K A L A P A / / #EvinOz

In September 2017, I packed a fraction of my belongings into a backpack and moved myself 10,000+ miles across the globe to Melbourne, Australia. The thought of starting a travel blog occurred to me from the jump but the fear of failing both at blogging and at starting a multi-year chapter down under kept my adventures mostly offline. My experiences in Melbourne were some of the most humbling, heart racing, and mind opening moments in my life. The idea of fear keeping one from saying yes to opportunities was at the forefront of my perspective shifting as I hurtled into a new life where, for the first time, I watched myself authentically flourish. 

As the saying goes “The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, the other is right now.” With that in mind, Kalapa starts now as I eat a veggie burger overlooking the Cairns Esplanade; music thumping in my earbuds and fruit bats flying overhead. To start, Kalapa will be a reflection of my time in Southern Australia, some how-to’s with visas (since I could not find a full helpful guide while applying), travel itinerary ideas, and of course a healthy dose of mindfulness. To see my current environment, head over to Instagram

The name Kalapa is a concept/symbol/word that has been close to my core since my first experience at a Vipassana meditation retreat in March 2015 where my outlook and view of the world experienced a coup in silence while diving into the subconscious mind. I’ll undoubtedly post that story at some point in the near future (Meditative Mondays?). Simply put, my mind’s pathways have changed since my body, ego, and ‘self’ dissolved into bubbly energy on Day 4 of 10. It’s also the story behind my 8 tiny circle tattoos, something that, when asked to explain, rapidly passes all small talk formalities into a deeper connection regardless of level of intimacy.  

The hashtag #EvinOz came to mind because, while it’s obvious that I’m in Australia, a.k.a Oz, the symbolism from the classic Wizard of Oz comes to mind. Oz is a destination of wealth; a goal at the end of a journey or what everyone is chasing. The idea behind this new blog venture is to share my experience of chasing that wealth, journeying for moments and connections that make my life rich. ‘Dirt poor but spirit wealthy’ isn’t just a bohemian sentiment anymore; it’s become the reality of starting a fresh chapter on a new continent and I couldn’t be happier. 

#EvinOz

Smiles at Wineglass Bae, Tasmania

Smile while exploring Thundering Cave at Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road

Smiles after a swim at Tobruk Memorial Pool, Cairns QLD

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