Dear World Traveler,
You’ve been gone for a month and a half, and it’s weird not having someone here who’s been with me for all of college; for the first time in two-and-a-half years, we are not experiencing everything together. While I’m sad you’re not here, I am so excited for you. I’m excited that you’re on the trip of a lifetime, experiencing new things and living in a different culture. While we joke that you left us and tease that we’re mad that you did, I can’t be mad because I know that this is your dream. You are a nomad who does not like to stay in one place. You are independent and were born to see the world.
In spite of how happy I am for you, I am also extremely jealous. I am jealous that you are braver and more independent than I am. I am jealous that you are almost fluent in another language. I could not immerse myself in another culture or language for 5 months or be separated from my family and friends for that long. While I consider myself to be independent, travelling to a foreign country would be a big leap for me. I wish I could be as fearless as you. You saw the opportunity to travel, and you went for it without letting anything hold you back. As one of your best friends, I am so proud of you.
I cannot wait for you to come home so I can hear all about your adventures and the people you met. I want to hear about the architecture you walked through, the art you saw, and the food you ate. I hope you come back ready for the next adventure in the game that we call life.
Love,
Emily