Enjoying Summer of 2014 the Aussie Way!

Travelling has always been a personal passion. It somehow gives you a temporary respite from the demanding world you are into at the moment. I remember myself having experienced boarding on airplanes at a very young age (I was like 9 years old back then I think). Our family has developed an immense love for local travel, touring from north to south of the country. Meanwhile, I haven't had experienced travelling abroad until summer of 2014.

My Aunt who was residing in Australia for almost two decades now with her family gave me the most exciting gift one could ever receive- the chance of an international travel! It had given me goosebumps all over my body as soon as I found out about this one. However, the excitement turned into a pressing apprehension- The thought of me travelling alone in a foreign land. Worse, it was going to be a lot of firsts- First travel abroad, first travel alone, and definitely the first time ever of being away from the comforts of home and my family.

Securing an Australian visa was the first hurdle I braved. Surely, it wouldn't be served on you on a silver platter- with all the documents, stamps, certificates and all related stuff that you need to provide, I could have easily succumbed to giving up, knowing that I was also being bombarded with all the demands of medschool back then. But because I really wanted it to happen, everything went into place. Then voila, the visa to travel to Australia was granted last mid of April.

As soon as my (loving) aunt received the notice of the visa grant, she went straight to Flight Centre to book my flight. It was a direct flight from Manila to Melbourne, via PAL. I left Manila at 10 in the evening of April 29, and safely arrived in Melbourne International Airport at almost 8 (local time) in the morning of the following day (torturing 8 hours flight, 0 min sleep).

The very first picture I got as soon as I arrived in Australia

I stayed in the comforts of my aunt's residence in Melbourne, Australia for 20 days. With my aunt always on my side serving as my tour guide, we got to visit different wineries, see a Roo and a fluffy koala at their local zoo, dine in fancy restaurants, and get a glimpse of the busy streets of Melbourne City. 

with my loving tita Tessie pigging out at China Bar Asia Buffet

a very fluffy koala! 

This is the closest I could get to it. It might punch me.

My ever dependable cousin, Kate. My lakwatsa pal!

Panoramic view of Melbourne City

Bird's eye view of the City via the Eureka Skydeck

Striking a pose at the famous Flinders Street Station, Melbourne City

at Chateau Yering- a winery

at Vue on Halcyon winery, having eggs benedict for breakfast.

Dinner with Tita at Lindos

Lost at Flinders Street Station

Eureka Skydeck experience!

Steavensons Falls with Tita Tess and Uncle Jack

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne City

Death by chocolate- at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Vineyards at Chandon Greenpoint winery

At Healesville Sanctuary

Taken on the day of my departure at Melbourne International Airport, May 18, 2014

I couldn't thank my tita Tess enough for letting me experience such a luxury. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will surely be kept in my memory wherever I go. This experience sparked my interest even more for travelling, which was left lying idle for years now.  It will undeniably serve as an empowering motivation to better my studies so as to increase my chances of experiencing this luxury again in the near future. 

'til the next escapade! :p

Safe travels!