Every new place I travel is my favorite. Berlin was my first major European city and despite being incredibly uncomfortable due to the snow and sub-zero temperatures, I was overwhelmed by its history.
Please remind me to find a nice Italian man with a vintage Vespa and preferably a place in Rome or Siena, though I’m sure Florence, Venice, or really any place in Tuscany would be just as nice. Of course, to be absolutely certain, I should go see for myself at some point…
Thailand gave me the gift of kindness and a desire for inner peace, allowed me to discover tamarind chutney, and taught me how to make a mean pad thai and even better spring rolls. And sundresses! I bought more pretty sundresses than I should have, and I don’t regret it for a second. Chiang Mai and Khao San Road will see me again someday.
With so many more places on my must see list, I considered canceling my upcoming trip to Berlin. I mean, why go back to someplace I’ve already been? But, the more I travel, the more I realize that it’s not about the sights I see, as much as about the memories I collect. Berlin is about 8 hours away by bus, it’s very affordable and I’ve found a really awesome hostel that even has group vegetarian dinners a few times a week. The time may come when I’m sitting back in the US wishing I could take a long weekend in Berlin. And so, I’m not going to overthink it. I’m gonna go with the flow on this one and hope I score some great flea market finds, meet some interesting people, and maybe perfect my falafel a teeny bit more! I think I’ve officially crossed over from tourist to traveler.
Somedays it’s too much to think about what I gave up for these experiences. And other days, I know with absolute clarity that I’d still be restless, bitter, and unhappy. I wish I wasn’t raised to fear the world and I wish I had taken the time to travel when I was in my 20’s. Part of me wishes it was in me to be happy with a couple of kids, a husband, and a house. But there’s no time like the present to give the past the smackdown it deserves and to accept myself. So caution goes to the wind and I go forward. To Berlin, to a cruise ship in the North and Norwegian Seas, to the life I’m building here, for now.
Peggy says
As a fellow travel addict, I applaud your spirit of adventure. There is nothing like collecting food, people and place memories while traveling.
smilingsurfer says
Sage, I admire how you savor the best opportunities that are around you. Whatever regrets you may have, you will not regret going forth into the world, and traveling.
I enjoy your stories, recipes, and photos. Seize the day!
Anonymous says
Bravo! Keep exploring and sharing your adventures and discoveries – in life, food, locations, architecture, every little thing – with the rest of us.
Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ says
Some are born with the wanderlust…others are not. Our family traveled so much when I was a child that I ached for roots of my own…a family of my own. Happily, I’ve been blessed with more than I deserve (to be sure). That being said, it’s quite lovely to see you embrace what and who you are and to hear/read all you are learning from each experience. From my point of view it appears that you are living the life you are meant to live…at the time you are meant to live it.
Love,
Tracey
x0x
adventuresandjapes says
Travel is the way forward in this hellhole. <3
Stephanie says
As our time in Denmark draws to a close(we leave to head back to Delaware in two weeks), I am really sad. It took me at least a year and half to settle in to this culture that seems quite similar on the surface, yet isn’t upon further examination. I am tearful over the friends that I have made on a journey much like yours and mine. We are a lucky few to live and learn about life outside the fortress of the US. Once the reality that the world ISN’T a big scary place sets in, travel becomes an addiction. I, too have become a traveler and know that it is a gift that can’t be taken back no matter where I reside. Find that sexy Italian man and have your family(and) Vespa :) Home will still always be home. Enjoy the rest of your journey!!
seanymph says
I traveled alot with my ex husband and still had a family. So never say never, but just live your life. Ive seen many places but not a lot of them that I really want to see. But my days of wandering are over right now. And its ok. You will always have the memories of it all when you no longer can do it. So do it now and enjoy! That IS LIFE.