Who Am I? (My first post!)

After more than tolerable nagging by Ruby, I’ve caved to the idea of documenting both my own, and our combined experiences abroad. I’m not one to express my memories, feelings and experiences all that well, so this may be a good exercise in letting others in on what’s going on between my ears as I’m venturing out and about.

I apologise in advance for my sub-par blogging skills but hope to provide some insight into the journey I’ve undertaken and will soon be taking, mainly for my family, friends and any fellow travellers who may be interested in the sharing of ideas and experiences.

My birth-name is Madison, but beyond anything overly official, I more than always go by Madie and I’m just about 23. I was born and raised on the Gold Coast, Australia, where Rubes and I attended the same school together since we were five or six.

Until 2013, I hadn’t actually left Australia's golden shores, but since, I’ve been fortunate enough to tour South America for rugby, experience a GAP year working in Scotland, bus around a lot of Europe and road-trip through South Africa. Currently, I’ve just finished up a 1-year exchange at the University of Leeds in the UK.

All told, the past few years have taken me through 40 countries, each offering their own unique and special experience, where now I’m hopeful to continue my good fortune to be able to travel to a few more yet, with Rubes too along for the ride.

I find myself still studying an undergraduate degree in urban & environmental planning, where unlike Ruby, I’m taking my time to really maximise the student-life. Though, the up-side to this is that it has allowed us, to live in Leeds and spend some quality time together before we both potentially dive into professional careers.

My affiliation with a sustainability degree is a big part of who I am, which drives me to encourage myself, Rubes and those around me to live in a more mindful way to work with our planet, not against it.

Away from uni, I’m a fanatical participant in all things active and must do something everyday to maintain a positive head space. Back home I turn out for both local Aussie rules and cricket teams during the respective seasons, while also doing my own regular gym, running, swimming and cycling sessions to keep fit. Further away again, I can appreciate and enjoy the purely simple things, where an arvo with mates, some chilled tunes and even chiller beers can be all it takes to satisfy me.

In terms of what you can expect from me on here is me offering a male perspective on travelling (with and without the misso), my exchange experience and the less interesting, but most important aspect of travelling...money (I'm the only responsible one between us). I hope to put up a post every Thursday (give or take), as well as, helping Rubes on the vlog. Thanks for getting this far and I hope to see you soon.

#About #Madie #Introduction #His