... Everything (literally. everything.) was brand new?

Newness is inherently exciting. A chance to start over. A clean slate. I remember my best friend Anna telling me that when she left High School and was driving to Chicago to start college, her mom excitedly told her "you can be anyone you want to be, this is a new start!" While those words were supposed to be encouraging, Anna remembers just thinking - what if I like who I am? My "new start" in Portland feels similar - I like who I am, I'm not running away from anything or trying to change something about myself. Rather, I'm trying to explore and grow the parts of me that bring me true happiness - particularly connecting with nature and a healthier lifestyle. And while going across the country away from everything and everyone familiar may seem like the opposite of that, I think ultimately it will make me a happier person. But... time will tell. 

So I moved from Cincinnati to Portland last week and have just started getting settled in at work and making friends. One thing I didn't expect was how constantly exhausted I'd feel even with 8+ hours of sleep. Maybe it's the altitude, or the 3 hour time change, or just getting used to a regular work schedule again (I know I know, woe is me), but I think the real cause is how much newness I'm absorbing all at once. It's not just a new job, its hundreds of new people, a new place to live, a new city. There is absolutely nothing familiar here. Not a person, place, nothing. Which is kind of crazy isn't it? To change that many variables all at once? But I think all the newness has made my brain work extra hard, every single task - from finding my way from my desk to the bathroom or the bathroom to a meeting, takes extra work. There is no normalcy or routine. It'll come though, until then I'm trying to be easy on myself and celebrate the little wins. Like when I make it to the right meeting room or remember a name. Gotta start somewhere right?

Had a great weekend going out to the coast and went clamming for the first time ever - I am officially shellfish certified! It is shellficcial! After getting my license I headed out with some new friends at 7am on Saturday and we got decked out in waders and clamming gear and basically walked around the beach hitting the sand with a stick and looking for tiny indents to pop up, signaling that a clam *might* be underneath. We dug a lot up but they were all too small to eat. Clamatures. We decided to treat ourselves to some awesome hot chocolate coffee, went birdwatching, got totally drenched in rain and fought to walk across the beach against some crazy wind. But I loved every second of it. Slept the whole way home and met up with them that night to watch the Timbers soccer team beat DC United. Couldn't believe how nonchalant everyone was about the rain. We all just stood right out in the open of it watching the soccer game and getting completely drenched. No umbrellas, just rain jackets. The funniest was seeing peoples' beers get completely filled with rain water and for them to just continue to drink out of it like this was all normal. Maybe it is. Welcome to Portland!

Bye bye Cincy!

Will definitely miss my mom & Zoe

Food cart festival on my first weekend in Portland!

First time seeing the coast!

Clamming away...

Looking for puffin birds at Cannon Beach

Relaxing after clamming in the rain 

Getting drenched at the Timbers game. 

... Adventures continued?

These past few months feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Settling into normalcy without ever quite feeling settled was odd. It was nice to be at home again, living under the same roof as my lovely mom, but at the same time I felt a restlessness about being at home. I quickly jumped into some freelance work doing digital marketing and social media consulting for businesses in Cincinnati, but continued the job search and felt like a crazy person for constantly changing my mind about the path I wanted to try next.

One week I was talking about moving to New York, living with my travel buddy Rachel, and working at a big ad agency with crazy long hours and crazy expensive rent. The next, I was going to pick up and drive to Denver and get an odd job, ski every day, and just figure it out. I felt like I was really weighing and considering every option but nothing felt quite right. At one point I even considered working in Cincinnati, living at home, and saving up enough to hit the road again and explore South America. Still doesn't seem like a horrible idea, but I think I'm ready to put some roots down before the next great adventure.

So after constant back and forth, a ton of outreach, phone calls, interviews and emails, I got an opportunity to interview with Wieden+Kennedy, a dream ad agency out in Portland famous for their work with Nike, Old Spice, Coca Cola, and many many other big name clients. A friend from my DePaul days really came through and advocated for me despite my lack of exact transferable experience... after some pretty intense interviews and an amazing trip out to Portland to meet the team and check out the city, I got an offer and decided to take it with just 10 days to pack up and get out there before my start date. I have to say, I think I'm still in a bit of shock that it all happened so fast, but I feel a sense of peace about the whole thing because everything feels like it's happening the way it should. Maybe exploring all those options and knowing they weren't right made it even more clear when the right one came along.

Anyway, in just 3 days I'll be packing up and flying out to Portland - my new city! I can't wait to check it out. I met some crazy ridiculously nice people while I was out visiting and hope that was just a taste of what's to come. If so, Portland people seem pretty similar to travel people - open, friendly, slower-paced, and just happy. Moving to a new city where I barely know anyone is a bit scary. But honestly what I'm more worried about is just doing a good job at work, and being able to stay close with friends and family who will be so far away. I'm going to have to become a lot better about phone calls and FaceTime so I don't lose touch.

Here are a few pics from my recent trip to Portland for my final round of interviews!

My hotel in Portland + a welcome kit from W+K!

Reading over W+K's feature as "Agency of the Year" over lunch (Thai Salad of course)

Street food in Portland - love the food carts, can't wait to try them

A beautiful day walking around downtown Portland

"The City of Roses"... err "Tulips" 

The famous Powell's bookstore - such a great selection of new & used books

Crazy line outside Voodoo Donut... at 4pm on a Monday (whaaaat?) 

So many parks!

It's a sign. I have to live here. 

... the "real world" seemed less real?

"So... what's next?" Seems to be the first question I'm receiving these days. Before asking about the last six months, or what I learned about life or about myself. Before asking about the people I met or the challenges I encountered, people want to know how I'm going to readjust to "the real world." A phrase that is always dripping in contempt and served with an eye roll or two. If the real world is so unpleasant, why have we all come to accept it as the norm? Shouldn't we do something about it instead of treating our lives like passive passengers in a train that's moving full force ahead towards materialism and a "bigger is better" mentality? What's next for me is rethinking what is really important, what makes me happy, and how I can find a middle ground between the freedom and joy I experienced traveling and pair it with a career or means to support myself financially. I don't want to jump right back on the track because having been off of it was the most exhilarating experience of my life. Life is short and unpredictable, and I'm ready to rethink my own. 

This isn't as easy as it sounds. I met so many travelers who lived a vagabond life - working in a cafe or hostel for a few months in order to continue traveling. At first I have to admit I judged these people a bit - "shouldn't they get a real job? How are they ever going to get one when they get back to wherever they're from? They must be running away from something... avoiding reality." But as I got to know more of these people, I realized that while some may be running away or avoiding the norm, most were sublimely happy. Some of the most blissful, relaxed and open people I've ever met. Not stressed, not attached to their cell phones and rushing around constantly, not obsessing over relationships or difficult coworkers or any of the other things I know I felt back in the "real world." So why would I judge that? Maybe we judge because they are doing something that feeds into our own insecurities. Society has made it seem scary and impossible to jump off the track by imposing fear tactics. Retirement savings, investments, insurance, security... these are all important things but are they the only things? Should they dictate how we choose to live our un-guaranteed 90-some years?

I know I may sound like a converted hippie (so what maybe I am?), and none of what I'm saying is necessarily new, but I finally gained an understanding that there are broader paths to choose and it's making me rethink my own. Nothing is wrong with working in the corporate world or placing emphasis on a successful career - I will probably get back into both. I enjoy work and excelling at it, but I want to remember what I've learned and ensure that my happiness is a priority. So cheers to hoping to find the balance - I'm open and optimistic (and a tad overwhelmed).

All for now...

This photo reminds me of what makes me happy - no makeup, damp from a 6 hour hike in the rain, but thriving in nature and new things. Loved Inle Lake in Burma - thanks to Shasta for the photo.

... it was time to come home?

I left a few loose ends there didn't I? I couldn't write much about the winding down of the trip or my own reflections on the entire six month experience because on January 20th I hopped on a flight back to the states and conspired with my aunt and friend to surprise my mom. Her reaction was priceless and made all the scheming well worth it. That being said, I want to talk a bit about the end of the trip and my adjustment in coming back home.

The last month in Australia was so different than the rest of the experience - much more western for one, but full of some amazing people who left quite the impression on me. Camping with Amanda and Niv was such a fun experience and I hope to do much more of it back in the states (once this snow clears up that is). Amanda's family was nice enough to let me stay with them in Sydney for my last week and we had a blast playing in the pool with her adorable niece, having family BBQs, crashing an intimate Brazilian's birthday party as the only non-Portuguese speakers, playing foosball in a mansion at 2am, attempting to surf, and bicycling around North Curl-Curl. It was sunny, beautiful, relaxing and fun. I could totally live in Australia.

Amanda and I said goodbye to Niv (another new lifelong friend) and I was able to reconnect with a friend Ben who I had traveled with in Burma. He had come back to Australia early and the stars aligned for us to meet up. So many great conversations that will have a lasting impact. One in particular sticks with me. Niv and I were sitting out by the campfire one night talking about politics, religion, the afterlife and reincarnation (obviously), and shared some of our own beliefs and personal experiences. I was having a hard time dealing with some stuff in the past (losses of people and relationships more specifically) and he said "Evelyn, don't go backwards - your life should always keep moving forward and getting better. Looking backwards won't do you any good." Rehashing old relationships lost and stressing over details of how things were left with family and friends that have passed away can be good to an extent, but there comes a point where its time to move forwards and focus on the new. 

I was reminded of this recently when I went back to Chicago to visit friends. It immediately felt like being home and I felt such a draw to go back to my old life - I could easily find a job and have my great friend circle and life back just like that. So why shouldn't I? It would be so easy. My conversation with Niv popped into my head and I realized that while I could hop back into my old life, it would be different because I am different. I want new things. I want a challenge. Who knows what the future will hold and if some day I'll return to my old stomping grounds, but if I do it should be with new goals and challenges.

Looking back can remind us of who we once were at various stages of our life. But looking forward can allow us to imagine an even better self - and shouldn't we always be striving for self improvement? I never want to feel stagnant. So while I am still weighing my options and figuring out my next path in life, I can guarantee it will be full of challenging trials that will make me that much stronger. 

All for now...

Video of surprising my mom - watch here!

Becky & Amanda - my awesome Australia hosts!

The only non-Brazilians at Eduardo's Birthday party, so fun!

Feeding a wild kangaroo near Hat Head National Park

Can you beat this view? Australia's eastern coast is unbelievable.

My host family in Sydney - BBQing of course!

Back in Chicago celebration!

Girls reunion weekend in Chicago - love them

My mom was so shocked, love a good surprise!

... You reconnected with nature?

Camping is one of those activities that I've always known I'd love despite the fact that I've never actually pitched a tent. The same could be said for rock climbing, paragliding, surfing (which I've only tried twice) and hot air ballooning. I love all of these activities despite my lack of experience with them because they all involve similar concepts of doing something active and adventurous outside. Connecting with nature is so fundamental to humans' happiness and I've found that camping up the coast of Australia for the last few weeks has made me feel more grounded and at peace than ever. 

Last night Amanda, Niv and I made a fire, cooked some kebabs and played Yahtzee under the stars. It was so relaxing to have so few distractions and just enjoy being outdoors. Sleeping in a tent on pool mats and shampooing our hair using public beach showers may sound unglamorous. And it is. But when did we all get so concerned with everyday luxuries which we now define as necessities? Is a toilet really a necessity? Not when you don't have access to one... It's a fun challenge to make do with whatever you have. Although I will say toilet paper is a must. Gotta draw the line somewhere.

Australia has been so different from the rest of the trip. In a way I feel like I've already gone through the culture shock of being back in a western society but the camping portion has kept it from feeling too much like a vacation as opposed to travel. Melbourne was filled with fun new friends via Rachel (AJ & Brittany let me crash on their floor - such sweethearts) and our left-side-of-the-road road trip to Sydney was a nice adventure. New Years in Sydney ended up being a party in the park with fireworks over the Harbor Bridge. Not a bad way to start 2014! It was said to say bye to Rachel though, I feel so lucky to have gotten to travel with her and am happy to have such a good new friend in my life.

Amanda (an Aussie I met back in October in Koh Rong), Niv (a friend I met in Melbourne thru Rachel) and I are an odd little group but we're having fun making friends and exploring the east coast. We made our way from Sydney to Hat Head National Park to Yamba to Byron Bay to the Gold Coast and are now heading back south to check out more national park campgrounds and beaches. Highlights of the trip so far include seeing dolphins, wallabies, goannas, and the best thing yet... Feeding a wild kangaroo that we met in a park. So cool. We've had lots of interesting stops along the way like Nimbin - a little hippie town just west of Byron Bay full of weed paraphernalia and a drug museum. Loved seeing all the characters walking around barefoot and the bright '70s looking decorations that filled the street and all it's shops. Looking forward to seeing more of the coast and hopefully making some S'Mores tonight after we go to a "meat raffle" which Amanda won't stop talking about... Apparently you can buy a $2 ticket to win a whole tray of meat. So Australian. Wish us luck!

Boat day in Sydney with Amanda, Becky & some of their girlfriends

A goanna!

Amazing group of friends from all over the world - fun night out in Sydney

Pitching our first tent in Hat Head National Park

Testing out some yoga on an amazing beach we discovered - the sunlight bouncing off the water's reflection on the sand was incredible 

The most Eastern point of Australia near Byron Bay!

Such beautiful beaches... Another from Byron Bay

Rope swing & Coronas

Challenging trek with Amanda up Mt. Warning - 9km in the rain in 3 1/2 hours. Such sore legs.

 

Nimbin - a random colorful hippie town

Fed a wild kangaroo we found in a park!

Something was wrong with his eye though :(

... You left your passport on the opposite side of the country?

Two hours into my eleven hour bus ride from Chiang Mai (northern Thailand) to Bangkok (Southern Thailand) I had a wave of panic rush through me as I realized I didn't have my passport. After frantically checking my bags multiple times, I had the sinking feeling that it was back at the front desk of my hostel in Chiang Mai. With no option to hop off the bus in the middle the night, I rode all the way to Bangkok trying not to worry and hoping everything would work out considering my flight was the following morning at 7am. I thought I had given myself plenty of time but with this wrench in my plans I realized I had 24 hours from the time I got to Bangkok to somehow get my passport and make my flight.

I got into Bangkok at 5am and called my hostel who thankfully had it at the front desk so I told them to hold it and caught a cab ride to the bus station to try and make the 6am bus right back to Chiang Mai. The cab driver was completely insane and would periodically swerve into other lanes then look back, make eye contact with me, and laugh hysterically. At one point he swerved in front of oncoming traffic and I heard a siren go off. Great - I have 10 minutes to catch this bus and we're getting pulled over. Then I realized all the cars were getting out of the way and the siren was actually coming from inside the cab... My cabbie had installed a siren. However insane, he got me there in time and I boarded a bus right back to Chiang Mai. Another 11 hours of travel on an uncomfortable bus. Surprisingly through all of this I remained pretty calm. I just kept thinking there's nothing I can do at this point but get there and hope everything works out. For a control freak like me this was a true test of patience but I knew it was my own fault that I left it so I couldn't be too mad.

Thirteen hours later after an obnoxious amount of stops (the bus driver kept picking random people up off the street) we got back to Chiang Mai and I shuffled into my hostel exhausted and sweaty. As I walked up to the front desk the Thai man at the front's face dropped and the conversation went something like this: 

Thai man: You came back??

Me: Yes! Can I have my passport?

TM: Your passport in Bangkok. We gave it to woman to take...

Me: What do you mean you gave it to a woman to take?! I told you I was coming back you can't just give my passport to someone I don't know without my permission! WHERE IS MY PASSPORT?

*Entire hostel is now watching

*I finally lose my cool and start tearing up

TM: So sorry so sorry I call now. You go to Bangkok you get passport?

Me: You need to fix this where's your manager? This is completely unacceptable for future reference...(I'm now sobbing... Thai man looks very uncomfortable).

After a bit of back and forth I booked a flight back to Bangkok and was given a photo of this Thai lady and was told to meet her in Terminal D at BKK - only one of the busiest airports in the world. The hostel let me shower and gave me a free meal and I pulled myself together, got on the plane, and a few hours later was running across the airport to tackle the little Thai woman who was shuffling around holding my passport. I still don't know how it all worked out the way it did but I knew I got lucky and was just relieved to have it in my possession. I switched airports in Bangkok and set up camp to sleep for a bit before boarding another 18 hours of flights to Australia. All in all it was an insane amount of travel and stress within 48 hours but somehow things all worked out.

Quick recap from Pai - such a beautiful and laid back place. I stayed at Spicy Pai which felt a lot like camp with a big open dorm-style room and bathroom out back near an often lit campfire. The weather was freezing at night but sunny and beautiful during the days. I hung out with a fun group of oddballs including a Australian Muay Thai fighter (ranked #3 in the country), a few hilarious Mexicans, some English, Swedish, and Canadians. A typical day involved getting chai tea and breakfast with Taylor, hopping on the back of someone's motorbike, and taking a trip to see waterfalls, hot springs or canyons. At night the whole walking street would open up where local artisans sold their handmade goods and street vendors made all kinds of amazing food right in front of you. Live music at Irie Bar and campfires would usually end the night. Really fun times and fun people - ran into the whole Spicy crew in Chiang Mai completely coincidentally and was welcomed with a huge group hug and everyone shouting my name - god I love travelers. 

The Thai woman I tracked down in Bangkok. Too bad this photo is about 20 years old and she looks nothing like that now...

Waterfall in Pai

Spicy Pai motorbike crew

Pool day with Taylor

Spicy Pai!

Canyons!

Lantern lighting over the canyons

Love a good smoothie in a hammock

My favorite street vendor - amazing pancakes with Nutella!