One Year Ago Today..

I set out on the grandest adventure I’ve ever gone on thus far in my lifetime.

I moved to Paris. 

 Words can’t explain the way I feel about that beautiful city now but I’ll try my hardest to capture it through my words here.

Terrified, anxious, excited and proud are just a few of the words that described my demeanor that day a year ago.

I had no idea that I’d make some of the best friends in my life.. 

   
I had no idea that I’d make some of the best memories of my life..

I had no idea that this move would spark a fire in my being for travel that I fear I’ll never be able to extinguish in just one lifetime.

My year abroad changed me in more ways than I can explain.. I’m more “me” than I’ve ever been, if that makes any sort of sense. I came into myself more than ever before. I found out more about myself in that one year than in the entirety of my life leading up to it.

I’m more confident.

I’m more intelligent.

I’m more independent – if that’s even possible, seeing as how the move itself apparently took some independence, I guess.

Late nights wandering Paris’ streets, mesmerized by the lights..

Afternoons spent tucked away next to the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of wine and great friends..

Day long city bus rides through the city to see all that it had to offer from the outside looking in..

Lazy evenings lounging in the park with a good book clutched to my chest.. 

 These are just a few of the memories I hold in my heart from my year over there and I dream of the day I can go back and see my beautiful Paris again.

I wish that the whole world could experience something so marvelous as moving to a new city across the world, where they speak a different language, and you know no one. It’s unbelievable knowing that you’re capable of such a thing.

And for now, I’ll look ahead to my next adventure.. Which is already waiting for me right around the corner..