USA
By: Kirsten Iverson I sat there staring into space, holding my pen to my lip, my eyes glued to nothing. I was daydreaming again. Dreaming of trying to communicate in a new language, trying new foods, standing in a new place, long bus rides, and uncomfortable hostel beds.
When I studied abroad, it felt like an extended vacation. Every day my friends and I would repeat the phrase this is not real life. Classes were challenging because they were in Spanish, but it was exciting learning and thinking in another language.
The coldest days in Bangkok happened right in the middle of the Thai summer, ironically during the hottest month of the year, when temperatures were over 100 degrees. But from April 13-15 I was the coldest I have ever been.
The rolling hills of Tuscany overwhelmed me. We twisted and turned into a tiny village called Radicondoli, outside of Siena. The long gravel road we traveled down was surrounded by olive trees planted in perfect lines. I stepped out of the car and breathed in the smell of crisp air, fresh cut grass, and lavender.
Ryou stared into my blue eyes with his big brown eyes and petted my blonde hair curiously. He touched my earrings, counting softly in Japanese. Ichi ni san. Cocking his head while doing this, he spoke seriously in his language. I smiled as the words entered my ears sounding like "blah blah blah."
Six months ago, I put all my mittens, scarves and boots in a box and stored them away. I found the biggest suitcase I could and loaded it with flip-flops, shorts and tank tops. I didn't think I would miss the changing of the seasons one bit.
I walked into a travel clinic expecting to get a few quick shots and be out of there. Instead, I was handed pamphlets and papers with more do-nots than dos. Scanning the information I looked up briefly in shock and politely asked if there was anything I could do.
I received a message from a friend asking me if I was interested in going on a yoga and meditation retreat. Staring at the message, I drifted back to the few times my mom and I had tried yoga.
It all began about two years ago. Everyday on my way to work, I passed the International TEFL Academy office in Chicago and everyday I stared at it, hoping, wondering, wishing for a sign to quit my job and teach English abroad.