And after not really having much stability for the past few months, I finally said “see ya later” to Europe and hopped on a plane to Accra, Ghana.

Although a good portion of my travels were solo and without much of a plan, I really enjoyed my adventures (some may call it struggles) in Europe. I got a lot of time to hang out with myself and had a lot of time to think. I learned how to feel comfortable eating a meal alone and even grew to love it. I also learned to love going places alone. A lot of the time when in a group, you feel obligated to do certain things on a certain schedule to be courteous of other people’s wants and needs. For the good portion of this year, I had the opportunity to do what I wanted when I wanted to. I had no schedule and I saw the things that I wanted to see and did the things that I wanted to do. I had some really good times hanging out with myself all over Europe.

That being said, somewhere along the line, I came to the realization that I was never really alone on my travels. By just being myself, I have gotten to know some of the coolest people from all over the world. Some of the people I met were novice travelers, others were on a short holiday, and some have been running around the world their entire life. I have had some of the most interesting conversations at hostels, over food, on a lake, and even at bars. The people that are out there in this world are incredible and I am so glad I got the opportunity to come in contact with such inspiring and thought-provoking individuals. My beliefs and views have been challenged, changed, and questioned to new extremes and my perceptions have been turned inside out. It is an incredible feeling to know that the travelling and the fun never really have to end. It can, and forever will be a huge part of my life and I never want to let it go. Even right now I am struggling with the idea that in January I will have to be back in the States in order to finish my education behind a desk. Don’t get me wrong, I love Gonzaga, but in my short 20 years of life I have found more value and learning in going out and exploring the world versus sitting in a classroom listening to an lecturer spoon-feed me information. Before, I used to believe that my education was the key to my happiness and success, but now I am in no rush with finishing my school work- I am perfectly happy and content at this point in my life. I really dread having to stay somewhere “normal” for an extended period of time now. I am afraid of getting used to my surroundings and getting too comfortable.

Everyday is no longer a day spent planning for the future, instead I am learning to appreciate things day by day and just going with the flow.

Thank you Europe. Be back soon. Africa is calling.

-L