My people!!! My lovely people!!! So, this is funny, I’ve talked to some of you recently, that maybe I haven’t spoken with in a while; I’ve had some interesting conversations and reactions from you about my trip. Some are surprised I’m still moving along out here in the world, some are curious of my plans moving forward, (oh yeah, I never told them the plan) and some of you are meeting me out here in Europe in the coming months… Yeah, baby – woot woot!!!
Here are a few of my favorite comments…
Supportive – “I’m so proud of what you’re doing, this is so great for you! I can tell this trip is healing your soul.” Awe, thanks…
Envious – “I wish I could shut down everything in my life and come join you. Not fair!!”
Listen, you can do it to if you really want to… And it’s more affordable than you think if you rough it a little (or a lot) and stay primarily in developing countries… Europe is killin’ the budget, but that was expected…. I’m pretty certain I can do a whole year with splurges thrown in, for less than $20k… And if you skipped Europe it could easily be done for less than $10k… The hardest part really is to make the decision to leave your life… It’s a radical life change, and my situation was unique where a lot of things ended/closed out all at once…
Surprised – “Wow, I can’t believe you’re doing so well at this solo traveling stuff, I thought you would’ve come home already. I didn’t think you had it in you… I’m impressed. Maybe I didn’t really know you after all.” Well, thank you… I think…
Drop Outs – “Nothing“ Wah, wah, wah K Sigh…
A few people I was close with when I left have sort of just dropped out of my life completely, and I never expected that to happen, and that’s been difficult for me… There’s a reason, I’m sure – maybe someday it will make sense. But I miss them, nonetheless.
Adventurous – “I’ll meet you in Europe, baby!!!” Why didn’t they want to meet me in India? I don’t understand… LOL… No matter… Yay, can’t wait to see you in Europe – so excited!!!!
So, as for the plan… When I decided to take this, “intrepid journey of spiritual growth and reflection,” as my friend Vicky calls it (love that description!), I had tentatively planned on being gone for a year. I probably didn’t mention a specific timeline to you, my friends and family, because, well, most everyone was giving me the, “you’re crazy” look when I told them about the trip, and I wasn’t altogether certain that I wasn’t… It definitely wasn’t the mainstream option for a major life transition… And, honestly, I didn’t know if I’d have the balls to handle all the challenges that came along with being a female solo traveler… I didn’t know how I’d do on my own… Or if I’d be unbearably lonely… Or if I’d get some crazy disease in India, or Malaria in Indonesia… I just didn’t know if I’d get my wings and fly, or crash and burn, so I may have been vague with everyone. Hell, I was so scared before I left, I wasn’t even sure I’d get on the plane until I actually did… But I had the consistent feeling I was doing the right thing and that if I got on that plane, everything else would fall into place… So far, so good…
So, for now, I’ll continue on the journey roaming the globe and finding my way. It may or may not turn out to be a whole year. I don’t want to give myself a specific time frame. I think it’s best to just see how I feel and what experiences I encounter and see where the wind takes me. I’ll know when it’s the right time to come home. I do think it’s one of the most unique experiences I could have chosen to put myself through, with different cultures, countries, religious dynamics, languages, transportation systems, etc. and it’s life changing, no doubt. Probably would’ve been a good reality show with all the crazy things I’ve encountered so far…
So if you were one of those people that didn’t really think I’d be gone this long, or that I wouldn’t go at all, don’t feel bad… It was a common thought amongst a lot of you – and I was doubtful myself… Overall though, it’s mostly going well – I can’t say it’s all moonbeams and butterflies… It’s challenging and sometimes exhausting – both mentally and physically… Like today, I’m feeling tired and alone – it’ s my last day in Italy and I’m off to Ireland tomorrow… And I’m ready to leave Venice, but don’t really feel like moving at all… Just want to veg somewhere comfortable and sleep in my own bed.. Ummm it’s in storage Eryn… Right.. I’m exhausted, having not slept well over the last week in my 16 bed mixed room hostel… My fault I booked so late for Venice. You have late night people, early morning people, snoring people, crinkling shopping bag people – people that hit snooze button 16 times… Grrrr, seriously I’m trying to sleep here!!! Earplugs just don’t cut it!!
Changing countries tomorrow, I’ll have to have to put on my A game – will have to figure out where I’m going when I get off the plane, what’s the best mode of transportation and navigate my way to a new location in a foreign town. Quit your bitchin’ Eryn, it’ll be the first country everyone speaks English – Yes!! I have one night booked at a hostel in Dublin, and will have to figure out where I want to be after that. I’m considering a few options for my time in Ireland… I’m feeling the need to get back to nature, so I’m open to some form of camping if I can find a group to hang with… Or it’d be nice to rent one place for my several weeks there and settle in and regain some energy… Or I may rent a car and drive around lots of different places and get rooms whenever I decide to stop. Totally different options that will all lead to different experiences… So I’ll just have to see how I feel when I get there and who I meet.
Thanks to those who are still keeping up with me and checking in from time to time… It really does mean the world to me and it’s a reminder that I’m still loved and missed as I float around out here in the world.
My friend Siggy (soul sister, remember?) sent this video to me as it reminded her of both of us… I love it… It’s me… It’s her… It’s all of us soul searching solo female travelers out here…
Oh, and here are some pic’s from my time in Venice – Quite possibly the most beautiful city (although I’m pretty sure I think that same thought everywhere in Italy I visit). Needless to say, I’ve had some of the most amazing pasta, pizza, wine, cappuccinos, pastries and gelato on the planet… I’ve visited countless museums, churches and monuments… Been on dates where google translator was a necessity… Walked the shores of beaches, climbed towers and seen breathtaking views… Italy IS beautiful!!! But it’s time to say goodbye to this amazing, romantic country and hello to my Irish routes. This Irish las will likely send the next post to you from a Dublin pub!
Hi Eryn,
The photos are breathtaking! How beautiful!
I look forward to hearing from you after your arrive inIreland.
Take care and keep having fun!
Victoria Taylor
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Eryn, though I have never met you, I feel like I am getting to know you through the way you are sharing your adventure. I am enjoying learning about the places you are visiting and the people you are meeting. I am also learning about you and how much you remind me of your dad’s mother, Grandmother Donnalley. She would have had the courage and spirit to do this too. Someday I hope I have the opportunity to sit and share some memories of her and your dad with you. Continue to be safe. Cindy Willkomm
Hi Cynthia… Thanks for checking in. So glad you’re reading and enjoying. When I make it back stateside, I will probably visit the DC area, that’s your general area, yes? We will definitely get together and I would love to hear any stories you can share. Glad you are enjoying the blog and pics.. Hope you are well 🙂
I am so happy that you have had this wonderful opportunity and that you took it. Enjoy beautiful Eryn!
Aunt Ellen, it’s youuuuuu!!! Hi!! I didn’t know you were reading the blog… So good to hear from you… Yes, I’m doing well out here and am truly blessed to have this opportunity… I am grateful every day… Is everything good there on the home front? Oh, I put a prayer for Nolan and the whole family at the wishing wall in Jerusalem… Email me maybe and we can keep up a bit… Love to all you Carolinians (is that a word? LOL)
Thanks Eryin for your dad bad beautiful notes from Italy loved all the pictures they are quit a side jus breathtaking now comes Ireland I wish you good luck my you find lots of shamrocks
Wating from news from Ireland God Blesx
Shamrocks and Guinness from Ireland lass…. Stay tuned for the next post.. xo
Sorry Eryn I goofed
I was going to say for you sad bad beautiful Notes.my finger were faster then my head
Sorry Lotte
Love you Sweet Lady and am so enjoying your story-telling, thoughts, and photos. So glad you can continue onward! Love, AC
Hi there AC… thanks for checking in… Doing well out here.. Amazing what some good sleep can do 🙂 Moving onward, more soon from Ireland… xoxo
Incredibly beautiful photos!!! Have fun on this trip of a lifetime. We’ll see you when you’re ready. We’ll talk a lot. We love you much — and miss you. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
Your travels, experiences, and propensity for adventure make me jealous and proud of you. Just one thought … when you land stateside…. don’t stop.
Hello dear… thanks for checking in and for your words of encouragement… knowing I have people stateside that care keeps me going… XXOO
I’m pretty sure I am not alone in the thought that, had I known India the way you presented it earlier this year, I would have loved to share the experience with you. India was never on my list of places to see…however, I think the beginning of your trip was truly unbelievable, magical, inspiring, breathtaking & captivating. Enough so, to put it on “the list”. The posts from early on hooked me on your travels & the Eryn that emerged immediately is, simply put, a happier Eryn that left to travel the world (it’s not my place to say how you may or may not have “changed” – but don’t get me wrong, the soul searching is HUGE.) Part of what grabs at me, waiting to read the next happy chapter, is your uplifted self. This. Is. Good. Stuff. I’m overwhelmed by it. I was not one of the doubters…I’ve actually always thought you may travel longer than a year. I mean, why not? 😉 So impressed you are brave enough to share the details, and glad you are. It’s inspiring & better than any book I’ve read. Thank you. And I can’t wait to see you in Europe! hahaha. Love, C
Cindy, Cindy… I love getting comments from you. I think it’s because you give me feedback on how you experience it through reading my thoughts… And that’s cool… When I write, I kind of just put down whatever spills out of me… sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad… But I like hearing that you’re getting good stuff out of all parts of it, ’cause sometimes I feel like, “Oh, they don’t want to hear any of this emotional crap, they just want to see pictures… Or oh, this isn’t exciting enough to put down…” But I’m just writing down whatever I’m feeling compelled to share and it’s just good to hear that you are responding to it.. And honestly, this sounds stupid, but when I’m lonely I write and share experiences and it makes me feel connected to everyone back home, especially the ones I know read regularly… Sometimes when I’ve started a post, but haven’t finished it and am tired or don’t feel like loading pictures, I think, Oh, I have to finish it, Cindy is waiting – I have to post it! There are a few of you that come to mind when I don’t feel like finishing it… LOL Anyway, thanks for the comments… xxooo
P.S. You can do India next year and come visit me 🙂
Hey there my friend, just hanging out in northern Alberta. Canada camping with great friends, I came in to check on Skip and thought I would check “The Critical Path” I’m hooked, love reading about your adventures! I now find myself checking for new blogs and when there aren’t any, I’m I am so disappointed! Travel on, be safe!!!!
Love Ya!!! Eh!
Dr. D and Gail and Skip!
Hi friend 🙂 Maybe I’ll end my journey in Canada and join you for camping! That sounds like fun. I love that you keep checking on The Critical Path… I’m still moving along down the path…
So, yes, I think I get all your comments. I usually respond, but it takes me a few days sometimes… But thanks for checking in… You may already be signed up, but you can sign to follow the blog and it will notify you when I post so you don’t have to look… Anyhow, I miss seeing you guys – we’ll get together and drink some wine when I get back… love to you all.. xo
Hey eryn, I keep posting comments and I don’t think they get to u! Let me know if u have received them
Love the blogs, you r a lucky lass!
Gail, Dr D and Skip
Got this one and one other from the most recent post…
Beautiful pictures, baby girl ! I’m so proud of you! I am truly in awe! You are an amazing young woman. Miss you!
Hi honey, nice to hear from you… And thanks for the words of encouragement… I’m doing well out here… I hope I get to see you in Paris, but remember I told you about those other friends that were coming over to see me, they’re here the same time 😦 I’m trying to figure out how to visit you too, but not sure yet… I’m workin on it though… Would be a shame to miss you… and Paris… Any headway with your daughter? I’m thinking of you.. xxooo