There’s something sexy and scary about going into the unknown. Somehow, getting on that plane a year ago plunged me into a deep free fall to an existence I only dreamed possible. I’m in love with a beautiful, amazing woman and damn, she loves me, too. It’s been one year, two months and eleven days since we got married and it’s been one year and three days since I landed on British soil. It’s been an amazing experience so far. As the journey continues, I learn more and more about the world, its people, especially moi et mon amour.
At the airport in San Francisco last year, standing in front of some of my favorite people in this world – cousins – I didn’t know if I was going to be able to hold back my emotions but I managed. It’s easier to leave than be left behind but only if you know when you’re coming back. I didn’t. No clue. I managed to return to California in November but only for a few days. Now, I’m lost as to when I’ll ever hit stateside again. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m stuck in a sad lonely place. I’m discovering an old world for my wife and myself.
So many different topics I expected to touch on about my experiences and life in another country, etc. But one thing I remembered from an interview with the writer of The Beach. He said he and his friends travel the globe. They each go on their own journeys for weeks even months at a time. What I thought was the weirdest thing until a few years ago is he and his friends never talk about their experiences abroad. It’s so true. No one wants to hear about your journey unless you were kidnapped by time traveling Nazis and rescued by Indiana Jones. So, on that note, I’ll simply say I’m extremely thankful I got to experience living in another country. Traveling is one thing but adjusting to different cultures for an ostensibly permanent stay, well, that’s a totally different adventure.
In celebration of my first year in England, I hope you get to or have done the same at some point in your life.
- wear a helmet
