Wanderlust
Merriam-Webster defines wanderlust as "a strong desire to travel" or "strong longing for or impulse toward wandering". Near the end of last year's summer, I finally understood what wanderlust meant. One year ago today I set out for my post-college adventure to Europe. The trip was a graduation gift from my Dad and stepmom. My roommate from freshman year and my best friend from high school's sister lives and works in London. It was the perfect situation, the stars aligned. I would be able to spend time and stay with Michelle, as well as reunite with Tania who has been living in Mexico the past five years for med school. While in Europe, Tania and I spent the majority of our 10 days in London; however, we took a trip to Paris and Amsterdam for a few days each. All three places were unique in their own way: London resembled a U.S. city with its public transit and large buildings, and hearing English chatter was comforting; Paris was right out of a storybook and exactly how you would imagine - romantic, scenic and very French; and finally, Amsterdam was incredibly easy-going, beautiful, and easy to adapt to. All three cities provided me with so many irreplaceable experiences and memories that I cannot favor one over the other. Yet by the time I left London, I considered myself to be practically a local. Most days Michelle left me her key before leaving for work and I quickly became friends with her doorman, Manuj, knew exactly how many tube stops it took to get to Tania's sister's flat without the aid of a map, and slept through the 4:43am sunrise beaming into the bedroom window. The time I spent abroad in Europe will always hold a special spot in my heart. I can't wait for my next adventure. Where would you wander to?
"Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien