Out in Canberra September 2016

It has been 6 days since I returned back to Canberra from my trip to London-Istanbul-Singapore. I just realised I like bringing my camera every where these days. Probably because I get used to carry it all over when I was traveling, still I have the habit. Its a good thing to collect all the memories through photographs.

Terrace Cafe on Friday Night (with DJ) (Location:18 King George Terrace, backyard of old parliament house)

Kanpai, drinking Makgeolli, my fav Korean Drink from Rice Wine (Location: Chez Kimci, Bunda St, ACT)

Floriade Festival (www.floriadeaustralia.com/), happens only during Spring.

I drink chocolate as often as common people drink coffee (Location: Koko Black, New Acton Pavilion Unit 2, 15 Edinburgh Avenue, New Acton)

Practise salsa dance again in a Cuban Bar (at least watching it!) (Location: Highball Express Level 1, 82 Alinga Street Canberra City)

I love the decoration, I feel like back to Latin America (Location: Highball Express Level 1, 82 Alinga Street Canberra City)

Love,


Olivia

Rediscover

These are things that keep me busy these days apart from being a full time student and a part time Indonesian language teacher (plus other occasional works).

1. Traveling

As If I can’t be more clear about it. I have been to 30 countries and counting. This still sit on the top of list of my favourite things

2. Cook

I am not too good (or not at all good) at it but I like trying out different dished.

3. Yoga

I need it for my mental and physical wellbeing.  Plus who does not like being flexible :P

4. Shopping

Buying new shoes and dresses, clothes, bags, and jewelleries. The feeling of wearing a new outfit that suit me is tremendous.

5. Books

I bought a kindle when I travelled to SF last February and could not be happier to read books in a handy device.

6. Gym

Again, I really need a good doze of endorphins to makes me happy. Plus I need to keep my shape good always

7. Socialize

I have been hanging out with my bf to many social events.  As much as we like going out, we both also organise social events frequent, so yeah its good to be together with fellow social butterfly.

8. Photograph

I just recently purchased a new camera (Sony Alpha 5100), a new toy that I enjoy playing with. I have recorded some videos and pictures that I will try to publish on my Youtube channel and Instagram account.

9. Writing

On my blog if I do have time and on my private journal (especially when I am upset).

10. Podcast

Weird hey? But I just recently discover my new addiction, listening to podcast channels.

Canberra, 07 September 2017

 Love,

Olivia

Daniel (left) and I like to socialise ;)

Distance

Unlike most Indonesian, I think I never have a problem with distance

Hopping from one country to another country, I don’t have problem making new friends

Build my comfort in the most strangest places

Adjusting with the culture and their way of living

Exploring the foods

Learning a new language

Falling in love with the city

And leave with teary eyes and one promise that I will be back

I left home when I was 17 to pursue my study in another island of Indonesia

Three years later I went to Australia for the first time as I was awarded a full scholarship for an exchange study

Since then there is no turning back

I keep hoping from one country to another country

Even when I had my full time job

Even when I have to risk my relationship

As once I left a freshly new relationship to travel for 2 months

I also had a 5 years long distance relationship

Distance does not matter for me

Traveling is my life. It makes me happy. It keeps me alive

Its been 7 years, more than 30 countries visited, lived in 5 different countries

Australia for almost 3 years now in total

Thousands of friends, hundreds of flights, dozens of flings, few boyfriends and uncountable tremendous memories

I guess there is a time for everything

I feel incredibly grateful that I could go to so many countries (most of which sponsored)

Not everyone have an opportunity like I do

Not everyone got a chance to see beautiful places I have been to

I have to admit that I am blessed

But there is a time for everything

It strucks me lately that the idea of traveling does not tickle me that much anymore

I guess I am saturated

I used to be a person who likes to travel to see touristic objects

Then I turned into a person who travel to explore culture and broaden my knowledge and perspective

And then I travel only if I have strong reasons where I could contribute to society (volunteers, conferences, presentations).

This morning he said ‘I cant bear my heart broken if you decided to leave. Distance is harsh.’

I have got a list of things I ought to do which of course involves a lot of traveling

But probably I have to write down settle down on the list too

Maybe if I decided to settle, it is not for forever because I know my heart will always ponder to explore and to be out there

We crave to understand what else the world could offer to us

The beauty that we have yet to see

But settle for the time being sounds ticklish

Daniel and I during the first day of Spring in Australia

Canberra, 7 September 2016

Olivia