In my time in Paris I had a really frustrating conversation with a guy at a bar. He made assumptions about why I was traveling that I did not appreciate. "I know why you travel," he accused. "I've read your blog, your wheredoshebe. You're lost, and trying to escape life. That is so much privilege." I had no words for him at the time, because it felt pugnant, and unfounded. It wasn't something I felt I needed to explain to him, nor did I know how to in the moment. Since then I

Sometime during my travels, surrounded by cultures that prioritize family above all else, I realized I felt wrong for not being at home with mine. For a number of reasons, I decided to go home for a month to see my mom and help out around the house, and then visit my grandparents and extended family in Iowa. An added bonus: my sister decided to come home early too to have more time together! And after the 4th of July weekend in Iowa, my mom and I had plans to come to France f

This study abroad experience felt like it lasted forever. Looking back to January feels like a lifetime ago, and the person I was then is ridiculously unaware of all the fun times she was about to have. When I first arrived, I had trouble meeting locals and mostly hung out with my roommates. They were great, but it felt like something was missing and I was bummed to not be doing more things outdoors with crazy Aussies like I thought I would. All of this changed in February, w

Dublin was an insane journey and the best six weeks of my life. Last summer was a difficult time for me and I came to Ireland with no idea what to expect–I knew no one and I had no idea what my classes would be like. Despite this, I felt at home after only a few days and never wanted to leave. My new and dear friend Gaby agrees; we have both done a fair bit of traveling and Dublin is the first place that we both clicked with that quickly and intensely. I became close friends