Departure into the Heart of Australia

Four o'clock in the morning. No wake-up call from the hotel, but my body knew better: Today is travel day. So I got up, took a shower, sorted my things – routine, calm, almost automatic. Shortly after, it was check-out; the bus was already in front of the hotel. The group is complete, and at 5:20 AM we roll towards the airport.

Now I sit here at the airport. Everything went surprisingly fast. And yet I already realize: I have too much luggage. Definitely too much. A clear realization that I will take with me on the next trip – less is more. Better to wash something in between than to drag unnecessary burdens for weeks. A lesson that can only be truly learned on the road.

Melbourne is behind me. An impressive city, no doubt – large, diverse, full of possibilities. But emotionally, it didn't grip me. Too much, too loud, too far from what truly touches me. To be honest, I'm glad this chapter is over.

Now we continue to Ayers Rock, Uluru. We have been prepared for this: hat, fly net, sunscreen – all ready in my carry-on. I can hardly imagine that it’s really needed. But the forecast is clear: around 40 degrees in the next two to three days. Check-in is only in the afternoon; beforehand, a march through the landscape. Heat. Vastness. Outback. This will be exciting – both physically and mentally.

I am tired, yes. Four o'clock is early even for me. Just before boarding, I purposely separated myself from the group. A moment for myself. German podcasts in my ears, a little piece of familiarity, thoughts of Husum and the world at home. Grounding before moving on.

Here it’s still a pleasant 25, 26 degrees. But that will change. There are only a few flights per week – every three to four days. Just that shows how remote our destination is. And that’s exactly what makes it appealing.

A travel day full of impressions, realizations, and anticipation. Adventure often begins not with the destination, but with the decision to set off. I'll check back in once we have arrived.