The world belongs to the brave

It all started in the beginning of 2013. We had been talking about the possibility of travelling a little longer before Robin started at school the year after. But where to go? USA seamed too normal, Asia too daring. Australia seemed the perfect destination. Safe, English speaking, and far enough away. We talked to a travel agent in Oslo and shortly after booked our trip for January and February 2014. Not knowing much about camping life, we rented a HUGE caravan, equipped with kitchen facilities including microwave, shower, toilet – you name it! A real motorhome. We travelled from Cairns to Sydney, flew to Melbourne and drove to Adelaide. And we had a fantastic time.

Returning to Norway in the end of February was tough, especially for me it seemed. I missed the vegetation, the birds, the sun, the freedom. And it felt like it was over for good, Robin would start at school and we would not have the chance again to travel back to this outstanding country. I was mildly depressed the next two months, until we concluded than we had to return as soon as possible. Started planning our next trip, this time to the Kimberley.

June 2016, we sat on the plane all the way to Broome, a small coastal town in Western Australia. We had rented a car again, but this time it was a 4WD without kitchen and bathroom, the only reasonable car driving along the Gibb River Road, the famous off-road between Derby and Kununurra. No comfort, but we didn’t miss it.

Travelling through the outback, living outside for weeks, no fixed roof above our heads – it was a fantastic experience! We learned a lot, about the country, its people, but also about ourselves. We were no longer intimidated by the nature, including all the creepy creatures. I would be lying if I claimed that I’m not worried about meeting a Huntsman spider again – last time in our flat in Sydney was quite nerve wracking. It was monstrous! But at least I know now that they’re not dangerous…

In the Kimberley we met many families being on the road for many months. We started wondering if we could do the same? Take some months off and travel more, see more, experience more. Returning after six weeks we were convinced we would return, one way or the other. A few months later our dream was getting more real. We made a budget, talked to the school and our employer. Half a year seemed realizable. Nothing could stop us now.

That was in the beginning of 2016. Since then we have hardly dreamt of anything else than our next trip. A lot had to be organized – as mentioned in an earlier blog post. And now we’re almost there. Nine weeks from today. I can’t tell you how grateful I feel, that we have the chance to fulfil our dream. And proud. Very proud that we dared go through with an idea that seemed quite far off. I am convinced we’ll have the time of our lives the seven months we’ll be spending in this amazing country. And it we’ll be worth every penny (Norwegian kroner to be precise…) and every minute of preparation. 

Author: cobaroblog

Travelling architect View all posts by cobaroblog