There comes a stage in one’s life for reflection. To really get to what the ‘About’ really is.
World Journeys is dedicated to my past and future journeys and the journeys of those I have the opportunity to meet. It is also an opportunity to share your own story – leave the how, what and when behind. I’m interested in hearing and sharing the why – isn’t that what life is all about?
Feel free to sharemystory(at)worldjourneys.com.au.
Enjoy!
Who?
Growing up in Queensland, Australia in a single parent family certainly moulds much of one’s characteristics, abilities and attitude. For me it’s made me independent, a little stubborn, a little introverted (yes – really), resilient and a carer. I’m 37, single, rich and happy – all of which are subjective of course.
What?
As the fox said to the Little Prince, “On ne voit bien qu’avec le couer, l’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux”. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
To really have the best chance at living this life, you really need to understand what the essential is. All of us are different, so this is by no means a lecture. It is a poke to encourage you to look within and find what it is that makes you passionate, so that you can take control of life and make it one of opportunity, experience and growth. Just think what stagnate water looks like – we all need new rain, life and avenues for run off, or we too may end up a little green.
For me – I definitely need to give. I need to be able to show compassion and passion in everything I do. I’m smart. I’m an ideas person. I can do many things. But it’s making the difference that is important. Travelling. Learning. Writing. And creating change.
Identify it. Live it.
Where?
Quite often I look at the woven rug on my bed and see in it the weave of a colourful, complicated and dare I say, beautiful life.
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I’ve worked in the political minefield with premiers, ministers and members of the Qld Parliament
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I’ve worked on IT projects and in retail travel
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I’ve had my own business, only to lose it all after September 11
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I’ve lived (defined by a house, not a hotel or guest room) in Brisbane, Singleton, Townsville, Melbourne, London, Hatfield, Lerwick (Shetland Islands) and the Akrotiri Peninsula (Crete)
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I’ve sailed, flown, trekked, swum and eaten my way across 42 countries taking in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, South-east Asia, Central Asia, America, Europe and Africa
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I’ve made and lost friends, husbands (ok just one), family members, partners, travelling companions and flat/house/hotel mates
I’ve certainly seen, done and travelled a lot more than most. I’ve had plenty of adventures, met some incredibly inspiring people, shared tears, laughed and encouraged.
How?
I guess that’s the reason for this blog. To share the how in a little more detail – the challenges, the experiences, the fears and the excitement.
The dictionary is wrong. Life is not a noun. But a verb. And that is how I intend to live it.
I’m off to create a new weave in the fabric of life – so it should make for some interesting reading.
Enjoy this blog. Share it with others. Start your own.
Still more questions? Feel free to contact me at ask(at)worldjourneys.com.au if you have any questions or would like to use any of the stories within these pages for your publication.
You can also subscribe to my mailing list on the home page if you want to receive updates whenever I add to the journey.
I look forward to sharing the stories from myself and others, so that together, we can inspire others to start identifying, and living their very own World Journey.


There are some special people out there. Fantastic work for people living with the unpredictability of MS. Carol – you are an inspiration.
Tina,
What a most empowering and moving account of what one person can do to change the world.
Thank you!
Carol
bandana says : I absolutely agree with this !
Well, my amazing travelling friend.
Again your words have reduced me to tears.
I’m not sure if that’s because, after travelling and seeing some extremely emotional sights, I have returned to the mundane existance we call life or if it’s because, you have a bloody good way of writing!!!!
Whatever it is, I look forward to sharing your experiences from afar and wish you lot’s of love and luck for your journey. May you always find happiness, even in the sadest places.
I’m extremely jealous
As always, lots of love
Dawn xxx
Hi Tina,
As above once again your words and wisdom have really hit home and always put me back in my place.
Have an amazing trip and i look forward to the updates and catching up with you when you get back.
Travel safe and a remember “the obscure we eventually see, however the complete obvious, it seems, takes longer”
Also “too much seriousness clouds the soul”
Cheers,
Trav.
What can I say that hasn’t been said? You amaze and inspire me. Thank God for your presence on this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care,
T
Tina, you touch the very heart of my soul! You have been through hell and back the last 6 months but you have made it. There will be one hell of a lot of people who will never know how much you have done and will be doing for them in the future with your new business.
Your writing is amazing and I have always felt that I was right there with you.
I wish you good travels, good fortune and a life filled with all the love you deserve. I look forward to following your journey through this site.
Love
Carol
Tina …….rising from the flames, stronger, filled with determination, insight and inspiration, realising dreams. I never doubted you would reach this point.
I’m honoured to have the chance to share in your very personal journey. Honoured but not surprised as sharing is your life force, what drives the dream.
I’m expecting to be taken on an emotional roller-coaster ….. it’s not about the destination but the journey.
I’ve got a warm tingly feeling about this one….it’s making me smile from ear to ear. So take a great big hug from me and go travel your songline.
Jo xxx
Dear Tina,
I can’t wait to hear your stories. Do take it slow and keep reminding yourself that by caring and giving yourself suitable nourishment first, you will be in a stronger position to help others. Better to do less well to start with. I look forward to seeing you before you go.
Love Jane XX
Tina,
It may be many that think about the adventure you’re about to embark on but it takes a saint to get out there and do it!
You are a saint, An Angel, a wonderful human being.
I feel enlightened everytime I read your thoughts, as I know all that you write comes from the heart. You deserve this, you’ve worked so hard to create a dream and its finally come to fruition, go get ‘em gal!
Travel safe.
Deb
Welcome to Bangladesh ! There are more things to see in the life and struggle of people.
Just a note those beggars on the streets aren’t really poor, begging is what they do for a living and a lot of them have more money than an average American citizen. There are about 15 million people in Dhaka and so if a beggar asks everyone for a taka think how much they earn. But anyways welcome to Bangladesh.
There’s a book about Cambodia — maybe you’ve read it — called “The Gods Drink Whiskey.” Even though you’re very familiar with Cambodia, I think you might enjoy it. I wrote a review of it here:
http://mmtriplog.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/book-review-the-gods-drink-whiskey/
On my blog about traveling in SE Asia.
Tina,
Once again you have made me feel! I don’t know what it was but I was in tears reading this post. Thank you for reminding me to remember those who have been important in my life.
Love
Caz
I acknowledge you for the courage and eloquence with which you write – speaking the truth about what you see be it harsh, beautiful or otherwise. There is certainly nothing more powerful than the words you speak and the intention behind them. Thank you for sharing the experience of the people you meet ‘through their eyes’ and helping me to understand their stories. Its incredibly moving.
Keep being brave and strong
Gee, I dearly miss old Saigon but the new Ho Chi Minh City is, well, I guess interesting in it’s own way, but so commercial and different.
Though your correct, remnants of old Saigon can still be found a few steps away from the city center.
T,
Thanks for your inspiration and stories. You have inspired not only me but others as well. I look forward to give.com.au being up and running as I am sure it will be a huge success.
Have a wonderful few days left of your journey and I look forward to seeing some of those 600 photos on your return to Melbourne.
Take care and stay safe my friend
Love
Carol
xxoo
Wow!
This is why I buy lottery tickets. That way I could drop out of the typical practice of law and just focus on doing good. I wouldn’t even have to travel anywhere to do it. We’ve got enough crap we have to clean up in the U.S.
Keep me posted on everything you’re up to.
Peter w.
Drink Tsingtao: not only your knickers will get out of a knot.