If I look particularly young and refreshed in the above picture, it’s because it was taken eight years ago. The summer after my junior year of college, I went on a summer study abroad trip to Italy and Germany. And thus started my obsession with travel.
I was so excited about the trip, I was sure some catastrophic event would prevent me from getting to Europe. Maybe I’d get hit by a bus. Or there would be a problem with my passport. But there was no way that little old me would end up living such an incredible dream.
Luckily, I made it to Europe without any problems. This was my first trip outside of the United States. I still remember the way I felt as I looked out the window of the plane. Even though we were thousands of feet in the air, Italy looked so different from my home country.
It was an unforgettable experience. I gazed up at Michelangelo’s ceiling in Rome, drank wine in Florence, ate pretzels in Munich, and stood by Albrecht Durer’s gravesite in Nuremberg.
Looking at this picture, taken in Florence, is bittersweet for me. So much has happened since then, both good and bad. My mom passed away, I earned a Master’s degree, I got married, I had a baby, I wondered if I would ever sleep again, I wondered how I managed to be so lucky.
Remember to check out other travel photos at Delicious Baby’s weekly Photo Friday.
Just an added note: my heart goes out to the families at Fort Hood and to the men and women who risk their lives EVERY day.
love that photo – and looking back, too. doesn't it seem amazing, the small choices that we make that totally change our lives?
I'm glad you had such a great experience on your first trip outside the US – because I bet that great first trip gave you lots of confidence to travel anywhere. I had a similar experience and I'm always thankful for it.
Jessiev– Yes! There are so many of those little decisions that end up being really important later on.Wandermom– This was a great way to begin because I travelled with a group for the most part, but also had time to wander by myself.Thanks for reading!
Your picture just brought back a bunch of memories
And you still look young!
You didn't look that much different from today 8 years later.
Marina– Glad to hear it!Cate and Amy– You're too kind!
Sounds like such a great experience! I always like looking at folks' "vintage photos"…mine always bring back such great memories, too.
Dominique– Yes, I love seeing what people used to look like in their college and/or high school days. Thanks for reading!