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Monday, May 19, 2014

9 Months Later...



A small seed has been growing inside me. It was planted during my travels to Colombia and has been growing ever since. (Hint: it is NOT a baby!). Although many other women my age (I'm 30 now) may have a baby or thoughts of a baby growing in them, I have something much different. My seed is a desire to experience so much more of our beautiful world. My trip to Colombia has only scratched the surface. It re-ignited my passion for culture, language, landscapes and new experiences. 


I had a slight fear before going to Colombia that it wouldn't be as satisfying as when I traveled in college to Ecuador. That was different. I was young and easily enchanted, I lived with a host family and had a purpose (school). Traveling as an adult would be different. I'm not studying, hostels have lost their luster, and I won't have a host mom that irons my clothes, sits with me for dinner and provides me with a real cultural experience.
Learning to use a "dart gun" in the Amazon: April, '05

My real mom visiting me and meeting my host mom in Ecuador: June '05

I feared that my trip to Colombia would feel like a waste of money and time. Just another gringo girl in a touristy world. What I found was much different. (Evidence of this is written all over my previous entries). My trip helped open my eyes to the world of travel as an adult (aka non-student) and I love it! I want more! I also left with a confidence that I can do anything. Why waste my time working somewhere that I don't enjoy? A desk job in front of the computer all day? No thanks! I like being around people and I like being outdoors. I want culture and new experiences! So when I learned about a job as a bike guide that could take me to all parts of the world, connect me with people, immerse me in different cultures, and get me outside in the most beautiful places I thought, "I should do that!" What a dream!


Lately I feel like my dreams are becoming reality. This past year has felt like a dream. From adventures in Colombia to working alongside Jarrod at the cafe; making coffee for our regulars and escaping to the mountains on the weekends; I've been living simply and feeling happy. Now I am packing my bags to start my new job as a bike guide for a company that can take me to all parts of the world, connect me with people, immerse me in different cultures, and get me outside in the most beautiful places. If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up!