Well, guys what am I supposed to say. I promised you to write more frequently and finish the posts in my queue. Regarding that I released my blog post announcing the big change 23 days ago, I pretty much failed. I haven't released any of the promised posts.

First of all: I'm sorry about that.

I mean I could say that I have alot going on and I actually do. But not in the way you might think. There are like a million (over dramatizing a little) thoughts in my head about things that I want to achieve and want to experience. Maybe you know this kind of feeling. I mean I do get things done, but not the ones I really really want to. I'm taking some baby steps, but want it all. And I want it all NOW as in RIGHT NOW.

Guess what, it's not working out. 

Oh well here comes over perfectionism, the so-called drama in my head. Looking at my blog, you may have recognized the new theme I applied. It just feels right to have a new theme for the new era. Even though it's not exactly working out like I want it to. On the one hand, it looks pretty, but some certain things don't work. And I work hard to fix them. I have such high expectations that

'I can't find time to write new blog posts.'

At least that's what I feel like, but the truth is that I simply struggle with my priorities. I can't manage to prioritize the things I love before the things I have to do. I get constantly caught up in little things and don't do the things I actually love and really want to do.

So first step to take is to write some ToDo lists. I have like 5 different ToDo lists which is a lot. But it keeps me focused on all the different things I want to get done. All of them have different topics and deadlines. I think deadlines only make sense when you have to get things done shortly or want to break down a big project in smaller pieces.

Whether you choose to use a deadline or not, you can easily start by writing down the top 3 things you want to get done toaday right after you wake up.

Long story short

To be honest, I finally realized that the all perfect theme won't help me anything. I mean you're here to read, right? You want new information, thoughts and inspiration.

The most important thing I learned during this process is that none of us is perfect. Stop stressing yourself and start enjoying your life and the things you really want to do!

Feel free to right click and print this little mantra to remind yourself to stop stressing yourself. You deserve it!

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Today I decided to finally release a new blog post. I realized how much fun writing is. And I enjoyed writing about the experiences I've made in Australia. There are some more blog posts about Australia in the queue. I'll just finalize them, so they are ready to upload. I'm very thankful for this opportunity and the beautiful people I've met. Thank you all so much for the wonderful time!

You may be wondering why I'm posting so infrequently her on My Sheer Wanderlust. Truth is I'm a super perfectionist and I just can't release anything without being 100% happy about it. And it truly bugs me, so I decided to just release a post every week. Even though I may not be entirely happy with my work. I mean I can still edit posts later on anyway. The urge to share my thoughts and interests with you guys is so much stronger.

So I asked myself what I'm going to do with my travel blog in the future. Since I'm starting a traineeship I won't be traveling as much in the future. But there are many other topics I want to talk about. One of the many things I work on the most lately is my personal growth. There are quite some blogs that inspire me and also inspired me to write about personal growth myself. I thought about starting a new blog, but I honestly don't want to give up My Sheer Wanderlust. I've put lots of work, love and effort in this blog and all of its details. Plus, I realized what the words My Sheer Wanderlust actually mean to me. I'm a restless soul. I simply can't sit still. I'm never done exploring. And I always seek for something new, something hidden and unexpected. The title My Sheer Wanderlust expresses all of this much more than I thought. It's not only describing me travel wise. Actually, it's describing me as a person and my always searching soul. This is why I decided to keep this blog as it is. It's my baby, it feels like a part of me now. It has just added a whole other dimension and understanding of myself.

I hope you are interested in taking this next step together with me. To explore a new world and more diverse topics. But don't you worry, since my soul is super restless I will never stop traveling. Thank you for your time!

Never forget that you're worth it!

Love Sandra

Phillip Island really knocked me off my feet. Its beauty is super impressive. And I just LOVE the ocean. The pure blue water and the sound of crashing waves always make me feel calm and settled. No matter where I am or what's going on in my life. The ocean makes me feel home all the time. Look at this pure blue. I could watch it 24/7 and hear the waves crashing, feeling the breeze, breathing the absolutely clear and fresh air.

When walking around Phillip Island you will get to see so many beautiful views and landscape. Like I mentioned there's the ocean as well as lots of green bushland. But the most amazing thing about Phillip Island are the penguins. The little penguin lives here on Phillip Island. Well, they spent most of their time in the sea getting fish for themselves and their babies. But after the sun goes down they get out of the sea and make their way over the beach up to their burrows. And if you pay some money you can watch them on their way out of the sea and support the protection of the little penguin. It's definitely worth it and honestly the cutest thing I've ever seen! Look at this little bugger. the little penguin baby in its little home his burrow.

About 32,000 little penguins live on Phillip Island. And they really are little. The little penguins are only 33cm (13in) tall. It's really amazing and beautiful to see all the little penguins making their way home after a successful day or even multiple days. They can also stay in the ocean for a longer period of time. Watching them waddle down the beach is just super cute. They look well fed, just like me after Christmas. With their bellies full of fish, it looks like they can barely walk. ;)

If you ever have the chance to watch these cute little penguins, you totally have to do it! It's a completely different experience than going to the zoo and watch the penguins do some tricks. On Phillip Island, they're just the wild animals following their normal routine in the life of a little penguin. And I promise watching this pure beauty of nature will make your heart melt.

Have you ever been able to explore and experience the beauty of Phillip Island?

Since you are not allowed to take pictures of the little penguins of Phillip Island anymore all the images of the little penguins used in this blog post are from the official app or website: www.penguins.org.au

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At the beginning of the year I went with the local family I stayed with to a Highland Gathering. They are so much in love with Scotland and we're super excited. I was surprised because I would have never expected a Highland Gathering in Australia. Anyway, I was interested to see what it's like.

So we went to Maryborough in Victoria. Every year lots and lots of Scottish people come here to hold a Highland Gathering.  It's including traditional elements such as barrel toss, Scottish dancing and running. Whereas the running isn't as traditional as I thought. When we arrived the first street parade was just starting. The Scottish people were wearing their traditional clothes and playing traditional music. Each clan marched down the street in their own group and played their own song. I think Scottish music is very cheerful and enjoyable. I felt like I was in Scotland for a day. Even though I was in the middle of Victoria. It felt like another world.

A post shared by ѕαɴdrα (@sandraredhead) on Mar 10, 2018 at 10:30pm PST

I've learned that the state Victoria has a very big Scottish society.  In the 19th century, many Scots came to Australia and settled the beautiful south east of Australia. That's why many different Scotland related events take place all year round especially in Victoria.

I absolutely love to explore different cultures and didn't expect to take part in a Scottish Highland gathering in Australia. But I really enjoyed being in another world for just a day. I think it's amazing how the Scots keep up their traditions and celebration. Even though I'm sure the gatherings here are a bit different and not as big as in Scotland. I was surprised how much work and attention to detail the people put in their uniforms and the whole show.

What I really enjoyed is the music. The traditional Scottish music simply gives you a good feeling and is very cheerful. And of course the traditional dancing cheers you up even more. It makes you wanna dance along. ;)

Have you ever visited Scotland or got in touch with Scottish tradition otherwise? It's definitely on my travel bucket list.

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Well, there are quite some things that are different around Christmas time compared to what I'm used to in Germany.

First of all its on average 25ºC warm. At tops, we had 38ºC in the last days and of course summer will get even hotter. I'm glad we're 'only' expecting 30°C for Christmas. Meanwhile, my friends and family in Germany are complaining about the cold weather. It's freezing and sometimes snowing while temperatures are below 0ºC. But there will probably be no snow at all at Christmas day in Hamburg, like pretty much always in the past years. When I was still a kid we used to have white Christmases more often. I really loved to put my warmest clothes on and build a snowman or take my sleigh to have fun in the snow.

That's why I somehow didn't expect to see Christmas trees in Australia because I always associate Christmas trees with the cold time of the year. Of course, Christmas trees are part of Christmas festivities in Australia as well.

Another thing I realized is that there are no real Christmas markets. I saw some stalls, a little promenade at Docklands in Melbourne but that's it. That's pretty cute compared to Germany. We take our Christmas markets, Schmalzgebäck (a very sweet type of pastry) and Glühwein (also very sweet, mulled wine) very seriously.

Even the streets are just merely decorated compared to Germany. All I saw were some banners, some decorated shops and street lights. Even shopping centers aren't overly decorated. Only some exceptions. In Germany, it's like every tree and they can find is decorated. Really every shop, office, branch bank has excessive decoration. Suddenly, the city is twice as bright with light at night.

In addition to that, I'll be celebrating Christmas mainly on the 25th of December.  While my family and friends back in Germany will be celebrating Christmas on the 24th of December on Christmas Eve.

Another thing that's going to be different is the food. While my family keeps Christmas dinner more low key with traditional homemade potato salad with sausages. Some of my friends do the same while some have a big dinner. It really depends on the family's tradition. Australians celebrate Christmas with a very big meal. We'll have seafood, different kinds of meat, lots of vegetables and dessert. So there will be something for everyone.

Anyway, I'm super excited to celebrate Christmas with a big and lovely Australian family. I hope you have a great time with your loved ones. Where in the world are you celebrating Christmas?

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