Years coming

Throughout my life I have been fortunate. I have been able to dig my toes into the sand on the playa in Mexico, and see the manmade stars New York can make in their concrete jungle while on the roof of a skyscraper. I gained these memories by traveling most of the US and several other countries, as well as residing in Colorado, West Virginia, and Florida. After constantly flying city to city, one airport to another, I would consider myself an experienced traveler, but by no means have I even come close to seeing everything this world has to offer.

Before I leave on wherever my next trip will be, I tend to find myself following the same pre departure routine. I head to the mountains for one last climb, stop by my grandparents for one last goodbye, and one last meal at my favorite mexican restaurant. This routine comforts me, it gives me a sense of home before I find myself in a new place.

Although I relish in this warmth of home, I wouldn’t want it to be permanent. I need to continue to explore, I thrive on immersing myself in new cultures. That is what prompted me to head to Italy.

I begin to imagine the expectations of the semester, and day dream the trips, but then when I come back to reality I remember whatever I am creating in my head won’t begin to explain what the next three months will bring.

As I write this I have less than a week until I depart, and a week is beginning to seem much longer than it usually does.

For years now, I have stayed up late nights on LonelyPlanet.com ,sifting through dozens of pictures, always thinking of what each city is like, what makes it come alive, what makes those people make this place their home? And finally, after years of these pictures, I’ll be the one to capture all that makes those images.

When I begin to think about at what I’m looking forward to most, Greece and the Swiss Alps are a close first, yet I look forward to seeing the culture; in particular the energy of the people who live there. Food, music, hobbies all can create the culture of a city, but I feel as if a city gets it’s identity from it’s people, and the atmosphere they create. I am curious to see the cities that embrace with open arms, welcoming their culture, or those who continue on their day, and allow the visitor to find out for themselves what makes their home, home.

Till next time!

Ciao!