“I resigned from my job by tapping my boss on the shoulder and nervously asking, ‘Do you have a minute? Because I think I quit.’
First, there was a shock, then confusion.
My boss said, ‘You think? As in you’re not sure?’
‘No, I’m sure,’ I shot back defensively. Then quietly muttered, ‘Pretty sure, anyway.’
The rest of the story follows the same awkward, impulsive tone. My mom cried when I bought a one-way ticket to Mexico about a week later.
‘I’ll be back in a month or two,’ I foolishly thought.
Eight months later, and I’m writing to you from Colombia right now.
Some days, I crave adventure, so I trek through the jungle or climb a volcano. Somehow, I’m always the last one in the group and I always forget the bug spray. Other days, I prefer culture, so I stay with an indigenous family. My host mom dresses me in traditional clothing and my little host sister giggles as I trip over the long skirt.
When I’m bursting with energy, I want to be challenged. I commit myself to learn yoga or guitar. I sign up for scuba diving and Spanish courses. When I’m lazy, I want to do nothing at all. You can find me at the beach with a book and a coconut. Sometimes, I want to be left alone. I want to appreciate nature in silence. Or wander the city’s cobblestone streets while lost in my own thoughts.
Other times, I want to be wowed. I want to be in awe as the view takes my breath away. And I want you to be there with me when it happens. Then there are the times I feel restless or want to be surprised, so I grab a map, ask the nearest person to tell me their favorite place, and head to the bus station.
What’s it like to travel the world? It’s like however you want it to be.”
