Advice from People from Home

Having driven from the East to the West coasts of the United States twice, my being a road trip enthusiast is not a surprise to my closest friends, but something that is often questioned when the faster air travel choice exists. To that, I respond with a list of quirky finds I came along to know solely because I possessed the ability to stop at my will and experience the adventures written in the blogs of the local town folk. Along Route 66, in Amarillo, Texas, I visited Cadillac Ranch. The vintage car graveyard offers a contrasting splash of bright colors against the muddy field it lies on. Most uniquely, its colors are composed by its visitors who can spray-paint the cars and build creation upon creation. A listed hidden gem, the pies found inside Capitol Reef National Park were, in short, heaven and the reason I joyfully woke up before 6 A.M. (they sell out by noon!). In truth, coffee and excitement can be found anywhere, even if Google Maps says otherwise. I would not know that a replica of the Cars’ characters exist in Kansas, nor that the best brisket is just off of the bridge in Selma, Alabama, if it were not for those who explored before me and, thankfully, thought to write about them. 

This semester, I will be living on a continent I have never even visited before, but will soon get to know as I continue my treasure hunting in local blogs and, in turn, writing my own. But, to begin this journey, I decided to take on a personal approach because, while the abroad experience is my own, I refuse to do it in a manner that attracts loneliness. So, in my last two weeks at home, I sought advice from the role models in my life. 

Shortly after my 21st birthday, my coworker, Tina, hosted a team party on her porch. Though a very Pittsburghese goodbye, the Wednesday evening celebration was Italian-themed, filled with Aperol Spritz, pesto spread, and a citrus cake. Tina talked about her study abroad experience in the south of France. She told me to choose the homestay living option, preferably a family with kids that will tease you about how you pronounce Rs until you do so correctly. They also make for better conversation partners in the beginning, when your vocabulary is closer to theirs than that of their parents. That same evening, Randi said to “do anything with art.” Visit museums, photograph the views, draw the architecture. 

At night, I went over to my neighbors to return some borrowed books. They said, “Come in and stay awhile,” so I interviewed them who have been to Europe countless times. They were amidst packing for their trip to Croatia. Ms. Dianne said to be safe and aware (get a lockable purse, keep it always in front of you), but NOT to the extent that paranoia rules over opportunity. “Don’t be a tourist, jump in” were Mr. Mike’s words. He reminded me that my language barrier shouldn’t keep me away from cultural immersion; people appreciate those who try. 

On Friday, my bosses and I ate pretzels with bier cheese for dinner at a German restaurant. HJ, wearing a Peace For All t-shirt, advised me to be open, escape the comfortable bubble, and explore. Cassandra said that things fall into their rightful (not necessarily desired) place, but I should trust that it will work out. 

Over the weekend, my family alongside some friends ventured to Coudersport, Pennsylvania for a festival that was canceled due to weather. We still dressed up in 1920s attire and took pictures next to the mannequins and cars featured in Elliot Ness’ museum. For breakfast and dinner, we ate at Fezz’s Diner, where the manager greeted us as locals, made an excellent strawberry lemonade, and asked us questions about our origins and whereabouts. She reminded me to go about the new with curiosity. During our days in the town, we hiked with Donna and Joe, a couple whose adventures exploring all of Pennsylvania’s state parks have been published across several newsletters, blogs, and articles. On the subject of my going abroad, Donna told me to welcome new experiences and lean into them wholly. Joe said to be open to others, don’t prejudge them. 

“It’s a spontaneous joy to meet people.” - Joe 

Thursday evening, I joined my mom and her friend, Kelly, for a night of jazz. In between sets, we sneaked a few words to each other. Kelly, a Dr. by PhD (by day) and the life of the party (by night), said to participate in my classes and in the culture. She gifted me a tiara and a sash for my birthday. 

In brightly colored prints, my parents and I went to Tiki Lounge on Friday. Dimly lit in orange and green, the place had bamboo booths and a fountain that extended all the way down to the bottom floor. It was there that I, at last, asked my parents for advice. My dad, who lived near Vatican City for 3 months at 24 years old, told me to escape the conventional. Converse with the locals, ask them to tell their stories and learn from their contexts.

My mom turned 21 while living abroad in the United States. With her experience came much needed reflections, especially at an age (hers then, mine now) where uncertainty seems so definite. When lost, remember your purpose. She recommended I write down my whys and goals before I depart to reference my reasons when and as needed. 

Not one person I spoke to expressed any doubt in my going. Intertwined with their words, they passed on the knowledge I needed to carry out the first step forward and the confidence that many more will come.