19 days until I leave for South America…The Countdown has officially started. I don’t know how to feel. People ask why I am going, what sparked my interest to go South and why now. Honestly, I cannot give a single answer. I had a dream, I had a feeling in my heart, I had an idea and I listened. Being my first time traveling outside of the United States and alone, I think I am crazy but what is life if you are not a little crazy. I trust my gut, trust my instincts and am ready for the adventure.
I quit my job about three weeks ago in Oakland, California. I sold my car as well (after it broke down) and its official I am off early December 2012 to travel for a year or two in Latin America. My flight I purchased goes San Francisco to Bogota, one way, my ticket was $250 with Jet-blue. Super easy to get, bought it about 3 months ago. I couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was.
Travel Plans? I have them I promise! I will start in I will start in Colombia then from there the idea is to go to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil! I want to become fluent in Spanish and I want to improve my art.
I am open to my plans changing and have no idea what to expect. It will be my first time traveling outside of the United States and I just think, why not? Why not start in Colombia? I want an experience that throws me out of my comfort zone, allows me to get inspiration from my artwork and helps me grow!
I said goodbye to my family not too long ago and it was sad for me. Mostly because I don’t know the next time I will see them and also because I feel like I am missing out on Melina (11 year old sister) and James (8 years old brother) growing up. I want to be there for them, but feel like I need to go and travel and that this point in my life is perfect for it! I’ve always wanted to travel and feel the time is right. Even though living away from them in California has already been hard, because they live in Seattle, I am feeling that living in a different continent will be even more distant. Thank goodness my family is connected to the Internet, Melina has Instagram and text messaging, and Skype is super accessible.
I am excited and nervous and not knowing what to expect. The only thing I can say is that you are never ready to travel. You just have to buy a ticket and go! Wish me luck because I am getting nervous over here!
Painting Molly 
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