Wanderlust

  

Paris, 1991

Even as a young girl I knew I had wanderlust.  Not only did I want to see the world but I wanted to experience the different cultures.  Although I had back problems early on and depression I threw caution to the wind and at twenty-one I packed up and left all that was familiar to travel across Europe and find a job and myself.  I remember my therapist asking me how it could be possible for someone so afraid of being alone to want to move thousands of miles away by herself.  I replied that I didn't know, I just knew I had to go.  Was it scary?  Yes!  Was I ready?  No.  Did I grow and learn what I needed to know really quickly?  Yes.  I know my steps were guided by my angels and God because I was truly blessed every step of the way.  I learned about patriotism, about myself, and how to become a savvy traveller on a shoestring budget.  The other day I was playing Catchphrase with my seven year old nephew and he asked the question, "It's a place you sleep when you travel,"  (hotel).  My response?  A train station.  I wasn't lying.  I've slept there and airports, some sleazy hostels, if I can't find a room and it's late at night I'm willing to sleep anywhere but please, don't let this get out that I sleep around, I don't want it getting out.  I have a reputation to uphold!  Hehe. 

Good friends in Machu Picchu, Teresa, and I in 1993

Right now I have my memories and pictures to carry me through till I can travel again.  I have been blessed in my life to stand in the Roman Colosseum, atop Machu Picchu, ride the Amazon River, walk The Great Wall of China, stand inside the Sydney Opera House, and swim in the the warm tropical waters of Tonga.  I also was able to live in Florence, Italy and Madrid, Spain as an au-pair, experiences that I shall always cherish!  After that, I came home got my degree, and was in the car accident that I believe was the trigger for my FM.  Months after graduating from college I left on an 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Antofagasta, Chile but I returned early due to illness.  This was a devastating blow for me.  Who wants to admit defeat especially when you want to serve the Lord?  It took me years to accept this disappointment.

Although I have been blessed to see much of the world the gypsy in me wants to see more.  Even now I'm just itching to travel the world.  It might be difficult since just a car ride can exhaust me and throw me into spasms but not in my dreams...oh in my dreams I conquer the world...with love.