Travel: My University

With my next holiday just around the corner, I thought I'd reflect on my last round-the-world adventure. It was honestly one of my best travels to date. Why? I think it was because I came to the realisation that travelling has become my university. But unlike most universities I don't use textbooks or classrooms, I instead use passports and airports. The lessons I learn are widely different and that's what makes this uni perfect for me.

I find each city, state and country teaches me a different lesson. Sometimes it's an expected lesson, like how to use public transport, other times and more often than not... It's something I'd never expect. So with that said, here's what I learnt in 2 months at the university of life.

LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles taught me to never take life for granted... One morning there was a homeless guy smiling as you walked past, later that same day he was dead. Life is short, live it well.

YOSEMITE

Yosemite taught me to appreciate nature in all its glory. From soaring cliffs, to massive trees, tiny animals and the winter breeze. Cities are beautiful, but it doesn’t hold anything to the beauty of nature.

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco taught me to always come prepared. You never knew if it was going to be windy, raining, sunny or foggy. Best dress for all occasions, expect the unexpected. San Fran also taught me it's okay to be selfish and to do what makes me happy, it's my journey and only mine.

NEW YORK

New York taught me to enjoy the small things in life. A pretty tree, a bird or even just the atmosphere. We often spend life in fast forward and even though New York is one of the most fast paced cities in the world, I learnt here to slow down and enjoy the moment. I also learnt you can make real good friends in less than 5 days. (Much to the confusion of the attendant at Rockerfeller.)

REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik taught me that in order to get the best experience, you’ll have to work for it. Whether it’s to save your money so you can afford it, climb massive hills to get to the view point or simply freeze your ass off to see the northern lights... the best things in life won't always come easily.

BARCELONA

Barcelona taught me to play tourist and don’t be afraid to do so. Take that ‘Instagram’ pose, eat that stereotypical food and get lost on metros... Because let’s be honest, you’re a tourist, you may as well act like one.

NAIROBI

Nairobi taught me to be cautious, but also careful not to not judge too quickly. I felt uneasy walking around the streets, especially in busy areas, but there were also some amazing locals willing to help you out. It’s all just a matter of trusting your gut instinct.

MASAI MARA

Masai Mara taught me to be thankful for the roof over my head and the town I live in. These guys were incredible, but definitely live a life of simplicity. I learnt to appreciate showers and flushing toilets and to never take them for granted, regardless of how terrible they might be.

SERENGETI

Serengeti taught me I can speak Hyena... Yes, I can hold a conversation with them whilst around a campfire.. I’ll be adding that one to my resume!

DUBAI

Dubai taught me to leave more time for certain things in life. Whether it’s getting to the airport, sleeping or getting food. Some things just can’t be rushed or left to the last minute.

CAIRO

Cairo taught me that it’s okay to live within your comfort zone sometimes. You can push the boundaries a lot in life, doesn’t mean you always need to. I also learnt to ignore people when you don’t want the wrong attention. A hard lesson as an Australian who automatically smiles at people when passing by.

ASWAN

Aswan taught me to try the local cuisine. We were walking back to the hotel after a long day exploring and I smelt something really tasty. I stopped the group to try Zulabia, tiny balls of donut covered in melted chocolate.. aw, absolute heaven!! Something I’ll have to make when I get home.

FELUCCA SAILING

Felucca sailing taught me to be comfortable with human nature and exhibitionism... there weren’t any toilets, very few bushes and 11 people... You gotta do what you gotta do, sometimes very close to others. Hey Alex...

DAHAB

Dahab, oh beautiful Dahab.. You taught me to do what makes me happy. Waffles and snickers milkshakes for breakfast. Diving and snorkeling for days in a row. Napping at all hours of the day without a single care. The vibe in this town was nothing short of pure perfection.

EGYPT

Egypt as a whole, taught me to form my own opinions. With the media the way it is, it’s all too easy to be intimidated and afraid to branch out and explore new places. Egypt is on the ‘reconsider your need to travel’ list and that in itself turns a great deal of people off from travelling here. I’ll be forever thankful that I took this chance to explore this beautiful country. Pyramids, temples, tombs, beaches, diving, camels, amazing food, friendly locals, endless history and oh so much more!

And that's all just in 2 months! Imagine what you could learn in a lifetime enrolled in the university of life! I wonder what I'll learn on my next adventure. I guess only time can tell.

T-minus 13 days.