Europe, here I come?

Ahh, yes - the dream of backpacking through Europe. It's perhaps one of the most cliché goals found on a bucket list - one shared by many folks, myself included.

A little before my 24th birthday, I found myself facing a mid-20s existential crisis if you will. I thought about the future, where I wanted to be, and a lot about where I didn't want to be.

Although I had a great job, my soul felt restless. I kept wanting something more. I didn't want to feel like I had settled into a life not quite meant for me.

While I wasn't sure where I pictured myself down the line, I knew the one thing I passionately desired was to travel, so I made a plan - quit my job and trek Europe for six weeks.

I tossed the idea around in my mind, consulted with a few people I trusted to give me solid advice, and I sat on it, and I sat on it, and I sat on it, and then I sat on it some more.

It's a totally irrational thing to do - quit a decent job to go pursue a lifelong dream - but I couldn't shake the thought. One day, I found myself buying travel gear and pricing one-way tickets to Dublin. Even after buying airfare and making lodging arrangements, I found myself still asking if I was really going to do this.

The girl who ate lunch in her car freshman year of college rather than socialize with strangers is going to Europe by herself (sorry, Mom) - it's mind-blowing.

Am I crazy? Probably. Am I terrified? Totally. Am I excited beyond reason? You betcha.

I would be lying if I didn't imagine my trip essentially being one long Keira Knightly/Elizabeth Bennett flowy, magical moment on Stanage Edge.

Yet, I know, it's not an entirely realistic vision. I'll be staying at hostels, sharing communal bathrooms with lots of stinky travelers, and being privy to a lot of conversations/scenes/noises/odors I would rather not be.

Nonetheless, I'm doing it. Fear or not, rational or not, ready or not, I'm doing it.

I hope you'll adventure with me as I explore the ins and outs of Europe as a solo backpacker.

Feel free to leave me comments & messages of what you want to see - whether of food, architecture, or me precariously balanced on a cliff (I am jk, Mom). The possibilities are endless!

Your friend,

K

#travel #life #Europe #dream #tinafey #prideandprejudice #fear