Better be home soon

I've spent 688 days in Australia.

So let's go back to the predictions I made all those days ago:

The sweaters were definitely the biggest waste of space, except for when I spent those few weeks in Melbourne, then they were awesome. But I was definitely bemoaning finding space for them again as I packed to come back.

I came with 9 pairs of shoes. I'm leaving with 9. However, I think there are only 2 pairs of overlap. I also go rid of another 8 pair in the packing. I'm not sure what this says about me. Maybe that I'm a girl?

I've also visited 5 out the 6 states and 1 of 2 territories.

I've taken countless pictures and read countless books. And so far (24 hours to go) have not been the victim of any venomous attack.

Looking back, my expectations for a 6 month jaunt down under bear very little resemblance to actually living here. My adventures here have been scary and lonely, thought-provoking and encouraging, rapturous and victorious. I well and truly can't imagine my life now without the amazing friends I've made along the way. How beautious mankind is! O brave new world, that has such people in it!

Lauren, one of my best friends here, said to me that now that I've lived here I will always be homesick no matter where I am. Missing Australia while in the US and missing the US while I'm here. I hope so.