Oh, you studied abroad?

Whether you have traveled to the blue medina in Chefchaouen, Morocco, spent mornings hiking in the Sierra Nevada, rainy afternoons in beer halls in Germany, or late nights clubbing in southern Spain, the reality is that no one cares. Let me be more specific, people who aren’t fellow travelers don’t care (with the exception of parents, grandparents, and a few friends). It's upsetting, honestly, but seemingly unavoidable. I’ve lived this experience when my friends and acquaintances want me to sum up 6 months traveling Europe with a simple 

“So how was it?”

 “Oh it was amazing..I di-“ 

“Cool! Can’t wait for you to come back”.

Sometimes I want to go back to the US purely for the reason that I’ll have something to talk about that doesn’t involve being abroad. It's sad isn’t it? I want to show my friends a picture of me outside a castle in Northern Italy in a little town called Quetta. I want to describe the loose and steep gravel path leading up to an overlook of the city as I stood at eye level to the clouds. Thinking back on this summer memory makes me want to talk about the wonder and perspective this experience brought me over a glass of red wine on a rickety porch swing.  It breaks my heart that people view this as bragging or boasting, it’s my experience, my past, it's part of my life, and it's what makes me who I am.

 Personally, I love hearing about people explorations no matter the destination or duration. You spent a weekend in Chile? Did you venture to Easter Island and see the moai? Lets talk theory. You spent the summer in San Francisco? Tell me about the culture of the city. You spent 5 nights in a tent under the stars in the Sahara desert? Did it change your beliefs? You backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail? How realistic is Wild? You went to the next town over and found a great café that serves nutella crepes? How soon are you available to go there again and take me with?! I admit I ask these questions selfishly. I’m constantly trying to plan my next adventure. I’m inspiring myself for a new journey. I’m searching for a fresh view to open my eyes and push my limits. (Except for the crepe one-I just really like nutella crepes)

What I’m saying is, next time someone tries to tell you about their explorations, please don’t try to steal their joy. Humor them and listen. Drink their beer, chug their red wine and relax on their porch swing. Use them as a live Google search to plan your next adventure.

I want to wander, I want to wonder, and I want to tell you about it. I hope you wander, I hope it makes you wonder, and I hope you tell me all about it.