Pre-Flight Thoughts
Traveling. Even in my head, I pronounce the word in a whimsical, dreamy tone. I've romanticized airplanes, airports, and distant places for as long as I can remember, and I know I can't be the only one. There's something so enticing about immersing yourself in a city, culture, or country, even more so if it's somewhere you never thought you'd get to see in your lifetime. Each time I go to a new destination, I leave a little piece of my heart behind, and despite all the places I've been, my heart is still overflowing with adoration for city streets I've wandered and those I have yet to visit. Traveling reminds me just how many things I really am capable of falling in love with.
Beyond that, who doesn't love the feeling of anonymity? You can do whatever you want, be whoever you want, see anything you want. Heck, when I went to New York City last summer, I dressed up like Carrie Bradshaw just because I felt like it. Traveling isn't solely a change of scenery, it's also a free pass to try out any version of yourself. Be a stereotypical tourist. Wear the outfit your hometown would cringe at. Try out the makeup looks you've been re-watching on YouTube. Ask a stranger to take your picture in front of the pretty background or monument. Eat at restaurants that charge way too much. Talk to the cute boy you pass on the sidewalk. Make the most out of the freedom new places provide to you. If you fall in love with the person you become, bring her back home. With every trip I take, I feel myself changing, growing, becoming, and I hope you experience it too.
By far, one of the best parts of traveling is the night before. Maybe that sounds strange, but when you lay in bed, you can let your mind wander, contemplating how every possible second of the trip could play out. The beauty of it is that you may think you've considered every potential situation in your head, but the moment you begin the journey, everything is different, yet, somehow, it turns out even better than you ever imagined.
So, that's where I'm at right now: sitting in the airport terminal, (not so) patiently awaiting my flight, reminiscing on the last time I went to Chicago, attempting to figure out how it will be this time around. All I know for sure is that I'm going to visit my best friend for three days, and my heart is happier than it's been since I had to say goodbye over a month ago. In my eyes, that's everything I need and more.
Stay tuned for a Chicago travel diary coming next week! Subscribe at the bottom of the first page so you can get notified every time a new post goes up.
Fingers crossed that you get to travel somewhere you love soon.
xoxo
madison
p.s. This is my first time ever only taking a carry on as my luggage!! Times are changing people; I'm an adult now.