The Canadians, Rainbow Serpent 2009

I’ve been sitting on the fence about whether or not to go back to Australia next January. In a year that will see me travelling through New Zealand, Thailand and South Korea, adding in a fourth destination seemed a little gluttonous. I was also balking as the lineup wasn’t thrilling me.  But then I had a chat with my friend Stephanie (in the purple).  Things Tend To Happen™ when I talk to her, so I really shouldn’t be that surprised that I’m sitting here writing this post.

I realized a few things, during our talk:

1. I miss her; and since she’s moving to Melbourne next month,  I wont get to see her until next June (and it’s already been since Jan 2009)
2. How often will I have the chance to spend a few weeks in Aussie on under $1500?
3. That it’s been forever since Ive been A Part of Something;  Steph is running a theme camp at next year’s festival and while I wouldn’t be able to do much with the planning, I would have an unparalleled time while there.
4. Festivals aren’t just about the music. They’re about creative self expression (costumes, dance, play) , strengthening ties with old friends and creating new ties with those you’ve just met.

This time I can go back and not be Broke Ass Kelly (when I went last, I was living in Auckland, unable to find sustainable work. I was on a super tight budget, and it sucked). I will have money to explore and do things. Go out on the town, take day trips out of the city. Go see the Great Ocean Road. I’ve become a more confident person in the ten months since I left home, and whereas when I went to Melbs in January I was hesitant to meet up with other travellers via Couch Surfing, now it’s second nature.

So yep. Tomorrow when the Early Bird Rainbow Serpent tix go on sale, I’ll be buying mine. I’ll have to get a bit creative with my budget to squeeze out funds for this trip, but I’m not worried. My cousin once told me she used to “work to travel”, and I feel that pretty much sums up my life right now. That, and I’m addicted to buying plane tickets (talk about your expensive hobbies, eh?).

More photos from Rainbow Serpent 2009 here.

Possibly related posts:

1. Almost tiki-tour time!