Back Home

Okay... I'm not back in my physical home, but back in Western North Carolina (WNC), my heart's home, and it feels good. This is actually just one of a number of trips planned this Summer and on into October.

The reason for this trip to WNC is two fold. The number one reason is because it has finally come time to close my mother's estate... which is bitter sweet. However, the second reason is because my birthday is coming up, and where else would I want to spend my 25th birthday than here in WNC?

While I have not officially lived in NC for a number of years, some of my best childhood memories, and closest childhood friends are based here. So returning for my 1/4 century celebration is the best possible outcome. Turning 25, marks the turning of not just a new chapter, but a new book. The next 25 years of my life will be completely different from the first 25, and I am so ready for the new adventures that are in store.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again

Time to try again. The end of the Spring 2019 semester was a welcomed ending to a difficult past two semesters. My studies have been the biggest factor in my most recent hiatus from travel blogging; however, it is time for me to get back in the blogging game.

Now, I'll still be taking classes over the Summer, but they are all online which is good because I have some big travel plans this summer. So whether you are a faithful blog follower who has been checking back for updates, or you are new to my blog, stayed tuned for some really amazing announcements coming up.

Farewell, Mom!

At about 2:00 AM this morning, I arrived back home from my study abroad trip to Italy. However, though I was happy to be home, there was a noticeable presence absent in my welcoming party; it was my mom’s. Mom and I were always close, but on May 31^st (the day before I left for Italy) she passed into eternity. My mom played many roles in my life, and on that fateful day, I said goodbye to a friend, a teacher, a comforter, and of course my first travel partner.

As I was unpacking this morning from my latest trip, and got ready to put my passport away, I saw another passport; it was my mom’s. As I look at the stamps in her passport, each stamp tells a story that always involved the both of us. Together we have traveled tens of thousands of miles, via trains, boats, planes, cars, and even on foot to over 25 countries on 5 continents.

It was my Wondering Jew of a mom, with her adventuresome spirit who helped instill in me my deep love of travel, she always pushed me to go to new places, and to try new things. She was the one who taught me how to pack, book a flight, and maneuver through an airport; I owe so much of my travel experience to her.

It is a hard thought for me to think that mom and I will never travel on this earth together again. But just because she will not physically travel with me again, does not mean that I will not carry her with me; no matter where I go, she will always be in my heart.

So, I say: “Farewell, Mom; we’ll travel heaven together someday!”

Mendenhall Glacier, AK (2015)

My Next Adventure!

So, where is my next far off adventure going to be? Well, I'm going back to Italy!

I am one of 20 students at my college who's application has been selected to participate in a Greek & Roman Humanities study abroad trip. And this past Friday was the first of 6 state-side pre-trip meetings to be held regarding the upcoming trip.

To say the least, I am very excited as studying abroad is something that I have always wanted to do. Though this is only a "short-term" I am still very thankful for this opportunity.

Why did I choose to apply for the Italy study abroad trip? Well, even though I have been to multiple places in Italy, I did not feel that I got a very well rounded "Italian Experience." To be totally honest, Italy was one of my least favorite destinations, and I was really disappointing by my experience there. However, I always thought that if I had the opportunity to stay with an Italian family and to truly see the country through the eyes of the locals, even for a short time, I would for sure have a better understanding, and respect for the country. Which brings to why I felt that this particular study abroad offering was a good one as my group will be doing home-stays in Sicily.

There is still much to do before I leave for the trip, so stay tuned for more updates!

Could You Survive A Plane Crash?

Flying is by far the safest mode of transportation in the modern world; according to data compiled by Northwestern University, there are only 0.07 deaths per-billion passenger miles, compared to using a a car (2.28), or a motorcycle (212.57) (Morris).

However, accidents happen, and there are many factors that play into one's chances of surviving a plane crash. But knowing some of the statistics of the unlucky fortunate might just save your life if you ever find yourself facing the unthinkable... a plane crash.

Check-out Patrick Allen's "How to Survive a Plane Crash" on LifeHacker.com.


Sources Cited:

Morris, Jessica. "What is the safest way to travel?" City A.M. Limited, 2017. http://www.cityam.com/215834/one-chart-showing-safest-ways-travel