In a blaze of glory, I quit my full-time job, announced full-time self employment and bought a one-way ticket to Italy.
I had so many pinch-me moments following my two-week notice from the “real world” that I honestly can’t tell you when things started to feel real again. Maybe they still don’t. The journey from mid-March to mid-May was so life altering that it definitely deserves its space here. Although, I still don’t feel like I can do it justice.
You see, the story overwhelming at best. So many emotions and moments were the catalysts for other emotions and other moments. Seriously, the last 6 months of my life look like a nuclear fission chain. Which, actually, makes the beginning of the story a little funny given that the universe dropped me in Aviano, Italy.
Looking back now — only a few months later — I’m already thankful for my journals. I didn’t blog while I traveled, but I wrote constantly. Mostly notes to myself balanced with a few reminders of where my mind had drifted.
So many would wonder why I went. Plenty were concerned for my sanity. Why so far? Why so long? Are you coming back? I never actually had an answer. I still don’t.
But, I didn’t go in search of anything.
I wasn’t looking for inspiration. I wasn’t trying to escape. I didn’t seek love or follow a trendy wanderlust. It was honestly as simple as wishing for this trip since college and, suddenly, realizing that it would never just happen to me. If I wanted it, I had to go for it. I had to go all in.
I’d waited for years for a hypothetical right moment. Like many, I wished a free trip would just manifest itself like a spectacular showcase on the Price is Right. But Bob wasn’t calling my name. I’d never made it to a Showcase Showdown and I was beginning to realize that this was all on me.
So, like most things, I threw myself into it — 1010%.
I quit my job;
bought a laptop, passport and one-way ticket;
recruited 5 dog sitters;
contacted 3 friends abroad;
packed one bag;
and gave my parents a week of notice.
Vicarious adventures and vines
Follow Laura (#lauragetslost) through Venice, Naples, Positano and Rome! Read more from this journey in the Italy archive.To license Laura’s photos for your own use, visit iStock. To order unmarked prints, contact Laura directly.