I traveled to Australia with a boyfriend and returned home without one.
They say traveling with your significant other can be a true test of a relationship. In our case, this proved true.
We arrived in Queensland, Australia – me & Eric, my boyfriend (at the time). When we made our trip home? He no longer held that title. Queensland is the perfect backdrop for couples in love – picturesque beaches, swaying palms, amazing nature… What could go wrong?
“OMG SPIDER”
The untrained eyes become wary of anything that crawls, slithers or swims with that “everything can kill you in Australia” mentality. Because suddenly every spider scurries like a Funnel Web, any reptile/amphibian coils like a brown snake and every crested wave appears as a shark fin. However, in 2 weeks, our closest deadly creature encounter was a croc… on a crocodile boat tour.
“Flat what? Flat white? I’ll just take a black coffee. A long black? Is that just a coffee?”
For the American who needs his daily injection of caffeine (hi, Eric!), the common coffee culture took a minute (or 4 days) to understand. What we’d consider a standard black coffee in the US is our essential “coffee-flavored water” or “filtered coffee” down under. After several failed attempts of ordering a “black coffee” and receiving an unbearably bitter “long black,” we cracked the code that what we consider a standard coffee is not the Australian standard. I have to admit, I grew quite fond of the flat white.
Long black = espresso shot topped with hot water
Flat white = espresso topped with steamed milk
P.S… You can now find flat whites in the U.S. [PRAISE YOU, ALMIGHTY STARBUCKS!]
“Maybe this bar has cheap beer…”
Though naming conventions like “schooner” and “pot” rolled off the tongue as easily as “tall” and “short”, the PRICE caused a strange tongue-tied-babbling-choking sound. Most of the bar beer prices seemed to rest over the $8 range for a standard run of the mill, watered-down beer. I would cry if I had to pay $8 for a tall Miller Lite at home.
“Tax & Tips included?! High five!”
With Aussie pricing, what you see is what you get. Tax and “tip” are included in the price presented. There’s neither guesswork in the final bill nor math in determining tip. It is what it is. So maybe that beer wasn’t as expensive after all…?
“Wait a sec. How do I flush?”
While most northern hemisphere dwellers curiously ask “which direction does the water flush in Australia?” I inquired with puzzlement, “Wait, HOW do I flush the toilet?” On my first toilet experience, I was presented with 2 buttons. Two? Buttons? Where’s the handle? Cue porcelain perplexity. The discovery: button 1 = half flush = good for #1; button 2 = full flush = good for #2. This toilet design significantly reduces water usage and energy, making it environmentally friendlier to do your business.
“How are you going?”
Huh? Wait, do you mean “Where are you going?’ Or “How are you doing?” How do I answer a question like that? Perhaps my answer should be, “I am well and heading west.” Really, this Aussie expression asks “how are you” (in American terms) but it still sounds awkward when the word “going” hits the ear.
“Left. Left. Left. Left.”
There’ll never be a “first moment” I’ll remember more about Australia than when Eric leaned in to peer out the window as our flight descended into Sydney. I expected a statement of adoration as the pink sunrise burst over the coast, but instead, the first thing he articulated after a moment of intense observation was complete bewilderment: “Uhhhh…. are they driving on the wrong side of the road?!” The entirety of the trip (especially in Sydney) required complete concentration as we trained our bodies to stay to the left. And eat with our utensils and cups to the left.
“It’s tea time… again?”
I know about the Brits and their love affair with tea, but the Aussie love story with their tea was a new one for me. I mean, it makes sense as a former British colony. But every tour we booked had “tea & damper” scheduled into the itinerary. And damper? What the heck is that?
Rockets belong in space… not on my plate.
Nearly every dish had rocket in it. Turns out rocket is just a less fancy-sounding, more Australian way of saying “arugula.” I still wonder why it’s called rocket.
Speaking of words… AUSSIE SLANG!!
Of course I’d get giddy when the expressions “G’day” or “mate” or “barbie” were used in conversation, but when NEW unheard slang was introduced to my vocabulary, it was equally as thrilling. Some of my favorites from the trip: takeaway = carryout; greenies = hippies; smash repair = collision shop; jetty = pier; heaps = lots/loads
And speaking of speaking… Pronunciation!
Of course that Australian accent is both swoon-worthy and entertaining, but nothing made the sounds of a record ripping than hearing an Aussie say “tomato” or “fillet.”
To-may-toe became Toe-MAH-toe and fill-ay transformed to fill-IT. That silent “t” found it’s place downunder. We could never bring ourselves to say it the Australian way. It was just… impossible for my brain to let go.
“IS THAT A DIDGERIDOO?!”
There’s no mistaking that earthly and distinct noise that resonates from Australia’s aboriginal instrument, the didgeridoo. And it was a complete tourist-Amanda-magnet. Every time I heard one playing in the distance, my excitement overflowed and I NEEDED to find it. It’s not every day that I hear a didgeridoo in the streets.
Asian Persuasion Invasion
Though I see many cultures in the Metro-Detroit area, the Asian diversity was very refreshing to experience. I never associated much of Australia with Asia, even with it’s proximity, but there’s no denying the Asian presence with the people and influence in food and culture. There’s a reason I had a craving for sushi every day.
“Why is everyone so… nice?”
And everything so clean? And life seemingly perfect? Of course there is no perfect destination, but walking around Darling Harbour or Circular Quay gave us an unbelievable sense of utopia. No, these areas didn’t feel touristy, most people we encountered were locals. We felt safe and comfortable. Every one was dressed nicely and acted friendly. There was no litter trashing the area. Even construction sites were thoughtfully beautified as we “pardoned their dust.” Why are people smiling and saying hello? Where are the sagging pants and riffraff? Why am I not clutching my purse securely with both hands like I do back home?
“When can I come back?”
The saddest thought about being a visitor in Australia is just that – being simply a visitor. It is a shame that such amazing country is on the other side of the world and takes more time and money than many can manage. Since we’ve been home, a weekly topic of discussion has been, “How can we get back down under, mate?”
5 International Escapes from Metro Detroit
Where to go on a long weekend getaway from Metro Detroit? Perhaps you’ve seen my first post, with 5 attainable road trips close to home. In that list, all the suggestions were out of Michigan but still stateside. Here we’re taking it up a notch – we’re dusting off that passport (or enhanced license) and hopping the border.
I’ve once been of the thought that “Canada doesn’t count” as a new country to visit, since it’s a ridiculously fast drive to foreign land. But our neighbor to the north deserves more attention when it comes to new destinations to visit for a long weekend road trip.
The rules for this small list were simple: The location must be (1.) in Canada, (2.) less than 300 miles away (3.) a fun place to visit. Note: distances were calculated from Campus Martius in Detroit.
They are realistic, achievable, affordable and not too far away from home. Here it is: 5 attainable INTERNATIONAL long weekend getaways from Metro Detroit.
5 Attainable Long Weekend Getaways from Metro Detroit
Where to go on a long weekend getaway from Metro Detroit? As lovely as Pure Michigan is, the itch for a small change of scenery happens. The improving weather means music up, windows down, and go, go, go. It’s time to get moving – with long weekend road trips that are affordable and attainable. Here is a list of 5 adventures that aren’t too far away for Metro Detroiters to visit.
The rules for this small list were simple: The location must be (1.) outside of Michigan, (2.) approximately 350 miles away (3.) a fun place to visit. Note: distance was calculated from Campus Martius Park in Detroit.
They are realistic, achievable, and affordable road trips not too far away from home. Here they are: 5 attainable long weekend getaways from Metro Detroit.
26 Things I Hope to Accomplish During My 26th Year
Here’s the trick to making lists of goals: always throw in a few things that are already guaranteed to come to fruition. I suppose the fitting way to mark this birthday is to write up a list of things I’d like to do during the next year. Goals stay as goals when they remain in your head. They only become action items when written and shared. So this morning I started my birthday with a cannoli for breakfast and a full day of work. But my affinity for lists and thoughts for the next year inspired me to take a moment to reflect and write down 26 things I hope to do/accomplish during my 26th year. (more…)
There’s something fishy about Hamilton Island. And no, I’m not trying to be punny or facetious since it is, well, an island that naturally has an abundance of fish.
Sometimes I do my research about a place SO WELL before I decide to travel there. Other times I see a photo, fall into a state of awe, make my travel commitment without much more thought. Such was the case with Hamilton Island. A few photos of Whitehaven Beach and a helicopter view of the tropical Whitsundays left no question in my mind – I NEEDED to see this.
Lucky for me, Hamilton Island – one of the few inhabited islands in the 74 Whitsundays – was one of the destinations I could choose for my 5 Days in Queensland trip.
I sensed Hamilton Island’s “fishiness” before we arrived. Just take a look at their website – perfectly branded and informative; Social media accounts brilliantly managed. Nearly anything I wanted to know about the island or needed to book for the island was centrally located.
Upon our arrival, all visitors were picked up on a bus from the airport and dropped off (for free) at our accommodation. A branded folder intricately stuffed with anything you’d need to know about Hamilton Island waited at our hotel. Details about every restaurant, shop, activity, hiking trail, etc. etc. was a turn of the page away. For the tech enthusiasts/paperless greenies, Hamilton Island even has its own app (I learned in Oz that “greenies” means “hippy.” I like it). Beyond the expected “things to do” guide, this app includes bus timetables, weather information, and audio tours.
We discovered that we could swim in any of the nearby pools and our complementary breakfast buffet could be enjoyed at multiple restaurants [by the way, these brekky buffets were ah-mahz-ing]. Every kayak and SUP and sailboat matched with that well branded beachy blue, palm tree green, and sunshine yellow. Even the golf-carts bumped around like a happy little Utopian transportation zooming past the free shuttle service.
Everything was just too perfectly cohesive and in sync with each other. It seemed fishy. It started to feel almost… Disneyworldish (minus random characters frolicking about)… like this destination was perfectly crafted to create an enjoyable experience for its visitors….
Because it was.
It was like some Marketing Guru walked into a Hamilton Island planning meeting and said, “Don’t worry blokes, I got this.”
During the second day of feeling slightly perturbed over this paradise-esque island, we flipped on the TV (it was raining). On played an infomercial (which replayed and replayed and replayed) about Hamilton Island’s history and activities…
Hamilton Island is owned by Bob Oatley. And therefore, many of the businesses on Hamilton Island are owned by the Oatley family as well. The Oatleys are winemakers and sailors… and they purchased Hamilton Island (sounds like a good gig to me). It’s a tourist island and was developed for the purpose of… just guess… tourism! Rich guys with lots of money buying islands and making more money. Sure, there are a few people who live there, but they’re either voraciously wealthy or island workers. As far as I know.
It wasn’t always owned by the Oatleys. The island was first* possessed by Keith Williams, an entrepreneur who charged in during the 1970s to develop the island into a tourist magnet full of hotels, restaurants, a boat harbor, airport, golf course and more. He essentially laid down the blueprint/vision of Hamilton Island’s future. If there’s one thing that stands out on Mr. Williams’ resume, it’s his role in designing & developing Sea World on the Gold Coast. Theme park. Tourist destination. Okay, NOW I’m understanding the origin of the fishiness of this island…
*not, of course, including the original aboriginal island dwellers.
It seemed slightly inauthentic and forced, but that’s probably because it was – this “destination” wasn’t established organically. It was pushed there with a purpose, for… tourism! There’s nothing wrong with some good ol’ entrepreneurship to commercialize your own island into a tourist mecca. Shoot, if I had the money… But that’s why the island seemed fishy. It was so perfectly put together, so well-crafted, so designed with the tourist-escapist-mindset. I suppose I wasn’t anticipating the loudness of the commercialization. Maybe I predicted more local charm. We were completely in the company of fellow tourists enjoying their vacation and island workers catering to these vacations. Hamilton Island is a holiday island.
The beauty of Hamilton Island made me breathlessly gasp, “This place is unreal!” And then I found out the beach wasn’t exactly “real” but manmade… yep, totally unreal. Knowing the beach wasn’t natural didn’t make it less beautiful. It just built on the fishiness.
It’s a resort island, duh. Of course they’ll build their own beach! What did I expect?
Answer: See beginning of post where I’m completely taken by the beauty of the Whitsundays without doing any research. I’ve never stayed on an island completely spoiled for tourists. It was a new experience. Not a bad one, just different. No, I didn’t get to meet island locals or behold ‘daily Australian life.’ But that fishy feeling I couldn’t shake? That’s a novice resort visitor staying at her first luxury resort tourist island. And it was pretty blissful. Because I am lucky that a place like that was developed so I could enjoy a sunset like this:
The was much to do and nothing to do. We could fill our days with a million activities and excursions or relax on the beach and lounge by the pool. We could grab tinnies at the convenience store or opulently dine on oysters & champagne at a fancy restaurant. It was on Hamilton Island where I heard my first kookaburra laugh, conquered a bushwalk with incredible views, relaxed on the beach, sailed to Whitehaven, cuddled a koala, and fell more in love with the natural beauty of Queensland.
It was a little fishy, it was a lot expensive, it was brazenly touristy, but it was unpretentiously beautiful. And despite that something fishy, I really, really, really want to go back to Hamilton Island.
There’s no denying the power of a place with a view.
There’s no denying the power of a place with a view that you have to put forth a little effort to see it.
Such was the case with a hike to Passage Peak – the highest point and moderate bush walk of Hamilton Island in Queensland, Australia. It was our final non-traveling day in Oz. After a few days of steady rainfall, the morning began in a misty, tropical haze, but showed promise of clearing. Time for a bush walk. Finally.
The trail begins inconspicuously behind the Reef View Hotel. It’s rather unexpected – preparing for beautiful nature walk – and passing behind the scenes of a massive commercial building. Reminded me of that song… They paved paradise, put up a parking lot.
Halfway through the journey up, I came to the disappointing realization that I had over-estimated my fitness – it was exhausting! Despite my youth, energy & good health, this became a tiring hike. Kudos to my heavy backpack full of camera equipment & water to add to the challenge. Good thing I had a travel companion: when the backpack got too heavy, Eric took responsibility. When Eric got too hot from the backpack, it switched back to me. Teamwork. Or true love.
Amid the uphill trudge of burning thighs & calves, we admired the abundant nature of the island – flowers, butterflies, greenery. I finally fulfilled a lifelong goal of hearing a kookaburra laugh in the wild (big dreams, right?). Immediate regret bringing that “emergency” umbrella – the trees were natural umbrellas from the periodic drizzle that threatened our trek. I remained constantly over-alert throughout the hike, training my eyes to recognize movements of brown snakes or creepy spiders. Never saw them. Though we did see these sights on our ascent:
The last half mile was the confidence killer. Steep & unforgiving, by that point most of my energy had been expelled in the previous hour. Surely the top will be after the next hill. No? Okay, then the next steep climb? No? Another? OMG ARE WE THERE YET?! A family with kids laughed when they told us we still had a ways to go. Then told us if their small children could do it, we could do it. Ouch.
But when we arrived at the top, the views made every step worth it. The clouds cast a muted shadow over the horizon, giving a soft, ethereal view. Like Mother Nature selected her own natural filter. Like I was admiring through a sheer curtain of mist. This vantage point of the Whitsundays would have been worth ten hikes up. Seeing those islands cut like dormant tropical kingdoms through the ocean was more than any words or postcards could capture.
Bring water, but remember there are no bathrooms.
Wear good hiking/climbing shoes. Flip flops are a bad choice.
Wear light & pack light. Don’t weigh yourself down.
There is a nice picnic area at one point along the trail.
Pace yourself.
See the highest point in the photo above? That’s where we hiked to. This photo was taken from the balcony at Reef View Hotel, where we began. A long trek, but worth it!
Koalas. Those cute, fuzzy, gray marsupials with noses like big mushrooms and mobility like a drunk baby. It’s criminal to travel all the way down under and not hug this iconic Australian animal. There are only two states in Oz that allow visitors to hold koalas, and Queensland is one of them.
We decided to wait until we arrived on Hamilton Island for this animal encounter for the sole reason that WILD LIFE Hamilton Island offers breakfast with the koalas every morning. Breakfast – our favorite (and the most important) meal of the day – WITH a koala dining companion? Sold. There’s also that warm fuzzy thought [pun intended] that WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is not just a zoo – it’s an animal rescue center.
When we entered the vicinity of the restaurant, my first thought was “Where are all the koalas?!” It took a minute of playing Where’s Waldo, but there they were, hanging out in the trees among the diners. We picked a table with a great vantage point. Though they rested in the trees like living ornaments, I couldn’t help but feel that their breakfast duty was more of an annoyance between the squealing kids and clinking of forks scraping away at the eggs, bacon, and sausage brekky. Can koalas roll their eyes? Between sleep, I swear I witnessed the koala glaring through tired, slitted eyes when dishes loudly clanged at the breakfast buffet. But if there is such a thing as relaxing with grace, these koalas were experts.
After overindulging everything on the menu, it was time for the main event: Koala cuddling. Introducing the cuddler of the day: Willow, the tiniest (& most adorable) koala resident at WILD LIFE Hamilton Island.
I’ve heard that koalas can rip faces off (True? Or no?) and those long, black claws reached out toward me with purpose; I hesitated for a minute, not knowing what to do with myself. Sorry, I’ve never received How To Hold A Koala training before! “Cradle the bottom” the keeper instructed. “Touch its butt?!” I hesitated again, feeling like I would violate poor Willow with some behind contact. Throwing reluctances aside, I ignored the thought of her discolored derriere and reached out to the adorable creature. All she wanted was something to grasp, so Willow reached longingly as she was passed along: I cradled the butt, hugged her close… and she grabbed on to the ta-ta, clutching for extra security. I guess you can say things got personal pretty quickly.
Holding Willow felt like a sack of sand plopped in a koala pillow case. She was a bottom-heavy, floppy creature. Her thick, dense fur, slightly wiry and surprisingly plush wasn’t necessarily soft, but definitely fuzzy and padded and completely cuddle-able. Willow was so cute, I didn’t even mind that she chose to go straight to second base.
Getting Groped by a Koala: Definitely bucket list worthy.
Isn’t she adorable? If I could have kidnapped her and taken her home with me, I would have. But I suppose, in a way, I did. I have the most epic professional souvenir photo of us hanging in my office cubicle. It thrills when my co-workers ask about the photo (“Is that your baby?” “Is that real?” “How did you hold a koala?!”). When my work days get dull & I dwindle to adventure-emptiness, those koala cuddling moments captured on paper prompt a smile. It inflates me with happiness… and hope that more creature friends will find their way into my travels in the future.
Is cuddling a koala something you’d like to do one day? What animals have you befriended on your travels? I’d love to hear in the comments!
I drove there by memory. Though if memory failed, there were enough signs pointing the way, much like the Star of Bethlehem to the Three Kings. And as I drove nearer, I grew weary with the road winding through the darkness, passing the occasional home, barn or church, but no indication of my destination. Did I go the wrong way? I began to hesitate.
Then, just as the road curved ahead – a light! Then another! Then THOUSANDS! Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, beamed ahead with enough Christmas lights to rival the night sky.
Just how large is the largest? Well, Bronner’s is situated on 27 acres, is open 361 days per year, greets 2 million visitors annually, and holds over 50,000 Christmas goodies to sell. And my favorite fact I recently learned from the PureMichigan blog? The average electric bill is $1,250… PER DAY! Oh, and there’s a reason why you get a handy dandy map to guide your shopping experience… because it’s just that large.
There’s a section of Bronner’s dear to my heart. It’s toward the back, near the Christmas trees and angel tree toppers. I had to pass various nativity scenes, nutcrackers of every size, colorful stockings and artists personalizing ornaments. I trotted through the Santa section, perused the food decorations (& giggled at the bacon ornaments), and paused by the cafeteria to inhale the wafting hot chocolate.
There it was, my favorite section: Christmas Around The World.
Did you know you can travel the world at the world’s largest Christmas store? Because for the next hour, I swear I became so enveloped in the detail of the ornaments that the holiday tunes seemed to mute, the smell of cinnamon and pine grew stronger, and the lights from the decor created bokeh in my peripheral vision as my imagination took me to every country with ornaments on display at Bronner’s.
Here were some of my favorites:
Before I left, I watched two young boys excitedly waving the different flags from different countries. They may not be globetrotters yet, but perhaps their magical visit to Bronner’s was a small introduction to how beautiful our world is.
If you ever visit Frankenmuth, Michigan, Bronner’s is a must. Even if you just peruse the Around the World section to fuel your wanderlust, you’ll leave with so much holiday and worldly spirit, you may just drive off singing Christmas carols in Spanish. Feliz Navidad!
This post is apart of the 2014 Travel Advent Calendar Series created by Shere y Paul. The 25 Days of Travel. Be sure to follow along here to see where we’re headed next.
Thousands entered in The Buried Life & Contiki’s Most #EpicBucketList Contest (ever) competition. Only the Top 25 point earners have a chance at the grand prize (an epic adventure from Contiki) and are vying for that “Congratulations!” email we are all anticipating on Friday. We were charged to create a 1-minute video detailing who we are/why we want to win. Sure, this is a competition, but we’re people with aligned passions & positive hearts – we’ve found camaraderie & encouragement through this amazing World Wide Web.
We aren’t just dreamers & wanderlusters, we’re doers who plan to embrace life with stars in our eyes & goals in our pockets. Who are we? Introducing the Top 25 #EpicBucketList finalists & our video submissions (pay attention, you might make a new amigo):
Mini Bio: I recently graduated from McMaster University and work as a Sales & Marketing rep at Rocket SEO & run kids sports programs for the City of Hamilton Recreation Division. I love coaching and playing soccer, but pretty much enjoy any activity that is high energy. I am a complete optimist & romantic and always see the silver lining in every situation. I have been blessed with an amazingly supportive family and friendships that have already lasted decades. They really mean the world to me and I work hard every day to make em all proud: P! Most would say I am easily excited & energetic, but I really just want to see it all and try everything at least once, maybe twice!
Words You Live By: Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Your Superpower: Planning, although that seems boring I am always the individual to plan trips & activities and always want everyone around me to be having the time of their life. It is very rewarding to see everyone having a blast.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: I just recently ran the Run for Hope Marathon with my best friend and although I am an active individual running for long periods of time seemed terrible. I dedicated my race to a special individual that unfortunately was taken from us way too young and her strength and endurance motivated me to keep trucking through the rain and snow.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I really want to go to Australia, live out of my car and live the carefree life, oh and of course learn to surf.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Samantha B.
Mini Bio: I’m a Fashion Merchandising student graduating THIS MAY and still not mentally ready for it. I have an absolute love for travel ever since I studied abroad for a semester my sophomore year in London. I left a little (giant) piece of my heart there. I love getting involved with as many things as possible and that’s a major drive for my bucket list. Why not do as many awesome things as you can before you die?
Words You Live By: “Life is really just beautiful moments one after right another.” -Zach Sobiech
Your Superpower: panics Uhm, I’m really good at responding to emails….BUT I WISH I COULD FLY.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Riding an elephant!
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Go on the Rickshaw Run!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Challenge Video!
Mini Bio: 25 y/o Canadian. Collector of stories, maker of memories. I’ll probably convince you to come on a last minute adventure, and even call in sick for you.. My passport is my favourite accessory.
Words You Live By: Always play.
Your Superpower: Flight.
Favourite Bucket List Item Completed: Saw Red Bull Rampage in person this fall. If you don’t know what that is, google it. It’s unreal.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I’ve decided I’m heading to New Zealand this winter (for their summer), I just haven’t figured out how…
#EpicBucketList Video: Trish B’s Epic Bucket List
Mini Bio: Graduated with a degree in marketing, international studies & Spanish. Formerly president of the student body at my university, now president of my cubicle. I do marketing for a company in the insurance/banking industry but I fill my free time with blogging, learning, singing in a chorale, being a local tourist, finding adventures & enjoying craft beers (I’m looking at you, Final Absolution). I’m also obsessed with my cat. And chocolate. And travel. Definitely travel. It’s my destiny to get my own Travel Channel show.
Words You Live By: “I’d rather be ashes than dust.”
Your Superpower: Smiling. It’s contagious. And powerful.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Volunteering in China to teach English.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Go streaking in Antarctica. And collect my family history.
#EpicBucketList Video: Amanda’s Epic Rap
Mini Bio: Full time Barber/Stylist/Bar industry worker. Dancer for 10yrs traveling big cities such as DC, San Diego, performing for dance showcases. Past 3yrs have been performing/entertaining onstage with big DJs such as Swedish house mafia and nervo for music festivals in home town. Past two years teaching hiphop to youth outreach programs getting kids to share the stage at out yearly showcase. Cutting hair for 3yrs, also traveling to cities such as Toronto and New York to learn new cutting techniques. I also work the front door at local clubs helping out in the industry once every week or two. If I’m not working I’m overall still being a pretty active human being; gym, rollerblading, hiking, skating.
Words You Live By: Just be. Can’t stop won’t stop.
Superpower: Having fun, making new friends, socially interacting with people by keeping them positive and happy
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: I have 3. Bartended for 3years, Traveled and seen half of Canada, Taught a hiphop class where I took my first class.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Travel to, teach and do adventures in places other than big cities.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Challenge (day in the life)
Mini Bio: Hello! My name is Christina and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Global Health and Physiology. I am a well-rounded and adventurous person; you can find me either helping the homeless and at my local hospital in the community, or attending a music festival or winter camping with my friends. I love to try new things, and most importantly, work on completing my bucketlist, which I am constantly working at completing.
Words You Live By: Seize the day.
Your Superpower: Flying.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Volunteer Trip to Kenya
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Attend Tomorrowland
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Entry for An Epic Contest
Mini Bio: I’m 20 years old studying journalism at Indiana University.
Words You Live By: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs
Your Superpower: beer pong
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Pull the horn on a train.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? See the Northern Lights.
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List With Buried Life Contiki
Mini Bio: 24 years old, going to University of Manitoba, taking environmental science, love to travel, and volunteer with animals.
Words You Live By: The more you travel the more you learn who you are.
Your Superpower: Having an animal instantly fall in love with me.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Going to Africa and hanging out with cheetahs.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Too many, most recently i want to go to Costa Rica to surf and save turtles, or go to Thailand and volunteer with elephants and also surf.
#EpicBucketList Video: bucket list
Mini Bio: I love music, making videos and doing rad things.
Words You Live By: Live In The Moment.
Your Superpower: I’m Batman, so I have none.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Be part of a devinsupertramp video.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Make a living doing something I love.
#EpicBucketList Video: Justin’s #EpicBucketList Entry
Mini Bio: I’m a Junior Nursing student at Binghamton University- set to graduate in May 2016! I already have a degree in neuroscience- it is clear that I have a passion for science and health care. I would like to volunteer in the Peace Corps and become a traveling nurse full time. In my spare time I love to draw and paint-most recently picked up welding for sculpture. I’m also planning on starting my yoga certification so I can teach. It is my goal to help people by teaching yoga and as a nurse manage stress and help people through anxiety and depression through healthy habits.
Words You Live By: “Something good is going to happen to you.” My Dad always says it to remind me that things are not so bad, and there’s always something around the corner.
Your Superpower: Teleportation
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Visited Normandy- the beaches and the cemetery and memorial.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? It’s a tie between. Strike a yoga pose in every major city and country I visit! Headstands all over the globe- And write a pet friendly travel handbook- list all the pet friendly hotels and hostels as well as places to visit with your furry best friend!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Contest Finalist Movie
Mini Bio: Well, I have been able to do a lot on my list, like my video says. But after graduating university and getting my dream job doing what I love for an awesome company, I’ve had to put my dreaming on hold. Rent, bills, insurance, taxes, I can’t do much else right now. I love travel (I’ve been to 19 countries). I love learning. I love racing my family’s old 356 Porsche (I’m actually kinda good!). I used to be able to squat 150 pounds. I still hold two swimming records at my home pool from when I was seven. I appreciate art in unusual places and well crafted things. I also knit, weld, and can run in heels.
Words You Live By: There is always something new to learn about a culture and yourself and travel is the best way to bring it out! Superpower: Flight. To be like a bird. I just want to run off something high, jump, and soar!
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Living abroad for a year. I studied abroad in London 2011-12 and it was the best year of my life. Made amazing friends and memories.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? I would love to be a surrogate. I am kinda scared of children, but to bring a life into the word and add to someone’s family which wouldn’t otherwise be complete would be really fulfilling.
#EpicBucketList Video: Kim’s Epic Bucket List Finalist Video AKA #SolidBronzeWalken
Mini Bio: So clearly my name is Stephen Bob Shapeshifter Schaefer! Haha but no actually it’s just Stephen Michael Schaefer but EVERYONE calls me Bob! I’m from Fleming Island, Florida. I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and graduated from UCF. I work with kids in an after school program being a role model for them and I’m about to become a teacher. But hopefully soon I’m going to go back to school to be a commercial pilot!
Words You Live By: I literally use this quote all the time to help motivate me to be myself and it’s by Robert Downey Jr. “Listen, Smile, Agree. And then do whatever the fuck you were gonna do anyway.”
Your Superpower: is being a wizard a super power cause EXPELLIARMUS!! If not then I’ll go with Flying.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Complete an Olympic Triathlon (1 mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6 mile run.. I did very little training haha).
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? (so hard to pick!!!) either play a real life game of where’s Waldo in a city or act in a movie with Adam Sandler.
#EpicBucketList Video: The Most Epic Bucket List Ever!
Mini Bio: My entire family is from Ukraine, but I was born in Rome. Came to the USA when I was a baby. Have my bachelors in biochemistry. My dream job is to become a physical therapist for a professional soccer team (Liverpool FC <3).
Words You Live By: “If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them. Do not allow the actions of others to decrease your good manners, because you represent yourself, not others.”
Your Superpower: Making surprises or pulling pranks on people.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Flew to Miami just to see my favorite soccer player and England play.
What do you want to do before you die? Celebrate New Years in every major city in the world (at least Sydney, Paris, and London).
#EpicBucketList Video: The Most Epic Bucket List Contest (France) The Buried Life
Mini Bio: I’m a first year emergency veterinarian learning something new every day; it’s definitely been a transformational year. I grew up in Florida and went to UF for undergrad. Between undergrad and vet school I spent time interning at a phenomenal wildlife center in Texas with cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes and a ton of other beautiful and unique animals. I got to take care of an emu named Einstein. My two biggest passions in life are traveling and animals. I’ve been to some beautiful places (Sri Lanka, India, Galapagos Islands) but there are so many more places and people I want to see and meet in this world.
Words You Live By: “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity.” George Bernard Shaw
Your Superpower: If I could pick one – teleportation. In real life – being able to read people.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Traveling to Sri Lanka and working with elephants.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Volunteer at a penguin conservation in South Africa (SANCCOB) and an Olympic Opening ceremony, hoping for Brazil 2016!
#EpicBucketList Video: Epic Bucket List Buried Life Video
Mini Bio: I’m a person who loves to fully explore life. I am exceptionally curious and, therefore, learning is probably my favorite activity after adventuring. I graduated from the University of Denver one year ago, and I currently work for 2 non-profits and lead middle schoolers in Wyld Life. I love books, Nutella, geocaching, and the movie UP. I have 2 pet mice named Poppet and Widget. I can chirp like a little bird. I am imperfect.
Words You Live By: Measure your wealth in smiles.
Your Superpower: I can instantly detect if something is crooked on a wall.
Favorite Bucket List Item Completed: Surfing on sand – which I completed this summer with my adventure buddies at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.
What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? This is a toss up between two of my favorite list items. It’s my dream to go on my “Great No Directions Road Trip” across North America, but I also really want to get shot out of a cannon before I die.
#EpicBucketList Video: Shaylee’s EpicBucketList
** If you’ve been counting, you probably noticed that there aren’t 25 on this list. This was just a ‘for fun’ community thing we put together and not everyone participated. These finalists are like Pokemon. But enjoy anyway! **