Where have I been? That is an excellent question. About ten months ago I finished up my volunteer trip early, spent two and a half weeks traveling Thailand, flew back home, found a job, moved to San Francisco, and pretty much abandoned this blog. My life turned upside-down, inside out, and became very different and … Continue reading Why I Stopped Volunteering Abroad
Tag: solo female traveler
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 7 & 8
Two months, eight weeks, 62 days... When I first arrived, I wondered how I would make it through the first two days, and now after two months, I find it hard to comprehend leaving Cambodia. While at times I long for the comforts of home, and more than anything a hug from my mom, the … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 7 & 8
Les Restaurants Des Enfants
A few times on my blog, I mentioned my going to a childcare placement on my Saturday mornings. I spoke about it during my first weekly rewind, noting it as an incredible experience that I promised to elaborate on later. The following Saturday I went there again, and explained my frustration and complicated feelings about watching donors … Continue reading Les Restaurants Des Enfants
The Elephant in the Room
My heart pounded so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. I could feel my palms growing cold with sweat, and my feet suddenly refused to move and remained anchored to the jungle floor. A wave of shock and disbelief washed over me, and I tried desperately to grasp hold of some remnant of … Continue reading The Elephant in the Room
A Letter to my Students
Dear Students, Though our time together came to close, the four weeks you gave me will always be unforgettable. From the moment I first met you, all eighty of you, running towards me on that fateful February day, I knew that this would be an incredible experience. Excited but intimidated, I waved and smiled and said … Continue reading A Letter to my Students
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 3
Another week, another blog post. I can hardly believe that I have been in the Kingdom of Wonder for three weeks now. Considering how rocky this adventure began, I am proud, in a slightly arrogant way, of my transformed perspective. Not only do I now have the emotional strength to handle Phnom Penh's bustling lifestyle, but I am also starting … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 3
How to Fall in Love with Cambodia
Over a year ago I wrote a post called "How to Fall in Love with Scotland." High on pictures of castles, fairy pools, and Kate Middleton, I was in love with Scotland before I even arrived. For any one who has ever been to Scotland, it is easy to understand the appeal of this beautiful country. … Continue reading How to Fall in Love with Cambodia
I Have a Confession
When I decided to take a leap of faith and make plans to travel to Cambodia for six months, I felt empowered. After months of feeling like an imposter and a failure, this provided some much needed relief and confidence. However the more I started planning and preparing for my impending departure, the more the … Continue reading I Have a Confession
On a Personal Note
When I came back from Scotland, I knew that I wasn’t done traveling. Life abroad made sense to me. I craved the cobblestone streets, a cold bite to the air, and walking into buildings older than my entire home country. In Edinburgh I fell in love, deeply and foolishly. However even though I experienced a … Continue reading On a Personal Note
Traveling the World Alone
During my time in the Athens of the North, I made it a point to explore as much of the surrounding lands as my weekends and budget would allow. Being abroad provides such a unique opportunity to see a new part of the world, but to also adventure to further countries and places that you … Continue reading Traveling the World Alone
The Traveling Smith 