Everyday Items in London 2013

chrissy — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:20:00 GMT

I had no plan that day and I was on the metro with a man who took three tries tying his tie before getting the right length. It made me smile while I stole glances at him and everyone else pretending not to see him.

Besides my general appreciation for all men in formal wear I couldn’t place why this every day unimportant task struck me has so significant and then a memory of my dad in a new suit, my brother in old one, and both of them looking at their untied ties. We were getting ready for a funeral sometime in the emotional wreckage before I started college. I honestly can’t recall which loss this was connected to, there were so many then, but that moment;the four of us looking perplexed at the tie and youtubing videos to assist made me smile. Even in the sorrow and grief there can seemingly meaningless moments that will mean something later after the pieces have fallen back into place; in a scarred, strengthened way.

That man will never know that story, and that’s okay. In fact it’s what I most love about cities the ability to be both meaningless and significant all at once.

Later after checking out the Crown Jewels( pretty legit ) I got turned around and walked over a mile off track and another back to a metro stop in an exceptionally business concrete jungle of London and I was annoyed. I thought I was getting the whole tube thing( only kind of). Back on the metro in a somewhat of a huff I saw this young woman, perhaps around or just a bit younger than myself, who looked just as defeated with her situation and I noticed her shoes. They were at one point vibrant, but time and life dulled them, not unlike it does to us.

I’ve been reading and making notes in Cheryl strayed’s novel 'Wild' and she talked about horses as her mothers religion, and it occurred to me travel is mine. I think my dad’s is the family, his father’s church and carpentry, and that maybe that’s our greatest task in life; find where the world, God, or any form of connection to this universe becomes clarified, and life is renewed in us and our tired souls.

I have one day left and I feel that I should say I’m sad to go, and there’s truth in that, but most honestly I’m grateful for this truth; for love, life, and travel, It’s not in having something forever but being blessed enough to have it ever, even for one breathe.

I will likely become dulled again, like that young woman’s shoes — I only hope that in the time in between these travels it can still be deciphered that I was once vibrant with life.

Catching a Moment - Wanderlust as a Graduate Student

chrissy — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 03:50:27 GMT

I am sitting in my local airport which has a total of three gates, and none of that multiple terminal business. I got here 2 hours early for a security check that takes 10 minutes; not for lack of thoroughness but for lack of people. I am considering the series of events and choices that have led me here; to my first solo traveling abroad trip.

It started basic; I love travel, I could afford this trip with months of planning and some supplementary credit card assistance. I wanted to plan something early for break because if I didn't I would go on a school service trip. These trips go across the country performing service in different communities...to clarify I'm not opposed to service, paying it forward, or students who are leaders. In fact, I have devoted the last 4 years of my life to all of the above and this trip became my nonrefundable promise to let the very capable next generation of students have their turn.

It became more complicated in the last week, and of course by complicated I mean terrifying. Understandably I have some nerves about my first individual overseas trip but as I explain to my colleagues and peers that I'm going overseas alone I've grown accustom to three responses. 'YOU'RE GONNA DIE' not my favorite, 'oh' a neutral word, dripping of judgement and confusion, and the third ,'I am so envious'. I appreciate the last one because it's the kindest, and the only one I anticipated.

Maybe they're right; it's weird, I shouldn't have this experience while in my Master's program, apparently it's strange to do it alone and while statistically unlikely, I could die.

Then they begin calling for my flight to board. From my local airport the only planes we have are the precious tinker planes with three rows, no space, and provides a bumpy ride on the smoothest days. As I stand up about to start my journey my stomach flips and all the comments fall aside; I know I'm starting something amazing.

The reality is they are right.

It is weird that I'm a 24 year old woman traveling alone because I want to.
It is odd that I am allocating funds to travel while in the expensive and timely pursuit of my Masters.
Technically, I could die, but again unlikely.

The mistake they've been making is labeling these as reasons why I shouldn't instead of what it really is; wanderlust as a graduate student. While gathering my things I realize travel is about defining life for yourself, by your own terms.

This is weird, but, by my definition, it's also right.

24 Is The Year

Everyday Items in London 2013

Catching a Moment - Wanderlust as a Graduate Student