I did it.

I finally took the plunge.

After years of watching all of my friends travel the world on their own, I decided that I would too. Why not?

A few days after Christmas, I found cheap airline tickets from San Diego to London (my favorite long-haul flight…mostly because it’s the only non-stop option from my favorite airport…) I sat anxiously in front of my computer, debating if I should take my first solo adventure to Europe.

Yes, I’ll do it! I’ll go in late April as a belated birthday present. I’ll visit some friends. It will be great!

Purchased.

Over the next few months, I did my research. I bought my first huge backpack, packing cubes and those little laundry detergent strips that look like Listerine sheets. I was ALL IN.

As I strapped on my backpack and said goodbye to my dog (thanks mom and dad for babysitting!) it hit me.

What am I doing?

I don’t like flying.

I don’t know all the languages! (Even though I used Memrise and Youtube to try to learn the basics.)

Can I even carry this backpack, because dang, it is HEAVY!

I landed at Heathrow not knowing how much this trip would change my life.

I was greeted by my dear friend whom I met while on Semester at Sea in college.

We started my trip off in style and rented a mint green Fiat to take us to Southampton for a few nights.

I was told Southampton was on the water, I realized my idea of “on the water” and “where yachts can dock” are very different things.

We spent our time in Southampton walking around town, visiting the countryside for a hike and a stroll through a neighborhood with the most picturesque cottages.

After a weekend away, we went back into the city where I was on my own for a day as my friend went to work.

As it was my second time in London, I wanted to quickly revisit some of my favorites and explore some new. Tube map in hand and Oyster card filled, I set off on my own little adventure. I took a bike ride through Hyde Park, visited Big Ben (who is currently getting a facelift), asked a nice German couple to take my photo in front of Buckingham Palace… you know the usual touristy stuff.

England Highlights:

• I spent time with a beloved friend and was reminded how awesome it is to have friends on different continents.
• Successfully navigated the Tube…. MULTIPLE TIMES…and once wearing my backpack!
  • As a Southern Californian, this is a big deal. I didn’t grow up on public transportation.
• Enjoyed my first delicious Sunday Roast Dinner!
  • They really know what they are doing over there. Hello, Yorkshire Pudding!
• Had lunch with another solo traveler whom I met while on the water taxi to Greenwich. Lunch with a total stranger- what a concept!
• Rest stops in England are classy. I kid you not, the food is edible and the coffee is served in REAL CUPS! Not the paper, throwaway kind. They want you to really stop and enjoy your rest!
• Had my first taste of Ethiopian food – It was delicious!

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I am forever grateful for friends in different countries and the opportunity to learn and experience new things.

Traveling is my favorite.

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