My Traveling Words of Wisdom

About three times a year, I pack my suitcase full of an excessive amount of clothes, toiletries and my favorite pairs of shoes to become a tourist on my family vacations. I’ve been all over the country with that suitcase, and while the contents inside may change depending on the location or temperature, one item always comes along: my travel journal. 

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I’ve kept up with my travel journal since I was 12. It’s a black and white speckled composition notebook. The tape that holds the spine together is peeling in the bottom left corner, and the cover is so torn that if you bend the notebook in half, it's almost see-through. In a youthful attempt to show my personality, I made my own pink polka-dotted paper label with the words “Travel Notebook” written in my best handwriting, and I taped it right in the middle of the front cover. The corners of that label are now curling around the edges. 

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A long time ago, that notebook was in mint condition. But after six years of travel, which has resulted in lost pages and frayed edges, my journal has fallen victim to water spills and ink splatters and is hanging on by a thread. I’ve taken the journal with me to places like Nashville, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and Cape Cod, Massachusetts,

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While keeping a travel journal may not seem unusual, I have a unique relationship with mine. Because I started writing in it at such a young age, I can relive parts of my life and learn about myself. When I reread these entries, I understand who I was, who I am now and even who I may grow up to be. 

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A Country Music Awakening - Nashville, TN - Age 13

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After my family arrived in Nashville, our first stop was the Grand Ole Opry. I’d never heard of the Opry before, but I quickly discovered that it’s a historic music venue where country music singers get inducted into. On the tour, we walked through every last square inch of the place. We saw historic dressing rooms, the backstage area and even sat in the church pews where the audience viewed the shows. I didn't really know any of the featured country musicians except for my favorite, of course, Miss Taylor Swift. If I ever became a country music fan, it’d be because of her earliest albums. 

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My favorite part of the tour was getting to stand at the microphone in the center of the iconic stage where a myriad of famous singers have stood. It was a surreal experience to think I was on the same ground as legends; it almost made me want to sing out there.

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After the Opry, we walked down the famous Broadway strip. Outside every bar we passed, you could hear different musicians playing covers and original songs, all with the same sweet country accent. Broadway was quite different at night. Bars were lit with neon lights, and there was a chaotic blur of music in the air. It was a little overwhelming and definitely very loud. 

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To finish up our second day, we joined a bus tour. This bus took us to the Historic RCA Studio B. We got to walk into the studio where singers like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded iconic records. My mom knew a lot about this place because of her work in the music industry, and both my parents grew up listening to many older country musicians. Being with them was like having two extra tour guides — their excitement and nostalgia was unreal.

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Standing on that Opry stage in the footsteps of music industry icons heightened my love for music and performing. While singing, playing the piano and performing in talent shows and musicals always seemed to be my thing in school before that trip, I’ve learned that, for me, with inspiration comes motivation.

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I was inspired to perform just from being on that stage; it motivated me to continue with one of my passions and to dedicate even more effort to one of the things I love the most. I thrived from performing onstage in high school, and I owe it all to the Grand Ole Opry. 

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While Nashville fueled my love for performing, it also fueled a new obsession. Since leaving Nashville, I haven't gone a day without having a country song stuck in my head.

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I’ve lost track of how many country music award shows I’ve watched and concerts I’ve attended, but I have finally curated the perfect country music playlist of over 300 songs. I still consider Taylor Swift to be one of the most defining musicians of country music, even with my now-advanced knowledge and her genre versatility. 

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I wonder if everyone who visits the Music City experiences this phenomenon or if I am just easily impacted by the different cultures surrounding me. It makes me wonder what other cultures will captivate my mind in the future. 

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I was surprised to see how observant I was when I was younger. At age 13, I could tell how much the trip to RCA Studio B meant to my parents; it changed them differently than it changed me. I guess that just because you experience something with someone, doesn't mean that it will impact you in the same way. I’m glad I got to see them experience so much joy. 

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When I reread this entry, I also think about how I have become more accustomed to nightlife. Maybe college just does that to a person. If I visit again, I know I’ll have more appreciation for the lively nighttime atmosphere, and I won’t be so overwhelmed. That’s a satisfying thought: to know I’ve grown and will not always be stuck on one perspective. 

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Finding the National Treasure - Washington, D.C. - Age 16

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I pretty much jumped out of bed this morning, since I knew we’d be visiting the center of D.C. and all of its monuments. To get there, we got to ride the metro. From the window, I could see the tip of the Washington Monument and even a little bit of the dome of the Capitol Building. I couldn't believe my eyes; seeing these buildings on a screen was one thing, but seeing it in person is something so special. 

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Our first stop on the trip was to the National Archives Museum. I was freaking out with excitement because I knew I’d get to see The Declaration of Independence, which is, of course, the object of desire in my favorite movie, “National Treasure.”

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Is there really a treasure map on the back? Unfortunately, I didn’t get to know since it was protected closely.

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After the museum, I saw the Washington Monument and the Capitol up close. Movie scenes played out in my head as I spotted familiar locations. The day was long, and the temperature was scorching, so we headed home after seeing the World War II Memorial.

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The highlight of the downtown D.C. tour was seeing Ford’s Theatre, which is the location where President Lincoln was assassinated. I have a lot of knowledge about Lincoln because I devoured every piece of information I could find about him in sixth and seventh grade. It was a little haunting being in that theater. There is a really eerie feeling that comes with sitting in a room where one of the biggest moments in history occurred.

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I’ve always been fascinated by history, but actually being able to walk through it gave me an indescribable feeling that no other place has. On the trip, I wanted to see as many monuments as possible because I didn’t know when I would have another opportunity to see history up close instead of just on the screen like I was used to.

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For the first time, younger me began to soak in the beauty of my surroundings and appreciate seeing things in person. 

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Of course, “National Treasure” had a significant impact on my D.C. experience, as well. Something about that movie draws me in immensely; the action, the treasure hunt, the chase, and even the romance all combine to create a thrilling movie that defined my childhood. 

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I don't think I am as curious about new adventures and thrilling spy sagas as I used to be. However, seeing the set of those adventures right in front of me was like rewatching “National Treasure” all over again, except I was the main character. 

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Today, I still catch myself fixating on random topics that interest me, like biopics, rollercoasters and entertainment news. I guess I have Lincoln to thank for starting it all. I hope in the future, I can continue to seize my interests and run with them.

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Am I a Local Yet? - Martha’s Vineyard, MA - Age 18

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My family and I took the 11:40 a.m. ferry, feeling like locals on a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Our ride was about an hour long, and let me just say; I could get used to boats as a method of transportation; comfortable seats, a fully-stocked concession stand, and the smell of salt air and wind whipping through my hair are just the things I needed in life. 

We docked at Oak Bluffs, one of the two major tourist towns on the island, and headed straight to lunch at a dock-side restaurant called Nancy’s. I ordered my favorite East Coast meal, clams over pasta, and gave an honest review; I’d had better. 

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With full stomachs, we walked to a neighborhood conveniently located next to the restaurant that supposedly was home to the iconic Martha’s Vineyard Gingerbread Houses. Mom had heard all about the sites from a family friend who vacationed here every summer, and we were told we couldn’t miss them. 

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Sure enough, the entire neighborhood was full of one-story named houses in every color of the rainbow. They really did look like gingerbread houses, like they could crumble with just one touch. Each unique house had a frosting-like white trim hanging off the roof, like a blanket of snow enveloping the wood. Delicate porches and decorated doors completed the look. The neighborhood was completely silent, but it needed a sort of peace to preserve the history of each household. 

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Later, we caught a bus to visit the other tourist town, Edgartown. When we arrived, I knew this was where the East Coast life I’d always imagined had been hiding. Sun hats, glasses full of sparkling drinks, antique stores and lush gardens full of brightly colored hydrangeas were everywhere I looked. Nearby, there was a bridge that the locals called “Jaws Bridge.” It's a rite of passage to jump off the bridge, but I’ve never seen the movie. If it has anything to do with jumping off a high bridge into a large body of water full of sharks, count me out — I’ll save my rite of passage for another day.

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When I reread this entry, suddenly, I’m back in Cape Cod. I can hear tourists planning their next adventures, taste the savory delight of a seafood platter, and feel the warm breeze and the salt sting on my face as I ride across the shore to a new island. More importantly, I’m also reminded of the self-discoveries I made on my trip. 

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After living in the Midwest my whole life, I’ve become accustomed to rural roads, chlorine pools and polluted lakes, but I always feel like I’m missing out on so much more that’s out there in the world.  I found what I was looking for when I visited the East Coast; it’s a complete change of scenery that I fell in love with immediately. There I was, soaking in the luxurious attitudes, saltwater and authentic architecture. 

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This trip taught me, and continues to confirm, that the East Coast could be the place for me in the future. While I might not be living in a gingerbread house, I could see myself as an older woman living in a simple cottage that looks right out onto the sea where I can breathe the fresh salt air anytime I please. It would be a place where I can look out to a yard full of beautiful flowers and green grass. I’d shop in the local boutiques and dine with plates full of fresh seafood year-round, and my closets would be full of breezy dresses, light sweaters and sandals. 

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While rereading these entries showed me new things about myself, it also reinforced what I already know and struggle with. I didn't want to jump off the “Jaws Bridge” then, and I still don't feel any desire to now. I’ve never been a spontaneous risk taker and prefer to stay in my comfort zone. 

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One day, I hope I’ll eventually be less hesitant to try new things, whether I decide to dive into them or wade slowly. 

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But for now ... I guess only time and my travel journal will be able to tell. 

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