Explorer

It's not really a travel bug; it's exploration. I'm never supposed to find what I'm looking for; just keep glancing around. I am now traveling to places I have been before: relaxing, visiting friends and family.

I used to be addicted to lemonade or perhaps I just drink too much and get overjoyed when I find some, and biking gives me a similar rush. But exploring has always been a passion of mine, curiously wondering and wandering about. I like to wander, collect my thoughts, walk aimlessly; it's a real joy.

Talking so much about CouchSurfing since I returned to the States has made me more than realize many aspects of that life that I just cannot live without. What if I fell back into a rut and needed to be pulled out? What if I was in mourning and could not escape? Well, honestly I know I would get out of it. I have every tool in the world to find my way, a simple path can guide the blindest.

I have used my problem-solving skills (read: good luck/wits) to get a free trip to Arizona. I could go on like this. "I am here for all your travel needs." I will get us all out of a bind and go wherever I am needed.

Right now I am with Laura, David and his girlfriend Tori. We made fun of David last night for being my bad first kiss and calling me so much that I had to "break up" our two-week "relationship" that he so fervently titled. Then one week later, or an illogical 14-year old girl's sense of respectable time, he started dating an ex-best friend of ours (Laura and me) named Sabrina. Many hilarious backstabbing high school friendships later (even though none of us went to the same school) we can all be friends again. Plus, Tori is fantastic. She is a sweet girl and extremely intelligent. We have similar skin tones and we both bruise easily. She has never been to the beach before and we're trying to show the best we can of beach time.

The water was great yesterday, not too freezing, then I layed on the sand and got a minimal tan. I'm having a good time, feeling at peace.

Airport Ramblings

I almost don't want to write this out but I am at the airport right now. I am flying out, feeling anxious and will be surprising most of you. I regret nothing, ever. I had some things to consider and I know I've made the right decision.

I am starting over, showing my support and maturity in all matters. I could not have done it without how this trip has made me over in some circumstances. I have cut corners where I never thought possible, taken huge chances, relied on luck and strong wits and in no way have I failed anything I set out to do.

Always explaining my trip, Europeans say to me, this journey thing, so American, you'd never hear of this originating from anywhere else. We are the world, we want to travel. There is no place that I have not said to myself, 'I really want to go there'. What gratifying honor did that BA give us? Yes, I asked myself this for almost two months and wanted an answer, knowing I would not get anything concrete. I wouldn't even know what to do with a concrete answer.

Instead, I found a reason to talk to strangers, tell stories, involve myself in someone else's life for a short while. I spent a really great month with Connie and Aurora, they have been wonderful friends to me. "Sharing is caring," Connie says as Aurora is hungry for another avocado. I got to see Luke, my long lost pal of awkward silences and I enjoyed our walks and talks as an odd couple (next generation?). Antwerp welcomed us three girls and we long to return for new years, plus we got hooked on that music and I on Gui Boratto. And of course the last stop in Edinburgh (Ed-in-bra, haha Vivek) made me feel the most welcome, the most included, the most at home. Great conversations with Graham, Vivek's unbelievable help, Dan's randomness, and Marie being the sweetheart that she is, plus the countless people I met an enjoyed at the BBQ (Chris and I finally meeting someone who spoke the same language!) and couches surrounding (James, you are missed).

Even Dublin helped me out without even knowing it. I will be there someday. The real question is, where won't I be someday?