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Life Update: January 2021

January 11, 2021 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

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Hey old friend!

It’s been a long while since we’ve spoken. But given the state of the world, it’s not surprising, right?

It’s been nearly a year since the world of travel changed, and while I’m no longer salty about my travel plans changing, I am feeling nostalgic for travel.

I miss being able to book flights, plan itineraries and save endless travel inspo on Pinterest.

I’m getting off track, especially as an Australian who can’t even fly overseas right now (currently Aussies can’t even leave our own country – we need to apply for an exemption to travel overseas)

It’s been real quiet around here, especially over the last 6-months.

In my home city of Melbourne, we had one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in 2020. We couldn’t travel more than 5 km from our homes, we could only exercise 1 hr per day and unless you were on a list of essential workers, you couldn’t even go to work.

Neighbourhood Sunset
Sunset on one of my neighbourhood walks
Hotcross buns at home
Spending more time at home meant eating more!

I’m not going to sugar coat it – it was a really hard time for my mental health. But despite that, I am thankful for the health of my family, my community, and my neighbors.

In the scheme of things, spending more time indoors was a small price to pay for the health of my loved ones (noting for my non-Australian friends that those who were unable to work were given fortnightly support payments).

Here in Australia, while we have the occasional outbreak, life still goes on. And in some parts of our country, things have been “normal” since June 2020!

Since our lockdown has lifted, I’ve spent the last few months coming out of “hibernation” mode. So while international travel is temporarily off the cards, you’ll start to see more content about hiking, outdoors, and road trips.

grampians hikes - boroka lookout at sunrise
This year, I’m hoping to explore closer to home, like the Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia

I know many of my overseas friends reading this are in a completely different situation.

And while we are physically separated, my hope is that my blog is not a space of envy, but one of escape.

I know during some of my hardest times, feeling hopeful that the future will improve and dreaming of future adventures helped me.

The Great Ocean Road, a well-known tourist destinations for locals in my home state

For those who are struggling, I hope you are staying safe. It feels cliche to say that. But my hope for my dear readers is that you and your families are staying safe. Truly.

For readers of this blog, you’ll see me around here posting new content and over on my Instagram. Feel free to reach out and say hello!

Much love,

MG

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Category: Musings

About Mae-Gene Yew

Why hello there, new friend! I'm Mae-Gene, the travel-obsessed Aussie girl behind The Wandering Suitcase blog.

I'm obsessed with eating copious amounts of sushi and hiking in New Zealand. But on most days you can find me in my home city of Melbourne dreaming of my next adventure, working my lil' corner of the internet (this blog!) or gettin' ready to strap on my hiking boots. Read more...

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