Start a new adventure

After a long yearning for the day that will mark the beginning of a new, adventurous and yet unknown chapter in life, the excitement is more palpable than ever. It has been our constant companion throughout the past week, more so for family members and friends than for the actual adventurers. But now the day of farewell has come, and the emotions could not be more contrasting. Joy & sadness, calmness & fear, confidence & excitement. They all go hand in hand. It was time to say goodbye. Tears were shed. "You can still change your mind.", "Don't do anything we wouldn't do.", "Do more than we would do." Last pictures were taken. More tears were shed. One last glance back at the people we won't see for a long time. A deep breath and the journey into our adventure could begin.

The first stop was one of the many pending security checks. Empty the bag, take off the jacket, take out the laptop from the backpack, put everything in the box and off to the body scanner. Wait briefly to see if you will be touched or not. Pack your stuff back into your bag, put on your jacket, and continue to the gate. Arriving at the gate meant waiting. It all felt like just another couple of weeks' vacation in a sunny country. Even the announcement that boarding was about to start was nothing unfamiliar. Backpack on the back, ticket in hand, and off we went to the aircraft. We were warmly welcomed by the Thai flight crew and escorted to our seats. Stow the backpack and get comfortable in your seat was the order of the day. The next 10 hours and 40 minutes followed the recurring pattern of watching a movie, eating, and sleeping.

The next stop was Bangkok Airport, a huge airport that could easily be mistaken for a shopping mall. Here, too, we had to go through a security check. Empty the bag, take off the jacket, take out the laptop from the backpack, and here we had the honor of taking off our shoes. We were lucky not to be arrested for a gas attack. Believe me when I say that you don't want to smell shoes that you have been wearing for almost 11 hours on a flight. Off to the body scan. Wait briefly to see if you will be touched or not. Pack your stuff into your bag and put on your jacket. We had about 4 hours until our connecting flight took off. During this time, we walked along the never-ending shopping mall, had something to eat, and were fascinated by the countless different impressions that overwhelmed us. Boarding was just like in Frankfurt, and the course of the flight only differed in the fact that we flew through countless thunderclouds, which turned the flight into a roller coaster adventure.

The next stop was Sydney Airport. Even during the descent into Sydney, we couldn't hide our fascination and excitement. The view of the city from this altitude was simply beautiful. The excitement rose one last time, as the security check awaited us. But contrary to our expectations, we only had to show our passport, a document filled out on the plane beforehand, and answer a few questions. Then we were allowed to proceed to the baggage claim. Grab the backpack and go through customs. Now we faced the biggest unplanned challenge: finding our shuttle driver. After what felt like an eternity and multiple walks through the airport's reception area, we finally found him. Contrary to Australian serenity, the taxi drivers are not that different from those in Germany. After a short drive and a long journey, we finally arrived at our last stop, our hostel.

(Author: Florian)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick's comment: Despite the shaking walls caused by a party two floors below (which takes place every day), a 10-bed room, drunken people arriving late at night, and the city noise, I was able to sleep quite well. But already the next day, I went through tissue after tissue and sneezed even more than usual. It's probably because outside, you almost melt from the heat, and indoors, you often freeze because of well-intentioned air conditioning. This also applies to our room. To my delight, this cool draft goes right over my bed. And yes, really: I sleep with a sweater and a hood over my head.