This time three months ago I touched down in Sydney airport after spending six months in South America.
For those of you post-holiday depression wankers dreamers, that’s the equivalent of 13 #ThrowbackThursdays ago.
In some ways, it’s almost like I never left. I’ve settled so deep into the daily grind that my “new” job of two months feels anything but. I’ve re-joined the gym. I recently paid $50 for four drinks and barely bat an eyelid, because damn it that’s Australia for you.
Like a post-break up letter I never send, I guess I haven’t felt compelled to write a holiday wrap-up because in other ways, it didn’t feel over just yet.
I’ve gotten into the habit of saying “ciao” instead of bye. And just when I think I’ve shaken the last grain of sand out of the boots I wore in Huacachina, Peru - there’s more. It seems you can take the girl out of the sand dunes, but you can’t take the sand dunes out of the girl’s shoes.
My initial reaction when people say “Welcome back!” is “Huh? From what?”
Meanwhile they’re gawking at my skin tone. My tan-on-tan apparently reached such epic proportions I came back looking like an actual Inca (thanks, Mum). Or maybe that was my strategy all along: to stock up on 50 Shades of Tan before the Australian winter.
Lima, Peru was the last stop. The city is so incredibly touristy, but made for a good transition back to western life: burgers, big breakfasts and hot showers.
Three return flights later, here's what I've been up to since arriving back in Sydney...
I spent the first week in hideout with my boyfriend. Yes, we made it. Yes, it was fucking hard. But we’re as strong and great and happy as ever. We’ve also become accidental long-distance role models to our friends. This topic needs a whole other blog entry in itself (watch this space).
The following two weeks after that were a whirlwind. I went into job-seeker mode. I submitted applications, and had interviews galore. My new boss found me on LinkedIn, and within a few days I was employed again. I’ll write another blog about the saga (so yes, keep watching this space). However, can I just say, it’s totes amazeballs how many job ads you find that are actually 3-in-1 roles offering entry level salaries... plus admin duties "as required." Pfffffft.
To finish, here are the top FAQs I’ve received.
“What was your favourite place?”
“Can I pick 3?”
“Umm, okay.”
“1: Cartagena, Colombia. 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina. 3: Machu Picchu, Peru.”
“Did you go to Rio Carnavale?”
“Yes.”
“Was it crazy?”
“Yes.”
“How many people did you travel with?”
“It was kind of like a hop-on hop-off budget tour for 18-35 year olds, so the group size changed all the time. We were about 8 at our smallest, and 30 at our biggest. Some people did the whole 6-months like me, others just a few weeks.”
“Did you all get along?”
“We became family. We loved and hated each other.”
“Was it safe?”
“I was lucky enough to pass as a local so people didn’t bother me. I never felt in danger of my life. With that said though, some people on my tour did run into trouble. Like getting pick pocketed. One guy was bashed for his iPhone. Another guy tried buying coke, only to be stirred up for more money than the initial price quoted. Turned out the coke was fake.”
“Where do you want to go next?”
“Central America.”
Love, Noeline
xox
Lake Titikaka, featuring a most adorable baby.
Lima, with my mate.
4 days trekking later, Machu Pichhu :)
Sandboarding in Huacachina.
