A Travellerspoint blog

Entries about australia

Goodbye Wifi (And Blogging Attempts)

“If the real world were a book, it would never find a publisher. Overlong, detailed to the point of distraction-and ultimately, without a major resolution.” ― Jasper Fforde, Something Rotten


View People to People Volunteer Trip on misskailyn's travel map.

Welp, the best intentions of mice and men...

To the disappointment and frustration of the parents and students, Wifi seemed to be a fleeting idea across the miles (or kilometers) that make up Australia's outback, cities and shores. Internet connection was either unavailable, pay by the minute, or so slow that it took me over 2 hours (and many grey hairs) to upload 18 pictures. Email communication was a no-go, and as soon as I had brief access to any sort of lifeline across the sea, I quickly promised families that Shutterfly would be updated from back on American soil. As you can imagine, every intention I had of blogging was quickly thrown out the window.

Because of this, I recorded the adventures (and misadventures) by hand on a paperback journal. Instead of re-typing everything, I decided to upload pictures and retry the blogging idea while in South America.

Although somewhat frustrating, it was also a very relaxing and freeing being so cut off from technology. As a result, it has taken me over a month to update Travellerspoint. I think I was trying to stay in the isolated Outback of Kroombit Farm for as long as possible...

Posted by misskailyn 19:04 Archived in Australia Tagged australia down internet under wifi isolated Comments (0)

The Night Before

I said, "Do you speak-a my language?" He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich -Men At Work

sunny
View People to People Volunteer Trip on misskailyn's travel map.

I stood over my bed and lovingly gazed down at the disheveled piece of baggage I would be bringing with me. The small, black, backpackers bag had straps and pockets littering its cushioned sides. It was used, loved, sold and signified my freedom. I first saw it in a second-hand travel store in the ocean port of Ballard. In its small outer pocket I found a crumpled ticket for the Euro Rail. It made me smile to think that this bag had traveled around the world and found itself in the same part of town as me. In fact, in the exact same spot as me. With the help of someone in the store, I lifted it from the shelf and shuffled it onto my back. It fit my height-challenged frame of 5 foot 3 perfectly, so I bought it. In September it will house everything I own. But not yet. Now, it will follow me to the Land Down Under.

Tomorrow morning I will be heading off to the Seattle International Airport to meet 43 anxious 5th and 6th graders. Together, we will be embarking on a whirlwind tour of Australia's east coast. I am full of nerves at this tremendous responsibility (how do these parents all trust me to do this?!) and am extremely excited for the adventure.

My bag was packed, unpacked, repacked, tossed, turned, emptied and stuffed. I removed pants, shirts, shorts and dresses. I replaced them with rolled-up tank tops, coats, t-shirts and skirts. Converters, check. Chargers, check. Band aids, check. Wish me luck!

Posted by misskailyn 17:54 Archived in USA Tagged australia down packing bag bags luggage under Comments (2)

(Entries 1 - 2 of 2) Page [1]