Sometimes it takes going to the other side of the world to re-learn lessons you’ve already learned this side of the equator.

As we wrap up the year, a simple but important life lesson from Australia…

When we set out for Australia we knew three things: 1) We had to be in Sydney (for Fred Baby’s business meetings), 2) We had to be in Melbourne (see same reason above) and 3) We couldn’t wait to drive between the two.

Indeed, it was the part of the trip we were looking forward to the most.

splatter paint dress; australian adventures

But when we got to Australia and shared this plan, everyone from the manager of a five-star resort to co-workers and waitresses not only looked at us like we were crazy, but told us in no uncertain terms that it was the worst idea ever.

splatter paint dress; australian adventures

Not because it was unsafe (or anything glamorous like that), rather because it would be dead boring. “It’s 10 hours on the highway with big trucks,” said one. “There’s nothing to see,” said another. “Just take the one-hour flight to Melbourne,” advised another. “You’ll be much better off.”

splatter paint dress; australian adventures

splatter paint dress; australian adventures

We tried to brush it off, but I couldn’t resist hitting the internet to see what others had to say. Surely someone would recommend the road less taken. But after hours of reading travel sites and message boards, and not finding one person to recommend the drive in between — inland or coastal, I got cold feet.

From the hotel late one night, while Fred Baby was still off in meetings, I sent a panicked email: “I think it’s best if we fly tomorrow morning instead of drive.” He replied, “OK. Book the flights.”

Luckily, a little bit of wine and subsequent sleepiness and procrastination kicked in, because by the time he came home that night I still hadn’t hit the “Buy” button. And before I knew it, he had convinced me to stick with the original plan.

And I’m so glad we did.

Aside from the final day of our trip (which I’m excited to share soon), it was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip. Did we stay on the highway? Of course not (that would be like taking the I-10 the whole way from Texas to California and missing out on this and all the wonder in between).

There is nothing we love more than a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. With nothing and no one around. It’s bliss. Maybe not for everyone, but for us. It’s what we love and when we travel and don’t find it, we get antsy fast.

So listen to your gut…and sometimes your husband (or the person who knows you best) and follow the road less taken. Do what you want. It’s your life. And remember  sometimes people have no idea what they’re talking about because they’ve never ventured off the main road.

Dare to get lost…You never know what you might find.

What I’m wearing in Middle of Nowhere, Australia:

Rieley paint splatter dress (on sale!) c/o (also here); BCBG sienna bag (also on major sale; I might have to pick up the orange one too!) c/o; Zara heels (no longer available but love these sparkly heels); Sun hat (from a tiny store in an even tinier town in Brazil but similar herehere and here)

 

[Photos by FredBaby13]

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