Oh look, a blog! A year's reflection.

Oh yeah, thought this blog wasn't ever going to see the light of day.  It was dismissed in favor of pretty pictures. Eh, so it was.

Well yeah, you would be right. Write. And there's the obligatory pun.

But anyway, this post is both a farewell and a welcome back post. Because there's been changes in my life. As a person, I've circumnavigated the globe, all within a year's worth of time. And I've seen some terrific sights. And met some unforgettable people. I chased my passion. And the world went with me.

But before you ask, no, I didn't see the whole world. Because I haven't even set foot into all of one country on the African continent. Or most of South America. Polynesia. Antarctica. Or anything ending in Stan.

I-STANbul doesn't count. But you catch the drift.

Unfortunately, my severe writer's block...laziness... whatever... may not get all those past stories of my year abroad on this blog. But I have the photos.  And that doesn't mean there are other ways. And the cool fact that much of my reader base is well, friends and family!

Which means instead you can come see me and I'll share stories with you! Over a glass of club soda or wine! 

Or a pint of Guinness!

But of course I will make the brief announcement, because it's important. Here it goes:
I am taking a 3 month break from my world travel.

Really you can do that, BUT HOW!?!

Yup!

And I'm doing it in the place I call home.

That's right.

Say What!

For 3 months I'm staying in the U-S-A.

Let me emphasize that at this point in time, I fully intend on resuming my travels. It's in my blood. I can't stop what I love.

But I noticed as a year had come and gone that there was something lacking in my travels. It took a year to figure it out, which was good to do. I experienced much kindness in the world. Though, my travels weren't always perfect, and there were bad stops, and sucky experiences.

Like when my camera went missing. That shady hostel in Malaysia. Or when my laptop screen shattered. Or when I was severely food poisoned in Cambodia. That motorcycle burn in Myanmar. Or...well, you get it.

Yeah that actually happened.

But I saw different sides. And I realized something. Now, I need to dedicate my focus into giving back. As a thank you to the world for what truly was an unforgettable experience. Because I grew. I changed. I became a better me.

And the coolest part was 6 out of the 12 months my Mom backpacked with me!!! I mean really, how special is that!??!

 For those of you who remember that very first post I wrote might guess what I'm referencing. That magic answer to life. What's it about.

And I did find it.

The answer was purposeful travel.

What do I mean?

I've decided that somehow, someway, that I need to put my energy into doing travel with purpose. I've done my sightseeing. I'm grateful I had this opportunity to do it. But now I need to channel my love of abroad into something that does good for others. And well, sustains me too. Good karma, eh.

Though I will say sightseeing vistas like this will never get old. 

But I also have to be realistic. Nobody can switch overnight from being a world traveler on the go to a humanitarian assistant.

Well maybe.

And I wanted to come home for the holidays. Like Halloween (the best Holiday EVER!!!) Thanksgiving. Christmas. And doing on the side, steps into research into doing purposeful travel. Helping people. Teaching English, (Which I am certified to do!). Something that can sustain me and my love of the world.

So now it's time to retire the sightseeing traveler. I've grown, I've learned, and had my share of experiences. Now it's time I give back.

But to go, I must start. And so, for a little while I'll be stateside. I'm sure there's a few local dives that need some travel photos of. And some special friends I need to see. You, certainly, reader of this post!

Internationally Natalie does USA... yeah, you heard it here. Sans castles though. 

I can't promise the writing will continue. In fact, I'll go ahead and say it: travel blogging may not be  my specialty.

Hahahahaha...or am I!?

 I'm more visually motivated. I like to write when it suits me. So I'll kick that idea off. But I like telling stories. So it won't quite be unheard of, right?

But my Facebook page, Internationally Natalie, will still be running....expect to see pictures of my daily life!! (palm tree a-go-go)

So if you want to follow along the next chapter of the this little book we call life, stay tuned.
Because we're only on Chapter 2.

And there's still many more pages to fill.

To the next adventure!