The Spaces Between

It’s 10:54am on the bus from Krakow, Poland to Brno, Czech Republic.

I’m on my way to spend some time with my younger sister who is also currently abroad. I was supposed to be five hours into my journey by now but I missed my first bus this morning…

I thought I could get a taxi off the street without scheduling it the night before, but discovered after leaving my Airbnb that available taxis don’t just drive by at 7am. And I still had my Nepal SIM card in my phone so I couldn’t use any cellular data to call an Uber. So, I walked until I found a free Wifi spot to call an Uber, but then discovered there are specific spots one must be for Uber to pick you up in Krakow (none of which were my current location). 

I booked the Uber and walked as fast as I could with my big-ass-bag to the pickup spot to try and get to the bus station – and with all of that I was BARELY 1 minute late and my bus had already left. 

In India and Nepal, I was lucky if my bus left within the hour past when it said it was going to leave.

But, alas — if there is anything I’ve learned from my travels thus far it’s that there is always magic to be found in the spaces between. 

So, I’m basking in the time gained. I found an adorable coffee shop just a 3-minute walk from the bus station, walked my booty over there, had a delicious breakfast, and was able to do some writing.

There have been so many changes in the last few days. 

I parted ways with my friend Indianna who I had been traveling with (and sharing a room with) for the last month and a half, I said goodbye to my new friends I stayed with while in Kathmandu, I left Nepal, came to Europe, and spent a few days by myself in a new city, something which felt quite new as I’ve spent so much time with other people on this trip.

I miss it all still –  India, Nepal. I miss the chaos and colorfulness that fill every street, tiny fruit stand, hidden restaurant and smiling face of the local people passing by. Cultures so in flow with life that some question how things get done while others ride the wave of vibrancy that is unlike any other. Ones that are perhaps still so alive because, even among the trash- and dust-filled streets, there is still a conscious understanding that we are all connected and in this life together, a notion yet to be replaced by the infrastructure and ideas of “success” we so pride ourselves on in the West.

I also recognize how good it feels to be on a bus that arrives and departs on time with an assigned seat, AC, an actual bathroom, free Wifi, and a bus driver that ISN’T blasting music or making random stops whenever he needs a pee break or to buy a snack.

It’s strange. I only left Nepal four days ago and already the first half of my trip feels so far away – almost as if it didn’t even happen.

I’ve been reflecting on the experiences I’ve had and how deep, profound, and meaningful my trip has been to me thus far. So many aha’s and inspirations and downloads and connections and learned experiences and moments of awe and gratitude and heartfelt expressions and belly laughs and play.

I learned so many new games. I’ve met the best people, made such great friends that I know I will connect to and see again. I’ve been in awe of my life in more ways than one, and have felt more myself than ever before.

I’ve been incredibly inspired and gained clarity about who I am and what I want, how I want to show up in my life, what matters to me, and what brings me joy. 

Thank goodness I have so many photos and videos to remind me of what happened – and that it is all, in fact, very real. 

I’m also reflecting on my intentions with this trip and resetting some new ones. One of which is to keep regular updates. I’ve been quite sporadic with my posting and writing on my blog and am intending keep myself accountable to regularly writing, no matter what it is. 

I’m finding beauty in the transition while readjusting to a culture of structure and reminding myself to balance it with flow. 

I’m also really excited for my continued journey ahead, to see how this part of the trip unfolds, and so excited to see my sister!!

Also coming soon — my first interview for the blog!

I interviewed my new good friends Amy and Sujesh while staying at their farm outside of Kathmandu. Another form of a manifestation coming to life — I’ve been wanting to create something for a while to tell the stories of farmers and provide a space to amplify the voices of those working closely with the land. And the inspiration hit me while at their place. Also something I’m intending to be a regular addition to the blog while I build the more concrete structure (aka podcast) in the background :) Stay tuned!