While I have always had the tag line: 20 something solo female traveller with a dream of seeing every country in the world, I have never explained the reasons why I hold this dream so close to my heart. But to tell that story I have to go back to the beginning.
As a child and all the way up until my AS level results, I believed there was no better place in the world than Cardiff. I was born in Cardiff, raised in Cardiff and I had convinced myself that I would probably study, work and eventually die in Cardiff. Looking back at the 17 year old me, I truly believed that Cardiff was the greatest city in the world and that there was no reason to leave.
Cardiff born Cardiff bred
And then I got 4 A’s.
I do not divulge this fact as a means of bragging but these amazing results (they amazed me at least) meant that my priorities changed. I thought that so few people had the opportunity to apply to Oxbridge and other top Universities that I needed to take the bull by the horns and apply to the top Universities: Cambridge, UCL, and when neither of these places would have me, Warwick.
Despite my normally sceptical nature about everything, I do believe in one thing, that everything happens for a reason … or at least so it appears. I believe that it was my placement at Warwick which led me to be where I am today.
It was all study study study
For my year abroad, I was devastated when I was placed in the small village of Rodenbach, when my accommodation was a flat above an old couple that was full of sick cats. But I grew to love that village as if it was my hometown. I loved how everyone knew my name, how I was greeted as I wandered down the winding streets and how I didn’t need ID to change things at my bank.
Once I had seen a different part of the world all the flaws of my beloved Cardiff were revealed. Like Eve I had taken a bite of forbidden fruit. I realised that I had placed Wales on a pedestal, all the problems of Britain had been made clear to me and I knew that I would no longer be happy simply to settle there, no matter how beautiful.
Rodenbach was stunning … but not enough
This was not to say that I believed that Germany was perfect, by no means, Germany also has it flaws. I soon realised that the more countries I see the more I want from a country. If I am to choose one country to settle in for my entire life, it will have to be one astounding country. But how can I judge that if I haven’t seen every country in the world, to judge one against the other.
And so my dream was born. But whether I’ll give up and simply settle down … only time will tell.
I know what you mean — I was born and raised in Los Angeles but for some reason convinced myself that Paris was where I belonged. And then I didn’t get accepted into the Paris study abroad program — I ended up on the French Riviera, instead. After a few days there I was like, “WAIT…there are other places I love as much as Paris? Is this real life?” So basically I’m trying to do the same as you, to see if I love everywhere else as much as or (dare I say it?) more than Paris. Cardiff looks adorable, maybe that will be my next stop?
Oh do come to Cardiff, it is so often overlooked. I was on a night out last night and I met a boy you grew up here but went to Uni in England and now thinks Cardiff is rubbish, I don’t understand how. It’s got everything, when I left for Uni I couldn’t believe how lucky I had been before. If you come maybe I can show you around
Just had a look at your blog as well and I must say I like your style girl!
Haha thanks! I would love to come to Cardiff and meet up. I know I’ll be in the area in May 2014ish for a friend’s wedding, but that seems ridiculously far away so maybe an opportunity will arise sooner. Let’s be blog friends until then?
Yes especially since I’ll be gone in 2 months for literally god knows how long. But yes defo blogger friends. They have planned their wedding date already that is keen beans!
Echoes everything I believe. Britain is great, but tiny. There are so many amazing places out there but not enough time to see them all! Can do our best though no?!
I just couldn’t imagine myself just staying in Britain forever that’s just not me. I need to see much more of the world. Dunno if I will do it all but I can always try! Hope China is brilliant.
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