A True Addiction

i have an addiction + craving that can't seemed to be helped. TRAVEL. i got it when i was young. i put full blame on the parentals. i crave it and adore it. i love to experience the way other people live + to explore new places by roaming the streets as a native would do. (even though i am highly unsuccessful because my jaw is continually left down with amazement wherever i go) i have a travel bucket list that has only a slight dent in it. but i would jump on the idea of even just driving to the next town over + or renting bikes to explore the one i live in now. this year i made a goal to explore my home. after spring break a smile was on my face, feeling like i somewhat made a part check mark on my goals list. 

my dear friend from Switzerland is spending her last summer here + had never seen the northern part of the west coast. ROAD TRIP. so two friends + i packed up a car + left in a hurry Sunday evening, after enjoying  a wonderful weekend at a cabin with my family. the sights - incredible. the memories - unforgettable. the laughs - immeasurable. 

THE ADVICE: if i could give one piece of advice to anyone, especially those of you that have caught that travel bug, it would be simple. DO IT. many people are afraid to leave their bubble. there are a thousand and one excuses not to travel. money. school. work. fear. comfort. but i promise you will not regret it. i have a firm belief in the old saying that says something to the effect of.... you never know until you walk in someone else's shoes... the absolute best way to learn about something or someone and to gain empathy is to experience what they experience. to do what they do. to see what they see. the world is an incredible place, but do you know what is even more incredible? the people in it. the every day joe that wakes up early to throw the fish on the ice at Pike's Market. the ranger that spends every day working in the Redwood Forest so that silly girls can do some midmorning yoga by it. the kind friend with the cutest French accent that lets you sleep on the coach/ bed of his one bedroom apartment. the homeless man that spends hours on the corner people watching, giving you advice of where to get the best breakfast in town. the impressions + the friends + the knowledge you gain are priceless. you don't have to travel across the globe. simply exploring your own city can do. be a tourist for a day. put that camera strap around your neck + get your selfie finger/ timer in place and get out there.