8 memorable Trips in 2017
As the year comes to an end I find myself reflecting on the decision I made a year ago to become a traveling nurse. I feel a sense of gratitude to have made that decision. It has made a positive impact on me that I will cherish for a lifetime. Eventhough I had prepared myself to be a traveler by resigning from my job to selling my furniture, I was not aware how exciting and adventurous the journey would be to explore the unknown territory.
As 2017 rolled in I was not thinking I was going to visit 9 countries and 21 cities. The friendships I gained throughout this journey has enriched my life and inadvertently allowed me to visit unfamiliar horizons. In February of 2017 I finished my travel nurse assignment and headed back to Chicago for a week. This was the beginning of my year into the traveling world:
1. Hot spring & Ancient cities
This trip started out with going to China with Operation Smile. Our mission was in Yingjiang a town that appears out of nowhere located close to the border of Burma. We anticipated many of our patients to come from the neighboring countries, but due to the conflict, it was suspected that a lot of patients were unable to travel into Yingjiang. The numbers were low, as we screened 80 and operated on 56 new smiles. Since the mission ended sooner than anticipated we went to Heshun Town an ancient town in Tengchong City, a peaceful ancient village, where the streets are lined up with cobblestones and ponds.
The best part of this trip was when my roommate and I lost our group. We ended up having the best coffee where the barista called the owner from her house for us so to meet. We then ended up going to a natural spring center and soaked in the most relaxing spa for an entire day.
2. Rest and Reflection in Bangkok
Thailand was meant to be a transit on my way from China to Ethiopia. Instead, I stayed there for five days and it became a place where I quieted my heart.
I spent most of the day resting by the pool, finding places to eat authentic Thai food and visiting temples and reflecting on the long traditions of Buddhism.
When I arrived in Thailand I sensed the warmth of the city not only through the temperature but also through the friendly behavior of the Thai people. The people are so kind, the country is beautiful, and the food was amazing. No wonder people love visiting this place!
3. Family and Feeling Addis
I had a lot of mixed feelings about being back in Ethiopia. I hadn't been back since my father passed away. The cultural mourning practice had overwhelmed me so much it had been four years since I'd been back. I didn't know what to expect. The first morning I woke up jet-lagged and decided to go for a run. I was smiling at everyone that I passed, it felt good to be back in a place with familiar faces looking back at me.
I always feel so loved and welcomed in Addis. Most of my time there was spent reminiscing, eating delicious food, laughing, lounging while drinking ceremonial coffee with people I love. The constant love I received whether it was quality time, a giant bouquet of flowers from my sister's friends to say welcome back or the dinner party meant to say see you later healed all the brokenness I left with four years ago. This is home, and I feel grateful for trips like this for it allowed me to visit a hard place to be in my life and to face my fear and anxieties. Now I'm a believer that being in the midst of love heals the heart.
4. Emirates and Mid-Air Champaign
Dubai was not part of my plan, but it popped up unexpectedly. My sister and I were taking a trip to Europe with Emirates. The airline accommodated our stay in Dubai for a day on our way to Paris. To say the least, Dubai is a wealthy country. You feel it the moment you enter the airport. My experience was more revolved around Emirates then Dubai as a country.
I flew business class because my sister persuaded me and it was by far the best decision. From the moment you walk in the plane, the service was impeccable. In the past, I've only flown economy and they are so kind and courteous there, so you can imagine business class. I was greeted with a glass of champaign and the pampering continued mid-air from offers to have Tempur-Pedic mattresses to sleep on to an open bar. I accepted every offer to make my flight comfortable. So when it came time to land at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I practically didn't' want to leave. Alas, Paris France was waiting for a sister-trip.
5. Macaroons & Tour Buses
In Paris, we stayed at Hôtel Belloy Saint Germain. My sister had to warm up to this cute Parisian boutique hotel. This was a much-needed trip for both of us as it gave us quality uninterrupted time to catch up and share our lives with each other.
View from our hotel balcony
We succumbed to the most touristy activities including a tour bus. It was all worth it. It was cold and rainy in April and this gave us a chance to warm up while enjoying the city. The ultimate sister trip was 10 days in Rome so we packed our bags and said Au revoir to Paris.
6. Sister Trips & Italians
Two years ago I went on a solo Birthday trip to Costa Rica. I had a blast there and made friends that made me want to start an annual birthday trip. So 2017 I decided to visit Italy, a place I've been enamored since childhood with my sister who is more like a friend.
We stayed for seven days and we did the usual touristy activities. Take a bus tour, visit the Coliseum, food tour, walk around gazing at the ancient historical buildings. I had a chance to take a picture in the exact place my dad did 30 + years ago. It felt good to recreate that image.
Staying at the Radisson Blu which was very close to Termini Station gave us a chance to venture off sightseeing and easy access to shopping.
When my sister left I met up with a friend who lived in Rome. We traveled to Tuscany and Sienna in a Van equipped with everything needed to go camping. The quiet countrysides with looping roads and tall trees were a great escape from the city.
I came back to Rome for a day and took a train to Amalfi Coast for some solo reflection time. It was breezy by the water, but I managed to take a boat ride to Positano.
Rome is a place where my heartfelt like home. The friendliness of women I met in the grocery stores or the old men that dressed immaculately reminded me of my dad and his classy nature. This is a must visit again kind of place.
7. Puebla & Puerto Vallarta
Summer 2017 will go down in history as the best summer ever. I came back to Chicago after Rome and two months of traveling. Summer in Chicago is the best so I took a three-month assignment working there. At the end of it, a trip to Puebla, Mexico surprisingly popped up with Op-Smile. I visited Mexico twice this year and I don't think I can get enough.
My twin on our private beach
My recent trip to Puerto Vallarta with my twin was beautiful and relaxing. From the scenery of the beach outside our villa to the sound the waves made every morning Puerto Vallarta was breathtaking.The Seafood selection was so delicious that we tried several restaurants just to witness each place serving a better dish than the other. The freshness of the food combined with the hospitality of the people made me want to stay longer. This is a constant reminder of how much I love Mexico.
8. Solo trips & Rocky Mountains
I am so grateful to be in this season of my life and ending the year with a bang. Allowing my self to take a chance to do what I love was the best decision I ever made by far. What traveling has taught me this year is it's a means to an end. Traveling for the sole purpose of traveling is not fulfilling for me, but being in a new environment and meeting people from all over the world will always bring fond memories to my mind and heart. Looking back at this year I really don't know what I did to deserve this experience.
Each country and place I visited has brought an unimaginable amount of joy, deeper meaning to my purpose, knowledge to my desire to travel, and new relationships. I am grateful for all the experiences this year has brought and looking forward to 2018 with arms wide open.
