Rest

I've recently noticed myself feeling overwhelmed by all the travelling and touring and tourist-ing. My last journey through Europe consisted of studying abroad in Pais Vasco with scattered weekend trips in Spain and France, a lengthy spring break through Italy and Greece, and a few summer weeks in England and Ireland. On the weekend trips in particular, I looked at every attraction/museum/event as a once in a lifetime opportunity that would be an absolute shame to miss. Surprisingly, my favorite cities were not the ones with jam-packed itineraries or countless awe-inspiring sites. My favorite cities were the ones I had plenty of time to explore and also relax.

I fell in love with Bilbao, where I took long walks through the city at night, became a regular in the dance scene, found a favorite local churros and chocolate spot, and took time to know the Basque people.

I was enchanted by the living, breathing, historical postcard that is Venice. Four nights in this tiny city was the perfect set up for lazy breakfasts as our BnB, devouring gelato with my legs dangling over the edge of canals, getting lost in hidden neighborhoods when every street and alley ended in water.

I've resolved to not feel guilty about needing rest, taking lazy days in, missing a site or two, in favor of choosing my adventures wisely and fully enjoying each of them. The Blue Lagoon and I amsterdam sign can be on everyone else's "must see" list but it's okay if they are not on mine. I don't have to live the dream, I just have to live mine.

#Amsterdam #Travel