Reflections

After a ridiculously long and complicated trip home, I cannot express how happy I am to be back in San Diego. In 30 days, I visited 14 cities in 5 countries, and boy was I exhausted by the end. But during my last day in Rome, I was hit with a wave on nostalgia. Not only nostalgia about this wonderful trip to Europe, but for all the wonderful experiences I've had this past year. It was exactly a year ago that I graduated from UCLA, celebrated with all my friends and family, and received the wonderful gift of travelling around the world from my parents. I wouldn't change a single thing about the last year. It passed by so quickly but when I look back, I am proud of how much I did, and how much I learned both about myself and about the world. I am blessed with the opportunity to be able to open my eyes and experience the world. I find something unique and interesting about every city I visit. I can now say I have, successfully, traveled abroad with every one of my family members, and would happily do it again! I have ridden an elephant, gone hang gliding, and visited memorial sites of recent tragedies. I also realized that I have been to more countries than the number of years I have been alive. How many people can say that?!

I am fortunate in so many ways. I want to thank all of you who have followed my blog, my travels, and kept up with my life this past year. It all means so much to me. And once again, I wouldn't be here without my parents. They have been my cheerleaders and my support system from day one, and I am so thankful for them. I couldn't have asked for better parents in my life. As I look back on the past year, I know I am ready and excited to start this new chapter in my life! Hopefully I will still make time to fit in some travelling...