109 days. In just 109 days I achieved some of my wildest dreams of traveling to seven different countries, meeting people from all over the US and various countries and immersing myself in a different culture. I believe I took over 10,000 photos while abroad and even then, some of the memories I have are just etched in my mind. The other night I was trying to describe to my younger cousin who dreams of going to Paris one day just how breathtaking the Eiffel Tower is at night. I pulled up a picture and went to show her the difference from day to night, and how the Eiffel Tower twinkles at the top of every hour at night. While looking at the photo I realized how it just doesn’t do it justice. I told her how she has to see it for herself someday, because it truly is breathtaking and just makes me smile thinking back on that night. It was one of those moments where I realized I was living so many people’s dreams, including one of mine, of sipping on champagne and admiring the twinkling Eiffel Tower. It was incredible.
People have been asking me loads of questions since I returned home. One of the most frequent questions I get is “If you could go back, would you do it all over again?” My answer is ABSOLUTLEY. The whole “living in London and traveling Europe with people you just met but instantly connected with” speaks for itself. I have been in this nostalgic phase lately where before I go to bed I look back at my photos on my phone and instead of feeling sad for not being back there, I am so beyond happy and grateful that I got to experience all that I did. I tell people all the time that for me, living abroad was going to be a challenge and I knew that. Who doesn’t love a good challenge, though? It teaches you so much about the world, and most importantly about yourself. Of course, not every day is peaches and cream. There were some days in the beginning where I longed to see my family and friends. This is just who I am and no matter what I do or where I am in the world, I will always miss home. However, I never let that overcome me or stand in the way of making the best memories I can make.
It was so different while being in London or traveling somewhere new because even if I did miss home, I never had time to dwell on it. There was always something new and exciting to do!
I think we all have struggles in life, and when you can realize what your own personal struggles are and are open about them, it makes it that much easier to move on and live the happiest life you can. Those three and a half months were challenging, adventurous, joyful and beyond magical.
So, while I would love to hit the rewind button and start it all over again, I know that is not reality. What I do know is that looking forward, I am most definitely ready for another adventure like this one and as I look back on this journey, all I can do is smile.