surfer girl goes global

So I’m trying to revamp my blog and Surfer Girl as a title just wasn’t working for me anymore because it’s really more of a travel/living abroad blog than having much to do with surfing.

I’ve been brainstorming ideas but to be honest I’ve never been good at naming things, as a kid I’d sit there for a good twenty minutes trying to think of a good name for my Final Fantasy characters. This name has got to be catchy and a good description of what I’m doing and it’s got to stick with the blog for the length of my travels, however long that might be.

Also my travel philosophy is along the lines of the following Dr. Who quote: You can’t just read the guide book. You’ve got to throw yourself in, eat the food, use the wrong verbs, get charged double and end up kissing complete strangers – or is that just me? Stop asking questions. Go and do it! -Dr Who, Series 1 Ep7

These are some of the ideas I’ve got so far so if you’re reading this please comment and let me know what you like or don’t like. I would really appreciate it.

Thanks heaps,

x Colleen

THE LIST:

a global life
experience the world
definitely not a guidebook
destination unknown
kissing strangers
misadventures on the road
drifter
visa run
colleen’s global adventure
girl expat
meet me in kathmandu
road to nowhere
sex on the beach
a nomadic life
a backpack called home
wander the planet
the happiest hobo
taking a junket
globetrotter
global girl
global express
stomp the planet

Things are finally starting to come together for my trip. My passport came two weeks early after which I applied for my Australian Working Holiday Visa which I received acceptance for the next day. Both of my weddings now have set dates so I can start looking at flights and prices and possible itineraries although my proposed trip and lengthy stays make it hard to book for flights.

Most countries require proof of onward travel to go there and typically people would get their return flight or round the world ticket both of which are generally good for 1 year, not that I’ve asked about if it could be extended. Since I plan to stay in Australia for a year, go to New Zealand then either return to Australia or continue travel to the South Pacific/Asia it makes it a little more difficult. I have yet to see the travel agent so hopefully they will be able to help me out.

It’s starting to become a reality and while I have no travel date set at this time I’m anticipating the feeling I’ll get when I know for sure it’s only so long before I go. Only so many more days sitting behind this desk bored out of my mind and answering the phone, like there’s finally an ending point. Not that I hate my job (most of the time) but there have been times where I’ve wanted to quit or wanted to go somewhere or change something but I decided to stick it out for Australia, for the world.

For now I’ll plan and research and read travel guides and stories until I can’t take it anymore and in the end I’ll hop on that plan with nothing but a suitcase and a smile on my face because the world is finally mine to discover (well again.. kind of).

Last sunday I was sitting in a coffee shop gazing out the window at the rainy city while sipping on my coffee and these people at the next table where planning a trip. It got me thinking about my upcoming plans to travel the world and the thought of being on the road got me excited. So I decided to start researching and planning for my trip even though it’s still more than a year away.

I’m not big on itineraries but knowing about the places I want to visit and discovering cool places to check out is always good entertainment, plus I have a lot of time on my hands at work. So I got started listing some places I want to go.

It looked a little like this:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Fiji, Cook Islands, other South Pacific Islands
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• China
• Nepal
• India
• Russia
• Turkey
• Israel
• Egypt
• Morocco
• Antarctica

I’d also love to see more of Africa and Europe but getting through Asia is my main focus and after that it’s all up to the money and my ability to keep on keeping on.

After decided on my important country list I went to the Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade Website to check up on the VISA situation for the countries I wanted to visit. Along the way I also discovered other countries on my route that I might stop in (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, etc.) or at least pass through on my way around Asia.

I pretty much want to see and do everything. For me travelling is about the best thing a person can do, not just sit in a resort travelling but really getting out there and seeing the world, experiencing other ways of life, just living it and soaking it all in. I want to camp out on a deserted island and live with a tribe in the jungle and hang out at rainbow gatherings around the world.

A wandering life is what I crave so much right now.