Georgina Carr’s novel Upside Down reads like a diary – an intimate collection of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences as she seeks (and finds) adventure throughout Australia.  In her humorous and informal style, Georgina offers an inspiring story about daring to leave behind a monotonous desk job and start anew in completely unfamiliar, exciting, sometimes dangerous surroundings.

We had driven twenty-one hours, endured the elements, one another’s company, McDonald’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in preparation for the culinary delights of Melbourne’s Chinatown.

If there’s one thing I miss when I’m at school in Australia it would have to be the food at home: the savory rice, the chilies, the fresh green vegetables and juicy ripe fruits. My pathetic attempts at cooking anything similar often ends in watered down curries, crunchy rice and charred pots and pans.

Growing up I loved to play on the castle ruins in Germany. Every chance to get away was a train hop to Nuremburg to climb the walls, draw, write and ponder life. With the expense of moving to Australia and a wedding in Brisbane, we didn’t have a honeymoon. As our first anniversary neared something special was in order. Glen Innes, New South Wales and Kings Plains Castle were a vision from our dreams.

While traveling in Australia you may wonder why all those forecasters are so focused on El Niño (and what is “Southern Oscillation” anyways?). Australia has one of the most distinct climates on the planet, which is due in large part to it’s unique geography. The continent is the driest on earth, and even the temperate regions are prone to drought and brush fires. Australia has a high variability of year-to-year rainfall, which is influenced by Southern Oscillation and El Niño. El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes significant seasonal anomalies all over the globe, but Australia is particularly affected. Australia can experience severe droughts interspersed with extensive wet periods, and possibly increased cyclones, heat waves, and frosts.

By most people’s standards, I had made it. I had a good job - glamorous even to some - great benefits and off-the-chart raises every year. By no means was I rich, but I paid all my bills and made it work. I had my own apartment in New York City, my life all planned out according to subway line, volunteer work, and a vibrant social life. I was living in the largest and arguably the most exciting city in the world, but something was still missing.

When I travel, I usually go alone. I need a guidebook, some on-line research, and a few tips written on cocktail napkins from friends who’ve been where I’m heading. But upon arriving on Kangaroo Island (KI), I knew I needed professional help.  Kangaroo Island is only a 45-minute ferry ride crossing from the mainland of Southern Australia.