It's Over, Finally
I'm back baby! The "big trip" is finally over. It's not hanging over my head again. It's gone and good riddance. I don't have to worry anymore. I don't have to be constantly thinking that I forgot this or that, or did not prep in the right way. I want to take this moment now and sit with this, sit with the realization that I am free now, that I can exhale now. Let me appreciate that now, that I have that now, that it is mine, after all of those long months of anxiousness, worry and second-guessing everything.
And now for the other side of the coin. From the entire experience of this trip ...
What obstacles did I overcome?
What is it that I thought I could not do but still did?
What new skills did I learn?
What could I have done better?
How did I grow as a person?
What new perspectives did I gain?
Let's see ...
(1) I was able to investigate all of the flight options and eventually figured out the best solution. I found ways around USD challenges and purchased all of the tickets, using a combination of Aero miles, Amral's and online purchases.
(2) I did all of the research into the various tour options and finally, after consulting with Che, settled on RickSteves. I then found a way around the USD constraints and made the payments. I also coordinated all of the communication with them.
(3) I did all of the online check in as well as the departure and arrival codes.
(4) I confirmed that my credit cards worked and saw first hand "how" they worked. How sometimes the tap worked and sometimes you had to insert the card.
(5) It was quite cool to see how people live in Amsterdam, Venice, Florence and Rome. Similarities and differences. To see other places and meet other people from different walks of life, with different priorities.
(6) I learned how to pack light, learned how to pack efficiently, and saw first hand how I was able to do with less on a trip. I saw that I did indeed have enough clothes and what I wore was fine.
(7) I learned that I had (and deserve) a place at the table.
I am different now. I have become more. I am more than I was before.