Malaysia Marked 6 Months
I've officially reached a halfway mark in my world wide adventure. With 3 months of Europe and 3 months of asia collected in my handy dandy traveler's fanny pack, it feels like 6 years has passed!
In reality, it has only been 6 months... But a lot can happen in that amount of time! I've learned buckets and buckets of new things. I've gained at least 4 handfuls of spectacular experiences. I've lost things and found things... both good and bad. And most importantly, I've learned who and what are valuable in my life, what is worth worrying over, what is worth keeping, and what I miss the most since beginning my travels.
New Experiences: Recap
France - saw some incredibly famous works of art; and figured out a subway system for the first time; climbed the Eiffel Tower (over 700 steps up)
Croatia- jumped off cliff into the sea; went inside a blue cave on a boat; went olive oil tasting
Italy- ate the best lasagna of my life a few blocks away from the Colosseum; saw some more incredible art; ate the best gelato
Vatican City- Saw the Sistine Chapel... even though you couldn't breathe or move due to so many tourists; did not meet the Pope, unfortunately
Czech Republic-painted a mural in the snow; tried hot wine for the time
Austria- had a german feast for thanksgiving
Poland- experienced the discomforts of night trains and sleep deprivation, but also realized that it is NOTHING compared to what the victims of the Holocaust endured
Portugal- first birthday, Hanukkah and Christmas outside the U.S; also painted my first full sized mural
Japan- Conveyor belt sushi; riding a bike as my main means of transportation (in the snow too); using a fancy robot toilet; first cat cafe experience
Thailand- first time riding (not driving) on a motorized scooter, ever
Cambodia- first place I went to outside of U.S. that takes U.S. currency; crossed a border on foot; visited Angkor Wat (one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world
Malaysia- climbing an actual cliff/small mountain; jumping into a real waterfall after an actual rainforest rainstorm
Singapore- saw a country in under 12 hours; Gardens by the Bay
Australia- first country I've explore and traveled to 100% alone; held an actual koala bear
New Found Things and Insight
I love not having to drive everywhere!
It's okay to be sad sometimes; feelings are okay
Everything works out in the end
You really do find out who your "people" are
languages are difficult, but you can communicate a lot through paying attention, reading body language, and using hand gestures.... (also google translate of course)
white sheer curtains make any apartment feel magical and homey
I need art or some kind of creative outlet to to maintain my happiness, inspiration, and well-being
it's okay if you can't do everything, see everything, or become everyone's best friend
it's okay to take a lot of naps ... resting is important ... but so is movement, exercise, and expression
I love coffee now ... it's one of my main food groups
stuff is stuff, and any product or device I lose or need is easily accessable in most cities, or it can be shipped
being flexible, forgiving, and friendly as often as I can makes life so much easier ... especially when practicing this on myself
obtained a bomb-ass jacket that was left behind on a subway and would have been thrown away and never returned to its owner if i hadn't rescued it (no I didn't "steal it" ... if you want the full story, just ask)
Things Lost and Let Go Of
many items of clothes, books, and unneeded extra weight
one carry-on suit case
love and friendships
2 apartment keys in Japan
... maybe some money in Thailand (sorry mom)
insignificant worries ... okay, well, I still worry but it doesn't last very long ;) - everything works out in the end
probably some other things too
What I Miss the Most from 'Merica
Mom, Sister and pets (especially Little Debbie)
My friends
Walk-ons large order of loaded cheese fries
Walgreens and Target
my bed
my art supplies
the festivals
Amazon
Hulu
Things I Wish I Knew or Had While Traveling
a million dollars... haha jk
VPN
Yoga towel/mat
collapsible Tupperware and water bottle
better adaptors, chargers, and wires for electronics
The Next 6 Months: Dondé va a estoy Lauren?
Argentina- Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba
Peru- Lima and hopefully Machu Picchu
Colombia- Bogotá and Medellín
Mexico- Mexico City
somewhere during and in between these places I will be finding more freelance work, learning Spanish, reading, finding dogs to pet, painting murals and other things, and probably some other cool stuff
Home- U.S: Louisiana: Baton Rouge
Stay tuned for some thoughts on my first month in Argentina!
