When I decided to travel to New Zealand, I admit the Shire was a huge factor. I wanted to go on an adventure and who better to follow than Bilbo and Frodo? I quickly learned that this beautiful country is so much more than the land of hobbits. The people are adventurous, chill, and loving, and the countryside really is one big screensaver. Whether I was walking to the store to get toilet paper or flying in a helicopter, the views were constantly stunning. I will forever be spoiled by New Zealand's beauty.
I decided to travel solo to take control of my life and to focus on me. I knew from the beginning that my "selfish year" would mean missing out on my life in Reno, but I didn't exactly know to what extent. In the past year my loved one's lives have changed and I have missed moments I will never get back. My sister started a job and has already been promoted, my mom got a new job, my best friend graduated university, my dad got married, my beloved cat passed away, and my little cousins started college. I think it's important to acknowledge these moments because I truly can't wait to get caught up with everyone.
One of my biggest fears about traveling solo was that I would be lonely. It turns out I was the complete opposite. I have spent the majority of this last year surrounded by people. Both strangers and new friends kept me company day in and day out. Whether I met you for 2 hours in a hostel or 6 months in Franz, you shaped my experience and I am forever grateful. Back home, I'm very secure with my group and my people so it wasn't natural for me to pursue new friendships, but I'm so glad I did. That being said I can't wait to go back to my house and live alone for a while ;)
Have you seen Yes Man? The okayish comedy starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel? Quick plot summary: Jim Carrey is hypnotized into saying yes to any question or proposal that is asked of him. Though this movie is ridiculous, I based my travel decisions on the Yes Man ideal. I did my best to say yes to every suggestion thrown my way. Yacht cleaning? Dinner with strangers? Knitting club? Sleeping on death row? Date with random Dutch boy? Yes. There were a lot of moments that made me want to bail. I had nothing to prove to the strangers in my life, but I didn't want to let myself down. There is no doubt in my mind that this strategy led me to my best life experiences and I hope to continue it in my life back home.
Thank you to everyone who has read this blog. I know there aren't a lot of you, but it's been an important outlet to me over the past year and it's nice to imagine all of you out there in the internet void following my stories. Also, thank you to my support system (y'all know who you are). It wasn't always pretty waterfalls and glaciers but having my anchors back home got me through the hard times.
That's it. I'm signing off. I'm at home, in my own bed, in my own house. The adventure is over.
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