I went back to Sydney for a brief visit in December. My first long haul trip and I was giddy about it. The idea of being stuck on a plane for 24 hours, the idea of having to faff about with the Australian Border Control, the idea of just being far far away. Two years ago, I would have rolled my eyes and hated every moment. This time, it was as if I was doing it for the first time.

It was exciting. It was fascinating.

It’s really old story now. So many of us have written about it. After being ‘restricted’ for so long, after all the fear, the scare and the uncertainty, after No.10 finished the ‘office supply’ at their party – it finally feels normal again, and the world feels new again.

Of course, the world not new. It has just moved on, at least, in our priviledged existance in the first world. While war and conflict continues in parts of the world, while conspiracy and politics still play together as if they’ve never been apart, we can at least travel again.

WE CAN TRAVEL. AGAIN.

Heck, even the hermits down under – Australia and New Zealand both planning their border opening for tourism. Wow.

It’s great news, and I am starting to have assignments, to France, to Italy. I can’t wait to travel regularly again, and I can’t wait to get my career back on its feet.

In a past existance, when I worked as a travel agent in the city of Coffs Harbour back in Australia, I remember booking a trip to Sydney for a local family for the weekend. When I handed their travel documents over the counter to the mum, the young kids surrounded her and asked “We are really going to Sydney? We are? We are?” The younger child couldn’t contain her excitement, and started to dance in the store. 

I couldn’t believe how much it meant for them to be going to Sydney – I mean, it’s just Sydney. It’s in the same State, and an hour’s flight away. However, for this family who has never traveller further than their local beach in Coffs, it was everything they had dreamed of.

That’s how I am feeling now. I feel excited and priviledged at the prospect of travel. While my friends back home (in Sydney) still battle with the various rules of travelling so much so that it has put them off any plans for an international trip, I can sit here and say “well, in April I am off on a walking trip to France and in May I have a similar trip planned for Italy.”

Well, to those who are in my position… Bon Voyage and enjoy. To those who are still battling with the idea of travel and living with restrictions – you’ll get there!