Pin Your Ears Back

The blog is born: JESSTRALIA

Apart from the obvious clever combination of words, you should know that the inspiration came from the local pronunciation of the country I now reside, ‘stralia. 

The purpose of this blog is to track my adventure, publish the beauty of Australia, tap into a new creative outlet, keep connected and share my experiences with family and friends. I am expecting this blog to include shout-outs, quotes, photos, experience summaries, personal insights, Australian goodies and interesting information!

Many of you witnessed the chaotic transition that was me moving to Australia. It was a time sprinkled with Austin outings, wine, cries, anxieties, hugs, sales, smiles and “see ya laters” instead of “goodbyes”. Words are a sorry excuse for the gratitude my heart explodes with for all of yall's support, encouragement, ears, love and help getting ready to leave.

I’ll start from the beginning because it only seems appropriate, plus it’s a good story I couldn’t tell at the time.

On the unusual bright winter day of January 11, 2012 my Mum drove me to Intercontinental Airport in Houston where I departed on the adventure I have been talking about for over two years. I flew from Houston to Phoenix to L.A. to Brisbane. I was by myself doing things the Jessica way and trying really hard to not loose my passport, wallet, jewelry and other valuables. Upon boarding the plane to Phoenix I was pressured to hand over my carry-on due to the lack of space for additional luggage. I was one of the last people on the plane and therefore felt a bit of pressure to move swiftly. During this self-induced demanding time I removed the above valuables and handed my bag over. It wasn’t until I sat down that I realized my computer was in my bag. I rushed to the front of the plane to request to retrieve my bag for a valuable I did not have the opportunity to remove. The airline refused my plea informing me that regulations prohibit them from allowing any retrieval of luggage after the cabin doors of the plane have been shut. Of course, I pleaded to a number of different people and the answer remained the same: No.

Well, talk about being thankful for yoga and meditation at a time like that. All I could do was breathe because the luggage had already been gently tossed into the cabin of the plane I was sitting in.  We arrived in Phoenix and again I was hit hard with “No, we cannot retrieve your luggage.” I was defeated and nervous but had no choice but to wait it out so I called Joanna to seek some comfort. Prayer, breath and that phone call got me through the next flight until I landed in L.A.. Without haste I dug through my intended carry with my heart beating hard in my chest to find my computer safe and sound with no damage thanks to my crammed packing.

I made a friend on the plane, watched a few movies, had a cocktail, did some writing and reflecting, took a nap and BAM we were there. I had arrived in Australia after 24 hours of traveling and skipping a day of the year (January 12^th) I’ll never get back. I reclaimed my 200lbs of luggage, went through customs and headed to the domestic terminal in Brisbane to meet Mark. We hired a car and headed to the Sunshine Coast for a few days of rest, relaxation, holiday and my 27^th birthday celebration.

The sunshine coast was a bit dreary during our time there so we did a lot of walking around, people watching and eating. One day we witnessed this guy building what looked like nothing and then slowly morphed itself into something. No one could live off of this profession, so we reckon that he had an argument with his father, took his trust fund money, moved to the beach, had a number of affairs with super models and spends his lonely days designing sand fairy houses on the beach in Mooloolaba. 

This was as far as we got. He took a long time. We got hungry.

Noosa Head beach where the ocean and a natural bushwalking preservation meet. A beautiful place with a ton of shops, surfers, eateries and beautiful scenary. These are the stairs to the life size treehouse that was Noosa Head.