When I was first planning my Europe trip prior to my semester as an exchange student, I’d thought it was my chance to leave everything behind, including my family, and gain some freedom. Although I’m generally a pretty independent individual, to be forced to fend for myself and ask other people for help where needed is not something I’m particularly comfortable with and therefore I wanted to push myself to do so. I know where to toe the line of my comfort box and I thought this was it.
But, my parents, understandably worried for my safety, decided that Mum and I would go on a Europe trip together. It took months of planning, where I realised that as much as I think I love details, Mum wanted to plan the itinerary almost to the last hour whereas I was happy to just walk city streets. It also took a while just to figure out where we even wanted to travel to in our relatively limited time (just over a month) – part of the compromise was that they would chip in but the trip I’d wanted to take would have to be shortened. And booking the flights was also done pretty last minute (although to be fair, I’m last minute with a lot of things too).
While I understand my parents’ position, it took a while for me to get to the point where I could accept it and not get annoyed (and talking out my apprehensions on this point helped a lot). But, I know when to push my parents and when to let go, and so I knew that if I wanted to travel, I’d have to compromise (and isn’t that what life is all about). And I knew that if worst came to worst, I’d have friends who’d understand.
So while concerned, I was determined to make the most of it
And while there was some shouting and crying and sighing (sometimes due to hanger or just plain tiredness), I am ultimately grateful for this month and a half we’ve shared together, creating memories, exploring places, and of course, getting lost (definitely more than once), and learning more about each other. I think we have grown closer, and I’m also thankful to her for joining me during my life-changing time in Europe.
Ah, the power of travel to build intimacy between two people…
As Vita Sackville-West once said,
“I don’t believe one ever knows people in their own surroundings; one only knows them away, divorced from all the little strings and cobwebs of habit.”
Love you mum!
-nat 🌺💖