Here I stand in Ruby slippers...
People have said a lot of things to me when I told them I was going to live abroad again. I heard everything from 'I can't believe you have the guts to do that!' to 'Well, how are you going to pay your bills?' to 'What about the degree you just worked 4 1/2 years to complete?' to 'Can I come visit?' At first my friends and family had mixed emotions about my traveling. Some understood. Some didn't. But the way I saw it... was that it was the perfect time for me to be selfish. I had just graduated and I had the world at my fingertips. I had no boyfriend, no job, no kids (ha), no apartment... it was the perfect time for me to take time for myself. So I did.
Many people have asked 'how do you do it? how do you know how to live in another country?' The answer is this; there is no street map for the road less traveled, I have just put on a good pair of shoes and turned my face towards the sun. Of course I've made mistakes. Of course I've lost my balance. Of course I've questioned why I am here. But on the other hand... I have challenged myself further than I thought I could go, I have seen places I had previously only dreamed of, and I have loved every minute of it.
Last night I had to say my goodbyes to my family in Edinburgh. It was tearful to say the least... but as Jane pointed out- it wasn't a goodbye it was a 'see you soon.' Jane and Malcolm and the boys were truly amazing and shaped this experience into what it has become for me. I am taking away rich memories and fond friends and leaving only gratitude and affection. This morning(after 10 sleepless hours on a night bus from Edinburgh) I arrived in London to meet my friend Melanie. Spending time with her will be a great way to end my stay here.
Though it is hard to walk away from this whole experience, I am ready to see my family and friends again (and of course indulge in American pop culture, take a trip to my local Target, sit down with a glass of milk and Oreos and drive on the right side of the road).
...so on Thursday... three taps take me home :)
Many people have asked 'how do you do it? how do you know how to live in another country?' The answer is this; there is no street map for the road less traveled, I have just put on a good pair of shoes and turned my face towards the sun. Of course I've made mistakes. Of course I've lost my balance. Of course I've questioned why I am here. But on the other hand... I have challenged myself further than I thought I could go, I have seen places I had previously only dreamed of, and I have loved every minute of it.
Last night I had to say my goodbyes to my family in Edinburgh. It was tearful to say the least... but as Jane pointed out- it wasn't a goodbye it was a 'see you soon.' Jane and Malcolm and the boys were truly amazing and shaped this experience into what it has become for me. I am taking away rich memories and fond friends and leaving only gratitude and affection. This morning(after 10 sleepless hours on a night bus from Edinburgh) I arrived in London to meet my friend Melanie. Spending time with her will be a great way to end my stay here.
Though it is hard to walk away from this whole experience, I am ready to see my family and friends again (and of course indulge in American pop culture, take a trip to my local Target, sit down with a glass of milk and Oreos and drive on the right side of the road).
...so on Thursday... three taps take me home :)
posted by Laura:) @ Saturday, May 19, 2007
<< Home