The Travel Bug

Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, Wales, UK

United Kingdom | Tuesday, December 11, 2012 | flickr photos

Like an itch you can’t scratch, I’ve caught the travel bug. This bug is not an illness; it is a cure. In fifth grade I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a bug I will have for life. I’ve been fortunate to have few struggles, but I haven’t skipped them entirely. The healthiest times of my life have been on the road. It isn’t until I settle down that the pain seems to kick in—funny how that works.
Last year I backpacked across Europe and spent the fall studying in London. I never felt held back by my disease; it was as if it had completely disappeared. This summer, I landed myself in the hospital with the possibility of surgery looming overhead. Reality check—I got my act together and started dreaming up adventures. The idea of waking up without a plan in a new corner of the world is my definition of magic.
This magic I am sharing you is my trip to Wales. The coastline took my breath away and my job as a photographer was simple. I have been capturing my life’s details for years, but it was not until I started traveling that I fell completely in love with photography. Between the world and my camera, I have never felt happier and more blessed to be the person I am— bugs and all.