Today’s tidbit: “There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” ― Kate Douglas Wiggin 

Back in June I posted The what if’s or the right now? As I said then, in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Going to Australia alone was a big risk and I certainly had a lot of explaining to do with close friends and family, before and after the trip, but in the end it was my decision. Sometimes you can’t explain it, you just have to go. Just go. I followed my heart and instincts, something I’ve really been trying to listen to this year, and I am SO glad I did.

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” — Rumi

After 15 blog posts sharing my adventures in WA, here it is… the last post from this trip. Bittersweet.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

{The Greenhouse} We had dinner here the last week but I didn’t have my camera (amazing I know, actually the battery had died). This last day exploring Perth I wanted to come back here and get some pictures because it was so neat. Unfortunately they were closed so I couldn’t get any pictures of the inside, which had amazing lighting, unique seating and was full of charm + little details. Isn’t it neat though?! Would definitely go here again. Check it out.

 

{last day wandering} Spent the morning + afternoon doing nothing but exploring the city more, walking all over for hours. Perth is such a clean city and I love the different architecture everywhere.

So many cute cafes along the water. Coffee stop!

 

Swan Bell Tower. “The Bell Tower located on Riverside Drive overlooking the picturesque Swan River is one of Perth’s most unique and must see tourist attractions. Filled with fascinating historic content and boasting a unique and distinctive design – resulting from a major architectural competition – it has become an icon for Perth and Western Australia.” Read more.

The construction is for a new marina.

 

Late lunch with a view. I had to get in one more fish & chips (and wine) before leaving.

 

Evening walk along the Swan River back to the flat.

 

Back at the flat, about to leave for the airport… caught the beautiful sunset from the balcony.

 

{flights home. Perth > Melbourne} The nice thing about the airport in Perth is people can still go through security and wait at the gate with you. I remember way back when you could still do this in the USA but after September 11th the rules changed. Waiting at the gate, even though it was a domestic flight, you could tell others were continuing on internationally also. When it was time to board I felt such strong emotions come over me. I’m not sure if it was from watching others say goodbye, hugging and crying at the gate or if it all of a sudden hit me that this trip, where I felt the happiness in a long time, was really ending. Perhaps a combination. As I got in line to board I teared up. After looking back waving goodbye to Chris as I stood there slowly moving toward the plane I did everything in my power not to cry… at least not until I got to my seat. Once in my seat I remember putting the head phones on, closing my eyes, crying and eventually fell asleep. Luckily it was a night flight so it was dark.

A little snack during the flight.

 

{flights home. Melbourne > Los Angeles} After landing I had a few hours before my next long flight. I walked around for a bit and then found a little nook to plug my laptop in and connect again with the world. By now the tears had stopped and I almost felt numb. On one hand I was so excited to see Sammy, my family and everyone back home again and on the other hand I was wishing the trip never had to end. It’s amazing how a month can change you. How travel changes you.

Ok, enough of the emotional stuff. On another note, like with my Los Angeles > Melbourne flight arriving, I was able to reserve the same seat which was a jackpot. It was the row right after business class so there were no seats in front, had tons of leg room and no one was sitting next to me. It was an smooth flight and I can’t say enough good things about Qantas.

My window seat (and koala friends)!

Gluten free dinner + unlimited wine.

Gluten free breakfast + unlimited tea/coffee/juice.

 

{flights home. Los Angeles > Albany} Made it back to the USA and after clearing customs and picking up my baggage I left the international terminal and headed to the domestic terminal to continue the journey home.

Despite the emotional departure, the Qantas flights were very enjoyable and the crew couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. Out of all my flights this last one was the worst. The aircraft was so much tighter and packed, it was late leaving and I had a family behind me where the kid was kicking my chair and the baby was screaming (and when I say screaming I mean it) almost the whole flight. Terrible! (I didn’t take any pictures because at this point I had a headache, was tired and just wanted to get home). After almost 36 hours of flights/airports I finally made it to Albany, NY where my mom, who was watching Sammy, lives. Ended the night with some wine and snacks + catching up with my mom + snuggling with Sammy. I stayed in NY for a week before heading back home to Maryland.

Not the best quality, but took this picture with my phone the night I returned.

And there you have it, my last WA post for this trip but definitely not my last WA post. Perth captured my heart and there is still so much of Australia I want to explore. I’m not sure what the future has in store, but I am making it a priority to return here again soon. Stay tuned.

With all my South Africa, Central America and now Western Australia posts it seems to have turned into a travel blog. I hope you all have enjoyed following along! Who’s ready to plan a trip and go explore this beautiful world??