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The backpacker trail

By Monty | June 1, 2010

Fact: It only takes two words to make a backpacker’s excitement levels rise: “free snack.”

Fact: It only takes four more words to make that backpacker a buddy for life:”do you want dinner?”

Going backpacking really does make one realize how much it takes to surviveLiving out of a backpack really does make one realize how little it takes to survive. Apart from my pets, I’ve actually missed very few of my things since I’ve been on the road. It’s a bit of a worry to realize that all I need in life can be stored on my backin one decent-sized backpack. I was especially shocked to realize that I hadn’t had Wendy’s for over a fortnight and was still functionong. And with only two pairs of shoes  and limited tops, it’s a fresh change to not have to deliberate over what to wear each day. It quite simplifies the process of getting ready in the morning.

The backpacker’s constant struggle is this: Your life is on your back. Too many bags, and you won’t get too far. Too heavy a bag, and you’ll drop from exhaustion. Therefore, you give yourself a certain amount of space and weight, and you stick to it. It’s like physics – if you purchase an article, something else of equal or greater size and weight must be farewelled. It certainly makes you think twice about impulse purchases. Personally, I wish most things in life worked like this – I think I’ll make an experiment of it next time I make a purchase at home. One thing bought, one thing tossed. It would definately cut down on clutter, don’t you think?

Some hazards of the travellers life:

My expensive joggers now look like I’ve worn them every day for five years. Australia’s red center with all the clingy red dust is mainly to blame.

I got myself so sunburnt scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef , that I had to cancel my white water rafting trip

I’ve yet to experience bed bugs, thank christ, but just barely. My travelling buddy was not so fortunate. I felt itchy the whole day just looking at her.

Constant company is cool but can be a bit much at times. I imagine long term travellers must lust about just one night in a motel room.Towels never get fully dry. Damp towels = disgusting. Smelly towels + dirty tennis shoes = musty smelling backpack. I have learned quickly that backpacking is not a way to impress people with your personal hygeine. The true (female) backpacker wears no makeup, hair tied haphazardly into a ponytail-ish bun, wrinkled clothes…and a huge grin on her face because she’s more thrilled about the free food at her hostel than the shopping center down the street. (She couldn’t fit new stuff into her backpack, anyway.)

And on to the primary joys of the backpacker life:

Flexibility! Halfway through my travels from Adelaide to Perth, I decided I wanted to experience in Melbourne with some of my new friends. So I did. Simple as that. I love it!

I’ve witnessed firsthand a Swiss and Belgian discuss the best source of chocolate…and the same Belgian debate the best source of beer with a German.

While in Cairns, I made a new friend every night, even convincing a few of them to join me hanggliding.

While snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, I made friends with a Italian who invited me to visit him in Rome. I think I’ll pass on that one, but it was fun to be asked to meet someone there, all the same. I’ll always be able to say that now.

I’ve met friends in one part of the country, only to meet them again a few weeks later! Case in point, I met Helen first in my Jillaroo class in Tamworth, again two months later in Darwin, and again several weeks later in Gosford!I helped a Japanese

Pretty much, I’d say that I rather enjoyed my experience of at backpacking Australia!

This blog entry is dedicated to my lovely brother in law, John, for lending me her beautiful, sturdy backpack for my trip.

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