Shayla vs. The World

My flights from Sydney went without issue. Some gentlemen working for TSA gave me crap for having 4 bags with me when I had to collect them in LA to get through customs. It was a bit of a hassle with all of the bags but I made it. Next stop. VEGAS! Mom had just landed as well and surprised me at my gate I spent most of my time lounging at the pool and napping (jet lag this direction is always worse) and hanging out with family. Tim and Dad got the bikes out and we went for a ride through Red Rocks Canyon It was really hot I'm not stationary in this We went out for dinner a couple of times and had some fun at Top Golf.   Margarita shared by like 3 people Family, food, drinks, golf and the Cubbies on the big screen I am not good at this Back on a plane, Iowa bound It was nice getting to spend time with family and relax by the pool for a few days. But I can't wait to be home to see everyone else.

I said most of the important stuff in my last post so I'll keep this brief. Thanks a million to my bae, Monica, for letting me stay at her place my last few days, for letting me borrow her car to move the last of my stuff (this isn't the first time she helped me move), and for helping me haul all 4 of my bags to the airport for the last time. She is an amazing person and I'm going to miss her most of all. Goodbye for now Australia. I know this won't be my last time here. It's been the most incredibly 3 years of my life so far!

For three and a half years I talked about doing this walk. Everyone says it's scenic. With most everyone at work living their normal lives on my last full day in Sydney, I thought it would be fitting to finally do it. Plus, I had promised to bring home seashells for my nieces and then forgot about it until today. Something about two birds with one stone?                         Gordons Bay As I walked and searched for shells, and took in the beautiful sites I spent my time thinking and reflecting over the past 3 1/2 years (I may have cried a little bit). I came to Sydney in search of adventure, but I leave having gained so much more than I could have dreamed. In my time here I've found love and heartache, I've made friends from all corners of the Earth, and while we may grow apart I've made memories with people I'll cherish forever. I've had my vie...

After packing up the last of my apartment and getting my stuff to stay my last few days at Monica's place we had a going away party. At which I took apparently zero pictures. It was pretty wild and amazing though. The following morning at a lovely 5:30 am Monica and I woke our hungover asses up and headed to the airport for a few days in Melbourne. I don't look good in hats... It's like 5pm and still hungover from the going away party It was an awesome few days. We stayed with a friend of Monica's, explored the city, did some shopping, ate a lot of good food, and even went on our own mini pub crawl. Yaaaaaaaaaasssssssss Drinks at The Rum Diary Views from the Shrine of Remembrance Views from the Shrine of Remembrance Views from the Shrine of Remembrance Views from the Shrine of Remembrance It was a great trip. I think I'm going to miss Monica most of all when I move away so a few days of quality time was needed.