Culture shock

Traveling is always a bit of a double edged sword, the strain of living out of bags, the confusion of different maps, accents, currencies and time zones combined with too much food, partying and constant small talk with strangers. But all it takes is the sight of a new country from the top of a building or plane to take your breath away entirely. You are tasting new foods, hearing new languages and swimming in new oceans, and before you know it you are more hooked than a patient on morephine. In that moment nothing else matters and that is what keeps you coming back for more. But when does travel lose that exciting and new feeling? 

My first trip overseas, I was so scared of the unknown and all that could go wrong but I was blown away! I arrived and everything felt so surreal, I experienced culture shock, saw some buildings and before I knew it, it was all over. There are so many different and new faces to be seen and smells and sounds to take in, but that culture shock is what makes travel so wonderful and leaves you with a sense of absolute awe. I hope I am never able to say I am sick of going overseas, I want to always feel that rush of change and breath of fresh air.

Portugal

Lagos, Portugal

If you don't like excessive raving about how good a holiday destination is, than I suggest you stop reading now. Portugal was perfection! I stayed at the Cascade Resort in Lagos and it was the most beautiful place I think I have ever seen. Clear blue waters, cliffs, caves and little orange and pink mediterranean looking villas lining the coast. We went climbing along the cliffs, boating through the caves and sun baking in the cove. I would tell anyone going to Portugal to stay at Cascade it is in a mint position and the staff, food and rooms are amazing!

Cascade Resort, Lagos

I then made the trip from Lagos to Lisbon, it was only a short stop over but I thought it was such a picturesque little city. These yellow trams travel all over the city amongst the old stone and tile buildings, which I loved. It isn't the newest or most architecturally rich city, but I loved its old charm and character.

Trams in Lisbon, Portugal

Berlin love

The Berlin Wall

Berlin is such a cool city filled with so much history, art and culture. I had the best time here and found the museums and tours so interesting. I went up to the top of the sky tower and saw the view from the top of Berlin and it really is as vast as people say, it spreads for miles. The Berlin wall is incredible, the images tell the tale of such a painful past and the start of a new beginning for the city, some of them are so great!

Today we took a trip to Mostar and Sarajevo. Two areas shaken by terrible brutalities and war so recent as the 1990s. We were given a brief history lesson about the war crimes that occurred in the area but driving through the beautiful mountains, turquoise creeks and stone villages you could almost be oblivious. That was until you look closer and see the bullet shots remaining on homes and buildings, bomb shell markings on roads and homes that were visibly blown in half and left as abandoned rubble. 

It broke my heart as I drove the scenic region and noticed countless grave stones on the sides of the roads that still looks so fresh. It's unbelievable to think that I was learning to ride a bike and holidaying at the beach while kids here were running from the danger of war everyday, It was a really worthwhile experience.           

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Small fish, Big pond

The number of young Australian’s moving overseas for study or work has increased substantially in recent years, especially to the United Kingdom.  Many travel abroad for work, study or a holiday but some are there in pursuit of something more.  We talk to three young Aussies who travel abroad to chase their dreams…

There are many reasons young people move overseas. Usually, it is for a number of reasons such as family, love, work, study, or travel. But the deciding factor that pushes most to make the big move is the pursuit of a life long dream. For 26-year-old Brisbane fashion graduate, Aimee Kahl, it was a case of potluck that lead her to her dream job in London.

“I had always wanted to live and work overseas but never thought I’d have the guts to do it. On the suggestion of a friend of mine, I applied for a scholarship through the Queensland Overseas Foundation in 2011 and to my surprise I got it!” Aimee says.

By mid 2012, Aimee was living in London and she applied for a job as Production Coordinator for a quirky English brand called Lazy Oaf. After wooing the manager at her interview, she was given the job, and the rest is history.

“After a year, I still have to pinch myself everyday because I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such an incredible job in London, she says.

“On almost a daily basis, I get to meet and work with incredible, creative people who are endlessly inspiring.”

19-year-old Spanish born and Australian raised student, Jessica Lopez-Casas it seemed like a natural progression to study overseas. She had always wanted to go and study at The London College of the Arts and her admiration for the college soon turned into a dream that she just had to pursue… all the way to London. Jess says studying abroad was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a perfect resolution to her desires.

“My college immersed us in British culture and encouraged us to make the most of our studying abroad experience,” she says.

Europe 2012