(I am posting this from Nepal, where I have been since the start of December. I left Melbourne and Australia on Nov 21 and the months leading up to that date were filled with balancing my sadness of leaving and realizing I had one of the best years of my life). 

I tend to want to write before a big departure. I guess it’s about spilling out the thoughts that are scattered around in my head.
The truth? I’m so incredibly sad to leave Melbourne. I love this city; I love what it’s given me and where it’s brought me to at this point in my journey. I feel like I’ve grown in ways I can’t describe, and that it’s all thanks to all the experiences this city has given me.

I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. I mean, if I didn’t – wouldn’t I just be setting myself up for a meltdown? I’ve said goodbye to many friends here already; several of them have left before me in the past few months. Some by choice, though not all.

Did they struggle with it? It’s hard to say. I know some friends who loved it here and just knew their time was up. Or maybe they were better at letting go of things.

Ah, letting go. I’ve written about letting go in different aspects on GITD. Letting go of physical stuff, letting go of expectations, letting go as a way of strengthening yourself mentally – all in the name of being able to travel independently, without restraints or deadlines. But for some reason, this time is different.

I’ve been struggling with the thought of leaving Melbourne. I almost envy those who are able to come and go as they please. But it’s a not a good feeling to have – I too come from a fantastic city/country that I can go in and out of to my heart’s desire. I can move to any place in Canada and start a life there if I wanted. But is it all about what you can’t get?

I know I have a lot to look forward to. My next few destinations after Australia are all places I’ve never been to and have been high on my wish list. My plans will take me to East Asia, the Himalayas and possibly back down to Southern Hemisphere but to a new continent. I’ll keep going until I absolutely am ready to go back home. And all that is very exciting. Who would I meet on my way? Which mountains will I scale and how many times will I get to see the Milky Way? What new spices will I taste and how many more local families will I get to stay with?

For now I’ll keep enjoying my time left in Melbourne – a newfound home I didn’t expect.