Category: Europe 2024

I’m writing this from the United Club Lounge at Heathrow, savoring a complimentary coffee and breakfast (thanks to my one-time pass), and reflecting on the whirlwind that has been the past year. It’s hard to believe that an entire year has passed since I took a leap of faith and moved to London. This year has been filled with lessons, new friendships, and immense personal growth – transforming my independence into a journey of strength and love. As I sit here, I’m overwhelmed with emotions, but the one that resonates most deeply is gratitude.

Gratitude has always been a conscious practice for me. I regularly remind myself of the privileged life I lead and how fortunate I am to live it the way I do. But last December, while stranded in Iceland for 24 hours, trying to surprise my family, I truly felt the transformative power of gratitude. I remember gazing out at the icy landscape when, suddenly, an overwhelming wave of emotion washed over me, and tears streamed down my face. It was a moment of intense realization – how grateful I was to be who I am and to return to a family that shapes and defines me.

Since that experience, I’ve felt that same wave of gratitude wash over me countless times. Whether I’m riding atop a double-decker bus, lost in the romance of my own life, laughing with my friends until I cry, or taking my daily walks through a city I’ve fallen completely in love with, gratitude is my grounding force. Even on those long, gloomy UK winter days, when the sun seems to hide for weeks, it’s gratitude that keeps me centered.

It’s funny how often British and European people ask why I would ever leave the States – especially Colorado – for the UK. They point out the “shite” weather, the mediocre food, and the outrageous cost of living. And while there’s some truth to all of that, and London can be an incredibly lonely city, it’s also the city that has shaped me and the people who have become my support system that make it feel far less lonely.

The friendships I’ve formed here have brought out such beautiful sides of me, and for that, I am grateful. My London friends are some of the funniest, most intelligent, and genuinely kind-hearted people I’ve ever met. Each of them carries themselves with a confidence and pure energy that’s incredibly contagious. There’s an unspoken understanding among us to be exactly who we are, without judgement, sharing stories and supporting each other in ways that words can’t capture. If it’s true that laughter adds years to your life, then this past year with these friends has surely added at least a decade to mine.

Whether it’s stumbling into random barbershops at 7 AM after a night out, shouting “HAPPY ST. PADDY’S DAY!” to strangers on the street, playing endless rounds of card games, or enjoying music in the city’s hidden parks, these memories are unforgettable. They’re the stories I’ll cherish and share for years to come. These friends have stood by me through some of the toughest moments this year, helping me bounce back faster than I could have on my own. Thank you for always laughing at my jokes and indulging my not-so-rational thoughts.

Living in London and being surrounded by such special people has pushed me to evolve in ways I never imagined. My sense of independence has flourished, and my critical thinking and problem-solving skills have become my anchor. This newfound energy within me has encouraged me to tune into who I am and who I want to become more than ever before. In just the last six months, I’ve taught myself how to DJ, taken up running, and successfully completed an intense master’s course. I truly believe that I can be whoever I want and achieve anything I set my mind to, as long as I take the necessary steps to make it happen. While the next chapter of my life remains a bit uncertain, I know it’s going to be a good one, and that my journey has only just begun.

These truths, I believe, are universal for anyone who sets their mind to achieve what they desire. Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, making us question why things happen as they do. It can feel isolating and frustrating. But this year has taught me that what truly matters is how we react to these situations and navigate the unexpected. Our lives are our own stories, filled with wild plot twists, ups, and downs. Characters come and go – some stay with us for life, while others, whom we thought would, eventually fade away. Yet, through it all, the one constant is you, the main character.

Bella’s Blogs has been one of my greatest companions over the past few years, accompanying me on the many journeys I’ve embarked upon. It’s my creative space – a place to share my adventures and reflect on life as I see and experience it. Whenever I sit down to write these entries, I hope they resonate with others, serving as a reminder to love who you are and to embrace each relationship in your life as an opportunity to discover and channel the parts of yourself you wish to nurture.

With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready for new adventures, I step away from London, carrying with me the memories, lessons, and laughter that have defined this past year. Returning home for a few months will be a lifestyle change – one that will likely present challenges I haven’t yet encountered. I’ve grown accustomed to the rhythm of public transportation, embraced healthier foods and habits, and enjoyed exploring the city’s countless treasures with friends. Yet, I’m also looking forward to being grounded among family and old friends who have seen me through past phases of life.

London has given me so much – new friends, new skills, and a renewed sense of self. As I look forward to celebrating my graduation in January and hopefully starting my career, I do so with the belief that the journey ahead will be just as rewarding as the one behind.

To those reading, embrace your role as the main character in your life, protect your peace, and always dance like nobody’s watching. The world is full of possibilities – be open to them, and you might be surprised where they lead.

With all my love,

Bella x

I’m writing this final blog entry of my 3-week journey from my favorite coffee shop in London. These last five days have been the most enchanting and fulfilling way to conclude my first solo trip. I’ve made lifelong friends who inspire me and remind me to embrace my true self, unapologetically and without fear. I am constantly amazed by the beauty of humanity and our capacity to accept and love one another, regardless of where we come from. It brings tears to my eyes knowing there is so much hate in the world when, at our core, we are all the same. We are all capable of giving and receiving pure, genuine love if we take the time to accept it and listen to those different from us. When we do, we realize we are not so different after all.

I have countless stories from the past five days and feel overwhelmed about where to begin. As I reflect on the dozens of photos in my camera roll and listen to my favorite Odesza album for the 100th time, I find it hard to decide what to share. While I’d love to dive into the details of sneaking into the Hilton or pretending to be on the hostel version of Love Island, it’s the people I met and the lessons they taught me during this short span that I truly wish to share.

When I arrived in Palma de Mallorca after spending 20 hours in Barcelona, I messaged my friend Molly with photos of my insane hostel, complete with a rooftop pool, gaming room, and other great communal spaces. I told her I was hoping to meet cool people since you never really know the vibes. With good faith and positive energy, I met three girls named Kaylah, Milla, and Ruby in my 18-bed dorm room. Their outgoing energy gave me the courage to ask if I could join their plans for the night. Without hesitation, they said yes, and within minutes we were getting ready, sharing clothes, dancing around the bathroom, and drinking pre-cocktails. I learned that Kaylah and Milla were birthday twins, with their birthdays on July 14th, just a day before mine on the 15th. As surprising as this coincidence was, it felt fitting given the magnetic energy that comes with being a Cancer.

Two more girls, Violet and Victoria, joined us in the room before we met up with some guys from our hostel for drinks and a night out near the marina. I ended up heading back early because I felt my energy draining and wanted to be well-rested for the rest of my time in Mallorca. I spent the next day with the girls hiking through the woods to reach the Hilton on the other side of the island. The girls had met two American guys the day I arrived, who were staying at the Hilton and invited us to relax at the luxurious hotel perched on a hill, overlooking the island. Oh, how I love being a woman, enjoying the perks without having to give much in return.

The next day, the five of us girls decided to go our separate ways for a bit. I joined four of my other hostel mates – Torben, Kristina, Shi, and Natalia – for breakfast. Later, Violet joined us, and we all headed to the beach for the day. This was probably my favorite day of the trip, as it was nearly perfect. Despite a few clouds and brief bursts of rain, our group enjoyed every minute, lying on the rocks, listening to music, playing cards, and swimming in the warm Balearic Sea. Maybe it was the margaritas and tequila shots that kept the good vibes rolling, but I didn’t have a care in the world as we marched around the beach with my speaker overhead, playing Bob Marley, the Bee Gees, and other classics. Everyone on the beach joined in with smiles and little grooves of the hips. Music truly feeds the soul.

With a good day under our belt, we got ready for one more night out by the marina. I had originally booked a flight back to London to leave the next day at 7 am, but with some encouragement from my new friends I decided to change the flight and enjoy one more day in Mallorca. Without the stress of having to wake up at 4am the next morning, we ended up at an Irish pub called Shamrocks, where we met even more new friends and sang along with the DJ and live band that filled the bar. It was a night to remember, making me even more sentimental about leaving the friends I made.

It’s hard to explain how close and connected you can feel to people you meet in just 72 hours. It might seem silly or unimaginable to some when I share that I know these travel companions can become lifelong friends. The friends you meet while traveling are different yet similar to those from other parts of your life. Each friendship is unique, incomparable to the next, yet every connection you make with another soul brings out aspects within yourself that are healing and nourishing in its own way. At the core of each relationship is simply love, which bring me to the story of my tattoo and the title of this blog, “Amore duro”. “Amore duro,” meaning “love hard” in Italian, is now tattooed on my right arm, serving as a reminder to love deeply, intensely, graciously, and without fear.

We are taught many lessons in life that make us question who we are, who we want to be, and who we choose to surround ourselves with. Life often bombards us with loneliness, grief, and fear. We struggle with tackling life’s hardships, constantly battling our internal demons that bring anxiety and sadness. We are angry at the world because it contains so much injustice and despair. How can we fully embrace our privileges when so many around the world struggle to live lives free from suffering and unjust political upheaval?

I don’t mean to sound preachy or existential, but I want to explain why love, and loving deeply, is so important. The time I spend with each person I meet during my travels and in my life continually reminds me that the most meaningful thing we can offer one another is love. Not advice, not questions about our choices, not suggestions for the future – just love.

As I travel and navigate life, I aim to learn more about myself through the people I meet. This encourages me to share the wisdom that highlights the power of love and its radiance. Love is an action, not just an emotion; it is the energy that powers our shared universe, an energy that persists beyond our physical existence in the world. It’s always clear to me when I meet people who embody this energy and have found love within themselves. This love is pure, radiating from within. When you dissolve into love, your ego fades away. You’re not thinking about loving; you’re simply being love, radiating like the sun that shines equally and undivided over us all.

Therefore, as we acknowledge our personal struggles, we recognize their broader significance. We should use our privileges to advocate for change, support those around us, and love courageously and unconditionally. By facing challenges – both personal and global – with empathy, we come to understand that love is the force that unites us and drives progress towards a fairer, more equitable world. It anchors us to the values of community and solidarity.

I am grateful to everyone in my life who embodies these values – family, friends, both new and old. Thank you for sharing your energy to make this world a better place. If Bella’s Blogs teaches anything, it’s to always live your best life and “amore duro.” I encourage those who join me on this journey to embrace this mindset. Whether in small gestures or significant actions, nurture self-love and draw strength from the love of others to lead a life marked by bravery, kindness, and compassion. Spread love, create change, and embrace who you are, because you are worthy.

With love and until the next adventure,

Bella

I envisioned writing today’s blog from the comfort of a train journey from Madrid to Barcelona, gazing out the window with my AirPods in, romanticizing my life. I also intended to have this post ready yesterday, during my original planned trip to Barcelona. However, I mistakingly booked a bus to Valencia instead. Not sure how I managed that, but life gets chaotic when you’re planning your days by the hour. Then, this morning, I ran around the train station like a crazy person and missed the next train. So here I am, writing from a Starbucks across the train station, still romanticizing my life, just in a different setting. Third times a charm, right?

I spent the last four nights in Madrid with my good friend Maddy and her roommate Ava in their cozy little apartment. Maddy and I have been friends since our first semester of college and were roommates in our second year. It’s crazy to think we’ve been friends for nearly six years now – time has flown by, and our 18-year-old selves would be surprised to see where we are today. While I was in Genova with no plans for the next leg of my journey, I reached out to Maddy to see if I could stay with her for two nights. Those two nights turned into four, and I enjoyed every minute, catching up, reminiscing about the past, and exploring the place Maddy has called home for the last 10 months.

Before heading to Madrid, I spent 16 hours in Venice, wandering the city, taking photos of the canal-lined streets, and spending the evening with some girls I met at my hostel. On the bus ride from Milan to Venice, I sat next to an Australian girl named Jasmine. Despite the three-hour journey, neither of us spoke a word to each other. Normally, I would strike up a conversation, especially with a fellow traveler carrying a big backpack like mine. However, I was deeply engrossed in writing my last blog and took that time for myself. Later, when we found ourselves in line together at the hostel, I switched on my extroverted side and made plans for drinks that evening.

Jasmine had met three other girls, Alie, Alyssia, and Izzy, and the five of us secretly drank Rosé in the hostel room, laughing and sharing stories before mingling with the rest of the hostel guests. I’m always amazed at how easy it is to make friends with strangers in a hostel environment. It’s like everyone understands there’s no time for small talk, so you dive straight into the personal details – things you might not even share with long-term friends. That night, it felt like we had been friends for years, and I felt sad I couldn’t join them for their day in Venice the next morning.

Moments like these make me so grateful for social media, which allows us to share photos and experiences. I often interact with people I meet on my travels via Instagram more than with some of my closest friends. There’s something really special about that.

The next morning, I had to wake up at 6 am to catch a train to Verona and then a flight to Madrid. Running on four hours of sleep with a looming hangover was, to say the least, rough. Budget travel requires creativity in finding the most affordable ways to move from one city or country to the next. And while it’s not always the smoothest journey, I had been managing well until missing these last two trains, which ended up costing me around $200 (clearly still not over it). Not every day can be a win.

After eight hours of travel, I finally arrived in Madrid and waited for Maddy at a restaurant near her apartment. The staff didn’t speak any English, so I did my best to ask for a seat in Spanish. You’d think that after 10+ years of learning Spanish in school, I could easily ask for a seat to enjoy a burger. Instead, the server and I stared at each other like deer caught in headlights. Thankfully, another customer stepped in to translate for me. I really need to re-download Duolingo.

Later that evening, I joined Maddy and Ava for a picnic to celebrate their friend Eric’s birthday. As a Cancer myself, I never pass up a celebration for a fellow Cancer. I was also eager to meet the friends that have become such an important part of Maddy’s support system here. I was impressed by the turnout – around 20 friends gathered to celebrate Eric. Not everyone knew each other, but we all shared a big picnic, learning about one another and our journeys that led us to Madrid. Eric even performed a dance to “Houdini” by Dua Lipa that he had taught his students, and a handful of us joined in. It felt like a mini Zumba flash mob, and it was awesome.

Even though I only knew two people in the crowd of 20, it was heartwarming to see such a strong community. All over the world, people come together to love and celebrate one another. I’ve been fortunate to feel this same sense of support in my own circles, but experiencing it from an outside perspective gave me a whole new appreciation.

Exhausted, Maddy and I called it night. The next day, while Maddy was at work, I spent a few hours at the public pool soaking up the sun. Later, I joined Maddy, Ava, and their friends for another picnic, this time to celebrate Ava’s birthday. Cancer season, I’m telling you, it’s the best. Six of us played cards in El Retiro, Madrid’s famous park, and then enjoyed delicious Italian food, followed by a homemade Tres Leches cake made by Maddy and Ava’s friend Paola. We played Mafia until 1 am before heading home.

On Wednesday morning, I got a new tattoo. I’ll save the story behind it for another blog, but trust me, it’s a good one. Maddy and I went out for dinner at Honest Greens and indulged in a sweet treat from Salt in Cake afterward. I discovered my college friend George was also in Madrid with his family, so I made plans to meet up with him later that night. I’ll never get over how late the Spanish party. I didn’t leave Maddy’s place until midnight to meet up with George and his brother, Nick.

We started the night at La Via Lactea, a 70’s themed retro disco bar, grooving to classic tunes. From there, we moved on to Club Malasaña, where I ended up behind the DJ booth. We danced to house music until 4 am before finally calling it a night. Yesterday morning greeted me with another brutal hangover, reminding me that I can’t party like I used to. But with big birthday plans coming up in the next few weeks, I better pull myself together.

I was all packed up and ready to conquer my hangover when I realized my train booking to Barcelona was actually for a bus to Valencia. Thankfully, Maddy let me stay with her for one more night. We spent the rest of our time together reflecting on our aspirations for the future. Having a concrete plan might be the way to go for some, but, as I’m sure you can tell, it’s not my style – I prefer to roll with life’s flow, open to its endless possibilities.

Now, I’m finally en route to Barcelona and then Palma de Mallorca for the final five days of my journey. I’m so grateful to Maddy and Ava for hosting me over the past four nights. Seeing Maddy in her element and witnessing her growth into a confident woman has warmed my heart. I deeply resonate with her and her dreams for herself in this world. It’s rare to encounter clarity when so much of life is unknown, and witnessing it firsthand has been beautiful.

So much has changed in the last three weeks, and reconnecting with friends who ground me has been a blessing. I’m excited to spend the rest of my journey on the beach, where I can continue processing and reflecting on everything that’s transpired. Nearly three weeks of travel, two on my own, and I’ve cherished every moment – both the highs and the lows. Until next time, Bella.

Tomorrow marks one week of my solo travels, and what an incredible week it has been. My last blog’s theme of magic moments and human connection perfectly foreshadowed the magic I’ve experienced over the past five days. Throughout my many adventures over the years, I’ve met countless solo travelers. With my sister as my constant companion, we always found comfort in each other, especially when our introverted sides emerged. I admired those who ventured out alone and often wondered what it felt like. This past week, I finally understand. Solo travel is daunting, filled with unknowns and daily discoveries that bring endless questions. Will I make friends at the hostel? Can I navigate a new city on my own? What will my next move be? While this week has been amazing and I can’t wait to share everything I’ve done, it has also been one of the most challenging weeks, pushing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me more about myself.

After my two nights in Nice, my only plan was a one-night stay at a hostel in Genova. As I made my way to Ostellin Hostel Genova with my 12kg backpack, I felt exhausted and questioned whether the whole backpacking experience was worth it. Climbing the four flights of stairs in the 14th-century building, I wiped the sweat from my forehead and felt a wave of relief as I stepped into the hostel. Federico and Mateo, the brothers who own the hostel, greeted me and made me feel at home. We laughed about how my name was more Italian than theirs, even though I will always feel a sense of embarrassment at not knowing more than a few basic Italian phrases other than “grazie” and “prego.”

The hostel was unlike any I’d stayed in before; it felt more like a shared house with its four rooms, shared living space, and kitchen. The welcoming atmosphere convinced me to extend my stay from one night to two. And after a quick power nap, I joined the the rest of the hostel for some drinks. Around twelve solo travelers from all over the world were gathered at a large table, sharing stories and upcoming travel plans. We then made our way to the SUQ festival, where we ate food of all different cultures and took over the dance floor.

The SUQ festival, held one week in the month of June, is filled with activities, food, and music that celebrates and promotes intercultural dialogue and respect for fundamental human rights. The festival truly embodied these values, making for a lovely first night out with great hostel mates.

The next morning, five of us joined Spyro’s five-hour walking tour of Genova. While none of us were quite prepared for the full five hours, we all learned a lot about Genova’s rich history and fascinating architectural landscape. Thirteen other guests joined the tour, including two sisters, Julianne and Alison, from my hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Julianne and Alison attended a high school near mine, and we talked about our mutual friends. Meeting each other was a reminder of just how small the world is and how it’s impossible to completely escape the bubble of Highlands Ranch.

Spyro’s tour of Genova painted the city in a way that you would never even think about on your own. The city’s history is renowned not only for its leading role in commercial trade during the 12th and 15th centuries but also as a melting pot for people throughout the Mediterranean, characterized by celebration and solidarity. This sense of unity was so strong that after five years of suffering under Nazi control during World War II, the Italian Resistance in Genova became the only case where an entire army corps surrendered to the partisans. Family and community remain core values to the people of the city today.

After a couple of hours of rest following our long walking tour, Ben, Eden, and I planned to meet for dinner and later join our hostel mates to watch the EuroCup football game between Italy and Spain. We dined at Territorie da Maria, a local spot serving traditional Italian food. For 8 euros each, we enjoyed delicious meals and numerous glasses of red wine – great food at unbeatable prices.

After dinner, we met up with the rest of the group to watch Italy’s hard-fought match against Spain. Despite Italy’s loss, it was an awesome experience sharing the excitement with our friends and the locals. Cole and Luke, from Montpellier and Nice, and Julianne and Alison, also joined us. In that moment, I felt the shared sense of community and unity that Genova is known for, making for an unforgettable evening.

The match was followed by one more drink with everyone before calling it a night. Eden had invited me on a boat tour the next morning that began at 9am, so I knew I needed a good night’s rest. I convinced Cole and Luke to join us, and despite their hesitation about waking up earlier than usual, I knew they couldn’t resist spending one more day with their favorite American.

The boat tour was a full-day excursion to the villages of Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino. Eden, Cole, Luke, and I explored each charming town, indulging in people-watching, savoring local food, and relaxing on the pebbled beaches. We were a bit confused about the ferry schedules and missed out on about an hour of sunbathing and swimming in San Fruttuoso, but it was all part of the experience nonetheless.

Camogli and San Fruttuso were both hidden gems that I had never heard of before. Portofino lived up to its reputation as a beautiful town, with designer stores, yachts, and breathtaking views. I will definitely be back when I can afford more than just a single 12-euro cocktail.

Upon returning to Genova, Eden and I parted ways with Cole and Luke. I felt a sense of sadness, unsure when I would see them next. They had been constants throughout my entire journey, familiar with all the dramas of my story and my decision to travel on my own. Each time we met up in different cities, they wouldn’t let me dwell on negativity or discouraging thoughts. The two boys always knew how to cheer me up and reminded me that anything could be fixed with a pint of Guinness – that’s just the Irish way! I am grateful for them both and wish them the most fun on their next adventure.

For the past two nights, I’ve been in Milan, exploring, resting, and attending an infamous Boiler Room event. Yesterday morning, while chatting with my two Brazilian hostel mates, Geovanna and Andrea, about their plans for the evening, they mentioned they had tickets to the Boiler Room event. Excited, I quickly pulled out my phone and bought tickets for myself. I had always seen Boiler Room events on social media and had wanted to experience one firsthand. It was fortunate that the event was happening that night, and it felt quite iconic to attend in Milan. I danced the night away with Geovanna and Andrea, grooving and flicking my wrist to the house DJ sets.

I’m currently en route to Venice for the night before heading to Madrid, Spain. Although I only spent a few hours exploring Milan yesterday, I decided it was important to listen to my body and recharge my social battery. Solo traveling has really brought out my introverted side, which tends to surface when I feel overwhelmed. It has been more tiring than I anticipated, navigating on my own and making an effort to see new things and connect with others.

Many people are surprised to learn that I’m fundamentally introverted because I enjoy conversations and connecting with others, thriving in new social encounters. However, my introverted tendencies have been a part of me since I was a little girl, and I find it fulfilling to nurture this aspect of myself, almost like caring for my inner child. I’m grateful for this part of me and proud that I can recognize when I need to recharge. It’s an ongoing journey of self-awareness, drawing from past experiences to shape a version of myself that I admire.

I embrace all facets – introverted and extroverted alike – and cherish the person I am and am becoming.

I’m writing to you from the train station in Nice, on my way to Genoa, Italy. The past 72 hours have been a whirlwind of events, and things have taken some unexpected turns. Initially, I planned my next blog post to be a recap of the cities, landmarks, and natural spots I’ve encountered on my journey through France. While I’ll still include some photos of these remarkable places, this post will serve as a personal reflection of recent events.

On Monday morning, I chose to part ways with Jesse and embark on the rest of my adventure on my own. Without getting into the details or dwelling on the past, I’ve decided to move forward and focus on what lies ahead. The outpouring support from friends and family around the world has been unimaginable, urging me to persevere and embrace life to the fullest. My friend Clancy’s words resonate with me deeply: much of life’s magic comes from the unexpected moments we could never have prepared for. In the short span of three days, I’ve experienced many of these magical moments, and it’s these that I wish to share in today’s post.

To spark magic in your life, you need to surround yourself with inspiring, magical people. My love and desire for human connection is at the core of who I am. I deeply admire those in my life and draw the courage to pursue my passions from their support. Simultaneously, I stay present, always seeking new individuals who can teach me how they give and receive magic in their unique ways. An art exhibit in Aix-en-Provence that I visited relayed this same message, connecting us beyond our consciousness.

The exhibit featured immersive installations of colorful threads, resembling intricate networks that materialize the links between beings and things in a dreamlike, poetic nature. A collection of dreams, hopes, and gratitude revealed the many feelings of people that keep us connected. “Although we may not share the same experiences, we are able to connect through sharing emotions. All lives are filled with happiness, suffering, disappointment, and gratitude. We all think that we go through life alone and that we are the only ones with these certain thoughts and feelings in our heart, but we are connected in many ways,” said Chiharu Shiota. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the magic of human connection, showing how our shared emotions and support systems create the tapestry of our lives. We are not solitary beings; we need human connection to thrive.

Last Friday during a night’s stay in Montpellier, I met two boys, Cole and Luke, from Northern Ireland. We spent the night drinking pints of Guinness and watching the start of the EuroCup football tournament. We learned that we would all be in Nice at the same time together and made plans to meet up once we were there. When I went my own way on Monday, I felt extremely discouraged and went back and forth on whether or not I should just return to London. After conversations with many of my close friends and family, I made the decision to stay and it was most encouraging knowing I had friends to meet with in Nice. Things worked out for the best and on Monday night, I found myself meeting up with Cole and Luke, drinking more Guinness, making more friends, and dancing to live music on top of tables until 3 in the morning.

Cole and Luke’s Irish spirit lifted me up, turning a bad day into a great night. Dancing away the negative energy, I rediscovered the magic within myself, knowing that more great nights and even better days lay ahead. I’m grateful for the positive vibes of Monday night and look forward to seeing Cole and Luke again soon.

Yesterday, I slept in until half-past twelve, waking up feeling emotionally exhausted. I took myself on a picnic to the beach, soaking up the sun and allowing my mind and body to find peace. I headed back to my hotel, showered, and got dolled up to explore Monaco for the night. Just a 20-minute train ride from Nice, Monaco Monte-Carlo amazed me with its perfection. I wandered around, taking photos, and marveled at the wealth radiating from the luxurious cars, buildings, and impeccably dressed people. I was a bit humbled with my backpacker wardrobe, but embraced the experience nonetheless. Without spending a dime, I returned to Nice and treated myself to ice cream before calling it a night.

Tonight, I will be staying in Genoa with no plans for my next destination. While I miss having my sister as my favorite travel partner, I’m ready to continue my journey, flying solo. Traveling without G has been challenging, as she was always there to share wonderful, beautiful thoughts. Despite being my younger sister, I have always valued her wisdom and mind in both good and bad times. My parents did an incredible job raising five children with curious minds, independent spirits, and kind hearts. I miss them all dearly and often find myself in tears of gratitude for the life and mindset they’ve given me.

As scary as solo travel may seem, I feel a sense of calmness within me. Everything happens for a reason, and I know I am on a path to discovering a new version of myself. I end this post with openness and eagerness for all that remains to be explored. “Life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly, but to be lived boldly, wildly, beautifully, uncertainly, imperfectly, and magically” – Mandy Hale.