Does anyone else feel as if they would like a refund on 2020? “Sorry miss, this year just didn’t suit me, I’d like a full refund thanks.” It’s not you 2020… actually it is, it’s all you, I feel that we are not compatible and I think we should go our separate ways. If you were like me, the beginning of 2020 was looking so promising. I had great plans and it was going to be MY year. Then those dreaded letters and numbers ‘C.O.V.I.D.1.9’ started appearing in the news and Facebook feeds, eventually it was inescapable. At first I, like everyone, was in denial, not keen to jump on the apocalypse bandwagon as yet. Then surely, but slowly reality crept in and we could all see life as we currently knew it would change.

Sorry, quite a morbid start, but I promise it gets better. My grand plans for 2020 were to travel the world, to see 30 countries before turning 30 at the end of the year… But before I go on I want to pause briefly now to acknowledge that my story is not even remotely sad nor heartbreaking as the stories of those who are impacted first hand by the virus. Those are truly the ones who my heart goes out to, and I consider myself very blessed. No, mine is a story of slight disappointment and I by no means deserve any sympathy… However, slight disappointment it was when my travels were jeopardized, as were many.

As the situation became more and more sobering I would develop plan B, C and D plans to compensate for my travel loss.  Currently as I write to you international travel is banned and the borders of Queensland are closed. BUT, as I said this is not a sob story. Realising that all my options to physically travel were gone (for now) I devised a plan to travel with my taste buds instead. If I can’t get out and explore the world, then I will at the very least bring the world to my mouth, and eat it. Besides, trying new foods is one of my favorite parts of travel anyway.

And so, the concept for around the world in 80 days was born. In a time were all that we are required to do for the safety of our country is stay at home, I feel lucky that I can have the opportunity to explore. So, let’s talk logistics…

• 80 days
• Either takeaway (cause restaurants are closed) or make it myself
• As many countries as possible in a week
• Some countries may be revisited for the different regions (Italy, China, India etc.)
• Food must be enjoyed with company

Simple.

My aim is to try as many new things as possible and also learn about the country that my taste buds ‘visit’. I think that food and community are so harmonious. I love the way that a meal made with love can bring people together. Through all this the positive to my ‘lock down’ experiment is that I can enjoy it with others (but no more than 5 of course).  Usually when I travel, I am solo so this will be a welcome change. Feel free to join me over the next couple of weeks as we continue to stay home and let the taste buds do the travelling. Bon Voyage!