72 Hours in Bangkok You know that game of questions you play when you’re getting to know somebody new - that one where you almost always end up asking at some point, “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?” I finally feel that I have a good answer. “Moved to Thailand by myself without much of a plan other than two nights stay in a hostel and an idea that I’d like to teach English in Chiang Mai. Oh, and the one way ticket was only booked five days before I left.” Not only is this the craziest thing that I’ve done, it’s also the scariest and the most difficult task I have ever tackled.  I’m a bit apprehensive to publish the following thoughts, because I have kept a fairly confident demeanor for some time in regards to being able to handle this whole thing. Having perfected the casual explanation of my plan to others, I tricked myself into believing my own overly-confident responses. Truth is, I just got slapped in the face with a massive reality check. This is really hard. I would describe myself as a social person. I’m almost always eager to meet new people and I am generally not embarrassed to come across as a little weird. This whole transplant yourself out of your comfort zone and into a completely contrasting world is a different ball game than what I’ve ever known. Introducing yourself to a random person on the street in hopes of striking up a friendship is unfortunately not as easy as introducing yourself to the person in front of you in line for the bathroom at the bar around the corner from home. Three days ago I came to Bangkok. In that 72 hours I have experienced such a wide array of emotions that I’m beginning to question whether somebody drugged me with a very tempestuous acid trip. Exaggerations aside, I’ve been a wreck - especially on the first day. The second day I tried to embrace the situation and changes at hand. Finally, on this third day, I have come to the acceptance stage of this strange state of solitude that only a lone expat in a completely different culture must understand. I haven’t watched Lost in Translation since it came out, but I’m beginning to understand much of what I remember the film to to be about. I’ve always loved traveling, but this upheaval of my life into a new world is vastly unalike the carefree joy of knowing you’ve only got a week to squeeze into everything you want to do and see. Despite what this may sound like, it has all not been bad. I have managed to get out of my head and experience this city of lights and constant noise in the “Land of Smiles.” I have visited beautiful temples, acquired and worn a Chang tank top, ridden in tuk-tuks, gotten a nice tan, drank ice-cold Singha beers, Thai teas and mango smoothies, improved my bartering skills in the markets, devoured plenty of curry and noodle dishes, acquiring some exciting job prospects and purchased a new phone complete with a local phone number. I’m slowly acclimating this crazy place. Even my skin and hair have given in to the humidity and are adapting quite well. Seventy-two hours and I’m beginning to manage this whole thing. My four mosquito bites don’t even bother me. They are my battle scars, proving that I’ve survived the last few days. They serve as reminders that even the worst challenges may seem troublesome at first, but eventually they fade and from them you can take a lesson. Whether it’s as simple as wearing bug spray or as difficult as navigating the streets of Bangkok, I’m always learning and I don’t plan for that to change.
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72 Hours in Bangkok

You know that game of questions you play when you’re getting to know somebody new - that one where you almost always end up asking at some point, “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?”

I finally feel that I have a good answer.

“Moved to Thailand by myself without much of a plan other than two nights stay in a hostel and an idea that I’d like to teach English in Chiang Mai. Oh, and the one way ticket was only booked five days before I left.”

Not only is this the craziest thing that I’ve done, it’s also the scariest and the most difficult task I have ever tackled. 

I’m a bit apprehensive to publish the following thoughts, because I have kept a fairly confident demeanor for some time in regards to being able to handle this whole thing. Having perfected the casual explanation of my plan to others, I tricked myself into believing my own overly-confident responses. Truth is, I just got slapped in the face with a massive reality check.

This is really hard.

I would describe myself as a social person. I’m almost always eager to meet new people and I am generally not embarrassed to come across as a little weird. This whole transplant yourself out of your comfort zone and into a completely contrasting world is a different ball game than what I’ve ever known. Introducing yourself to a random person on the street in hopes of striking up a friendship is unfortunately not as easy as introducing yourself to the person in front of you in line for the bathroom at the bar around the corner from home.

Three days ago I came to Bangkok. In that 72 hours I have experienced such a wide array of emotions that I’m beginning to question whether somebody drugged me with a very tempestuous acid trip.

Exaggerations aside, I’ve been a wreck - especially on the first day. The second day I tried to embrace the situation and changes at hand. Finally, on this third day, I have come to the acceptance stage of this strange state of solitude that only a lone expat in a completely different culture must understand. I haven’t watched Lost in Translation since it came out, but I’m beginning to understand much of what I remember the film to to be about.

I’ve always loved traveling, but this upheaval of my life into a new world is vastly unalike the carefree joy of knowing you’ve only got a week to squeeze into everything you want to do and see.

Despite what this may sound like, it has all not been bad. I have managed to get out of my head and experience this city of lights and constant noise in the “Land of Smiles.” I have visited beautiful temples, acquired and worn a Chang tank top, ridden in tuk-tuks, gotten a nice tan, drank ice-cold Singha beers, Thai teas and mango smoothies, improved my bartering skills in the markets, devoured plenty of curry and noodle dishes, acquiring some exciting job prospects and purchased a new phone complete with a local phone number.

I’m slowly acclimating this crazy place. Even my skin and hair have given in to the humidity and are adapting quite well. Seventy-two hours and I’m beginning to manage this whole thing.

My four mosquito bites don’t even bother me. They are my battle scars, proving that I’ve survived the last few days. They serve as reminders that even the worst challenges may seem troublesome at first, but eventually they fade and from them you can take a lesson. Whether it’s as simple as wearing bug spray or as difficult as navigating the streets of Bangkok, I’m always learning and I don’t plan for that to change.

Ten things that I would like to share 1. Exciting blog news update: Passports and Places has been featured among the amazing list of tumblrs in The Travel Network. I’ve gotten a lot of new followers due to this, and to all of you I would like to officially say welcome aboard! I am also stoked on a couple of guest posts that I am writing for some other spectacular travel bloggers! So much to look forward to… 2. Thailand update: I have decided to go to Chiang Mai. Originally, I thought it would be easier to get a teaching gig in Bangkok, but I loved Chaing Mai so much and I figure it’s probably best to go where you love (especially when doing something like teaching abroad). This means I’ll be living in/near the jungle VERY SOON. 3. This past Wednesday marked one of Australia’s major holidays - Anzac Day, commemorating all Australians and Kiwis who served and died in military operations. Because I’m fortunate to live within walking distance of Kings Park, I decided to attend the dawn service. Watching and listening to the ceremony as the sun came up over the Swan River was beautiful and I’m so glad I was able to experience the world’s largest Anzac Day service this way. Lest we forget.  4. Much to the independent woman within me’s dismay, I have been becoming quite a professional housewife. Between mopping, dusting and a whole lot of other cleaning activities that I never thought I would choose to do, I now know how to make a house spotless. What’s more exciting are my advances in the world of culinary delights! I’m no Jaime Oliver yet, but I can whip up some great homemade hash browns, mashed potatoes, marinated chicken salads, pizzas and birthday cakes. Gotta start somewhere. 5. One of my recent pastimes includes exploring all inches of Freemantle (or Freo as the locals call it). It’s an awesome port city just south of Perth that reminds me of what I believe Seattle to be like. Photos to come, as I have literally walked the entirety of the city between a few days, leaving no stone unturned.  6. I. Am. Obsessed. With. Brickbreaker. I realize that I’m about three years late on this trend, but I finally understand where the “Crackberry” name comes from! I love having a phone with a camera on it again, especially when I can so easily (and cheaply!) share the pics with friends at home via What’sApp. It’s all so brilliant! 7. Is Joondalup not the coolest city name ever? I believe it’s supposed to rhyme with “cup,” but I insist on rhyming it with “loop” because it just sounds better. Unfortunately, the city is actually not as cool as it sounds and I have spent way too much time there over the last few days (thank you to Jeanne-Maré). 8. Aussies are all about their slang. Despite that fact that most of my friends here aren’t even from Australia, I’ve picked up on the native nomenclature and ways of life. After all, there’s nothing better than a cheeky cider in the arvo! 9. I do love Australia, but I do not appreciate their stance on customer service. Too many times have I entered a store/office/etc within a quarter hour of their closing to be told that I couldn’t buy anything or even look around because they had already closed their cash register. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but all I know is that in the US (a country with plenty of their own flaws) closing time means you cannot enter anymore, not when the employee gets to leave. It’s all really rude - certainly not customer service with a smile. 10. I’d like to make a special shout out to my loyal reader, first time backpacker, poogiggle for life, consistent encourager of more posts, and my college roommate with whom I shared a closet-sized room with - Clea! She’s on her own adventure at the moment, backpacking through much of Europe and I could not be more proud or excited for her! Currently on her first solo stop in Scotland, she’s doing things hostel-style and hopefully loving the journey!
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Ten things that I would like to share

1. Exciting blog news update: Passports and Places has been featured among the amazing list of tumblrs in The Travel Network. I’ve gotten a lot of new followers due to this, and to all of you I would like to officially say welcome aboard! I am also stoked on a couple of guest posts that I am writing for some other spectacular travel bloggers! So much to look forward to…

2. Thailand update: I have decided to go to Chiang Mai. Originally, I thought it would be easier to get a teaching gig in Bangkok, but I loved Chaing Mai so much and I figure it’s probably best to go where you love (especially when doing something like teaching abroad). This means I’ll be living in/near the jungle VERY SOON.

3. This past Wednesday marked one of Australia’s major holidays - Anzac Day, commemorating all Australians and Kiwis who served and died in military operations. Because I’m fortunate to live within walking distance of Kings Park, I decided to attend the dawn service. Watching and listening to the ceremony as the sun came up over the Swan River was beautiful and I’m so glad I was able to experience the world’s largest Anzac Day service this way. Lest we forget. 

4. Much to the independent woman within me’s dismay, I have been becoming quite a professional housewife. Between mopping, dusting and a whole lot of other cleaning activities that I never thought I would choose to do, I now know how to make a house spotless. What’s more exciting are my advances in the world of culinary delights! I’m no Jaime Oliver yet, but I can whip up some great homemade hash browns, mashed potatoes, marinated chicken salads, pizzas and birthday cakes. Gotta start somewhere.

5. One of my recent pastimes includes exploring all inches of Freemantle (or Freo as the locals call it). It’s an awesome port city just south of Perth that reminds me of what I believe Seattle to be like. Photos to come, as I have literally walked the entirety of the city between a few days, leaving no stone unturned.

 6. I. Am. Obsessed. With. Brickbreaker. I realize that I’m about three years late on this trend, but I finally understand where the “Crackberry” name comes from! I love having a phone with a camera on it again, especially when I can so easily (and cheaply!) share the pics with friends at home via What’sApp. It’s all so brilliant!

7. Is Joondalup not the coolest city name ever? I believe it’s supposed to rhyme with “cup,” but I insist on rhyming it with “loop” because it just sounds better. Unfortunately, the city is actually not as cool as it sounds and I have spent way too much time there over the last few days (thank you to Jeanne-Maré).

8. Aussies are all about their slang. Despite that fact that most of my friends here aren’t even from Australia, I’ve picked up on the native nomenclature and ways of life. After all, there’s nothing better than a cheeky cider in the arvo!

9. I do love Australia, but I do not appreciate their stance on customer service. Too many times have I entered a store/office/etc within a quarter hour of their closing to be told that I couldn’t buy anything or even look around because they had already closed their cash register. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but all I know is that in the US (a country with plenty of their own flaws) closing time means you cannot enter anymore, not when the employee gets to leave. It’s all really rude - certainly not customer service with a smile.

10. I’d like to make a special shout out to my loyal reader, first time backpacker, poogiggle for life, consistent encourager of more posts, and my college roommate with whom I shared a closet-sized room with - Clea! She’s on her own adventure at the moment, backpacking through much of Europe and I could not be more proud or excited for her! Currently on her first solo stop in Scotland, she’s doing things hostel-style and hopefully loving the journey!

Going Native I have been a terrible “blogger.” Thanks to many pushes and prods (A special shout to Jordan who gave me the much-needed final encouragement), I’m back writing and telling those of you who are interested what I am up to in the land down under. Updating this has been written as a top priority in my planner each day here, yet something always happened to come up that seemed more important. No excuses anymore. There is lots to share and only so many days left in Australia to do so. It would be nice to say first things first, however, I unfortunately have no desire as of now to chronologically date all that has happened here. It has already been FOUR WEEKS that I have been here (tomorrow). That’s a month almost, which means that I can feel a little bit less guilty about the amount of money spent. [Fun fact: Did you know that Perth is not just one of the most isolated cities in the world, but also one of the most expensive?] As the title implies, I feel I have gone native here in Oz. I can find my way around West Perth, Subiaco and a few other suburbs just fine without consulting Google Maps and I have an Aussie phone number (on a Blackberry at that - take that haters of my old phone!), a gym that I frequent and a daily routine. As of today, I have even driven a car on the wrong/left side of the street without crashing into any pedestrians or street signs. If that’s not becoming a local, I don’t know what is.  Seriously though, in the past few weeks I have not done many tourist things because, quite frankly, I am not a tourist. As the plan goes, I will be moving here somewhat permanently after teaching abroad and it feels good to have a real home away from home. I still need to watch an AFL game and try Vegemite, but I’ve got some amazing friends and I really do love living here. For those still wondering: YES, I am going to Thailand and NO, I do not yet know when. Life is short and I am young. That being said, it’s going to be soon. Those wanting to visit - do not fret, you can still plan on coming end of April/early May.
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Going Native

I have been a terrible “blogger.” Thanks to many pushes and prods (A special shout to Jordan who gave me the much-needed final encouragement), I’m back writing and telling those of you who are interested what I am up to in the land down under.

Updating this has been written as a top priority in my planner each day here, yet something always happened to come up that seemed more important. No excuses anymore. There is lots to share and only so many days left in Australia to do so.

It would be nice to say first things first, however, I unfortunately have no desire as of now to chronologically date all that has happened here. It has already been FOUR WEEKS that I have been here (tomorrow). That’s a month almost, which means that I can feel a little bit less guilty about the amount of money spent. [Fun fact: Did you know that Perth is not just one of the most isolated cities in the world, but also one of the most expensive?]

As the title implies, I feel I have gone native here in Oz. I can find my way around West Perth, Subiaco and a few other suburbs just fine without consulting Google Maps and I have an Aussie phone number (on a Blackberry at that - take that haters of my old phone!), a gym that I frequent and a daily routine. As of today, I have even driven a car on the wrong/left side of the street without crashing into any pedestrians or street signs. If that’s not becoming a local, I don’t know what is. 

Seriously though, in the past few weeks I have not done many tourist things because, quite frankly, I am not a tourist. As the plan goes, I will be moving here somewhat permanently after teaching abroad and it feels good to have a real home away from home. I still need to watch an AFL game and try Vegemite, but I’ve got some amazing friends and I really do love living here.

For those still wondering: YES, I am going to Thailand and NO, I do not yet know when. Life is short and I am young. That being said, it’s going to be soon. Those wanting to visit - do not fret, you can still plan on coming end of April/early May.

Five thoughts for the five days I have before the big move: Leap years are so strange. I love having the extra day (especially this year) and I get the necessity and science behind it, but it really screws up my perception of February. I keep thinking it’s a short month, but it’s really not when there’s only one less day than a normal one. Speaking of time, it’s dwindling down. No more online shopping for me, as it definitely won’t get to me in time anymore! Today was my last day of work and going out to lunch with some of my favorite coworkers reminded me how much I’ll miss the daily excitement of the work world and the people I have had the pleasure of working alongside. As the above photograph conveys, I cannot wait to see Rob again. I can hardly believe that five months has past and knowing he’s on the end of that plane ride is the only thing keeping me excited about leaving home. Along with spin and the occasional Zumba class, yoga has been a recent addition to my exercise regime. It is certainly a challenge, but I find it very intriguing, despite the obnoxious hype that seems to always surround it. (Sorry that I’m not sorry, but you have to admit it gets annoying!) It is something that I really hope to incorporate into my travels in the future, especially once I am good enough to be seen attempting my Vinyasa moves in public. I was very sad to find out that I will be missing one of Thailand’s premiere events this year - the Songkran festival. The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated with a three-day water fight through the cities and villages and takes place this year April 13-15. Since I’m planning on staying in Perth through Rob’s birthday (April 12), I’ll probably just miss it! Guess I’ll just have to wait for next year to show Thailand how to use a real Super Soaker!
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Five thoughts for the five days I have before the big move:

  1. Leap years are so strange. I love having the extra day (especially this year) and I get the necessity and science behind it, but it really screws up my perception of February. I keep thinking it’s a short month, but it’s really not when there’s only one less day than a normal one.
  2. Speaking of time, it’s dwindling down. No more online shopping for me, as it definitely won’t get to me in time anymore! Today was my last day of work and going out to lunch with some of my favorite coworkers reminded me how much I’ll miss the daily excitement of the work world and the people I have had the pleasure of working alongside.
  3. As the above photograph conveys, I cannot wait to see Rob again. I can hardly believe that five months has past and knowing he’s on the end of that plane ride is the only thing keeping me excited about leaving home.
  4. Along with spin and the occasional Zumba class, yoga has been a recent addition to my exercise regime. It is certainly a challenge, but I find it very intriguing, despite the obnoxious hype that seems to always surround it. (Sorry that I’m not sorry, but you have to admit it gets annoying!) It is something that I really hope to incorporate into my travels in the future, especially once I am good enough to be seen attempting my Vinyasa moves in public.
  5. I was very sad to find out that I will be missing one of Thailand’s premiere events this year - the Songkran festival. The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated with a three-day water fight through the cities and villages and takes place this year April 13-15. Since I’m planning on staying in Perth through Rob’s birthday (April 12), I’ll probably just miss it! Guess I’ll just have to wait for next year to show Thailand how to use a real Super Soaker!
Houston, we have a problem. I recently read that dairy products are not as common in South East Asian countries. What I actually deciphered from that was: NO CHEESE IN THAILAND. You may (or more likely, may not) understand my love affair with the dairy delight. Eating cheese is as close to a heavenly experience as I’ve got on this earth, and the fact that it may be taken away from me makes me question my life choices. Mark my words though, I will find a way to have a wine and cheese housewarming party when I obtain an actual residence. Even if I have to make it. The dairy shortage can go screw itself, because I vow to be one classy home-owner (yes, shacks and bungalows do count).
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Houston, we have a problem.

I recently read that dairy products are not as common in South East Asian countries. What I actually deciphered from that was: NO CHEESE IN THAILAND.

You may (or more likely, may not) understand my love affair with the dairy delight. Eating cheese is as close to a heavenly experience as I’ve got on this earth, and the fact that it may be taken away from me makes me question my life choices.

Mark my words though, I will find a way to have a wine and cheese housewarming party when I obtain an actual residence. Even if I have to make it. The dairy shortage can go screw itself, because I vow to be one classy home-owner (yes, shacks and bungalows do count).

Pssst. If you notice, I have made my domain name connect with this blog. For now. Once I arrive in Perth, this little Tumblr will hopefully turn into a beautiful Wordpress site! Well, the domain name will be connected to the new, fancy site. However, I will update this with my personal travel ramblings as well as links to my more hardcore posts. Stay tuned!
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Pssst. If you notice, I have made my domain name connect with this blog. For now. Once I arrive in Perth, this little Tumblr will hopefully turn into a beautiful Wordpress site! Well, the domain name will be connected to the new, fancy site. However, I will update this with my personal travel ramblings as well as links to my more hardcore posts. Stay tuned!

Less than two weeks. That’s all I’ve got now before I jet set away for good (or at least for a while). People keep telling me I’ve got balls, courage and all that jazz, but the truth is I’m scared. Maybe that is not the right word, per say, but it does cover the general emotion that currently pulses through my veins. Each day ticks by, slowly approaching departure day. My backpack has been purchased (a beautiful green Gregory Deva) and my list of things to get done seems to get longer instead of shorter. Despite the stress of the countdown, I am excited too. Second to last weekend at home, here I come!
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Less than two weeks. That’s all I’ve got now before I jet set away for good (or at least for a while). People keep telling me I’ve got balls, courage and all that jazz, but the truth is I’m scared. Maybe that is not the right word, per say, but it does cover the general emotion that currently pulses through my veins.

Each day ticks by, slowly approaching departure day. My backpack has been purchased (a beautiful green Gregory Deva) and my list of things to get done seems to get longer instead of shorter.

Despite the stress of the countdown, I am excited too. Second to last weekend at home, here I come!

Purchase Ticket: ✓

The flight has officially been bought and paid for. My very first one-way ticket. Headed back to Perth in exactly one month from today on the seventh of March (a very quick twenty-nine days actually, thanks to this year’s extra day). I arrive two days later, hopefully to step foot in the late-summer sun of the southern hemisphere. 

My plan is to stay for a few weeks before heading to Thailand (hold me to it - the second ticket has not been purchased yet) and settle back into life without work. I won’t be getting too comfortable though, so do not fret. Without the daily grind of the 8-to-5, my long list of items to be done will hopefully dwindle down. It is here that I will set up the official website. Sure, it’s a bit later than I had originally hoped, however, I am excited to take the necessary time to learn the ins and outs of web hosting without interruptions. Rob will be pleased to hear that I won’t be spending my days “staring at my silly pictures” (thanks a lot, Tumblr) and I’ll feel productive again - in a creative sense at least.

In the meantime, my goal is to accomplish one thing every day to help prepare me for the next chapter of my life. So much to do and so little time, but a welcoming blank slate lies ahead. These are exciting times, indeed.

Failures and Triumphs

Okay, so that title is a bit over-dramatic for what I’m about to share, but whatever.  Let’s start with the bad news and then sprinkle with good news.

  • Failure #1: It’s been three weeks and I still haven’t done much to set up my official website. There are bunches of excuses, but they just aren’t worth sharing.
  • Triumph #1: It’s been a week since I turned 23. Can the fact that I’ve made it this far be a triumph? I think yes.
  • Failure #2: I still haven’t bought my plane ticket yet. There are numerous people that doubt that I will (and many variables of this scenario) as well as those who won’t get off my case about it. And to the latter, I thank you. I needed that.
  • Triumph #2: I’m booking this week! It’s happening. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Hold me to it, people of the universe.
  • All the stuff in between: Beginning to get really nervous about moving abroad. I didn’t think it would hit me, but sure enough, my rapidly decreasing time at home with all of the comforts that exist there (thanks, Mom) has hit me over the head with a lawn chair. And then it yells at me to get my life in order. So I list. Writing down everything I need to buy/remember/do should be helping me focus, but I really think it’s just working a giant ulcer into my stomach lining. Apparently there are meds for that? Anyhow, I’m making progress and getting my ducks in a line and I’m doing this. And I thought you’d like to know.

Exciting news…

I have purchased my domain name and site host today! Still have yet to set up the site (and I’m sure this will have many edits coming its way), but today is a very exciting day for Passports and Places!!!

Life Lessons from 2011

My parents always taught me that you should learn from your mistakes. Growing up an overachiever, I figured I would gain some extra insight from every life event, good or bad.

Here’s my rundown of life events and lessons from 2011:
 

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Year in Review: Haiku Completed college New challenges and changes Full of new places Notes of thought: “University” has FIVE syllables, which seems so unncessary. “Graduated” is similarly long. Rack your brain and try out your own.
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Year in Review: Haiku

Completed college

New challenges and changes

Full of new places

Notes of thought: “University” has FIVE syllables, which seems so unncessary. “Graduated” is similarly long. Rack your brain and try out your own.

Day 15 – Advice to someone who’s thinking about traveling to another country Just do it. Jump into the unknown. Traveling isn’t as expensive as it’s cracked up to be. And there is no time like the present. Take every oportunity to get out there that’s thrown your way! It doesn’t matter if it’s the next city over or oceans away, get out there and experience the world around you.
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Day 15 – Advice to someone who’s thinking about traveling to another country

Just do it. Jump into the unknown.
Traveling isn’t as expensive as it’s cracked up to be. And there is no time like the present. Take every oportunity to get out there that’s thrown your way! It doesn’t matter if it’s the next city over or oceans away, get out there and experience the world around you.
Day 14 – What did you learn from traveling abroad? The most eye-opening lesson that I have obtained through my travels is that there is no one linear path of living life. Growing up thinking the only way to success was doing well in school to go to a good college to get a great job to meet a handsome husband and have adorable children, this was a bit of a shock. In school I had learned about different places and their different cultures, but I don’t think it ever occured to me that the two could transpose. I never thought that I would move away from California. I never thought that I would graduate from college without a secure and set career path in mind. And thank goodness for traveling opening my eyes, because I am so not ready to have a secure anything set in place. Learning that there is no one way to living your life was a game-changer. Nobody is living it the right way… because there is no right way! Living life accordingly with a blank slate definitely allows you to reassess your life and do what makes you happy.   I always knew tabula rasa had it going on.
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Day 14 – What did you learn from traveling abroad?

The most eye-opening lesson that I have obtained through my travels is that there is no one linear path of living life. Growing up thinking the only way to success was doing well in school to go to a good college to get a great job to meet a handsome husband and have adorable children, this was a bit of a shock. In school I had learned about different places and their different cultures, but I don’t think it ever occured to me that the two could transpose. I never thought that I would move away from California. I never thought that I would graduate from college without a secure and set career path in mind. And thank goodness for traveling opening my eyes, because I am so not ready to have a secure anything set in place. Learning that there is no one way to living your life was a game-changer. Nobody is living it the right way… because there is no right way! Living life accordingly with a blank slate definitely allows you to reassess your life and do what makes you happy.
 
I always knew tabula rasa had it going on.

I don’t do well with forced regulations. Scratch that. Let’s just be honest here - I don’t like it when people tell me what to do and how to feel. Therefore, Thanksgiving season makes me cynical and I do not get a chance to be thankful for the wonderful things around me.

Going through a slew photographs from 2011, it hits me. Wow, Emily. You’ve been extremely lucky this past year. Look at the places you’ve been, the people you’ve met and the memories you’ve made. So what if I’m a month late on the gratitude train? I got to my destination, and they say it’s the journey that counts.