When I was nineteen years old I was determined to travel and go on adventures while also appeasing my parents by getting a degree. And so I am forever grateful for the study abroad program where you are taught some of life's most important lessons such as - the world does not revolve around the USA, you can live off of frozen pizza and nature holds some of our most powerful medicine.
As I was "studying" in Queensland, Australia I planned a weekend to visit Byron Bay. My roommates were busy and I was excited to explore on my own. I met some nice swedish folks on the bus and stayed in the same hostel as them - we all signed up for a surf lesson the next day. After the lesson me and my four new friends walked through some bushes (which I am sure lived poisonous snakes) which opened up to a beautiful tea tree oil lake. It was a dark olive green colored lake surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. The antiseptic oil from the roots of the trees seep into the lake making it a unique, natural remedy for anyone with a skin condition. Or for us, just wanting a peaceful, refreshing cleanse. Supposedly, most people jump in nude - but come on! I just met these people. Joking aside, I declare this lake and tea tree oil sacred. I believe all Eucalyptus or tea tree oil is truly magical.
I've since read that the Aboriginal women of the region used the lakes as a maternity wing...because of the antiseptic nature it is an ideal environment to give birth. Done.
