Rome, Italy
My mother says I could fall into a bucket of poo and come out smelling like roses. It’s true.
I am a lucky person.
I don’t know what makes me lucky, I wouldn’t say I’m a hard worker or particularly nice; Actually I do know why I’m lucky:
I take risks because I know things always work out the way they should. Fortunately this strategy has worked for me – it happened again this week.
Just as I had decided to end my nomadic lifestyle my old advertising agency contacted me asking if I could come work on a contract immediately. But that’s not sheer luck, months ago I told them I would be interested in short-term work. But for it to happen when I needed it the most means someone is looking out for me.
What’s more is that I was with the Hecks who helped me find a last-minute flight when my grandmother was sick. So our last night in Venice Pete sat with me scouring the internet for the cheapest flights.
And when we parted at the train the next morning I felt truly lucky to know the Hecks.
But my luck didn’t end there. Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker was also showing up in Rome and he was meeting with Caanan and Kent from No Vacation Required and Sheryll and her boyfriend Johnny from The Wanderlust Project.
They were all in Rome to hang out for one night – my last night.
It was a night of mishaps where we ended up drinking wine on a street corner which we fondly refer to as #OccupyCorner.
I am lucky.
It’s the end of my European journey with Eurail. I had always dreamed of a big European rail adventure and was so happy I didn’t have to give up on that dream. Without the pass I may not have jumped on trains or been so spontaneous.
Because my last week in Italy was filled with wonderful people. These are some of my best travel memories and reminded me of the joy of travel.
But I cannot imagine any better way to end a year and a half of travel.
I am ready to go home.
I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
I read this just as I am getting ready to get on a plane and spend a week in Rome. I live in Moldova right now, and have been to Italy a number of times.
Good luck in the new phase of your life back home. Glad you had a good time in Europe!
Europe was a great time, it really helped me figure out what I wanted to do.
Good luck and have fun back in Toronto!
Thanks so much Franco, can’t wait to hear how you like Iguazu!
Sounds like everything is falling into place perfectly. What a great end to this adventure – can’t wait to see what the next one looks like!
I’m looking forward to it, but don’t think this means I’m skipping out of South America. I still want to come back down this year.
Wonderful how everything worked out so perfectly to finish up your trip. Especially being able to spend your last night surrounded by great people.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Welcome to El Chalten
It was the perfect ending to have such a great time my last few days.
It’s all about putting the right vibes out into the universe! And if you don’t tell people what you need/want…no one can help you! So happy everything came together for you at the end–and that you’re enjoying Canada!
Christine recently posted..Postcard from Eyre Highway
I am with you there. I have just decided to tell everyone I know that I’m looking for new opportunities so if they hear of anything to think of me.
Fingers crossed.
Welcome home Ayngelina! What a great ride.
Gillian @OneGiantStep recently posted..No Posts Were Found!
Thanks Gillian, hopefully we see each other soon, Canada isn’t that big!
Wow, it sounds like your decision to go home was the right one and the universe has aligned to help you make that happen. I’d say good luck, but it seems you already have luck on your side!
Sally recently posted..Taking the Slow Boat to China (Or A Supposedly Scary Thing That I’d Do Again… Maybe)
Aww thanks Sally. I’m just hoping my luck doesn’t run out!
Gold luck with everything, Ayngelina
Sophie recently posted..Warsaw’s Jewish cemetery: a memorial to a cruel past
Thanks Sophie, it should be an interesting turn for the site.
I also just got home after 17 months of travel.
I felt truly lucky to have the experiences I did while I was on the road. Naturally, I also feel extremely lucky to be back in Canada with a whackload of people that will welcome me with open arms.
I totally get it! Except the whole bucket of poo thing. That does NOT sound like fun…
Sarah recently posted..Falling In Love (again!) in Darjeeling
Wow we are on similar tracks. I think I am finally ready to come home, and it’s a good feeling.
haha My dad often says that about me too!
and I also agree that the Hecks are wonderful!
I’m sure you will be hitting the road again soon enough
Cailin recently posted..The Pickleback
Looks like your #OccupyCorner protest was a lot of fun!
But where are your signs?
We’ve all enjoyed following your travels Ayngelina. Good luck with the job!
Matthew Karsten recently posted..Sangoma Zulu Medicine Woman [PHOTO]
Have a safe trip back home, Lucky Girl!
Thanks for sharing with us this year and half !
All the very best for this new phase in your life.
It has been 3 months since we took a break from travel. It has been good so far. It is always great fun to go through the old pictures and relive those moments.
Have a wonderful career ahead!
Cheers,
Madhu
Madhu Nair recently posted..Go Trotting! with Onir
I dunno, I kinda wanna test this poo theory and see what really happens to you.
You were such a big help to us when we started in this crazy blogging world that anything we can do in return, we will. (Except clean off poo).
We are big believers in taking risks and letting the good things happen. You are a shining example of how well it can work!
Dalene recently posted..Contrasts of Morocco
Onto a new chapter in life! Wonder what it will bring next!
Christy recently posted..A Letter To 2010 & 2011
After 19 months on the road, we’re feeling like some time at home wouldn’t be such a bad idea, too. And we don’t even have such a great place as Toronto to go home to. All the best…and keep writing.
Tom Bartel recently posted..The Australian History Lesson
totally jealous of that awesome meet-up! We love all those guys and gals!! I’m happy to hear thta once you get home you’ll be able to fall into work immediately, I know getting home and sitting around after travel can be sort of depressing. Congrats!
jade recently posted..Filming with The Travel Channel: Day One
What a perfect ending. I get the lucky thing as the universe seems to constantly facillitate my heart’s travel desires. I have enjoyed reading your blog (and due to time constraints I don’t follow many travel blogs with frequency).
Your photography is excellent as well and always fun and inspiring. I wish you great fortune as you untravel, whether short- or long-term.
Philip recently posted..The Great American Road Trip–Part VI
I am sure I used a stronger word than ‘Poo’! But you do come up smelling like a rose!
Seems like you were ready to go home when it actually happened. And it seems you all had a blast in Rome – jealous!
Adam recently posted..Visiting Schmalkalden, Germany: nougats & a Christmas market
Crazy that I have been following you for just about all 18 months and that I met you in the last part of it. I love how things work out sometimes. As for #OccupyCorner oh that was so much fun and def a highlight of my trip. Good luck with everything at home & keep inspiring the world to be happy & live life on their terms
~
Jaime recently posted..A Gay date through the streets of Cairo.
Great post Ayngelina! It’s going to be a breath of fresh air for you to come home.
All good things must not end…they just sometimes get placed on pause.
I have a really good feeling that this is only an intermission in the unfolding saga of your amazing journey through life.
I’ll see you in Portland!
Marvin recently posted..The First Run of 2012: Our Thai Visa Run to Laos
Congrats on a great farewell to a long journey. It’s nice to finish with others from the road.
I’m sure this is not your last post! Good job travel is not apart of your url
Enjoy the Canadian bacon
#OccupyCorner.. Lol. Looks like a fun bunch to get drunk with. Welcome home, A. We’re looking forward to the next chapter in your life.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Video: Zorbing in Rotorua
When you are aligned with life – on purpose – things go your way.
So glad we got to meet up this year. We will always have #occupycorner.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..Everything Is Blurry
Good luck back home! I’m excited to see what you’ll do next
Paola recently posted..A New Obsession…. Love Graffiti!!
Sorry that your Gran is sick. I hope she gets better soon. I lost my Granma in 1998, but I think about her every day still. I’ll be thinking about yours too! Best wishes, Russell
Russell recently posted..Cold
Cheers to new beginnings!!!
The quality of an adventure is not measured by the time it takes. Have a wonderful trip home. I’m looking forward to hearing about your new new life. Best wishes!!
Jennifer Gresham recently posted..The Truth About What’s Holding You Back from Real Change
I can’t wait until I can even say those words…..it’s time to go home. I am envious that you have gotten to that point because that means that you have traveled your heart out. I love it. You are my inspiration!! Can’t wait!
Meg recently posted..DIY Gifts under $15
Love the comment…”traveled your heart out”
Here’s to starting off new chapter in your life.
Happy homecoming, love, and may you continue to be blessed!
Michi recently posted..Tapping into Granada’s Tapa Culture
Very nice nina! Now I am inspired more to travel and keep up with my blog
That was a fitting adieu from Rome! Looks like you guys had fun.
And things always have a way of working out if you believe they will. Always.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..Travel Photo of the Week — The Sad Truth About Life