In Paradise, Missing Home.

It was bound to happen, and this definitely isn’t the first time that it has- but the first time writing about it for sure. Adam knows how this is going to go all too well- I think I’m already in tears. HA

It has almost been 5 months [give or take 2 weeks] since we left the United States.

I think it’s important to note that prior to this life changing journey around the world, I had not left home [Buffalo, NY] for more than a week at a time. While in Buffalo, I either was living at my parents’ house or the house I purchased myself [which was a whopping 20 minutes from their house]. I went to Niagara County Community College and the University at Buffalo, which I graduated with my BA in Communications from. During my college years I was living at my parents and working a few jobs. I never did the whole “college” thing, all I really remember is homework and working- slightly embarrassing I guess. Oh well, I purchased and moved into my own house at 22 years old so YAY! LOL

Having said all that- I have been a quick drive to my parents and close vicinity to my friends my whole life. Well, until now. And wow- you don’t realize how much you depend on family and friends until they aren’t a phone call or a drive away. Adam and I share a phone and purchase SIM cards in countries we spend a good amount of time in, but really only for emergencies or local transportation phone calls.

I struggled BIG TIME in New Zealand with being away from home and the lack of cell phone service we had when in certain locations. I found myself and my mind going to the worst possible things and then I start to panic. For example- when we didn’t have service I would start to think- OMG what if something happens and my parents can’t reach us. And then my mind would suffer a tornado of thoughts and terrible things. I’m not sure where that started but I think it stems from always being able to stay in contact, to such an extreme- a different country and being so far away. Yikes. Adam deserves a big gold medal for those times in New Zealand let me tell you.

My Parents, Myself & Adam at dinner at Mike A's in Buffalo-YUM!

The “separation anxiety” lasted only a little while in New Zealand. By little while, I mean a few weeks. It’s tough leaving your comfort zone and I didn’t think my feelings would go to such a place, but they did. Things got better and we didn’t have to come home-
PHEW.

I find myself missing small things and home A LOT lately. We are in such a beautiful place currently [Sanur, Bali; Indonesia] and I don’t particularly want to GO HOME right now, but I miss things about being home. We have been on the go for so long and the thought of having a refrigerator full of food that we can cook sounds like a dream. The ability to go to the gym or drive somewhere to camp/hike would be awesome. Having to deal with taxis and finding transportation for everything we want to do that is not in walking distance is something I will most definitely not miss. We currently are still only traveling with our packs [and one satchel] which prevents us from purchasing much of anything unless we are sending a package home. This could be a good and bad I guess- as it stops us from buying much but once we start we either have to think- can I pack this or am I shipping it home?

Now let me think of how to phrase this. I LOVE YOU ADAM…but can I get a little GIRL TIME PLEASE!!!

Leah's Birthday!

Our first date ended up a Girls Night with Leah & AmyRae- that should have said something. Those times when you just want to run to your girlfriends [or guys] and can’t, they are some SERIOUS TIMES. I have found myself in the shower enjoying alone time because I know for this journey- that’s about the only alone time we have.

Girls Night! Me, AmyRae, Leah, Tara & Marci

As much as I do love my girl time and alone time- we stick together everywhere we go and we truly are the best of friends. If I had to be STUCK with someone 24 hours a day for months straight- I pick Adam!

Having said that…we have spent every minute together since January 21 and the fact that we haven’t killed each other yet is a miracle. If anything proves that two people are perfect for each other- this is it. TRAVEL with your significant other. Buy a campervan and call that your home for a month straight. Struggle with finding showers and tell me if you still want to cuddle up every night with that person. In a van. Sleep in cars when you have to and when you’ve had enough- go book a room and stay in luxury. Push yourself to the limits and see if you still can wake up every morning madly in love.

I miss my PARENTS! Ugh do I EVER!!! We email all the time but there’s nothing like some parental detox time. I can’t wait to get home and hug the both of them so hard. I already told my dad I would be crying and I may just start as I think about it. My parents have supported us through this journey and I can’t imagine how scary it must be to watch your little girl traveling around the world [with a bearded tattooed Marine, which helps- HA!]. I love them both more than anything in the world and I can’t wait to just hang out with them!

My Parents in Italy in May

I can’t wait to see everyone when we get back. From my departure from Stampede Happy Hour, AmyRae’s going away dinner party for me, and the going away party my parents threw- they all were SO much fun and when I start to really miss home, I think of everyone who was there and the amazing time we had.


Some of the BEST! We are so lucky.

It was such a blast and it’s so comforting knowing Adam and I have such amazing people in our lives.

My family at the going away party my parents threw.

Our plan is to get back to the US and road trip around the West Coast to find somewhere to live for at least a year. Explore some locations in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, California, etc. We aren’t totally sure of our plan but we will know when our feet hit US soil. We are hoping to find a place to settle down and then hopefully spend the holidays on the East Coast with my parents and visit Adam’s family in Maine. But as we have seen on this trip- you can’t plan too much because as things start to work themselves out, plans always change. Always. What I do know is that I am very excited for the turkey dinner my mom promised us as our welcome home dinner! YUM.

I feel that I am getting stronger and stronger as the time goes on- but being away from family and friends never gets easier! It will be settling to know that the place I called home, Buffalo NY, will only be a plane ride away when we finally settle down on the West Coast.

I am thankful for the things we are learning, the people we have had the privilege to meet, and the culture we are able to see and experience first hand. I wouldn’t trade this trip for anything. It is a big world- there’s no better time to explore than now.

But for now I can only dream…
Tim Horton’s. Wegmans. Mighty Taco. Marcos Subs. Tempo. Left Bank. Starbucks: Dirty Chai Latte. Moe’s. White Rabbit. Sushi Kaya. Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound. John’s Subs.
AND LA Fitness, because after all that I can assure you I will be in a food/coffee/wine coma.

See you soon, Buffalo!

Oh, and more on Bali coming right up! :)