Eurotrip 2012: Summary.

Now that I have a little downtime, thought I’d take a minute to reflect on this trip.

It was truly the best vacation…ever. I have absolutely no complaints (seriously, most ridiculously perfect travel-buddies ever. zero conflicts). I think it was exactly what I needed.

I think it was the first time I didn’t just feel okay or accepting of being single, of things going so differently than planned—but felt downright happy about it. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many wonderful things about being in a healthy relationship, but I’m also finally appreciating how nice it is to be accountable to no one.  I never got to be a single adult. It’s kinda sweet. No one to check in with, no marriage/children to immediately save $ for, nothing that says I can’t dance the night away and kiss a Frenchman (fine, maybe that’s the big one). Would I have traded these things for a happy marriage? Of course not, but that wasn’t in the cards, and I’m finally embracing the alternative.

Like pretty much anyone in their twenties, I do need to get a better handle on things like saving for retirement and emergencies…but I also feel pretty strongly that I want to keep (international) travel as a regular priority. As long as I can stay completely debt-free, I shall deem it a mental health necessity. You keep me off anti-depressants, fulfilled wanderlust.

This trip really felt like Elena getting her groove back. Merci, Europe. I’ve been in love with you since my first visit in 2002 and the affection just keeps growing. Where to go next?

(Answer: Probably back to Sweden, seeing as MARIA & MARCUS JUST GOT ENGAGED and are tying the knot next summer. I am so thrilled for them!)

Debating a trip to Europe? I can never recommend it highly enough, especially when wonderful people and good food are involved. If you can find a way to make it work: DO IT. You will never regret it. /Gets off soap box.

 

~ by Elena Marie on August 9, 2012.