Out on a limb

It was the first time I had travelled anywhere overseas alone, and my nerves were all over the place. What happens when I get there? What if my feelings are different in person? What if he doesn’t like me? If things turn sour, what do I do?

I travelled on my own to Albany, a small town in Western Australia, to meet up with a boy who I fell in love with over the Internet.

It was the first time I had travelled anywhere overseas alone, and my nerves were all over the place. What happens when I get there? What if my feelings are different in person? What if he doesn’t like me? If things turn sour, what do I do?

A rather long story cut short: we had a really nice time together in this incredibly hot and beautiful part of Australia. One particular memory stands out for me - it was when we visited a bird sanctuary. Western Australia is rich in natural wildlife and I loved turning every corner and seeing a new brightly coloured exotic bird, or a reptile soaking up the sunshine on a nearby rock. I wanted to wear a dress that day that would replicate how I felt inside.

Unfortunately my time in Australia was short-lived. I was only over there for 3 weeks to suss things out and spend some time with this guy. Things didn’t work out exactly as I had planned and I came home feeling sad but happy that I had done a really scary thing and tried something new. I would never have known if I hadn’t tried, and this small segment of my life is something I still reflect on for these reasons. It taught me to step out of my comfort zone, and that when things seem too scary it usually means you should do it.

Author - ​Charlotte

I'm Miss Charlotte Cake - A modern cake baking, pinup gal living in Auckland, Zealand.