random day-after-europe thoughts.

it is a truly bizarre feeling to be running one morning in victoria park, london and the next morning running in keller, texas. slightly depressing.  but thanks to jet lag, being up at 4:45 let me see a beautiful sunrise on my run.

i heart traveling with my sisters.

i am once again struck at the width of texas streets, the number of SUV's, air conditioning, and the glorious taste of american diet coke.

the world is full of really, really, REALLY interesting people.

i never would have pegged berlin as a city where people tan nude in the central park.

there is something refreshingly simplistic about living with the things you can only carry in your backpack. after you get over the feeling of vulnerability, it's quite a nice way to go.  good prep for the appalachian trail.

i am struggling with the lack of physical movement. for almost 6 weeks it was new places and new cities every few days with different things to do and see.  and i was never inside for longer than a museum visit, a stop at the grocery store or café, or to sleep.  time to apply that to my current living situation.

feet are amazing.  they can take us incredible places.  and chacos on those feet?  even better.

i am truly grateful i had the chance to experience more of this glorious earth in which we live. traveling can foster adaptability, passion, independence, curiosity, learning, spontaneity, and an appreciation for different cultures (just to name a few). it reminds me that i am not only capable of living these qualities, but i am happiest when i do. the trick is to apply these traits into the everyday and to let them seep so deep into you that they become who you are no matter where you are.  

"adventure is a path.  real adventure-- self-determined, self-motivated, often risky-- forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world.  the world the way it is, not the way you imagine it.  your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness.  in this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind-- and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both.  this will change you." -mark jenkins

so there you have it.  the sun has officially set on european summer 2013.

luckily there are always more adventures to be had.  care to join?