The Travel Chica

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On My Birthday: Remembering Younger Travels

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Yea!  It’s my birthday!

Those of you who know me probably remember that I declare a full birthday week of celebration.  But this year is special.  This is the year I say goodbye to my 20s and enter a new decade.

Or is that special?

What is special for me this birthday is not really the number.  It is the fact that I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and actually followed through with that decision.  A decision to live out one of my dreams.  That sounds cliché, but I really don’t know how else to describe it.

I wanted to experience long-term travel.  I wanted adventure .  I wanted to see beautiful places.   I wanted to slow down.  I wanted to learn another language.  I wanted to take a break from the fast-paced and stressful corporate world.  And I am not ashamed to admit that I wanted to be selfish and focus on me.

I am proud of myself.

It has not always been rainbows and sunshine here in Latin America.  There have been challenges, some I have shared here and some I have chosen not to share.  But without those challenges, I probably would not have learned as much about myself .

I am not one of those people who obsess about entering the next decade.

Bring it on.

But turning 30 did get me thinking about my 20-something travels, and how my travels have evolved as I have gotten older and (hopefully) more mature and self-confident and aware of other parts of the world.

So I want to share with you some of my favorite travel memories.

Cruise of the Greek Islands & Turkey

Exposure to a completely different culture and religion.

Although we only spent one night in Istanbul, this was my first encounter with a culture so different from my own.  It was Ramadan, and I will always remember the people rushing around at sunset carrying large trays piled with still-strange-to-me food for their evening feast with family.

This was also my first time being in a steam room surrounded by about 50 other naked women all waiting for their turn to be scrubbed down by a Turkish woman.  (In case you are wondering, I was at a Turkish Bath, not some weird party.)  I put aside the cultural norms of my own country and jumped right into this bazaar experience.

Photo of Aya Sophia in Turkey

Driving in a foreign country.

This same trip also led to my first (and so far only) experience driving in a foreign country.  Sarah and I decided that instead of spending the night in a hotel before our morning flight, we would rent a car and drive to Delphi, about four hours away.

Our car was about the size of a go-cart with equivalent power, and I thought we might die a few times.  It took about an hour of white-knuckle driving with angry Greeks honking and speeding past us to realize that we were supposed to drive on the right berm/ shoulder so that faster cars could pass us on the left.

I was so proud that we managed to not get lost and returned in one piece without wrecking the car.

The beauty of taking a bump.

During the return layover in Frankfort, Germany, Sarah and I were asked if we would take a bump and receive a free hotel room in Frankfort with meal vouchers and an airline voucher for a free international flight.  Free international flight?!!  Hell, yes!

Now I ALWAYS plan my flights to be in a position to take a bump.

Vegas!

My first few trips to Vegas involved 10 girls sharing two connected rooms with 2 double beds in each.  If you do the math, you’d think there might be a problem with sleeping arrangements.  Not a problem at all when T and I stayed at the craps table until 8am every night… I mean morning.

Of course, many stories cannot be shared.  But I did receive my favorite compliment of all time – “You have Tina Turner legs.” And I learned that if you show up at McDonald’s at 8am in a gold sparkly top, someone will ask if you are a “lady of the night.” (No, I was not the one wearing gold sparkly top.)

There were multiple trips to Vegas after that for weddings and bachelorette parties, and there are many “what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas stories,” but I will always relish the memories from that first few times when I was awed by the glamour and flashiness and excitement of a city that truly never sleeps.

Prague, Berlin, Vienna

The most beautiful city.

I had never seen a city as beautiful as Prague.  I still feel the same way today.

Photo of me in Prague

Hangovers are bad.

In Berlin I learned that dark beer is really strong (and oh so delicious) and that hangovers are bad, very bad, when traveling.

Photo in Berlin
Me, Sarah, and Monica enjoying our 'pub tour' of Berlin.

The world has changed a lot in my lifetime.

So after I learned my lesson, I learned some history.  Actually seeing remnants of the Berlin Wall made a much bigger impact than learning about it in history class.  It was hard to imagine these events happening in my short lifetime.

Meeting travelers.

As much as these places impacted me, I was also impacted by the other travelers on our Contiki tour.  We met three Kiwis who were traveling for a couple of months.

What?!  How can you travel for months at a time?  I would love to do that!

This is when I realized that it is not uncommon at all in other cultures to do long-term travel.  In fact, it is often encouraged.

A seed is planted…

Oktoberfest in Munich.

Participating in a major festival/ celebration in a foreign country is an absolutely incredible experience.  And I’m not just saying that because the festival involved copious amounts of beer and delicious soft pretzels.

Photo of giant beer steins
I actually had problems with my wrist after lifting these steins all night.

Sarah and I also reunited with a friend from college.  Nate had moved to Germany right after college (and still is there today).  I thought it was so brave, and I asked him a million questions about what it was like.

Yes, wearing the funny hat makes the Oktoberfest experience even more fun!

Photo of Oktoberfest
Me and Nate enjoying the festivities.

Argentina – the first time

The trip was planned with Monica , her now-husband Jared, and her fabulous foul-mouthed world-traveling aunt.

The seed was already planted and ideas were forming.

This was a little test for myself.  First time staying in a hostel.  First overnight bus ride.  First time traveling solo (for one of the two weeks).  I started believing I could do this.

Photo of hiking in Mendoza
Hiking in the Andes Mountains on Christmas Day.

And then I did it.

So this year I am NOT having a special birthday week celebration.

I have been celebrating turning 30 for the past 8 months, and the celebration continues.

Do you have any travel memories that really shaped who you are today or major decision in your life?

Have you celebrated a birthday in another country?  How did it feel?

Comments

  1. Great Story Stephanie! I guess traveling made me a more open person. During my travels I met incredible people, one friendlier than the other and especially last christmas in Australia left a huge impact on me.

    I celebrated my last birthday in Kalbarri, Australia. A little town with 300 habitants in the middle of nowhere, it rained for days and we were stuck there because all the roads around the town were flooded. We had a great time anyways, bought a crate of beer and some steaks and had a perfect bbq in the rain.
    Sebastian recently posted..10 Most Dangerous Animals of Australia

  2. You have visited some very cool places, Stephanie.
    I remember celebrating my 18th birthday abroad, as an exchange student in the USA. My birthday is Halloween – which I knew nothing about. Heaps of fun.

    Happy birthday – all year long :)

  3. What a great post! After you’ve traveled for a while, you often forget how scary the first steps were. I remember being a bit scared the first time I ever got on an multi-level escalator. I was 12 and it was in Hong Kong but, still, there were no escalators in the town I grew up in.
    I’ve had several birthdays and Christmases overseas now. To me, they’re not as special as when I celebrate with all my family. But going home is too expensive!
    Happy birthday Stephanie!
    The Dropout recently posted..My Matrix Moment

    • Thanks for sharing!

      I have spent 2 Christmases away from home. While I missed the family time, I appreciated being away from the stress/ obligations that unfortunately build up during the holidays. Birthday is very different for me because I have a very specific ‘celebration week.’ Birthday always falls between two huge festivals back home…. I do miss my traditions, but it’s also very cool to celebrate with new friends.
      The Travel Chica recently posted..The Most Gluttonous Night of My Life… So Far

  4. Happy Birthday Stephanie! Great story. Long-term travel has definitely made me more flexible. It is really hard to get upset anymore by all those unexpected changes that happen with day-to-day travel (like the tour bus forgetting to pick me up for my Sacred Valley tour two days ago). I laugh when I quickly remember where I am and what I am doing. I made a point of being in Costa Rica with friends on my birthday in March, swimming in pristine 85 degree ocean water. Keep enjoing your travels. Cheers!
    http://dimensionalhearttraveler.com/

  7. I have celebrated my birthday in another country for the last 10 years, mind you, a different one each year. Where will I be next year? No idea. I love this post and even more the fact that you are celebrating your birthday for 8 months. Now there is an idea.
    inka recently posted..Hear your whispers in Epidaurus-Greece

  8. This is my 2nd birthday in Argentina, not consecutively though. I celebrated my 19th birthday in Mendoza when I was living with a host family. It was so strange because I did not celebrate my birthday ages 12-18 (long story) and it was my first time out of the country. I had fun this time around but I must admit that, like you, this birthday was more about marking my year as an expat and being happy/proud of that.

    Happy birthday and independence!
    Rease recently posted..Swimming with sea lions in the Sea of Cortes

  9. Great post Stephanie. Love the way you laid this post out and shared your adventures over the past few months. To be honest, I get so wrapped up in doing things, planning, and traveling, that last year I had forgotten it was my birthday until the day before – and then just like you, I just kept doing what I was doing, because I think I celebrate everyday!
    Mark Wiens recently posted..Visiting Wat Phou Ancient Temple Complex in Champasak- Laos

  12. First, Happy Birthday! Next, this was a really great post sharing all your travel adventures with us. You have a great way of writing that informs and makes me laugh plus we share a love for beer!

    Reading this I remembered my first international trip which was my first solo trip. Three weeks in, yup you guessed it, Germany! At the ripe old age of 22 I do not remember being afraid until we got off the airplane in Germany. I just did what everyone else did and it worked out.

    So cheers to you!
    Debbie @ European Travelista recently posted..My Favorite Castle – Linderhof

  13. Happy Birthday!

    I wish you another decade of inspiration, adventure and happiness. This year will be my first time celebrating my birthday away from home, but on my current RTW I spent my first Christmas, New Years, Valentines and Easter away from home – a big deal for me! I was scared before I left home about spending these holidays alone in a foreign place, but when the actual days came, they seemed like just normal, beautiful days! Everyday is a celebration, I think :)

    – Lily

  15. So don’t family vacations count? I know you didn’t count Houseboating at Dale Hollow Lake, TN because it’s not out of the country. But we went to Cancun, Mexico (your first bullfight) & Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Remember the ride in the back of the truck hanging on for dear life, etc.
    Love Mom

    • Am I in trouble because I didn’t include trips with you?

      But you are right… you get credit for taking me traveling even before the other travel moments I’ve mentioned in this post. The thing I remember about Cancun is not-so-much the bullfight but the really drunk obese man chugging liters of liquor at the bar… and the deliciousness of an all-you-can-eat resort. The thing I remember about Punta Cana was that crazy truck ride and my horse nearly throwing me off when it ran too close to the ocean and got scared of the tide.

      So thanks for funding my earlier international travels instead of leaving me home :-)
      The Travel Chica recently posted..The Most Gluttonous Night of My Life… So Far

  18. Dear Grandchild. don’t you remember when you were in High
    school, You and went t o Monteray Mexico.. Also a bunch of others from the church went. You had been studying Spanish. We got to stay in a familys home that were very good to us. We had “real” Mexican food. Remember “Brad Tuttle” and the Blowing up of water bottles and busting them. Also the ripping up of large page Telephone Books, plus other of his muscle strengths. Also the young guy, that kind of had a crush on you. He was thinking about coming back to the States, but I think his family talked some sense into him. I have celebrated a few birthdays on the Houseboat, remember.Goodnite Dear, Love ya, Grandma

  19. I had to comment on this post! haha! Oktoberfest was a blast! It’s gotten even better since I broke down and actually got some real Lederhosen!! It’s a riot!
    The best part of Oktoberfest is that my birthday is always smack dab in the middle of it. Great birthday present to myself, but it usually ends up with me being hung over on my birthday.

    Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The longer you are abroad the more it means when you do get to make it home and see family and friends. The best thing is when family and friends actually do come and visit you abroad. It really helps you stay connected to your life back home. Wish my family traveled a bit more often…

    PS- Let me know if you end up heading over to Europe again!

  20. I don’t know if you remember but that drunk guy was on his honeymoon. We watched his wife run off with some Mexicans down the beach. Then some guys came up to us & asked if we knew where she went (they were trying to help her husband get back to his room). We saw them the next morning at the breakfast buffet & I couldn’t believe he was eating! I always wondered if they were surprised with a little Mexican 9 months later : )
    Mom

  21. Happy Belated Birthday! I can see how all of your travels have shaped you into the person you are today. I always think people that don’t travel are missing out on so much and I agree, you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow as a person.
    Laurel recently posted..Camping in Kananaskis

    • I agree with you. I don’t think people have to go to the extreme of quitting their job to travel for a year or try to go backpacking through jungles, but even smaller, less exotic travels can be really enjoyable and even teach you a few things.
      The Travel Chica recently posted..Happy Birthday To Me!

    • Thank you! Over the past few months as I have gotten more familiar with the travel blogging community, I have realized that doing this is not so uncommon or crazy. I love meeting others (in person or virtually) who are doing or who have done a similar thing.
      The Travel Chica recently posted..Happy Birthday To Me!

  23. Stephanie! Happy Birthday and welcome to the 30s! Very good post by the way! It is amazing how experiences shape people. Cheers for your 30s! Tomorrow I will be going to Ocú with Yvonne to meet family there. We always remember you.

    Hope to see you,

    Saludos desde Panamá

  25. Happy birthday! Your trips look fun. I concur on Prague being the most beautiful city, possibly in the world. Oktoberfest in Munich must have been super fun – I loved visiting Munich. I’m from near a town called Kitchener in Ontario, where there is the 2nd largest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich!
    I celebrated a birthday teaching in Korea and having groups of adorable Korean elementary students sing happy birthday to me in English made it pretty special. My friends there also bought me my favourite, pecan pie, instead of a cake so that made it extra special!
    Carolyn recently posted..Our Tahiti Treat

    • 2nd largest Oktoberfest is in Canada? Would have never guessed! Might need to check that out when I’m back in the US and too poor to fly to Munich :-)

      My new roommates in Buenos Aires surprised me with a cupcake and candles and sang happy birthday to me! So unexpected and so sweet of them to do that. Plus, they found a cupcake that wasn’t sickeningly sweet and filled with dulce de leche like most desserts in Buenos Aires :-)
      The Travel Chica recently posted..Happy Birthday To Me!

  26. Amazing year!!!!!! (Come back to Vegas.) So happy I got to meet you this year. Argentina was a blast. You deserve a huge celebration! (Come back to Vegas.) Can’t wait to read about what you come up with for your next year of travel. (Come back to Vegas.)
    Abby recently posted..Maui for Two: Saying “I do”

  27. Love this post! It sounds like you’ve had some really great experiences in those three decades. I’m four years from 30, and I hope to squeeze in a lot more travel in before then. I also had such an interesting experience in Istanbul–a first time in a hammam really is like nothing else! How cool that you got to be there during Ramadan–I bet that was wild. I haven’t celebrated a birthday abroad yet, but one place I’ve been dying to visit is Amsterdam. I think that would be a really fun place for that!
    Emily recently posted..How Solo Travelers Can Avoid Single Supplements

    • I actually just told the story to a friend the night of my birthday about someone in our Spring Break group falling off a balcony, getting arrested, and having to pick up trash as punishment.

      That trip may not have influenced my future travels and where I am today, but it was a damn good time!
      The Travel Chica recently posted..Happy Birthday To Me!

  29. Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a fantastic time!

    I so agree about strong beers and the hangover that comes with it! One of my friends really likes to try different beers and whenever we drink stronger ones together my hangover is always from hell!
    Harriet recently posted..Mobile Phone Exchange

  30. Happy birthday! Great post. I had a great 30th at the Beerfest in Raleigh with a bunch of great friends. I have celebrated lots of birthdays overseas, i do enjoy it so much more than if I was at home. Feels more special. Enjoy your 30’s

  31. Happy birthday! So far 30s for me have been awesome! They’re the new 20s chica!

    Your memory of the berlin wall reminds me of my 11th birthday – I was living in Denmark and my family did a lot of traveling through Europe. We even helped tear that stupid wall down! Fantastic memories, but my 11th birthday, it was terrible – all on the same day, I broke my arm and started my period. Plus, you know it’s FREEZING in Denmark. That was probably TMI, but what the hell. That day SUCKED.

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