Begin...

2011?

Every New Years we all reflect on the year that was and then use it to search to for new beginnings. A chance to start again? But can the start of one year automatically enable the change that so many of us need...?

My feelings looking back over the past year are definately more negative than positive. A state of mind I really wish I didn't hold. I'm not going to lie, It hasn't been the best of years for me. Now before I continue do take note. This is in no means an attempt to wallow in my own self pity or seek peoples sympathies. There are always people far worse off than ourselves and it's how we roll with life that I guess helpd define where we are going. Some of you may be choose to read on with an open ear (or eye), others may wish to simply look away now and go about your day. This is more for me than it is for you anyway. Private thoughts on a public address system...

So... The year began in a good way. This time last year I was house sitting down the Port Melbourne, a place by the beach in the sun and getting ready for a new years eve with someone  dear to me.. It was a great night and the promise of another year to come.

So what changed? In the coming month the sun dropped away and dissapeared and my world seemed to turn a little black. I lost my job and was faced with the prospect of now finally having to sort my shit out and work out what I wanted to do.  Most of all how was I going to do it? Now I realise that job wasn't for me and I needed to move on. I wasn't really progressing there and a next step essential..


Then at exactly the same time I lost the one I love. A relationship ended. And I was hurt.
This factor right at the beginning of year really contributed to defining the rest.
How do i suddenly put the last 1- 2 years behind me and move forward?
So what did I do..I simply sunk back into the routine of what was easy.
Pulling in more bar work where I could find it. Afterall I had rent to pay and time to fill.
I so wanted to find a full time grown up job that could put me in the driving seat for a better future... But a cloud of hurt, confusion and indecision surrounded me so I just went with the flow.
Then I decided to travel...

I hadn't had a holiday for quite some time and this was the perfect opportunity. To run away and just enjoy the moment. To explore and live in the day to day freedom that travel offers.
So off to the USA i went and well it was my one saving grace this year.
7 weeks where the fog was lifted and I rediscovered myself. Even if only for a short part of the year. Travelling by myself was a big thing, I must admit I would have maybe preferred some other company but it's still easy to be on your own in another lan and actualyl maybe the best way.

I Started in LA and ventured all through California, camping and hostels.  Las Vegasm San Fran etc
Over to Chicago and down though the heartland to the deep south of Memphis and New Orleans and then up to New York where I met up with mum and Dad for a family holiday on the east coast..

New York, New York. How I love you so... The highlight of my year...
I met some great people over thereand had some amazing times.  It was definately good for the soul...

I came back at the end of September, all refreshed and in a better state of mind, it was time to begin again.
I went back and did some bar work, tried some temping/part time work and ended up at places such as Myer and Superpartners and the MCG. All of which I enjoyed.  It gave me that little bit of release and normality, if only for a short bursts.  Still I found myself with alot of spare time with not much to do. Not to mention a financial headache of trying to pay my way through life.  It's fair to say my life has gotten alot quiter this year, not having the constant social distraction I once had. Spending more nights and days at home.  And I hadn't gotten over the events of the start of year. I hadn't gotten over her and was still spending many a thought trying to work out why or what if. Trying to come to terms with losing someone that I still cared for...

This year has been one hell of a ride. I've had  low points that have affected my state of mind and train of thought. 

But I as i said before there are always people worse off and maybe the grass isn't always greener ya know? I've also had some pretty awesome experiences that I'll hold on to as the year changes date.

So long 2011, you've been one hell of a challenge and one heck of a learning curve. I hope I've come out a better person...

New Orleans

Winding up my 12 day Contiki tour in New Orleans..
Travelling through the countries heartland has definetaly been a highlight, seeing city's that probably most tourists don't get to... Chicago, St Lous, Loisville, Nashville, Memphis etc... I chose this tour as a fan of music, and i haven't been dissapointed in the least. The quality of live music in the bars is amazing. Blues, Country, Jazz.. There's a true heart and soul within the people of this part of the world and music is their voice. A voice that is spoken so well.

Diving into American culture has really been better than i thought. I think the US has always had a slightly negative attitiude as a place to travel but I could not recomment it more.
A Ball game in Chicago, An insight into the last moments of Martin Luther King, The home of the King, Bad Coffee, Budweiser Beer, the land of excessively large servings of junkfood, the joys of deep south cooking, music that draws you in and takes you to a better place.

I believe in the promised land......

As with most travel groups there is always a contrast in dynamic and personality and this is what also makes these tours so good I think. The people you meet on the journey... Some you get along with better than others... 26 or so people on our bus.. Overall i've had a fantastic time. Perhaps I've struggled with the late night a little more so this time around, but thats getting old!

Tonight we hit some jazz bars on Frenchman Street then tommorrow it's time for New York!

Finding time

I really thought I'd manage to find the time to write mire often but that's proving tough.

With a holiday like this comes the fact one must cram in as much ad possible as soon as possible.

I did the Hollywood LA thing then ventured on an intrepid tour up through California arizona and Nevada. It was great but felt a bit rushed. Vegas was awesome
But wasn't what the hype suggests because of a group that really dud their own thing and I felt I was left to wonder the strip at night on my own... Still I saw some amazing things.,


Now my heart is in San Francisco and the last two days have been spent without a breath of relaxation trying to see as much as possible. Truly an amazing town!

Tomorrow Alcatraz and clam chowder.



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Location:Post St,San Francisco,United States

Packed up my bags and moved to be error

After delaying my flight for 24 hours I am now here!! Hollywood is like surfers but magnified by ten with it's cheesy moviestar hype.. I love it!!!

Bus tour Today that highlighted lots of useless facts.. The bar river Phoenix owned, the hotel john belushi died in, where axl foley visited the be error hills police department...

I walked Hollywood boulevard and then went down rodeo drive!! Little sleep but feeling great...


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Location:N Hudson Ave,Los Angeles,United States

Countdown USA

One more sleep then I'm leaving on a big jet plane!





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Location:Templestowe