So, a couple of weeks ago I posted part one of my journey and thoughts regarding drinking. To recap, basically I was an extremely judgmental elitist who wasted a lot of energy on a subject which wasn’t half as big of a deal as I made it out to be.
Everyone was so kind in their comments and responses! I’m glad that my little thoughts were of good use. There’s nothing quite as powerful as hearing someone else say “Me too–I struggled with that also!” to feel community and support. (Looooove it!)
Without further hesitation, here’s part two, or “Get out of your house!” Continue reading →
It’s been 2 months since my European adventure and boy, do I miss it sometimes. Most days, the trip feels like a foggy dream. Of course, I love the little moments when I can say to people (sometimes earnestly, most of the time consciously pompously), “Oh, I was in England when that happened.” But…lately, the smallest things are big reminders of the incredible 12 weeks I had. Even the not so great parts or places seem better to me (but never Dublin, sorry.)
3. My favorite pub meal (minus Indian food of course) was a magical dish called Hunter’s Chicken, which is barbecued chicken breast with bacon & English cheddar on top. I keep searching for a similar dish, but to no avail. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. Or just seeing ANY British food anywhere…especially Strongbow Cider. Yum.
MY British beverage. (aka the only thing I liked.)
4. Traveling in general. Going from three months of nonstop travel in Europe to a lifestyle when I jump at the chance to just go to Cleveland…is pretty depressing. My parents think I’m traveling TOO much (is that really ever possible?)–surprisingly, trying to placate them by quoting Tolkien’s “Not all who wander are lost” phrase is NOT working. (I’ll be back in Dallas next week though!)
“Portlandia” did a better job with this concept.
5. Even just the British flag gets me teary eyed! Good old Union Jack. God bless the Queen, and all that.
Thinking about my time abroad is such a warm, cheerful memory–much like drinking a cup of tea, actually! I know I’ll be back one day–I can’t wait to be an obnoxious tour guide to whomever’s with me and (lovingly) drag them to all of my favorite places.
Until then, we beat on, like boats against the–wait, wrong angst-filled story. Mine at least has a future happy ending.
I am approximately 49 hours away from beginning potentially the most adventurous weeks of my life, the perfect coup du grace of this semester abroad.
What am I doing? Backpacking across Europe, no less!
The latter sentence feels very foreign and strange to write, let alone try to comprehend. I feel so humbled to have these experiences and privileged to have the ability to travel around a continent for fourteen days. Adventure is out there, but like van Gogh said, “I am not an adventurer by choice, but by fate.”
I’ll be spending a few days in Poland, Prague, Salzburg, Cinque Terre, Rome, and finally a week in Paris.
There are so many questions waiting for answers such as: how will I survive with literally all my possessions in one backpack? How easy is it to sleep on a train? Will this resemble camping, as the only experience I have thus far with that has been in my backyard? etc, etc, etc.
How do I feel about it all? Basically this: efjlibnfgajkefbnajksdnfiwuehdriadlhsjfvk;sdhnv!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to share all my stories when I’m back in the old U.S. of A! I won’t have a laptop until then so, this is farewell for now! Wish me luck.
