Meeting inspirational people. Then buying their mouse mat.
January 2006
Travelling to Australia had always been a desire of mine, but due to the expense I just never thought it would happen. I'd started saving but it would take a long time as I was already trying to pay off debts at the time. Any sensible person will tell you - there is no point having savings if you have debts!
My trip became reality when my maternal grandparents funded it. I would much rather that they were here to enjoy, but the sad situation was that they died within 48 days of each other in 2005, leaving all of the grandchildren (in age order you have cousin Vikki, brother Peter, cousin Richard and then me - all 1 year apart) some money to spend on something we really wanted to. This for me was to see Australia. My grandparents helped me realise a dream, I wish they had been around to see it. I still talk to them though, no one is ever truly gone if they are in your heart.
So off I flew, across the world,via Shanghai, (an experience!)
and spent time with my university friends Clare (who was living in Sydney) and Anna (who was also visiting Australia) - two of those dearest friends that you know will be in your life for a long time (hold on to those people). Christmas and New Years was spent in the company of these amazing girls and many good times, including a trip to Hunter Valley to taste wines... ah perfect!
I then made my way up the coast to Port Douglas in Cairns, to realise one of my bucket list items of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, then made my way down to Brisbane, with the sole intention of visiting Steve Irwin's famous Australia Zoo...
Steve Irwin was an absolute champion of his time, a legend in the world of conservation, animal welfare and life, and was just a character that was undeniably one of the best campaigners for animal rights the world has seen. Starting working in his families zoo in the 1980's he led it to a worldwide status that was held in high esteem - and all of the monies were ploughed back in to helping animals. This guy was a hero. So to visit his zoo was a dream come true, to see Steve there was beyond my expectations!
I had already learnt a lot about crocodiles and their behaviour from reading articles and seeing programmes from Steve, but to be there and learn from the master himself was awesome! He took to the central demo area (the crocoseum) with his wife Terri and team and taught us and showed us behaviours from the crocodiles that made you see them for the beautiful creatures they are. Yes they have big teeth and look scary, but looks can be deceiving,these guys have been around for centuries, they needed to be built hardy! It was just an amazing time, that involved chatting with Terri, cuddling a koala, and walking a wombat on a lead. Most importantly, the chance to see one of my idols in action just blew me away, and inspired me to talk... what ever you are passionate about, and if you can help people see things in a less daunting and scary way, then do it.
Perceptions are all very individual, but you can help widen them.
Perceptions are all very individual, but you can help widen them.
So thanks Nan and Granddad, you helped realise a dream even bigger than I had imagined.
