TAWK Featured Family - '??'

1.   About you

2.   Why did you make your decision to TAWK?

It was always a dream of mine to travel Australia but when some pretty traumatic events happened things quickly turned from a dream into reality.

I needed to show my girls that there are good people out there and beautiful things to see. I needed to prove it to myself as well.

3.   How did you get organised and how did you prepare?

Honestly I didn't do much planning as things were rushed in the pack up process. Basically I sold and gave away  everything we could and dumped the rest.

Sites like Tawk and other travelling pages inspired me and gave me hope that I could do it.

4.  What has been your biggest joy?

Biggest joy was definitely seeing my children happy and free. They didn't need electronics and we're always exploring and keeping themselves entertained with their surrounding. Having this time together brought us closer.

5. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

 Biggest challenge was the loneliness. The first 3 months was the hardest. Confidence isn't my strong point so I had to really push myself to get out there and start conversations and meet people. It really paid off because we met some amazing people along the way and I treasure their friendship.

6.   Where have you enjoyed the most?

Our whole trip I really enjoyed just seeing the constant change in scenery. The different landscapes, trees and animals. I was always saying "aww look at that", I really annoyed the kids I said it that often. So many birds of prey. It was amazing!

The one place I really loved was Mystery Bay, South Coast NSW. The beach was stunning and the bush camping was really relaxed. We explored the rocks and caves and had a ball.

7.   Where disappointed you the most?

We were pretty lucky that we didn't have any major disappointments throughout our trip, though what ended our trip was really devastating. We had work done on our car and the mechanic forgot to tighten a bolt which resulted in our whole motor being destroyed. If that didn't happen the girls and I would be swimming the coral reef and enjoying Cairns right now.

Our is differently not over, we may be grounded for a few years but this bump has just made me more determined to live my dreams and show the kids anything is possible.

8.   What surprised you most about the trip?

The people! We met so many kind, compassionate, helpful, and interesting people that all had their own unique journey. It was definitely the most positive experience of the trip. I know people go and travel Australia for different reasons but this was something we really needed and it was the best feeling finding kindness.

9.   What would be three pieces of advice to give to a future TAWKer?

Let yourself relax, take your time and enjoy the small things:

• Smell the sea air.
• Listen to the sounds of nature.
• Feel the soil under your feet.

You don't need to go to all the expensive fancy attractions to see Australia, the true Australia hides behind all that.

10.   How do you think that this adventure has changed your family?

Whatever your reasons for travelling, whatever your background, your financial position, find a way and live your dreams because it's your life and anything is possible.

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