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It is all in the past now. Life is funny that way. I have nothing to show for our two and a half month adventure except for photos and a few souveiners. More importantly, however, my mind holds the true treasure… the memories. Memories that contain experiences throughout our time abroad that will continue to make the trip a reality in the years to come. Although now as I reflect on the plane ride back to LAX it seems like the days flew by… they really did not. It was the first time in my life I truly grasped, for an extended period of time, the ability to stay present in each moment. This is something I strive for in my everyday routine at home but with the busy schedule I have endured for many years it is difficult to execute this concept day in and day out. I have been on the road for approximately five months out of the past year and have learned that my passion to travel has broadened by horizons in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
When you travel your senses are enhanced. For example… the vivid images: lion cubs playing in Masai Mara, an unforgettable view of Mount Kilamanjaro at five am, a stunning sunset in Cuenca, the view of the Matterhorn from Gornergot… the illustrious sounds: elephants flopping in a mud bath in Amboseli, the noisy Spanish crowds packed into Museo del Jamon, the dozen church bells chiming in Florence… the sensational (or not so sensational) smells… thick smoke in the manyatta, fresh baked baguettes and croissants in the boulangeries in Paris, the stinky canals of Venice… the impression of touch: Masai children clinging to my arms and legs, cold wet air surrounding me while viewing Mont Saint Michel at night, sunshine dancing on my skin in Greece, Jake’s massive hugs when he could not contain his excitement… the sweet and savory tastes: crepes and beignets in Paris, first taste of cider in London, gelato throughout Italy, mouth watering gyros in Greece. The enhancement of all these physical sensations invigorates and inspires your soul. Although I clung to the items that reminded me of home (namely the luggage tag my mom gave me, the travel pillow my dad purchased for the trip, and a cherry chapstick I treasured from my sister) I strived to step out of my element to experience growth at a new level. A simple pause in the action to understand like never before the creativity component that is so important and necessary to the art of living.
Seeing the world deepened my understanding of everyday life and existence. I have come to find we are all part of a large interconnected puzzle that makes us as human beings as beautiful and as powerful as we are. It is our gifts and talents that make us unique and our inherent nature to converse that brings us together. Traveling brings to life two very important realities for me. First, I am blessed. Blessed with a comfortable life decorated with family and friends whom I care so deeply for and whom care so deeply for me. Second, no matter how driven or ambitiuos I might be it is important to take time to stop and be at peace with the small moments in life.
Now for a couple thank yous…
Jake, your fun seeking and caring self magnified the impact this trip had on me more than words can describe. I cannot thank you enough for being my travel companion and partner in crime. The memories we have shared will be with us forever and they are something I will always cherish.
As for all of you… our ‘Jake and Lauren Adventure Blog Readers’… thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to share this special experience with us. I hope that this blog may have planted a seed in your head that might grow into a future travel destination… or maybe it inspired you to volunteer… or simply pursue a passion like Jake and I have done. Whatever you may have taken or not taken form this blog remember this- it is all of you, the people in my life that matter most. I cherish our relationships and although we as individuals might be just a small piece of that gigantic puzzle I referred to earlier… each of us is significant and can make a difference in the lives of others everyday if we so chose to.
Hopefully another Jake and Lauren adventure will take place so stay tuned… but until the HAPPY TRAVELS!
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