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Children remind us to live, not just exist

Tom Carr | November 16, 2015 | 6:43 am | Comment

inspirational-quote-pic

Children remind us to live, not just exist

“Its not just the places we go, it’s the people we meet that capture the heart”

It’s the very foundation of what Jennifer Adams created just under a decade ago, and the primary reason I am here today.

It’s the people I meet whilst travelling, who make my experiences what they are. The places I see would be somewhat insignificant if they were not shared with people who enhance each and every moment I have abroad.

I’ve always said that the physical world is somewhat stationary – so no matter when or where you return, the spaces in which you move remain relatively unchanged – so why do the experiences we have differ so dramatically?

Because of the people around us: the impermanence of travel, the facet that is forever changing and the notion I am most drawn to.

Africa is a continent I have forever wanted to explore, to meet individuals who have found happiness in environments free of western pollution.

And a few years back I did exactly that – I flew into Nairobi (alone) and made my way (by local overland truck) to Cape Town over a four-month period. The vistas were incredible, food unique and seeing wild animals roam free was breathtaking BUT they’re not the moments I hold close.

I met so many remarkable people on that trip. From all over the world, both travellers and locals – all present for a different reason, each with their own story and life plan.

But it was this particular moment that I wanted to share with you. The day we spent playing with the children of Saidia, an orphanage north of Nairobi in the town of Gilgil.

With us we brought stationary, toys and offered donations to aid the workings of this non-for-profit facility. But that’s not what it was about – donating money and goods is simply a chance for us to assist in ways that we are capable of.

It was actually the opportunity to simply hang out with these kids and just muck around, laugh, sing, play – find happiness in simplicity, the only way children know how – that’s a day well spent in my eyes.

Making someone else’s day brighter using only our imagination, smiles and heart.

Children have this remarkable ability to remind us of what we have lost along the way – our imagination and gratitude for the opportunity to simply live. Not exist, but live.

As I pushed the merry-go-round she smiled and laughed with great excitement, her face was alight and happiness contagious…

About Tom Carr

Hailing from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, travel is one of Tom’s greatest passions. As a 'My Kitchen Rules' alumni, Tom loves nothing more than sharing his wanderlust over a dish that’s been inspired by his latest adventures! Tom is driven by ‘food travel’, often choosing destinations on what culinary delight he may find.

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I was lucky enough explore regional Victoria earli I was lucky enough explore regional Victoria earlier in the year (between lockdowns!), and tour the Goldfields with @big4holidayparks – Sure, I got my much-needed fix of the outdoors and was able to feed my insatiable curiosity as I explored the regions utterly fascinating history & culture, but it was sitting up at the old bar of family run Munari wines, just outside of Heathcote that got me.
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 Chatting to the chief winemaker Adrian Munari, and his daughter India (over a lovely red, of course) I heard all about the historic sheep station that was established in 1871, and life on the property today. (I wonder how the farmers endured the pandemic in 1919?)  
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Here’s to a happy summer holiday for us all, of enjoying those ‘moments’, wherever we are. 
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 I based myself at the @BIG4BendigoAscotHolidayPark 
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 See link in bio if want to plan your own getaway 😍
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#holidayhearthisyear #ExploreBIG4 #BIG4HolidayParks #VisitVictoria @visitmelbourne
WHO WANTS TO **WIN** A LUXURIOUS 2-NIGHT GETAWAY? WHO WANTS TO **WIN** A LUXURIOUS 2-NIGHT GETAWAY?
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How would you (and a friend!) like to escape to NSW’s New England Tablelands on a 2-night LUXURIOUS getaway, experiencing the best of Armidale’s premium accom, stunning food, wine & beer, an immersion in the local arts AND a World-Heritage Listed backyard to cap it off? 
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Your weekend will include: 
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- 2 night premium suite package at the historic Tattersalls Hotel (including food & drink from their award-winning restaurant & breakfast included) 
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- A special "Private Directors Tour" at the New England Regional Art Museum of HINTON: Treasures of Australian Art, plus some goodies to take home! 
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- Grabbing a beer at Great Hops Brewing Company PLUS some special gifts delivered to your home
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- A special Hema Australian Atlas & Guide plus a NSW State Map 
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Take it from me, this is worth entering, and if you do in fact WIN, set your alarm and get up for sunrise in the New England National Park, followed by a trip to Wollomombi Falls (the second highest falls in the county!) - it was sincerely exceptional.
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Oh and say hello to John at the Tattersalls Hotel, Rachael from the Art Gallery, and Sam from Great Hops Brewery. 
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 **TAG A FRIEND YOU'D  LOVE TO TAKE, and increase your chances of winning by both entering.. I know I would 😉❤
.
 **LINK IN BIO **
Good luck, 
Jen xx
WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!! ON TV TODAY 😎🕺 . Would WE HAVE LIFT OFF!!! ON TV TODAY 😎🕺
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Would love you to join me as we celebrate the locals of #armidale on TV today
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Tune in (or set your record buttons) @ 1.30pm, ON TEN **TODAY**
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A special thanks to all those that not only shared their magnificent backyard with us, but who opened their hearts and let our TV cameras in.
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Armidale, you can no longer use the term “hidden treasure” 😉
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Ps did I say “today” enough times? 😆🤪🙏 Jen xx
ARMIDALE IN THE SPOTLIGHT Ready for another cele ARMIDALE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
 
Ready for another celebration of a brilliant person and travel experience for us all?
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Meet James Rainger from @fleetadventures 
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He not only spends his life taking us travellers on scenic chopper tours over his World-Heritage Listed backyard of the #newengland region – he’s one of the many brilliant pilots who you’ll find hovering above the blazing heat helping fight our Australian Bushfires.
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When I shared my nerves about flying, he settled me with in seconds. Super grounded, in safe hands kind-a-feeling, with the biggest sparkle in his eye.
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“To be part of the firefighting team is being in the #armidale  community - we all live here, our kids go to school here, so we love it. Armidale is a community where we all band together, we’re very passionate about our backyard, and we hope it shows.. and we certainly hope people come and see what it’s like. We’ve got a unique view of part of the world that not many people get to see. And there are not hordes of people here, so it’s very personal, we like to bring people into our world and our life – and share it – thank you for taking the time to come and visit us… “
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As for the flight? Put it on your @theaustralianbucketlist
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Jen xx

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