I should probably add “…so far” to this title because I’m sure there is much more to come, but here are some of the poignant (and not so poignant) life lessons I’ve learned from my year and a half so far on the road (errr…water?):
1.You are smarter than you think
2. …But there is so much out there to learn
3. Port = left, Starboard = right (had to drop some nautical knowledge on y’all)
Port side…
4. The world is truly a beautiful, beautiful place
Currently relishing every minute of the gorgeous mountain views in the Pacific Northwest…
…but I wouldn’t mind going back to the beach.
5. Your family and friends are the most important people in life, and being away makes you appreciate them that much more
6. It’s not so bad being on your own
THIS.
7. Seemingly insignificant moments can be the ones that stick with you the longest
8. Things are a lot less scary once you’ve tried them (Vegemite, egg jam/nonya kaya, sea planes…)
Pre-seaplane flight jitters; ended up LOVING it. Best commute to work I’ve ever had.
9. People’s opinions of you become less and less relevant …especially when you’re thousands of miles away
Oh, you think I’m weird? Here’s me in Santiago, Chile not giving a shit.
10. The ones who truly care about you will always be there for you (and thank you Universe for modern technology)
11. This:
Now if only those whales would show their fine selves the next time we take the tender out to go WHALE watching…
12. People are mostly the same if you get down to basics (so remind me again why we all can’t get along?)
13. …And everyone has an interesting story if you are willing to listen
Learned all about this little boy and his family in Bali. Living a completely different life than what I’ve grown accustomed to, but still happy as long as they have their family and their health.
14. A degree in English isn’t career/life suicide
15. Watermelon juice is always a good idea
Seriously, watermelon juice- get on it.
So, what has traveling taught YOU?
little mermaid at sea 
Are you still in the Seattle area? I am here until April 4…any chance of getting together? Nancy Jo 443-440-7413 (cell)
Oh no! I just missed you! We got back to Victoria last week and aren’t back in Seattle until May! Would have loved to do coffee and chat…
I have to agree with pretty much everything you posted. I lived in France for a couple years. A degree in French is NOT the kiss of death, I DO have a sense of direction (just not in America LOL) and people are amazing. Everywhere!
❤
Where in France did you live? Lucky lady! And no judgement, a sense of direction takes years to hone 😉
I lived in eastern France–Strasbourg–and close to the Swiss border–Belfort and Besancon! 🙂
Oh how beautiful that must have been!
Thanks for the write up and Photos. I always get confused with Port and Starboard. (*Blush*)
What Travelling has taught me is definitely as below:
1) Always have train tickets ready
2)Never assume that all airports is 24hours, some do closed for the day
3)Check Bus timing
5)Ask for help when lost
6)Never wander into dark alleys
Heehee.. I lvoe travelling too.. Hope to see more of your stories. Cheers.
Great lessons! Which airports close?! I’ve never heard of that actually (not that I am any kind of expert by any means). Learn something new every day, huh?
Oops.. Sorry for late reply.
Yes, for information, Adelaide International airport closed at 5pm for duty. And some smaller airport in Europe closes too for the day.. I know this sounds ridiculous, just make sure to make bus arrangements into the city. =)
No worries! How interesting- I had no idea! Thanks for the heads up 🙂
Bali is one spot-of-heaven-scent you should go back.
or, maybe. go-home-to.
if only you are still in bali, come and reach me. we can talk about this. i’m a local in indonesia (:
I loved Bali! Unfortunately, I probably won’t be back for quite some time.
Nice write-up, I definitely agree with 7 and 12. It is strange how I can remember little and ‘insignificant’ things from years back. They have become some of life’s most important lessons. Also, people are fundamentally the same, I wish more people would understand this principle.
P.S. I like your “y’all” shout-out in the beginning. That is very southern of you!
Hope all is well, travel on!
Haha well I am from just south of the Mason-Dixon line, so technically I’m a southern gal! (try telling that to the REAL southerners! lol)
4, 6, 9 and 13 : ) They’re all pretty great actually, but those are the ones that I resonated with. Damn, I love traveling!
Thanks! Traveling is pretty great, huh?
Couldn’t agree more – particularly on #7
🙂
Is this the young lady that was so scared and lonely in Ft. Lauderdale a while back?
Haha embarrassingly enough, yes. Also, thank the Universe that that is no longer the case!
Agree with all your points.
🙂
You’ve pretty well nailed it in this post! I’m a lot older than you and learned these things just a couple of years ago so hats off on learning them YOUNG! I guess the main thing I learned is that I can take care of myself. Sadly, I never knew that before I traveled alone for 6 months. Now I do, so yay for that!
Thank you thank you 🙂 I think learning independence is probably the hardest of all so learning it regardless of timing is the important thing!
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