I'm off again

I left Fremantle around 10 this morning. The landscape, flat and dry went by just like my thoughts of work, and friends I have made and will miss. The last few months were good. I got to understand the Australian lifestyle as one that is very relaxed. Things are easier here. Finding work, place to live, activities and all without stress. And most days really are as sunny as people say. I loved living with my cool and funny flatmates no more than just a 10 minute bicycle ride from the beach. But now I am happy to be moving again and having a change of setting.

The sky was grey by the time I reached Lake Grace. I put my waterproofs on and kept going along the longest straight stretch of road built across a salt lake in Western Australia. The scenery of seemingly never ending wild scrubland and the salt lake all around me was truly spectacular. Alas the weather worsened with approaching darkness and in the end I was a relieved to see the sign for Lake King Caravan Park.

Now I am sitting in a little run down but fairly cozy caravan, drying my clothes, sipping tea and thinking that life isn't so bad.

Rest, work and itchy feet

It has  been a fairly quiet time for me in Australia so far. And I guess it would be. After all I have  primarily been working, and that's in a place that in comparison to Asia is too organised and culturally very much like England. Except for a few exceptions like the totally awesome camping trip in d'Entrecasteaux National Park with the guys from work and us all almost going insane on the secluded farm which felt more like the big brother house, not much has been happening really. It was a time for me to stop for a while, do some physical labour and earn a bit of money. Not too bad a combination, but  after 3 months of work primarily consisting of concreting and shovelling it was time to go.

After a short trip to Bali, where my love for Asia was re-emphasised, I am now house-sharing and working in a gym just outside Fremantle, which is a welcome change for the body and mind. Fremantle is a lot nicer than Perth and so living and working here will do me for a few months. I am exercising regularly and brushing up my knowledge about health and fitness, as well as loving the comforts and conveniences of my own room, shops, internet and telephone signal, which is something that was lacking on the farm.

I am now at around a half way point of my journey. Having worked a few things out along the way and made some plans it seems right to have a break from travelling, to reflect on the experience so far and to prepare for the return, which I am really looking forward to. I can't wait to get out of the Perth area and live on the road again. As soon as it warms up in Russia and my bank account looks a little healthier I'll start packing. It feels good having done the half, realising I still have a long way to go, but also knowing that soon I will slowly be making my way towards the people I miss and love.