and only 5 to go, time is ticking and I have no room for regrets on this journey.

So...

I have a change in plans. Although no solid plans have ever existed for this trip, a rough outline did- and my next venture is far from what was outlined. Actually, it is as far away as I can go, without actually leaving the country.

As I mentioned in a blog post last week- "Just Do Everything" is my current motto. So after two days of heavy contemplating I have decided to take my own advice and DO IT. I am packing up and heading to Perth.

(see map below- Perth is the dot you see on the West Coast...yeah the one that doesn't have ANYTHING else around it)

 

WHY PERTH?

Because I spoke with two very kind women from Perth the other night at work and it got me thinking.
Because I think Perth will be unique. And maybe different from anywhere else I have been.
Because Perth is supposed to be slow and quiet compared to the other big cities in OZ.
Because I still haven't learned to surf (due to the rain) and Perth has been said to provide some of the best surfing in the world.
Because it is supposed to be a little less expensive in Perth.

AND...Most of all...
Because it is the only (no exaggeration) major area in Australia that doesn't have clouds in the forecast.

I would be lying though if I didn't tell you this sudden decision to move cross country has my stomach in knots. I am living quite nicely on the Gold Coast- like a princess really. I live in a beautiful home, with an incredible family.

I find Beth doing my laundry and ironing my clothes, Emma gives me rides anywhere I need to go, Steven lets me tag along with him and his friends, and John makes sure I am always included. (He also harasses the boys that come to the door for me like my own father would!)
Rent is cheap, I have my own room with a big bed, my clothes are hung in a closet and folded in a dresser, and I am comfortable... to say the least.

I also have a job here that pays good money. I have a couple of good friends that I know I can always call if I need anything. I know my way around.  I have a bike that a kind person lent to me...free of charge. I finally feel like I have everything figured out.
Life is easy.

So yeah, call me crazy for  leaving all of this for bunk beds and communal showers. Not to mention all of the unknowns that come with being in a new city in a different country.

I am nervous...but equally excited.
And up for the challenge.

As of January 14th I have quit my job (the hardest part), booked my flights, and reserved a bed in a hostel. Now- I just need to become unattached to the Gold Coast (i.e. the nice house I am staying in and the family that comes with it) and think only positive thoughts about Perth and this next journey of my trip!

Cheers to a new city...that isn't flooded!