Reflection

Studying abroad and traveling diffidently changed me. There is no question about it. I look at everything differently. I feel like I can take on everything and accomplish everything with the independence I’ve gained. 

There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about my time abroad- Some days more than others. It’s almost like I get ‘Europe-sick’ sometimes (like home sick)! Also, it is a little odd, but a certain smell will send me into a memory. Most commonly- the smell of the laundry detergent pads I carried in my suitcase! I can’t travel without my book bag. It just doesn’t feel right. Packing is like second nature to me now.  I always think of how exhausting my time traveling was but how I was still able to handle it. 

I don’t share that much about my trip with everyone. When people ask how it was, the usual go to line is ‘It was so amazing, I miss it so much.’ And if I tell people about couch surfing they look at me like I have three heads and ask why I would do such a thing when I was traveling alone! I also don’t talk about my travels that much because I feel like I am bragging rather than people being interested in my stories. –Not saying that is the case, that’s just how I feel!

Even though I didn't have the best of luck on my trip, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I made so many new friends and learned so much about myself, others, and the world. 

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. =)