I'm checking my email like a twat. No other way to put it really. I am waiting for replies from a number of organisations that will have a direct impact on the direction I am about to take. Decided I'm going to Bolivia in a little over a months time. Pretty pumped to get getting out there and travelling once again. Traveling is something that just makes me eternally happy- I don't know any other way to describe it. Is it so strange that I sometimes feel more at home in a foreign country than in my native land and that I enjoy the company of strangers more than those I have grown up with?
At the start of this year I toiled with the idea of going to Bolivia, but it got crossed off my list after fierce objections from many people around me. I am not someone who requires the approval of my family and friends or sets goals based on what others think, but, I had one of those moments.
You know the story of Christopher Johnson Mccandless? Alexander Supertramp?
Into The Wild (the book and or film)? Christopher's story has had a mighty impact on me. I relate to his need to leave and walk into the wild. There is one quote that had a huge impact on me: happiness is only real when shared. That line hit me hard when I was about ten months into my big overseas adventure. I was traveling alone (having at great time), but it just hit me, what good are experiences and stories when there is no one to share them with?
Aside from that quote, what came to me after reading the book for about the third time is something that has resonated in me. So much so that I abandoned my thoughts about Bolivia. When does my traveling become selfish? Last year at university, I was pleasantly surprised by an elective unit that I took which was based on environmental ethics. It was here that I was introduced to Peter Singer and the concept of Total Happiness. While this is a relatively new concept for me, I have embraced it wholeheartedly. And coming back to Christopher Mccandless, I had just received the soundtrack in the post and was listening to it when I mentioned to my mother what was playing. Her comment is what struck me; "It was just a waste of life, he was nothing more than a selfish person." Okay, it is the type of thing that you either love or hate, totally understand it or can't fathom doing something even remotely similar to it.
When does my traveling become selfish?
To increase the happiness of my family or that of my own? To do what I want to do and perhaps be selfish or following one's dream?
After all I have just written, how come I am going to Bolivia?
I am sick of applying for jobs. I am bored being at home without any real direction or plans in the pipeline. Sure, I would have loved to have gotten a job in the first six months out of university, but it has not worked out that way (and not for a lack of trying). I have scoured the internet for volunteer programs and internships that interest me, do not cost the earth and will benefit both me and the local community/organisation. I found one the Cape Town, South Africa that seemed great, it is just so expensive. I got a bit excited about the South African one, even told a few people about it, but that faded away bit by bit- mostly because I progressed through a government graduate program recruitment process and then got the interview for the job I have so openly whinged about here. Unfortunately it has come down to cost, and the other small thought in the back of my head that I had Africa on my list for when I am old, like 40s. Like traveling around Australia, it's something that I like the idea of doing when I am substantially older. So for the money I have, I can do 3 months in Bolivia and South America, or eight weeks in South Africa with that program.
The NGO I am looking at in Bolivia, Sustainable Bolivia, I am waiting to hear back from them. I sent a general email inquiry last weekend and yesterday I sent an application to them. Still not heard anything which is a little unnerving, I will give it time. There is also another organisation in Bolivia that I would love to go, it's an animal refuge. I would love that. It is cheap too, and will be my fall back I guess if I do not hear from Sustainable Bolivia (or get rejected). The wildlife refuge would be a great experience, however it does not carry the same weight as Sustainable Bolivia.
The other thing that I am very excited about is Aconcagua. I will be having my best crack at that while I am in the area. Already spoken to a couple expedition companies about it. I have ramped up my training and endurance as Aconcagua will be tough. It is 6962masl, the highest outside of Asia. WOW. annnnd I have been looking at flights to and from South America. I have received prices and being held some seats which is getting me even more pumped but ever so slightly anxious as I do not actually know if I have a place with Sustainable Bolivia. Should I try ringing them after a few days? There was an automatic application response which said I would be contacted within one week, but I do not know if I can hold the seats for that long (as they are waaay cheaper than most others as my flight home will be the week or so before Christmas.
WOW hugeness! one last email check... nope. Oh and btw, I not heard about the job I had an interview for. Called and left my details, no call back. fuckers.
You know the story of Christopher Johnson Mccandless? Alexander Supertramp?
Into The Wild (the book and or film)? Christopher's story has had a mighty impact on me. I relate to his need to leave and walk into the wild. There is one quote that had a huge impact on me: happiness is only real when shared. That line hit me hard when I was about ten months into my big overseas adventure. I was traveling alone (having at great time), but it just hit me, what good are experiences and stories when there is no one to share them with?Aside from that quote, what came to me after reading the book for about the third time is something that has resonated in me. So much so that I abandoned my thoughts about Bolivia. When does my traveling become selfish? Last year at university, I was pleasantly surprised by an elective unit that I took which was based on environmental ethics. It was here that I was introduced to Peter Singer and the concept of Total Happiness. While this is a relatively new concept for me, I have embraced it wholeheartedly. And coming back to Christopher Mccandless, I had just received the soundtrack in the post and was listening to it when I mentioned to my mother what was playing. Her comment is what struck me; "It was just a waste of life, he was nothing more than a selfish person." Okay, it is the type of thing that you either love or hate, totally understand it or can't fathom doing something even remotely similar to it.
When does my traveling become selfish?
To increase the happiness of my family or that of my own? To do what I want to do and perhaps be selfish or following one's dream?
After all I have just written, how come I am going to Bolivia?
I am sick of applying for jobs. I am bored being at home without any real direction or plans in the pipeline. Sure, I would have loved to have gotten a job in the first six months out of university, but it has not worked out that way (and not for a lack of trying). I have scoured the internet for volunteer programs and internships that interest me, do not cost the earth and will benefit both me and the local community/organisation. I found one the Cape Town, South Africa that seemed great, it is just so expensive. I got a bit excited about the South African one, even told a few people about it, but that faded away bit by bit- mostly because I progressed through a government graduate program recruitment process and then got the interview for the job I have so openly whinged about here. Unfortunately it has come down to cost, and the other small thought in the back of my head that I had Africa on my list for when I am old, like 40s. Like traveling around Australia, it's something that I like the idea of doing when I am substantially older. So for the money I have, I can do 3 months in Bolivia and South America, or eight weeks in South Africa with that program.
The NGO I am looking at in Bolivia, Sustainable Bolivia, I am waiting to hear back from them. I sent a general email inquiry last weekend and yesterday I sent an application to them. Still not heard anything which is a little unnerving, I will give it time. There is also another organisation in Bolivia that I would love to go, it's an animal refuge. I would love that. It is cheap too, and will be my fall back I guess if I do not hear from Sustainable Bolivia (or get rejected). The wildlife refuge would be a great experience, however it does not carry the same weight as Sustainable Bolivia.
The other thing that I am very excited about is Aconcagua. I will be having my best crack at that while I am in the area. Already spoken to a couple expedition companies about it. I have ramped up my training and endurance as Aconcagua will be tough. It is 6962masl, the highest outside of Asia. WOW. annnnd I have been looking at flights to and from South America. I have received prices and being held some seats which is getting me even more pumped but ever so slightly anxious as I do not actually know if I have a place with Sustainable Bolivia. Should I try ringing them after a few days? There was an automatic application response which said I would be contacted within one week, but I do not know if I can hold the seats for that long (as they are waaay cheaper than most others as my flight home will be the week or so before Christmas.WOW hugeness! one last email check... nope. Oh and btw, I not heard about the job I had an interview for. Called and left my details, no call back. fuckers.
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