I'm finally doing it. My own personalized version of Eat Pray Love. A three-part trip that will enlighten, improve and challenge me in every way.
DISCOVERY: Deciding where to go on this soul searching, Ph.D. lesson in myself has been more challenging than I expected. Rome was always a clear choice, the absolute no-brainer. Ever since the first time I saw Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, ever since I first stepped foot on the Roman soil at 14 years of age, I knew there was something magical about that city. The second time I went after college, I felt an even stronger connection. I spent days with nothing but a map, exploring and taking it all in. When it was time to leave, I knew I wasn't done. I knew that one day, I would go stay there for longer than a few short days. The third time will be the charm. I'm ready to immerse myself in the culture, the atmosphere, the food, and to do as the Romans do. I'm going to take my time really discovering what it means to be a resident of Rome, the ins and outs, the daily routines and the way of life, all while relying on no one but myself, my instincts, my guidebook and my sense of adventure.
EXPLORATION: I wanted the second part of the trip to be about exploring new places I've never been. My list of places in the world to visit is ridiculously long, and although I wanted to cross a few of those places off, I also didn't want to cram too much in. I already know what it's like to tour too many places in a short amount of time and have any and all memories end up mashed together into one blurry flashback. So I decided on just three other European cities: Prague, Berlin and Munich. I'm spending 4 days in each city so I can see the sights and experience the culture. I also wanted to experience long train rides through the European countryside and so I'm taking the Eurorail from Prague to Berlin and then from Berlin to Munich, to add to the adventure.
EXHILARATION: Finally, after 6 weeks alone in Europe, I can't think of a better way to end my trip abroad than with a few weeks in Brazil, surrounded by family, friends and millions of soccer fans who are flying in from all parts of the world to attend the World Cup. As an avid sports fan, I know the thrill that comes with experiencing live competitive games. It transports you to a world where nothing exists but the battle between two teams, heart palpitations and thousands of other fans sighing, yelling and holding their breaths at the exact same times you do. Brazil will be electric with World Cup hysteria. This only happens once every four years, and this isn't just soccer. This is soccer IN BRAZIL. I can't wait to experience it with my family and friends
Well, folks. April 30 is just around the corner. I'M READY.
DISCOVERY: Deciding where to go on this soul searching, Ph.D. lesson in myself has been more challenging than I expected. Rome was always a clear choice, the absolute no-brainer. Ever since the first time I saw Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, ever since I first stepped foot on the Roman soil at 14 years of age, I knew there was something magical about that city. The second time I went after college, I felt an even stronger connection. I spent days with nothing but a map, exploring and taking it all in. When it was time to leave, I knew I wasn't done. I knew that one day, I would go stay there for longer than a few short days. The third time will be the charm. I'm ready to immerse myself in the culture, the atmosphere, the food, and to do as the Romans do. I'm going to take my time really discovering what it means to be a resident of Rome, the ins and outs, the daily routines and the way of life, all while relying on no one but myself, my instincts, my guidebook and my sense of adventure.
EXPLORATION: I wanted the second part of the trip to be about exploring new places I've never been. My list of places in the world to visit is ridiculously long, and although I wanted to cross a few of those places off, I also didn't want to cram too much in. I already know what it's like to tour too many places in a short amount of time and have any and all memories end up mashed together into one blurry flashback. So I decided on just three other European cities: Prague, Berlin and Munich. I'm spending 4 days in each city so I can see the sights and experience the culture. I also wanted to experience long train rides through the European countryside and so I'm taking the Eurorail from Prague to Berlin and then from Berlin to Munich, to add to the adventure.
EXHILARATION: Finally, after 6 weeks alone in Europe, I can't think of a better way to end my trip abroad than with a few weeks in Brazil, surrounded by family, friends and millions of soccer fans who are flying in from all parts of the world to attend the World Cup. As an avid sports fan, I know the thrill that comes with experiencing live competitive games. It transports you to a world where nothing exists but the battle between two teams, heart palpitations and thousands of other fans sighing, yelling and holding their breaths at the exact same times you do. Brazil will be electric with World Cup hysteria. This only happens once every four years, and this isn't just soccer. This is soccer IN BRAZIL. I can't wait to experience it with my family and friends
Well, folks. April 30 is just around the corner. I'M READY.