One perk, however, of becoming adult-y, is I've somewhat figured some shit out. At least enough to be able to do things I want to do on my dime, and not feel beholden to anyone. You know, except for my corporate overlords.
When I turned 40 I decided it was time to stop waiting for someone to show up in my life who wanted to do things with me. That it was time for me to learn to like being with myself, and to take myself out there and do the things I wanted to do.
So. Here are some things I've done.
November 2015 I took off solo to Amsterdam and Paris. It was a week of walking way too much, drinking way too much, and falling in love with traveling all over again.
Day 1, Amsterdam - I got this
Later on Day 1, Amsterdam - maybe I don't got this 😬
JK, I totally had it all under control. Mostly. This night I had a lovely beer at my hostel, then decided to go out for another (another 6 or so, that is). Ended up at an Irish bar, watching American college football, in the Netherlands, while a rowdy group of Brits enjoyed one of their mates stag. Standing at the bar I met the father of the stag, Colin, pleasant fellow. We chatted, then some of the guys came to get him "we're moving on!", so Colin and I said our goodbyes. Then one of them said, "C'mon bird, let's go then!", aaaand off I went on a stag with the British lads. That's them, above pictured, with the stag's future wife's face taped on a blow-up doll. It was an adventure, I'll tell ya.
Day 2, Amsterdam - What is this magic?
I discover Albert Heijn (grocery), and the magic that is ham and cheese croissant dipped in hummus. Ate this near every day in AMS.
Day 3, Paris - Amazing. That's all.
Seriously, though. Got off the metro too early and ended up lost for a while, which was all good. Got a lovely view of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, and discovered my hostel was on the complete opposite side of it, in the area called Montmartre. Amazeballs. One day, I may actually write about it at length. That day is not today.
Day 4, Paris - Eiffel Tower! It's a rather stunning bit of scaffolding 😉
Day 4, Paris - Notre Dame! I may have cried. The city and it's ancient architecture is really very beautiful.
Day 5, Paris - the Catacombs. I see dead people.
I got actual, real live, childhood level butterflies for this. I was SO excited, and I thought it was awwweeesoooooome.
Days 6 and on were back in Amsterdam where I had more amazing times that I may get into one day. If nothing more than to have something I can look back at to remember that this time, this trip convinced me that I can do anything.
In the 2 years since this belweather adventure, I've traveled as much as my job and pocketbook allow - revisiting Amsterdam and Paris with my friend Justin (and will go back any chance I get!), Barcelona and Catalonian environs with my friends Amanda and Tiffany, and Norway with my sisters. I can't tell you how excited I am for what the future holds - I have plans that get me crazy happy. Whether or not I travel alone, or with friends or family, it's all good. I got this.
