I'm a Prepper – Sort Of

There is something to be said for prepping – not in a dystopian way, because that's a glass half full or even a glass soon-to-be empty philosophy, but in an "I probably should have a quasi-plan for whatever city I'm headed to." Recently, I went around the world with only an airline ticket to my first stop and a two-night hotel reservation. On the other hand, having every day planned out to the Nth degree can be fatal to the type of photography I like to do. As Iron Mike Tyson said, "Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth." 

Enter the internet, YouTube, tips from friends, Google Flights, and the bucket list. Language, coinage, mass transit, tours, cycling and hiking routes, and points of interest give a rough idea of where to stay and what each day might hold, whether a visit is a few days or a month. Plus, learning about a city before you show up can be an exciting prelude to the trip itself. 

Right now, I'm doing due diligence on Brisbane, Australia. I've been to Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, but Brissie, Brizzy, or BrizVegas is new to me. I also want to visit Perth, but that will be another trip. I've found Aussies to be friendly, cheerful, and always ready to poke fun at themselves and visitors, but in a nice way. They don't suffer gasbags, stuffed shirts, or poseurs but have a genuine affection for Yanks, so it's my kind of place. I'm headed there next month, and there's still lots to do!