Chasing Sunsets

When was the last time you made plans to go and watch the sunset?

The sun goes down every day, and yet each time it is beautiful, magical and unique.

Sometimes it's not easy at all, sometimes it takes effort. One evening last week, some friends and I decided to go to Kings Park (the large hilltop park in Perth) for the sunset. Unfortunately, we didn't realise that we were facing the entirely wrong direction... (A great place for sunrise if you're ever in Perth and fancy an early morning!) We didn't give up, however, and went on quite the hike through the wilderness of this, much larger than we thought, park! This would be a great story if at the very end we found the perfect spot and saw the most wonderful sunset. But we didn't. But that doesn't mean we didn't have a special, unique, beautiful and magical moment...

Trekking through the increasingly darkening woods with such united purpose, sipping beer and enjoying spending time together that was the special moment... And we were at least rewarded with the view of Perth CBD all lit up by the time we completed our lap of the park!

I've spent the last few weeks in Perth, something that was never part of my plan, and now as I sit at the airport waiting for my departure, I'm thinking back on what's changed while I've been here. If you ask me why I stayed here so long, the answer is simple: People. I've made so many wonderful friends here, indeed the hostel I've been staying at is so like a family home (to 25 backpackers) and I've also been surprised by reconnecting with old friends here! (it's a small world!)

It's been a time for me to remember that travelling is about the people you meet, not just the places you go, and that even those new friendships can have a big impact or indeed last forever! It's helped me discover that caring about people doesn't have to hurt, though the goodbyes are hard, it's the loneliness that comes from shutting people out that will destroy you.

If there is one thing I've learnt over the last year is that how you choose to spend your time can have a major impact on your happiness. Now I'm not saying go and watch the sunset everyday (unless you're a backpacker, in which case it's totally acceptable) but in amongst your busy day's, week's, live's, chase after those special moments of beauty, magic and tranquility, and share them with the people you care about!