The Globetrotting Ginger Seeks Australian
I like lists. To me, they are fun to make and usually exciting to cross off as you complete items - whether it's for a grocery run or contains a fresh bout of resolutions.
Three lists I have tended to religiously since I got my first iPhone include: My Book List, I take any and all authors into consideration; My Movie List, similar approach to my Book List, just movies...duh; and My Monthly Goals, which include items I want to be mindful of during the upcoming month or perhaps particular items to "complete" during the month.
In 2014 and about three months into my travels, I created my first travel blog and decided to add a Bucket List page to the site. Almost immediately after sharing with friends and family, I received emails and messages about my list. I wasn't sure if people would even visit the page, and I certainly had no expectation for such a positive outpouring of support!
I learned insightful lessons from the Bucket List itself and the process of sharing it via my blog.
People felt like it offers added insight to my personality and what I'm "about" for readers, both new and old. The list is sometimes strange, a bit all over the place (literally), and food and travel oriented - yep, sounds like it's creator!
People were interested and curious about the 'whys' and 'hows' of my Bucket List after I shared it. It helped spark conversations that I otherwise might not have had, and connected me with others in ways that I might have never known if I hadn't shared my list.
What is the 'Camino de Santiago'? How long does it take?
How did you organize your trip to Russia?
Why French? Do you want to live in France or do you just like croissants?
People want to join me and help me on my Bucket List journey.
I know how to make dumplings. Next time we're together, I'll show you!
When you come to visit, I'll teach you to drive stick shift. It's simple!
Russia is on my Bucket List, too. We should go together. (Seriously...this is how Caitlin and I teamed up!)
The results, past and present, have been amazing. By specifically stating my goals and sharing it on my blog, my friends and family were able and excited to offer suggestions, ideas, and their own personal skills and networks to help me reach my goals! How lucky am I?
Because I had so many amazing doors open by sharing my Bucket List, I decided to create an Ireland-specific Bucket List for my 2015 summer living in Ireland. If I decided to spend a summer in Ireland, then I didn't want to leave without ticking off certain items:
Where exactly is my maternal family from in Ireland?
Are Joyce's books really as horrible as everyone complains?
How do you cook a 'Full Irish Breakfast' - and what the hell is pudding?! (Answer: it's simply delicious, now stop asking questions.)
As soon as I was settled in Ireland and mentioned that I had created "a small list of things I think would be fun for the summer" my HelpX host, Aisling, jumped on my list with both feet. Again, how lucky am I?
From having her hilarious, wonderful mother help me reach the puffin birds of Skellig Michael to calling the local farmers to inquire who would let me tag along to shear a sheep - I was again met with support and excitement towards completing my Irish Bucket List items. I was, and obviously still am, incredibly grateful to the outpouring of positive support. Aisling is a badass!
It's obvious that I've become a shameless fan of bucket lists; how could I not? They have been wonderful and invaluable during my travels.
As my summer in Ireland nears its end, I have begun organizing my next chapter of travels, and now this Globetrotting Ginger is seeking Australian Bucket List suggestions!
Over the next few weeks, I will be putting together my Australia section of the blog, and would love any suggestions for best places to visit, must do's, and favorites from readers or any friends who have visited or lived in Australia.
Koala snuggling and visiting the Outback - of course! But what else must I see, do, or taste test? Suggestions of any sort would be greatly appreciated. Cheers in advance!
