If you were to ask me five years ago that my life would turn out this way I wouldn’t have believed you. It is so much more exciting than I ever would have imagined.
I graduated high school in 1997 and college in 2003. I have BFA in Graphic Design which I loved in college but not so much in the “real world.”
My first overseas adventure was to Italy in 2001 with my University’s Art Department. One week after we arrived 9/11 happened. The Italians, literally and figuratively, wrapped their arms around us.
In 2004, I took my mom on her first trip abroad. We toured through London, Paris and Amsterdam and had a great time. My mom never had the desire to travel before but now she wants to go to Italy someday.
For my next overseas trip I went to India. My interest in India stemmed from studying the religions and art of India for a class. I signed up for a 3-week tour with The Imaginative Traveller. I loved India because it was so different from anything else I had experienced. It was on the tour that I met Liz – an Aussie who was on a 4-month round-the-world trip. I remember thinking, “Man, I wish I could do that!” But, I kept thinking, “What about my job, what about my bills, and such.”
The following year (2006) I entered in a photography contest sponsored by The Imaginative Traveller. I won first prize in the Asia category for a picture I took while in India. My prize was a free tour in Thailand. I also arranged a 2-night stopover in Tokyo on my way to Bangkok. On the tour, I met Bridgett (“B”) and Hugh, both English, who were just starting their own round-the-world trip, though not together. Oh, how I envied them! And then something switched “on” in my head. I can do this! From this point on- going on a long-term, round-the-world trip became a goal of mine. So, I started slowly saving money.
In the meanwhile (2007), I found a terrific airfare special to London I just couldn’t pass up and I timed it to meet a co-worker in Paris. So, I was off again. But, this time I was by myself- meaning no group tour. I thrived. I loved deciding what to do and when. Everyday was different. I went to Stonehenge, understood a beggar in French on the Paris metro, stumbled on the ending meeting point for the London Marathon, and saw the red carpet for the Spiderman 3 London premiere.
Some circumstances in my life led me to moving back in with my parents. But, in fact, it didn’t bother me a bit- the more money I could save the quicker I could realize my goal. So, here I am with a car payment and auto insurance as my only debt and my savings account steadily climbing. Words cannot describe the anticipation.
I think, perhaps, the greatest gift in my quest to see the world is inspiring others. As I wrote earlier, I inspired my mom to travel more and now my sister will join me in Egypt on her first overseas trip. Won’t she be in for a shock?! I can’t wait to show her my passion…
wow! you have BFA in Graphic Design?!?! i’m really into graphic designing, and i hope to become one someday. is the work really that great? i wish i could travel like you.