I realized today I’ve been on the road for 197 days….

More alarming then that huge number, if the fact that I’ve lost some.
See, I keep pretty meticulous records of each day’s spending…gotta watch those pennies when travelling like this…but my journal says I’m on day 194.
So what happened to those other 3 days?
I guess I’ll never know.

Okay, 197 days.
A whole lot of miles have been travelled and here I am half way around the world from home.
For the first time, I’m willing to admit…I feel a bit worn out.

I’m having a lonely day in Sydney, simply bidding my time till my flight up the coast tomorrow. All I’ve done all day is read, write and drink coffee. I felt no spark to see anything here. (I have been here 6 days and seen most of the city, but still…)

I think my rain clouds are coming from my being alone. It seems that everyone in Australia is travelling in packs, with their ‘best mates’ from home…huge unweildy groups of girls or boys (for all of these travel-buddy clusters seem to be single sex) who fill up a bar when then swagger in together.
People have expressed surprise that I am by myself…not, for once, because of danger, but just to be this far from home by myself.
Fair enough…
It is the other side of the planet, though more like the US then anyplace I’ve been. (They even have 7-11 here! And in the city no less, not just suburbia!)

Tomorrow I fly to Queensland to a place called Arlie Bay. On Saturday I board a racing yacht (!) for a 2 day cruise through the Whitsunday Islands for a bit of snorkeling (and, I’m sure, awe) and sun.
I will be on a boat for 2days and 2 nights with about 30 people. So I guess, maybe I should appreciate being alone at the moment…I’m headed for some seriously close quarters.

Still, I miss NYC, and all the people there. A few recent phonecalls have made me realize how much I’m missing my friends and family…my apartment…my bed….my life back in good ol’ New York City.
I’ve got 6 more weeks of travelling before I head back…so the trip is winding down. (6 weeks is a long time, yes…but in the scheme of things, not much at all.)
I’ll be back in time for Thanksgiving…
And I can’t wait to see everyone!
Hope you’re all well….