There's No Place Like Oz

Of course it’s a good idea to do your homework, but don’t let the logistics keep you from committing to what you really want to do. Be ready to act before you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. -Colleen Kinder, Delaying the Real World- Several years ago I picked up a copy of [...]

One year ago I was celebrating my sixth month in Australia and everything I was thankful for during my time in Oz. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I wanted to write about the things I am grateful for in 2011. I kicked off 2011 by welcoming the new year in Sydney at Harbour [...]

I love Australia. Big surprise right? I also love storytelling. Ask me a simple question and you’ll probably get a detailed response with loads of facial expressions and hand gestures. I love being a resource for others on topics I’m experienced with — you’ve got questions, I’ve got answers! Need some career or job search [...]

Today, half a world away from me, hundreds of curious, excited, hungry Aussies were supposed to queue up for Adriano Zumbo’s Macaron Day. I was going to read the stream of #Zumbo tweets and Macaron Day 2011 blog posts with envy, recalling my first Macaron Day experience last year. But Macaron Day 2011 has been [...]

For as long as I remember, fall has been my favorite time of year. The colors, smells, flavors, and weather make me smile. Some friends and family gather for a football tailgate When I was in Australia, one of the the things I missed the most was autumn. Now, I’m missing Australia but LOVING living [...]

Whether they’re words, sights, sounds, or smells, I’ve experienced several distinct, powerful moments that served as inspiration to travel. Just a few minutes ago I was reminded of one of those moments. I found a note I wrote before my trip to Australia about an experience I had in early 2008, and I can’t help [...]

This is the second post in the What’s Next series, in which I share what life has in store post-Oz. This post has been a long time in the making! I’ve written several drafts, but every time I’d sit down to write, the words wouldn’t come. I’m hoping today is different. Over the last five [...]

A few years ago I found myself at a local restaurant with three friends — two visiting from London (on their first trip to the US) and the third had recently returned to our hometown of Charlottesville after living in Japan for two years. As the three discussed the plans I had to show the [...]

This is the first in a new “What’s Next” series. In upcoming posts, I’ll share the biggest, life-changing lesson I took away from Australia and how it’s impacted my first five months back in the USA — and of course in the months to come. There’s No Place Like Oz is not my first blog. [...]

Recently I packed more for a 1-week trip to London and for 1 week at the beach than I did to start my year-long adventure in Australia. How is this possible?! 1) On shorter trips, I tend to pack more “just in case” items and articles of clothing. Perhaps on longer trips I know I [...]