A Note on Exploring Locally

When I was younger, all I can remember about going on family vacations or school outings was that I thought the destinations would be lame, boring, or just embarrassing to be seen around. Though there are definitely still some places that I would still probably be embarrassed to go, on the whole I have learned to ditch the bad attitude when it comes to traveling—especially when traveling locally. Sometimes I can't believe that a mere four years ago I would have balked at going hiking near my house, or visiting a small town like Hannibal, Missouri or Le Claire, Iowa. 

Disability

I was going to start this post with, “When I think about my Type 1 Diabetes…” But the truth is, I almost never think about my Type 1 Diabetes. I especially do not mention to people that I have it—I leave people to find out on their own. I do not see it as something that defines me, and I only bring it up when absolutely necessary. Much like my research on muscle memory, the everyday efforts to maintain my T1D have become so engrained in my thought process that I tend to take up very little day-to-day time actively thinking about my disease. Sure, I have to take the time to put the needle onto my insulin pen, or take the time to give myself a shot before bed, or take the time to test my blood sugar four times a day. But when it comes down to it, I really do not think about how diabetes affects my life simply because it is now a part of my life. My life includes diabetes. 

Diary of a World Traveler

Madrid Day 1: "You need to be an organized country to have a mafia."

Today, I left for my final trip abroad with the Augustana Symphonic Band. Although bittersweet, I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of this trip to happen. Upon landing in Madrid at 8AM, we toured the city in our bus to see sights like the bull fighting ring, the Prado Museum, Puerto del Sol, and the Salamanca district. The next morning, we traveled outside the city and performed our first concert. Based on my experiences so far, I can tell I am going to love Spain! 

Diary of a World Traveler

England Day 6: A South Bank Adventure

We woke to a bright and sunny morning in London—a welcome surprise after the past day of clouds. Plus, it was perfect weather for our most walking yet! A full day of exploring the South Bank treasures ended with a fabulous ride on the Eye, just as the sun was setting hazily over the city. I could not have asked for better weather or a better day traversing yet another part of this beautiful city.

Diary of a World Traveler

England Day 5: The Nerdiest London Exploration

My inner nerd was satisfied today, as we walked around London to see some of the most iconic pieces of the city’s storied literary and film history. We started the day early and did more exploring of different parts of the city that we had not yet been to. Once again, I was happy to walk instead of take the tube, because who wants to look at a dark hole in the ground when we could be looking at some amazing pieces of London?

Diary of a World Traveler

England Day 4: Arrival in London!

I’m in London. After years of waiting to see this amazing city, I am finally here to stay for a few days. We decided to spring for a very central hotel that is walkable basically everywhere, and it has not let us down. We spent our day touring the basic landmarks of the city, found London quite navigable, and then settled down for a dinner of a complimentary wine, cheese, bread, and olive spread. We are living a posh London lifestyle—if only for a few days!

Diary of a World Traveler

England Day 2: Bath 

Today, I walked into a Jane Austen novel, and I could not be happier to say that I did. Bath is a stunning city with beautiful town houses, quaint streets filled with boutique shops, and amazing architecture. Whether walking around the posh Royal Crescent and surrounding area, contemplating buying a bottle full of Roman bath water, or lighting candles in the Bath Cathedral, we were always happy to be walking around in the sunshine and enjoying this historic city.