Luxuries vs. Experiences
As the final days are dwindling down to the time we have to leave this beautiful island, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with sadness. I have fallen in love with this country and the people. I’m so glad I was able to experience a culture that we don’t really learn about in the United States. I can now educate people on the country and the history because I saw it and experienced it. The memories I have over the past month are priceless and I am anxious to see how I’ve changed as person being independent and learning how to communicate more effectively.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I do miss the states and the luxuries of home. I am looking forward to flushing my toilet paper down the toilet, and my bed being soft as opposed to the much harder surfaces I sleep on here. I’m looking forward to air conditioner in every building I enter and when I go to a restaurant, free water and free refills on any other beverage of my choice. I miss real American cheeseburgers along with bar-b-q and sweet tea.
When I get home, I’ll be attending several movies to get caught up with my obsession of the theater. I’ll be able to drive where I want, when I want and not having to pay a bus fare or walk in the beaming sun. The prices are more reasonable in the states, considering everything on the island is imported. I look forward to going to the grocery store and knowing exactly what I am buying because it’s in English. Also, the people surrounding me will probably smell much better than the Europeans who forget deodorant on a daily basis.
However, I would trade all of those luxuries for life experiences like I have had the past month. The people, no matter what culture, have all taught me valuable lessons and skills that I can use for the rest of my life. It gives me chills to look back on the past month and remember meeting so many different people from so many different countries. I remember playing hide-and-go-seek with a little Russian boy around who led me to meet his parents, who I absolutely loved talking to. They were so kind and interested in why an American girl is so far from home. Being here is a constant reminder that most people aren’t mean, most people don’t dislike Americans and most people aren’t out to hurt anyone. The mean world syndrome needs to be disproved as soon as possible; too many people are missing out on great opportunities.
I have always thought I had the “travel bug” until I actually took a leap and booked my flight and made my way across the pond. Now, it’s like this incurable itch that I’m afraid won’t ever go away. Maybe it’s a good thing, that constant itch, because it’ll make me get out and see the world. I have sat down and made a list of all the places I want to see and people I would like to visit in these countries. I’m not sure if it’ll all happen but when I put my mind to something, I’m pretty good at seeing it through.