South America

And just like that my trip has finished 😭 What an adventure it has been! I feel so lucky to have had the experiences that I have, seen so many beautiful places and met so many incredible people.

My highlights?
(Am I allowed to say everything?!)
Lake Titicaca was one of my favourite experiences because of the amount of culture we experienced and how much I learned about the daily lives of local people. Another high for me was reaching Machu Picchu after hiking the Inca Trail. It was a big sense of achievement and was the most incredible place.

My lows?
Being sick and missing hiking rainbow mountain with the group. Although I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to do it again.

Things I'm looking forward to?
Seeing and catching up with everyone, my own bed and not having to pack every couple of days! Also things like people being able to pronounce my name, decent wifi, flushing toilet paper down the toilet and fast food actually being fast!

My learnings?
1. The world is THE most incredible place. Both in it's natural wonders and in things that people have created. By seeing and experiencing we learn, we understand, we can grow as people, as a society, as a global community.

2. Our first world problems aren't real problems. We have food, clean water, secure housing, free healthcare, minimum wage, an education. We should always be grateful for what we have as it isn't a given across the world.

3. Success does not equal happiness. Society places so much importance on finishing school, getting a degree, building a career, furthering yourself, buying a house, settling down. The 'right way' to do things. We see wealth as a symbol of success, but what cost does this have on our happiness? Some of the people I have met on my travels, have very little material things, very modest homes but yet are some of the happiest people I have met because of a strong family and community bond. They have reminded me of what is really important.

4. The environment is THE most precious thing. Single use plastic is the devil. I saw this first hand, especially in the Galapagos where protected/endangered species are dying because of what is ending up in our oceans. Every little thing adds up, small changes can make a big difference.

5. We only get one life, live it. If there's something you want to do, do it today. Life is short, grab every opportunity with both hands as tomorrow it might not be there. Memories are the most important thing we own, make as many of them as possible!Read more