100 Days in Solo Travel
Five Years on Today
It has been five years.
This day, five years ago, I left for a solo trip to Europe. I had no return ticket. I had just finished my master’s, and I wanted to sing for life. I worked two, sometimes three jobs, to afford school and save for something afterwards. I wanted to test myself and break out of the routine I made of life.
Recently, at a work lunch, a colleague asked me about what was the most fundamental experience of my life. I appreciate questions like this. I’m not able to answer that question with direct certainty, but I know that this trip was one of the most important things I’ve done in my life.
It was the launching point of creativity: I wrote three books during that time and later published two of them, Something You Protect and Comets: A Poem.
I took two language exams there, in Padua and Paris. This was the place where I avenged myself in my Italian exam, and this is the place where I set myself up to avenge the failure of my French exam. I am now certified at the B2 level in Italian and French. My hunger for words and language has only grown.
I didn’t tell anyone but two people that I was returning.
When I did finally come back, I waited for Kevin at 1888 Center, unannounced. This was after I helped physically build the space. I had left to pursue this task that felt utterly necessary for my life. I was compelled to return to see through what a unique experience 1888 Center would become. Returning, I committed to the mission in the fullest sense with the energy of a traveler and discovery. It was when I was trying to figure out something next after the funding collapse that we agreed I was really a co-founder this whole time.
It was the time of my life in no short sense. The launching point of many things and the full energy that many people would know me for today. I carry myself well. I learned it there.
I faced loneliness; I encountered grace; I discovered confidence.
These next posts until September 27 will be moments from that journey in honor of the 100 days I sang for life.
More soon,
Trevor