There's No Place Like Oz

Meeting new people is one of the primary motivations of travel. It can be rewarding, educational, entertaining, and life-changing — and yes, sometimes frustrating, overwhelming, or irritating! It didn’t hit me until just a day or two ago that I’ve rarely traveled by myself. If I haven’t traveled with someone to my destination, I was […]

When you’re going to be gone for a year, what do you pack? Most people probably think of a proper backpack when “long-term travel” comes to mind. creative commons However, with an assortment of back problems, I know I can’t carry something like that around, no matter how strong and supportive it might be. And […]

For years I’ve had a salad for either lunch or dinner almost every day of the week. Now by salad, I don’t mean lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion alone like you’d have for a side salad in the restaurants back home. I prefer spinach as my base, always include a protein like chicken or turkey, […]

After falling in love with Sydney four years ago and again last week, I wondered how Melbourne would fare in comparison. Everyone says there’s a rivalry between the two cities — for lifestyle, food, atmosphere, you name it. I figured at the very least I would like Melbourne…how could I not when I heard it […]

This is the 6th post in a series about my 30th birthday trip to Dublin! After touring the Guinness Storehouse and enjoying (or in some cases very slowly nursing) a pint at the Guinness Storehouse’s top-floor Gravity Bar, we rushed to the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. I’d heard it was supposed to be spectacular […]

My dad raised me to love sports. As soon as I could hold a plastic bat in my hand, he was pitching a plastic ball to me. When he thought I was old enough to appreciate going to a game, I went to my first college basketball and football games. I love watching sports (on […]

Choosing to “move” to another country (thanks Work and Holiday Visa) means that there is definitely some work involved — it’s not all fun and games like my previous 3-week trips abroad! In typical Heather fashion, I researched options months in advance to learn what I’d have to do to set up a bank account, […]

This is the 5th post in a series about my 30th birthday trip to Dublin this past March! Wednesday, March 17 was not only St. Patrick’s Day but it was also my 30th birthday! I knew the day would include at least two things: a trip to the Guinness Storehouse and a nice dinner out […]

If you haven’t caught it on Twitter or Facebook yet, I’m safe and sound in Sydney! I’m just finishing up my first full day so I’m a little tired but nothing like last time 🙂 Things I’ve learned/observed/experienced so far: 1) Do yourself a HUGE favor and pack your bag early. I procrastinated and waited […]

It’s time. Time to take my bag to the car and hit the road for Dulles. Time to be in transit (car rides, airport waits, & flights) for the next 30 hours. Time to take one last deep breath and then the plunge. It’s time to return to Oz. This countdown has been a long […]