okaybee

Not going to lie, watching the video compilation of my three months travelling, makes me emotional.

There’s many reasons for this. One, I feel so incredibly lucky to have been able to take the time out to be able to do this. Being able to travel is a privilege and one of my greatest passions in life. To be able to absorb myself entirely in that for a while, explore places I’ve never been to before, and get to catch up with friends from around the world, while making new friends, is an unforgettable experience. I’ll take these memories with me forever.

Two, the song in the video is pretty much my favourite song of all time. I heard about The Naked and Famous, the band who wrote this song, first in the movie ‘The Art of Flight’. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. I was obsessed with that movie when it came out. The cinematography is incredible and it made me wish I was some badass snowboarder (when in reality I wrecked my ACL on the first run of the holiday last year). But the soundtrack is also incredible, and that’s where I first heard this song, ‘Young Blood’. I’ve always wanted to make a video using this song, and my travel compilation video seemed like the best opportunity to use it.

Three, last year was kind of tough for me. I was working on a very tough project that totally mentally drained me. I was so unhappy and got to a point where I didn’t really know what to do. In reality, wrecking my ACL was a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to work from home for over two months and to have some distance from the situation. It also allowed me the space to figure out what I wanted, which was to travel and have a brain break. I came back from those three months travelling, a lot happier, a lot more confident, and more sure of what I want in life. Not 100% sure, I’m still figuring lots of things out. I’m envious of those people who know what they want to do with their life! But I’m figuring it out and in a better place than I was this time last year.

Fourth, and final reason. I had the best time. Honestly. It wasn’t always easy. Travel can be challenging at times, especially by yourself when you have no one to help you when things go wrong. But it was equally incredible. I met so many lovely people, made new friends, got to meet up with some of my best friends. Getting to take three months away from work, away from day to day life, challenging myself, growing as a person. It was amazing. The time of my life! If you ever have the opportunity to do something like this, or indeed anything that will challenge you, then go for it! Life’s too short to not do the things you want to do.

Everyone asks me now, have I got the travelling bug out of my system. The answer is, definitely not! If anything, it’s made me want to travel more. It’s made me realise how many incredible experiences there are out there in the world for us to have. How many wonderful people there are out there. How many fun activities, beautiful locations, great food, music, dancing, parties, experiences there are. It’s endless.

I will take the memories of this time with me forever. But there’s so much more world to see, and I’ll be sure to bring you along with me as I see it.