My trips seem to fall during times of great change and challenge in my life. Last time I jetted off to Europe, I had recently been laid off from my first job out of college and trying to figure out what the heck to do next. Now, I am in the process of still settling into my new life in Rhode Island.

Change is inevitable; this I know all too well. But for me, a constant through the past 5+ years has been that solo travel is my outlet and my chance to see new places and meet new people. Inhibitions dissolve and opportunities materialize when I travel on my own. I can control only so much and learn what I am truly capable of when my control unravels and I must rely on my instincts. Through all the sweat, blisters, and occasional tears, I get the truest glimpse of who I genuinely am: a life-long worldly wanderer and scholar seeking her next snippet of knowledge. That is what keeps me going. Untapped knowledge. It is what presents the opportunities to continue broadening my viewpoints and shuttering the perceptions of narrow-mindedness.

Today, I fly to Lisbon and I am a mix of nerves and excitement. It took until only a few days ago for me to realize that I will not be heading to a location that is either expecting me or has someone I know waiting for me. When I studied in Ireland I was accepted at UCC and expected by the landlady of the apartment complex. When I travelled to Denmark, before my continued solo journey through Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, I was greeted and spent time with a good friend. This time, I’m arriving in Lisbon at some lovely early hour after an overnight flight with barely any sleep. It will truly be a test of endurance and confidence. Thankfully, it will be a direct flight and I won’t have a Toronto connecting flight experience again…

From Lisbon I will head to Seville for a few days and then visit London for my final city of this trip. Some moments I feel well-prepared and at other times my anxiety has a chokehold on me. But, I persevere. Anxiety is always there, but I cannot let it debilitate me. Ironically, I find my calmness in the center of the chaos that usually surrounds travel. And I have come to learn thus far in my life, that one’s purpose can be determined by where such a haven is carved into.

This trip is a chance for me to remember that I love to travel. It is high time I get back out there. So, stay tuned for my reflections of my journey!