Today it is exactly six months ago that my dream became true and this “just half a world away” trip began. These subjects ruled my thoughts about traveling in the past month:
Enjoy the little things
During my travels across New Zealand and Australia, the little things became so much more important: a hot shower after a freezing night. Even the possibility to wash my hair completely as the shower doesn’t stop after 4 minutes automatically. A hot coffee in the morning, even an instant one. A cold water in the heat of the Australian desert. Some food left in the fridge of the campground when I came back from an adventurous day and all shops are closed. And every evening the view up to the sky, where I can see the milky way brimming. All these little things made me incredibly happy now.
Always on the run
All the time in New Zealand and Australia, I was in a hurry as I didn’t want to stay too long because of the high price level. Nevertheless I wanted to see as much as possible and I think it’s outstanding what I’ve seen during the seven weeks I’ve spent in Oceania. Because of all the hussle I had not enough time to enjoy every place I saw. I think you can see that in my pictures of New Zealand and Australia too – they became monotonous. Well, it’s an effective way of traveling and I’m happy for the experience, but I won’t do this again. The better way to discover an unknown country seems to choose just a few places and stay there for a while. Or, simply travel to affordable countries and take your time.
It’s all about the money?
The latest experiences made me thinking about the modern “western” societies at all. At the beginning I thought it’s because of my backpacker style, so the locals in New Zealand and Australia are reserved and a bit ill disposed towards me. But here in Bali I can dress neatly, I can afford luxury accommodations and dine in fancy restaurants – but the tourists from Australia? I don’t get a smile or at least any attention. Don’t get me wrong, its not completely everybody. But the very big majority. They seem to be arrogant, less helpful, selfish.
There are lots of beggars in Asia, but they are really poor people. In Oceania are the worst tramps I’ve ever seen. And they are totally wrecked, isolated in their rich environment.
A child smiling and waving to me when I’m cycling around? In Australia unthinkable. In Asia? I’m always annoyed with myself as I didn’t provide any fruits or candies.
Anybody asking how I feel? In Australia a phrase nobody expects an answer. In Asia people asking me and I can feel how they care about me.
Is this really the result of the material wealth? I don’t want to believe that. There must be another reason…