Day 16: Going Home- Reflections & Travel Tips
Again, late to the party. I’ve been home since last Thursday, May 2nd but I’ve been dragging my feet on wrapping up this adventure. I guess I didn’t want to accept it was over. It was hard at times. It was exhausting every single day. But it was amazing every minute. It was a literal dream coming true at every turn. I probably didn’t emphasize that enough. My body was D.O.N.E. and I needed my bed but my mind and heart wanted to carry on. Celine Dione style. The above picture is my conflicted face.
Some people have asked so what did I discover about myself? This in part was a journey in self reflection… so what are my reflections? Well, to put it mildly, I CAN do hard things, problem solve in unknown situations, and persevere. I haven’t had a lot of faith in myself for awhile now and for a long time when I encountered an obstacle, I retreated. Like literally, climbed in bed, pulled the covers over my head, and retreated. Sometimes I wouldn’t come out for days. I called it hermit crabbing. However, on my trip, I didn’t have a choice to do that, except when I was terribly ill, and then I had no choice but to do that. I hated it though. I even carried on probably a bit sooner than I should have, which led to some unfortunate consequences that I’m going to keep off the blog, for everyone's sake. BUT, other times, when faced with a hiccup or mishap, even when in pain, I soldiered through and it reminded me of the resilience (Great word, Julia Good!) that was always there deeply tucked away underneath my fears and lack of self confidence. If you want to test your fortitude, go travel somewhere you’ve never been, alone, and figure it out as you go!
My days will not be perfectly mindful going forward. I’ve even struggled a bit since being home. But the emotional support I received, before, during, and after this trip from those who love me, along with the reawakening of who this girl was (and is!) will get me through.
I found 3 postcards (see below) with quotes from Shakespeare in his birthplace museum gift shop (A museum tour that I missed by 4 minutes after a lot of trouble getting to) that summed up a lot. He did have some gems surrounded by a whole lot of nonsense. (It wasnt my favorite reading in college!) Please don’t tell any other English literature/creative writing afficionados that I said that. They might take away my degree. lol
Travel tips:
Don’t just check closing times of attractions and tours. Check if they have “last tour start times” which may be way before the place actually closes.
Don’t think a train or bus will wait for you, even a minute. They won’t.
Set your alarm for way earlier than necessary. Then let yourself hit snooze a couple of times. You’re going to need it. Unless you’re having a relaxing vacation with no timetable. Then screw your alarm.
People are nicer than you think they’ll be. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.
Don’t even attempt to walk even a semi distance without shoes that don’t have arch support. If it might be raining a lot, get waterproof shoes and socks. There are so many options.
Pack less. Just pack less.
If you’re going somewhere that you’ll need a warm jacket, buy a more lightweight one than you think you’ll need in one size bigger and just layer underneath. Trust me, if you’re walking a lot, you’ll be taking it off. Plus you’ll save room in your suitcase.
Get a waterproof pouch preferably with a lanyard to wear underneath something for your phone, Passport, money, CC’s. Even if you’re not wearing it, it’ll be safe from damage wherever it’s stored.
Bring pain meds and other medicine in case you get sick or hurt. There might not be a store/pharmacy nearby or you might not be able to get to it.
Invest in travel health insurance if yours doesn’t cover you outside the U.S.
YOLO (You Only Live Once) for realsies! And you’re doing it right now!! Those extra CC payments or later retirement (if you’re lucky enough to make it to retirement) are NOT more important than the experiences you’ll miss out on.
Thank you for indulging me Party People, it’s been a blast! xx
The End.
Or is it The Beginning?
