Thoughts while traveling through Europe

It’s fall break, and I’ve been spending a lot of it gazing sleepily out the window as the train rushes past idyllic towns and fall colors. The last few days have been filled with wandering through markets, taking in cathedrals and sitting at cafes. Life is a dream.

There are moments of stress and pressure, like rushing to make connections or checking if I’m even on the right train, but, overall, the feelings of wonder and excitement are overwhelming. Traveling Europe is like drinking through a firehose. There is so much to see, so much beauty to take in that it’s impossible to appreciate it all. 

It is a balancing act between trying to fit it all in and trying to enjoy the moment. I am learning to accept the fact that maybe I won't make it to all of the tourist sites. Sometimes doing more doesn’t mean it’s better. Instead of rushing through a city, maybe I spend a day or two there, try the different cafes, enjoy the views and read books. No matter how I travel though, it always feels like there is never enough time.

Maybe it’s the combination of travel and the changing landscape, but lately I’ve been thinking about time. The other day I was studying at a park bench and some kids made a leaf pile and began jumping in and throwing handfuls in the air. I smiled, thinking about how it seemed like just yesterday my siblings and I were doing the same thing.

Sometimes I sit back and think about the fact that I’m nineteen. It’s not at all what I expected it to be like; still, it’s good. Maybe it is just me, but as a kid, I had this misconception that I would grow up all at once somehow. That when I became an “adult” I would have it all together. I wouldn’t burn supper or forget things on my grocery list or miss my train. Now I’m nineteen and still making all of those mistakes and that’s okay. 

Traveling over break has made me more self-reliant. After booking tickets and catching trains and checking into hostels, I feel like I can trust myself. Part of growing up is realizing that, in many ways, adults are kids, just bigger. I’m not sure if anyone else can relate to this imposter syndrome when it comes to feeling like an adult, but if someone reading this can, then give yourself some credit. Everyone is learning, no one's perfect.

I hope that you enjoyed some of my travel updates and could relate to some of my thoughts. I’m headed to Prague for the next few days. Wish me luck!

By Sierra Lastine