100 Days 'Round the World: What I Learned
A little belated but here it is...
Someone like me never had wanderlust or dreams about traveling the world. So I honestly felt unworthy to embark on such a trip in the first place. I'm just a girl from the suburban south. My dreams about the future were filled with red brick houses, grilling outside, my husband mowing the yard, and little kids running around. I still think about that image of how I expected things to be when I was 27. And it's still a lovely picture of the future. But here I am, 27 years old (still young in my opinion) but not really living the picket fence life like I expected. Instead I went to grad school, got my degree in optometry, met a crazy guy that is at heart a true nomad and moved from Charlotte to Atlanta. And I'm happy with how things turned out instead.
Back in 2012, when Cliffton first told me about his dream about us traveling together "'Round the World", hitting every continent (except Antarctica) I had many reservations. Being an extreme worry wart I asked him: How will we plan this? When would we come back? How expensive is this? Is this safe? Where will we stay? Shouldn't I start working right after I graduated? And also...in the back of my head I secretly wondered: will we be married? I thought that on this trip he might propose. Instead he surprised me almost 2 years before our planned Summer 2016 trip.
I remember talking to one of my grad school professors, one who I greatly admired for her intelligence, and natural poise. When I told her about this trip, and wondered if it seemed too irresponsible, she told me, "You have the rest of your life to work. This is once in a lifetime." As it slowly dawned on me how stupid I was being, letting fear hold me back from experiencing my life. But even then, it still seemed so far away- just a dream. Fast forward through our engagement September 2014, our wedding in March 2016, and then my graduation in May 2016 as we were preparing ourselves for the trip it still felt so far away.
Even as Cliffton and I were all packed and ready to go on our trip, it felt surreal.
Now being back for four months in the US after taking such a trip I've had time to really think about our trip and what it means to me. Although it truly felt like a dream, I can still feel the realness of how it's changed me, my views on life and my relationship with Cliffton.
1. Starting out with the superficial stuff: Traveling for 3 months is not going to be glamorous. Unless you're Mariah Carey, or reasonably rich you're not going to look cute. For instance you may have to wear the same jacket for weeks...months. It's your only jacket. That's okay. You have little space in your luggage for bulky clothing items. Also, nail polish isn't going to happen. Don't bother. Your make up "routine" is going to be minimized to nothingness once you realize the sweltering heat of summer around the world. Pretty much all "luxuries" are going to be cut out in favor of efficiency, unless you enjoy lugging around 15 lbs of extra weight. You'll quickly learn that being low maintenance is the only way to remain sane. Traveling around like this for 3.5 months actually awoke a desire in me to become more of a minimalist. Why exactly do I need more than one pair of shoes? Okay 2: one for walking, one for nice restaurants. That's about all you need.
2. Much of America is like a small town. I used to think America was everything, because to me it was my whole world- it was the only place worth living. Don't get me wrong America is still one of the greatest countries in many ways. And I still believe that I am lucky to be an American. However, once you immerse yourself fully in other cultures, not touristy stuff, you realize that so many other countries have civilizations dating wayyyy way back to ancient times. Their history is deep and rich with stories, traditions and beautiful artwork and buildings. America is new and many places in the US are pretty flavorless...not hating...just stating...
3. Some places we went to are not tourist friendly. SIM cards, language barriers, transport and ordering food is hard if you're not a native speaker. Some countries like Japan and most of Europe are VERY accessible to tourists. In my opinion, being internationally accessible should be a priority in every first world country. America is no exception. We have been slacking in my opinion.
4. Travel etiquette is everything. Essentially, don't be an obnoxious tourist. You represent your country when you travel abroad. Act with dignity, and show common courtesy to your hosts and the people around you. For example, don't litter or spit on the ground. And for the love of God, don't push people over to get to the tourist attraction. Seems obvious I know, but we encountered so many rude tourist on our travels.
5. Hotels and accommodations make a huge difference in the travel experience. For example in London we stayed in a hip boutique hotel right across from King's Cross Station. It was an ideal location, and the room was adorable. Service was also stellar. They gave us delicious champagne some fancy chocolates, and chocolate covered strawberries as a honeymoon gift. It really set the tone for us. Also in Maldives, our water bungalow made the trip romantic and gave us a feel of exclusivity and seclusion. We had our own private little slice of the Indian ocean and it was perfect. Without those accommodations I'm sure we would have enjoyed things, but I do think it elevates things up to top notch experience.
6. People are going to hate you. People you know will slide in underhanded comments about your travels. People won't get why you're traveling for so long. Or they will ask you rude questions about finances, employment, your health, or why do you look so exhausted? People will also get mad. Or tell you to give up and go home. But it's all worth it. Ignore the haters and live your life.
7. People are essentially good. Rio was a mess. It was fun to be sure, but it was a little chaotic. There were many times that Cliffton and I found ourselves in need of help, and so many strangers in the street, on the bus, or in the airport would come up to help us out of the goodness of their hearts. I will forever remember that.
8. Traveling is life changing. Obviously. I don't think I can look at anything the same way again. I look at everything now with a sense of gratefulness and thanksgiving. Traveling is honestly one of the best ways to learn more about yourself and and the rest of the world at the same time. If you get the chance, take it!
9. America is still the greatest country in the world. I am biased because this is my home. But when I think about my country and all that its done to keep me safe, provide me with justice and equality, I am humbled and amazed. There will always be corruption in any government, no one is perfect but there are so many laws and systems in place to help promote a level playing field for everyone no matter what race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age etc. We still have a ways to go most definitely but I'd like to think that America is giving an honest effort. America is truly a great place to live.
10. I love my husband. I knew this already. But staying for 100 days non stop with one person in a foreign country is a true test. I think it's safe to say we passed. No one (besides my parents and big brother) would go to the ends of the earth for me, protect me, laugh with me, not judge me if I am vomiting on a plane, or haven't washed my hair, or wear the same outfit on repeat all summer. Okay I'm disgusting but this goes with my #1 point (travel isn't glam). Someone that can see all of that, but still wants to hug me and be close to me is my soul mate.
If you've made it to the end of this post! I'm impressed. Thanks for reading :)
