Perugia, Italy

I’ll be going down memory lane in the coming weeks to a decade ago when I took a life-changing trip in Europe. I will forever be grateful to first and foremost, God- who I know gave me the resolve and patience I needed through some precariously pickled situations- and to the family, friends, and places that gave context to the memories.

I was working full time and going to college at the time, so I’m especially thankful that my boss at the time allowed me to leave for 2 months with an assured position when I returned. My parents were supportive despite their fears and gave me all the advice and time they could to make the trip a special experience. I’ll never forget the timely fortune cookie at my bon voyage party- “You will be traveling and coming into a fortune.”

Travelling gives so much perspective and depth to every-day things. Subtleties like how food is served on the table whisper hints of deeply-rooted traditions. The quality of interactions with people across countries and age brackets have shown me the different values each culture holds dear, and yet we are all going somewhere in this journey called life. Happiness and security mean different things to people around the world, but we all want it. We all deserve it.

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