The end is just the beginning
The end of a semester always comes all at once. Final events, such as banquets, exams, moving out, happen within the last couple of weeks. But the end of this semester in particular has not been like any other. I did have an end of the semester banquet, final exams, and right this moment I am packing up what feels like my life for the past 4 months. But it has been a semester that I will never forget as long as I live. (WARNING: There are about to be a lot of quotes and it is about to get really cheesy)
I cannot even begin to explain what studying abroad has done for me. It was an easy decision for me to make as I want to see every single corner of the world. But, it wasn't always easy. Fear of missing out on things that were happening at home would creep into my mind. (And I know that sounds crazy. You're probably thinking how can she be jealous, she's in Europe! But it happens.) Living in a country (and traveling to others) where your language is not spoken all the time. It starts to take its toll. However, all the pros most definitely outweigh the cons and have helped me on to the track of a person I had only dreamed of becoming. I've learned things about myself that I never would have known had I not begun traveling.
I cannot even begin to explain what studying abroad has done for me. It was an easy decision for me to make as I want to see every single corner of the world. But, it wasn't always easy. Fear of missing out on things that were happening at home would creep into my mind. (And I know that sounds crazy. You're probably thinking how can she be jealous, she's in Europe! But it happens.) Living in a country (and traveling to others) where your language is not spoken all the time. It starts to take its toll. However, all the pros most definitely outweigh the cons and have helped me on to the track of a person I had only dreamed of becoming. I've learned things about myself that I never would have known had I not begun traveling.
"To travel is to take a journey into yourself." Danny Kaye
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks – on your body or on your heart – are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” Anthony Bourdain
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” Terry Pratchett
“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” Mary Anne Radmacher
I have new perspectives that I have gathered from some of the most unexpected people and places. I know how to say hello in 8 different languages. I've met people from across the globe (and from Miami University). 107 days and 14 countries later, I have:
And that's only the beginning. My journey has only just begun and I know that not only will I be back, but I will travel all over the globe.
- Stood where emperors once stood
- Tasted local cuisine
- Seen the Mediterranean
- Hiked in the Alps
- Marveled at artworks, such as the Creation of Adam, Mona Lisa, and Sunflowers
- Been in castles and palaces
- Walked the same sidewalks as Winston Churchill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many others
- Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Listened to the Pope speak
- Waved to royal families
- Traveled on trains, planes, cars, buses, boats, and by foot
And that's only the beginning. My journey has only just begun and I know that not only will I be back, but I will travel all over the globe.
"Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life." Michael Palin
So for those that are considering studying abroad, or just traveling in general, my advice to you: do it. Just go. Don't worry about the particulars, planning, any of it. Buy a plane ticket, pack a bag, and go. It will be the best decision you ever make. There will always be factors to change your mind, but for one second just forget all of them and follow your heart. Because I'm sure that it will have you on the next possible plane to start your new journey.
Talk to you soon, (change that!)
See you soon! (I will be back in the USA tomorrow)
Lots of love from your wandering friend,
Kirsten
P.S. The title may be "Last post..." but I assure you, that is for the rest of the semester. I will most definitely be traveling again soon. (I feel like I won't be able to stay in one place for long now!)
Talk to you soon, (change that!)
See you soon! (I will be back in the USA tomorrow)
Lots of love from your wandering friend,
Kirsten
P.S. The title may be "Last post..." but I assure you, that is for the rest of the semester. I will most definitely be traveling again soon. (I feel like I won't be able to stay in one place for long now!)