During a people-watching session in Washington Square Park, I started reflecting. A group of tourists stood in front of the park’s gate and waited for the camera operator to take a photo of their group. The moment was special not only because of the memories that were actively being created, but because I saw myself.
I have been a tourist all around the world. During my travels, it feels a tad embarrassing to stand with a group and have the guides count down. The 1…2…3… can be corny, but now when I look back on those memories, I am just happy that my life has taken me all around the world. Besides my great-aunt, who has lived on many continents, I am the most-travelled in my family. This creates an exciting dynamic whenever I get the honor of sharing my experiences.
For example, in Rome, I got an ear infection the day before I was meant to return to the USA. The doctor explained to me the dangers of flying with an ear infection, and I had to make a choice quickly. Stay in Rome for two more weeks and wait for the infection to pass, or return home the next day. I knew staying in Rome not only meant keeping a chaperon behind, but also not being able to explore the city anymore than I already had. So, I stayed up all night, holding a damp cloth to my ear to control the swelling. In the moment, I just wanted to go home, but now, it has become a memory that I can look back on and laugh at. It was the price of being a young, impressionable adult, just wanting to party in Rome with no consequences. My body ushered me to slow down, but my mind had other plans.
The same can be said about my trip to China. I got to experience the Chinese nightlife in a way that many cannot even begin to pretend to understand. Learning Mandarin was a lengthy journey, but when I went to China, I broke all the rules. I partied every night, and despite the very obvious unfairness of my experience compared to my peers, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I have always been the type of person to push the limits on what I can do.
It wasn’t until I turned 18 that I fully realized that there was a place in the world for people like me. I test the waters in many ways, and while the results may lead to harsh criticism, I have built an empire of memories when I have bent the rules.
Like my friends say, I have somehow lived 10 lives, and I’m only 20.
TJL