Exactly three years ago today, I was galavanting around Ireland with two good friends. The beauty of these cliffs is insurmountable and sometimes on the windiest of days, I feel like I’m sitting right where I was on this day in 2016.
Travel
Happy International Women’s Day!
Today’s post is for some of my favorite women that I’ve either met abroad or are from another country (or both)! People are the reason why I love travel as much as I do; it’s about immersing yourself in new cultures and creating strong friendships along the way. In case you’re reading this, thank you for all of the fond memories, laughs and sharing once-in-a-lifetime experiences with me 🙂
Saskia – friends since 2011 (met through foreign exchange)
Hamburg, Germany – 2012
Hamburg, Germany – 2016
Carolyn – friends since 2014 (met as roommates in France)
Aix-en-Provence, France – 2014
Anwar – friends since 2015 (met as coworkers at our SVSU Writing Center)
Saginaw Valley State University – 2015
Bethany – friends since 2016 (met as exchange students in Sweden)
Chicago – 2018
Jacomijne – friends since 2016 (met as exchange students in Sweden)
Arctic Circle, Sweden – 2016
Gloria, Jagoda & Hui Jun – friends since 2016 (met as exchange students in Sweden)
Lund, Sweden – 2016
Kaila – friends since 2017 (met as volunteers in Chiang Rai, Thailand)
Bangkok – 2017
Kalmar, Sweden (January – June, 2016)
Simply missing Kalmar’s good vibes, architecture and people more than usual today!
She dreams more than she sleeps (Kalmar, Sweden; January, 2016)
No matter where I am now, I will always be longing for the life I once had. It’s hard to believe that I took this photo THREE YEARS AGO. I’m feeling incredibly thankful today…
So Much Fun – and fog – in Finland! (March, 2016)
Two students during my 2016 study abroad adventure were from Finland and downplayed Helsinki so much; I was amazed to find out that Helsinki had quite a bit to offer. All of us (especially the Americans) LOVED Finland’s capital. Helsinki had the most unique churches, which were actually made of rounded wood and rocks. Surprisingly, this city had one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever experienced! Who would’ve expected that from such a small country in Scandinavia?
“The Times we had” in Tallinn, Estonia (March, 2016)
I remember having zero expectations of Tallinn; I simply thought this was a “break” from the rest of our cruise rather than a city I would love. All of my friends and classmates LOVED Tallinn and had the greatest time! We went on a pub crawl to a few very unique places, including a science lab-themed bar (one even had shots that you snorted and one had the coolest pool table area)! The last photo below proves how much fun I had… Even walking in the streets late at night with my friends are memories I’ll never forget. I will always cherish “The Times we had” in Tallinn!
Reminiscing about Saint Petersburg, Russia (March, 2016)
In less than 24 hours, I saw a Russian folk show, went on a limo tour of the sites at night, walked around in the Hermitage, and stayed in the sketchiest hostel I will ever see. My dad’s side of the family is predominantly Russian, so being in the “homeland” so to speak brought just what I imagined: adventure!
It’s Always Happy in Hamburg (March, 2016)
I have visited a dear friend in Hamburg, Germany twice now: once in 2012 and once in 2016. I love this city very much and have nothing but good things to say about it. In fact, Hamburg was my first city visited outside of North America and has been a gateway for my many adventures abroad! The late night dancing, scenery, food, streets, harbor and good company keep me easily entertained and happy whenever I spend time with Saskia and her parents!
Longing for Lapland (March, 2016)
The cold, windy air hitting my nose and cheeks in Michigan reminds me of Swedish Lapland. We visited Abisko and Kiruna, and even crossed the border into Norway for an afternoon. From visiting the ice hotel I saw in Nat Geo as a third grader to sledding in the town after bar hopping, riding on the back of a dog sled, feeding the reindeer and seeing the Northern Lights (three times!), Lapland was probably the happiest week of my life…
Smiling in Stockholm (March, 2016)
It has been nearly three years since I wandered the streets of this amazing city. Our class trip, a cruise around Sweden, Russia, Estonia and Finland, commenced here and we couldn’t get enough!
Finding Peace in Prague (February, 2016)
Prior to visiting Prague a few years ago, I was going through a rough time in my life. Whatever pain you are experiencing, know that you, too, will get through it. 🙂
Photo Highlights of 2018
2018…what a year! So many incredible things happened, which has led to lifelong memories that I’ll always cherish.
I was able to spend lots of quality time with my Little Sister of four years, Aniya!
I had a travel marathon from March – July (Chicago, Boston, Iceland, Myrtle Beach, Peru and Portland)! I was able to spend time with old friends, have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with my mom, hang out with my brother on the west coast and get engaged during this short period of time!
I was able to spend more time with my pup Linley than ever. We even went to a baseball game with grams in Detroit!
My dad and I were able to hang out a lot more than usual, now that we’re in the same department at work. My dad is also in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and seeing his Little Brother grow up is amazing (and scary…)!
My best friend (who I call my twin) and I share the same birthday!!! We were able to celebrate our 25th year on this earth together 🙂
My fiance and pup cheered me up on Halloween as they dressed as a minion and a bee!
And the most eventful day was Friday, November 16, the day I married my best friend 🙂
I have no idea what could be better than repeating 2018, but I’m very excited for what 2019 has in store for all of us 🙂 Happy New Year!
Traveling with the Traceys 