What to bring? (backpacking to Europe)

As promised I am getting my last blog put together while still in the States..

As I sit in the Chicago, O’Hare Airport I am overcome with the most intense feeling of excitement and wonder about the things I am about to encounter on my journey.  One of the strangest things I’ve experienced as of yet is the fact that so many other people are interested in what I’m doing as well.  I find this to be dang awesome and kind of hard to believe.   I’ve had countless people approach me or tell  me in some form that they have read my blog and think what I am about to embark on is magnificent (in more words or less, ha)  Incredible feeling fo sho.  I hope everyone continues to follow and read!

I am anticipating several things for my trip.  First learning a little bit more about myself, discovering what truly excites me and where I want to head once this venture is over, seeing countless new and interesting things where I can’t help but stand in awe with my mouth stupidly hanging open, and of course meeting tons and TONS of new people.

At the Chicago O'Hare Airport waiting to board for London!

 

The main purpose of this post was to showcase exactly what I have decided to bring with me on my trip in case that interests anyone.  First off, I was able to secure a fantastic deal on Amazon.com for a great backpack.  It is an Osprey Farpoint 55 (thank you to Devon Mills at www.answeringoliver.com for your great blog about travel items, helped tremendously!).  They literally thought of everything, besides hip belt pockets, on this backpack, I love it.  It’s also perfect size for my height and frame.  As of now I’m almost positive I’m going to love her but there is always a chance I could be singing a different tune by the end of this trip, fingers crossed on that one!  The best part about the backpack is the fact that it unzips all down the front side like a suitcase, no more of that endless digging around from the top trying to reach the bottom.  Brilliant.

I snapped a couple pictures using my handy dandy fancy iPhone in order to give y’all a better view of my things however I was unable to get them uploaded before leaving but will still list what I brought. 

Below is a picture of all my electronics/practical items:

-Netbook
-Headlamp
-Eno hammock (you never know when we’ll need to spend a few nights sleeping outside!)
-Fleece blanket (for those nights we do choose the great outdoors)
-Lock (to secure my backpack)
-European outlet converter
-Surge Protector (will you to plug into euro outlet convertor to house several electronics)
-Canon 40D SLR
-Journal
-Packing cubes (so far these are my most favorite purchase for the trip, EagleCreek brand)
-Not pictured: Passport, drivers license, copies of those, printed off itineraries, phone charger, iPod, headphones,  and iPhone)

Second picture is a list of the toiletries:

-Face wipes
-Hair ties/bobby pins
-Headbands
-Diva cup (girls, just google it, brilliant!)
-Shampoo+Conditioner
-Travel size toothbrush and paste
-Deoderant
-Laundry sheets (the small orange square deal)
-Ear plugs
-Not pictured: Micro towel
-Makeup (tinted moisturizer, mascara, eyeliner, blush, bronzer)
(I later chose against bringing the razor as I figured security wouldn’t let me pass with it.  Decided to instead simply purchase one abroad)

Third picture is probably what people are most interested in, CLOTHES!
I was extremely proud of myself and how well I did limiting myself to “necessities” instead of “wants”, also helped that my brother who is an extreme minimalist (thanks AT!) helped narrow the choices down for me, ie. Literally threw things out of my bag…

 

-Shorts (3 pairs:  1 pair of Norts, and 2 pairs of Columbia brand hiking shorts with pockets)
-Black leggings (one pair)
-Tops (4 total: 2 tanks and 2 tshirts, these consist of both cotton or moisture wicking materials, ie. Exofficio)
-Pullover Patagonia Sweater
-Bathing suit (just one..)
-Black maxi dress
-Skirt
-Light cardigan
-Not pictured: baseball hat
-Bras (3 total: 2 sports bras, 1 regular bra)
-Underwear (4 pairs)
-Columbia Raincoat
-Shoes (3 total: Chacos, Ballet flats, and gladiator sandals)

And…that’s it!  I must admit it is a bit of a bummer to not be able to bring the more fashionable items left dejected and neglected hanging in my closet along with me, but alas this is not that kind of trip (not for everyone!).  I am going to have a marvelous time regardless and besides I can always pick up a cute piece or two in Milan ;)

As I mentioned above the packing cubes were absolutely wonderful when packing.  I used the largest of the three for all my clothes, the medium size one for all my undergarmets and toiletries, and the smallest for all my small electronics.  I tucked them away nice and neat in my backpack and now will be easily able to locate anything I may need quick and fast.

So there ya have it folks, nothing to extensive or detailed.  I tried to bring only what I felt I needed.  Hopefully I will only need to wash clothes once every 7-9 days.  This trip is somewhat similar to my brothers AT experience but not quite as extreme of course.  My Osprey backpack came with a smaller daypack and that is what I will be primarily carrying around with me.

Update!!

We arrived in London around approximately 10:35pm hopped on a train and made it to our hostel around 11:15ish.  Our hostel is pretty cool, it is located in a pub called "The Green Man".  The pub is downstairs and the rooms are all on the upper floors.  We checked in and once we entered the room we met some of our fellow travelers.  4 of them were from Slovenia and the other from Guatemala, the hostel is by no means pretty but is certainly not by any means bad.  I love the idea of sharing a place with other people who are interested in the same things as you, very cool.

We are going to attempt to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, along with a few others tomorrow during the day.  We have then considered heading to Camden Town for the night where we have been told live music abounds and the beer flows like honey.  Sounds like our kind of place.  We have the entire day and night to spend in London before we head back to the airport and jet off to Greece!  Our new friends from Slovenia had just departed from there and exclaimed how much we would fall in love there upon arrival.  I am more than willing to fall deep, DEEP in love with Greece :)

Update!  Here are a few pics from London

Buckingham Palace

 

(I have lots and lots more pictures too on my Canon but will not be able to upload those until I return home.  So all blog pictures will be pics taken only with my iPhone.)

Something to note:  I will say it was EXTREMELY helpful as first time travelers to Europe to fly into a coutry that spoke English..considering we had no clue what we were doing it was great to be able to read the signs and ask people questions, keep that in mind if you plan on doing a similar trip..

Until next time!

Carrie

One-way ticket in hand...Europe here we come!

I leave in T-minus 18 days for Europe.

I never thought the day would actually come where I could say those words.  It's absolutely thrilling.  My dream of backpacking is finally happening.  I'll explain first a few specifcs about my trip you may potentially be wondering about..or perhaps you don't care, in that case, skip a few down :)

I will sharing this adventure with a few different people, lets have a few intros shall we?  First, my younger brother Chris.  Fresh off from completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail he is as eager as I to continue his adventure. Another travel buddy is a spritely lad who goes by the name of Robert Aubrey Wilkinson III, or as I call him, Robbie.  Robbie is a close friend of mine from my college days.  I have seen him sporadically over the past few years while he worked and lived in Huntsville, AL.  We have maintained a friendship since he graduated Tech in 2008.  Robbie is one of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Last spring, (he apparently was feeling the same travel itch as I), up and quit his job to go pursue a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail as well, small world..He made it all the way to PA before deciding to cut his trip short.  I can't wait to spend substantial amounts of time with him again.  He is a bundle of fun and adventure.  Our final travel buddy is Nicole, a friend of our families for years now.  She is an emerging photograhper in the Nashville area (check out her stuff!http://www.nicolegaglianophotography.com/)
Nicole legit has just about all the exact same tastes, likes, and interests as myself.  We have the same love for music as well as the same kinds of music, clothes, outdoor activities, photography, and of course travel.  Nicole already had a trip planned to Cortona, Italy to join some friends at a Villa for a week or so.  She decided however that wasn't quite enough and wanted to come a bit earlier to backpack around with us!  I am very excited to get to know her much better.

That's the group, the fab four.  I will now layout the general idea of what will be taking place (so far we've only got the first 3 weeks mapped out to any extent)

We will be arriving in London, England the night of Sept 11.  We will have two nights and one full day spent in London before hopping a plane to Santorini, Greece on Sept 13th where we have a hostel booked and ready to go just a 100 yards from the shores of the beautiful azure blue ocean.  We are thinking of spending around 5-6 days here..we'll see.  From this point, travel methods become a little hazy.  We will either hop a ferry or another plane to Budapest, Hungary and from there most likely train to Prague in the Czech Republic.  We are hoping to spend a couple days in each city, they are supposed to be simply marvelous (we've also discussed Vienna and Salzburg).  Nicole has then put in a request to visit and hike to the Cinque Terre in Italy.  This is a gorgeous 5+ hour hike to see the cliff villages of Italy.  Um hello..we were happy to oblige.  Once through with that we will be meeting up with Nicole's friends in Cortona.  I hope to spend at least a few days in this lovely city and then at last part with our 4th member, sad day :(

From that point, the three amigos will continue on doing whatever in the hell we please.  We each have countries/cities we would like to see but if anyone has any suggestions of unique places they have visited or heard about, please don't be shy, comment and let us know!  Also if you have friends, family, or even acquaintances living abroad who would love to put up some wonderful, kind, backpackers, please do email me and give me their contact info!  cmpickerin21@gmail.com

Many people have asked me what my plan is for when I return home, also when am I returning home?  My answer is simply "No clue". Currently I have no set date for my return.  I have a one-way ticket purchased and suppose I'll wait till it feels right before I buy that ticket back home.  As for what I am anticipating..both me and my brother have saved money to travel, but we don't have all the money in the world.  In order to stay for longer than the original planned out 3 weeks, we will be utilizing the internet as much as possible.  We've both decided that WOOFING and www.couchsurfing.org seem to be the most available methods of traveling for very very cheap.  Therefore we will be doing both.  I'm also planning on meeting and making as many contacts as possible as we travel around.  As long as you're open to opportunities, doors can open anywhere and everywhere.

I anticipate my time abroad lasting around 2 months.  I want to use this time as almost a "trial period" to determine if this is the kind of life I want to live longterm.  If I determine that to indeed be the case, it will help to give me direction when I return home and start looking for a way to make a living.  I am extremely interested in using the capabilites of the internet to my advantage to create a business where I can work from anywhere..that will certainly continue to roll around in my thoughts.  I do know what I am interested in and what I am good at.  The plan for when I return home is (if needed grab a small part time job just to stay afloat) to make it my job to find the job of my dreams.  I am fully confident in my ability to do this and yes I am fully aware of the work this will take :)

I plan to post at least one more blog before leaving that will hopefully include some pictures of what I will be taking with me in case anyone is interested in that.  I also plan on taking my netbook with me abroad so that I can continue to blog of my adventures and keep everyone in the know about what we are up to.

So no worries my friends, exciting tales of adventure are soon to follow!

Till next time,

-Carrie

I quit my job.

Well..I did it.

I quit my job.

Talk about Scary.  Nervewracking.  Overwhelming.  Exciting.  For the last day and a half I have been torn between a couple of emotions.  The majority, however being relief.  I want to clarify that by no means do I think my job was perfect for me, but it could have been a lot worse.  I worked with some truly awesome people that I do hope to keep in contact with throughout my life.  The job however, just wasn't for me.

Another emotion I naturally experienced was guilt.  I felt as if I let down certain people and the company.  The thing I had to keep reminding myself of though is by me remaining there unhappy I would have let down people regardless.  In a much worse manner by simply being unpassionate about what I was doing.

It's funny as I've known for quite some time now that what I was doing was certainly NOT going to be what I continued to do for an extended amount of time.  I wasn't excited nor passionate about going in to work everyday.  Simply put, it was a paycheck.  For the first 9ish months or so I was convincing myself day in and day out that it wasn't that bad.  However about the time the sun decided to warm the earth back up and the flowers decided to open their faces to the warmth (ie. springtime) I had finally stopped lying to myself and concluded that this just was not the job for me.  I had a conversation with myself saying, "Carrie, how silly are you?  You are only 22 years old and you're practically miserable.  You're content with a job that isn't that bad?"  At that point, reality smacked me across the face and said "Hey dummy, who says you have to settle????  You have all the capability in the world to pursue the best life possible, what are you doing?!"

From that point on things started to rapidly change inside for me.  I finally started acknowledging and stoking the fire that had been idling inside me for so long.  I went into action.  One of my lifelong goals has always been to backpack for an extended period of time overseas (preferably everywhere, but specifically Europe first).  I looked up tickets on a whim one day and discovered to my surprise how affordable it actually was.  I then dove headfirst into researching absolutely everything I could about traveling on a budget.  I read countless blogs and articles on different travel topics becoming more and more excited everyday.  I could do this.  This was possible.  I purchased a one way ticket to Europe scheduled to leave September 11, 2012 without a second thought.

I did my job throughout that time all whilst quietly and silently daydreaming of my backpacking days soon to come.  The time came for me to walk in and finally quit, my last day was Wednesday, August 22nd.  Today, I woke up with a new found sense of freedom that I really have never felt before.  I've come to quickly realize though there is a fine line to being free and being the lazy ass person who lays in bed/sits on their couch all day watching dumb tv reruns.  This is it.  My life is in my own hands now.  If I don't go out and make something happen.  It won't, simple as that.

The best part about all this besides the above?  I am happy.  Finally.  I can do whatever I want and steer my life however I want.  Funny thing is, is we all have that same power..some just refuse to find it. 

I have been looking forward to writing this blog since March.  Since that pivotal moment in mind when all things changed for me.  The main reason why I've been looking forward to it is because I want to tell you to please please don't let your life just pass you by.  Don't let the fear of the unknown keep you from your passions and dreams.  I have never in all my days had this much uncertainty surrounding my life.  I'm not as nervous as some would think, in fact I'm relishing in it.  I thrive on change and sponaneity.  I am excited albeit slightly scared.

I hope to post a blog in the near future where I can speak from experience and knowledge on this idea of living my life outside the realm of normalcy.  For now, speculation will have to do.

And so, my adventure begins.

Adaptation.

It's oftentimes the funniest thing how I can be so fearless in my crazy ideas for my life yet after being burned big time relationship wise so hesitant to open myself up to that now.

I heard a song the other day called "Hello My Old Heart" by the Oh Hello's that basically inspired this blog post.

Nothing beats that feeling when you come across a song where the lyrics blend with the melody oh so perfectly it just jumps right into your very soul..

Couple excerpts from the song are:

"hello my old heart, how have you been?  How is it, being locked away?  Well don't you worry, in there you're safe.  And it's true, you'll never beat, but you'll never break."

"Nothing lasts forever, some things aren't meant to be…but you'll never find the answer until you set your old heart free"

Many people can relate to a song such as this because it deals with what else?

heartbreak.

Such a terrible thing while all at the same time such a wonderful thing.  True heartbreak at its worst can feel like the most intense physical pain yet when it's past, the most liberating feeling.  Clarity always follows, the old cliche to the effect of..the clouds eventually part, the rains fade away, and suddenly the sun is shining clear and bright.  The length of time this takes varies for everyone and there is nothing wrong with the amount of time it does take for each heart to mend.

However the problem comes into play that when it does finally mend..you're still scared

Scared of encountering that pain again or alternatively, never being able to find the same feeling you had when it seemed so perfect.  Not ever letting anyone measure up.  My two long term relationships started out very similar.  Simple, we were absolutely crazy about each other.

The opportunity to date seriously arose for me in both situations very quickly and guess what.  I took maybe a total of 5 seconds to decide if I was going to do it and to think about the consequences..but guess what, I did it anyway.  Instant.


When I come across someone or someone lands right in my lap (metaphorically of course) I look for that "instant" feeling.   When it's not there, I toss it aside time after time choosing instead to just be friends because hey, you're cool but not the cool I seem to be subconsciously looking for.

However, I keep thinking that perhaps I need to grow up a little and step outside of my narrow little mindset here and expand.  Guess what Carrie?  The first two might have been instant but look how that turned out... There is something to that that is worth paying attention too.  Maybe, just maybe, a different approach is just what the doctor ordered.

I long ago decided I would never be the person continually searching for someone.  The best things in my life have been largely unplanned and unexpected.  Why try and change the natural order of things now?  Choosing to live my life in the way that promotes myself, family, and friends best is the most important thing to me.  Everything else I know will fall right into place after that, whatever "those things" might be.

Change is a good, wonderful, healthy thing.  Everyone must learn to change and adapt to the situation and their surroundings.  This is how you are able to experience life at its absolute best.

Adaptation.

More often than not, it's best to not be so darn stubborn, set in your ways, and own little world.

Otherwise, you'll miss the world.


-Carrie

Change gon' come

As the title implies..very soon things are going to take a very dramatic turn for myself...I won't discuss them in depth just yet but soon enough!

I will however let you know how unbelievably excited/nervous I am.  I will be pursuing things that most people either only ever dream of or simply do not even contemplate.  I've been dreaming it and contemplating it for years and guess what.  I'm making it happen.

Risk.

Such an awesome word yet so terrifying at the same time. I thrive on words such as this.  Here within just a few months I am going to be plunging headfirst into an unknown realm for myself, but an exciting one nonetheless.  As I've said time and time again, I really and truly do have big GIGANTIC plans for my life and aim to make them happen.

I haven't told too many people of my plans as of yet...for one, people think I'm pretty nuts and two, I've always enjoyed the element of surprise :)

I can't wait for the new experiences about to come thundering my way.  I can't wait to live my life to the fullest.

For all those who think they cannot pursue and accomplish your dreams, I have a little phrase for you that you'd be wise to heed to..


"Change your thinking.  Change your world."


Until next time,

Carrie

GO DO SOMETHING!

Recently I read a wonderful and beautiful book called "Kisses from Katie" of which I devoured the entire thing within just a few days.

Read more about Katie's story here: http://www.amazima.org/katiesstory.html or visit her blog at http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

I have been filled with an aching desire for years now to be a part of something bigger than my own life.  The joy of working with children and adults in need fills my heart to the brim with gladness, especially those whom none care to give the least bit of attention too.  Those are the ones who burden my heart the most.

Africa.

This country has resonated in my thoughts for years, I truly do believe God has placed so specifically Africa, in my thoughts for a purpose.  

Currently I feel as if I am floundering around in a society that focuses so intently on the completely wrong things.  Money has never has been a focus for me, I have never dreamed of ways I can become rich or pursued a career in life that will garner me most profitable in the future.  I have always been intent on pursuing what really and truly brings me to life and lights up a fiery passion in my eyes.

Helping people.

That's what does it for me.  I have, just like many other people, been on several mission trips and grew up in a church environment my entire life.  Those trips I have attended from a young age served to spark an intense passion while being a part of them, albeit brief.  When I approached my senior year of high school I did what most normal 17 year olds do and started looking into the college I wanted to attend and what career I wanted for my life.  I remember it being this incredibly strange feeling to essentially be choosing something that would shape the rest of my life (or so I thought.)  

I chose TN Tech University in Cookeville, TN (just an hour or so outside of my hometown) because number one, it was different from where everyone of my friends from high school were going.  You see, I have this problem with always coloring outside the lines with my life…anyway, I took a leap and chose Tech having only a couple acquaintances there.  Needless to say, I fell in love with the people I met and the environment around me.  College was and always will be considered one of the greatest times of my life.

However, in regards to what I was actually there for, ahem* school..I had decided to forgo my true interests in life, deeming them instead as "hobbies" and decided to choose the oh so practical major of "Marketing".   I remember this being a struggle for me at the time.  I am a wildly creative, scatter brained person who loves to write/journal, take pictures, cook, draw, create, travel, and so much more.  I remember settling on the choice of Marketing as it felt to me to be the most creative aspect of the business world.  Practical while still entailing what I love, right?  I've come to discover now that this is not the case for me by any means.  Practical is such a gross word.

I remember having it so fixed in my mind the checklist I needed to complete in order to fit in with normal society.  So I did, I studied hard, applied and acquired multiple internships, had countless interviews in search of a job, then successfully acquired one just a few weeks after my graduation in a marketing/sales position.  You think I'd be happy right?  I had the serious boyfriend, a college degree, and a brand new job just out of school.  I was living the quintessential life of a normal 22 year old.  Nothing however, could shake the feeling from deep in the back of my head (you know that one spot everyone has and tries their best to ignore?  yeah that one) telling me that "your life is not your own"  

I have tried and tried to cover it up and shove it way far down, convincing myself it's a figment of my imagination.  But it's most certainly not.  I absolutely know without a doubt I was not meant to live a "normal" life.  I do not believe that I, or really anyone, was placed on this earth to just simply go through the motions.  I'm sick of the motions.  I have the deepest strongest desire inside me to leave behind everything here and just explore, learn, help, and live…that's what people like to call "crazy".  God has been gently prodding me for years to go do something, now I feel as if he is practically shouting at me, GO DO SOMETHING!  Or as he so eloquently puts it in his own book, "be fishers of men"

I want to enjoy my life to the fullest while my body can still keep up.  I refuse to believe that everything you want  in life is impossible to accomplish.  Anyone can do anything, anyone.  The difference lies between those who just like to say "I wish I could" versus those who actually work their butts off and do it.

Folks, I think its time for me to GO DO SOMETHING and I urge the same of you.

My first blog post...

My first official blog post.  I feel so, grown-up...

One of my most favorite things in this world is taking up a pen, cracking open a well-worn notebook to a crisp new page and untangling those crazy things floating around in this head of mind into actual, somewhat, tangible thoughts.  It will be strange to transition to an electronic version of this..I'm not entirely sure yet I can tear myself away from the old fashioned method just yet..A few warnings, my writing style is...unique.  I write as my thoughts tumble out which at times can be somewhat disjointed and random, yet somehow I usually find a way to tie everything up into a nice neat little package at the end.  My advice?  Just jump in and hold on tight!

Things are..a little hard to explain for me right now.  I feel very unfulfilled with my life, this I know.  I also am very sad still in reference to the past few months.  This has truly been one of the most trying times of my life...but I have discovered, more so than I ever knew possible, just how incredibly strong I am and that is a very exhilarating experience.

I have the deepest strongest desire inside me to leave and travel the world, but do you realize how crazy that makes me seem?  However, for me, it is a desire so fierce that I feel as if I don't do it, I could never be truly happy.  So many things to be afraid of though, money and having the means being the number one issue, traveling alone as a girl, and of course, the whole people thinking I'm nuts part (which is definitely last on my list, but still)

There are people everywhere that do what they truly love and sincerely don't give a hoot about what anyone else has to say or thinks.  Happiness is their goal.  An outrageous stat of something around 78% of the workforce is unsatisfied with their jobs..excuse me???  At the ripe, young age of 22 I already find myself bordering dangerously close to this statistic as well.  I quake in fear at the prospect of that for the rest of my life...

I truly believe God has placed a burden on my heart to have experiences ridiculously outside the realm of "normalcy"

I want a story for my life.  A tapestry so intricately woven with beautiful and wondrous experiences that I could speak for years about what I saw and learned.

One day I would like to write a book.

I want to help people.

I heard a quote once and it perfectly describes my thoughts, "I want the beauty of what I love, to be what I do"

I want to act in such a fashion that I think will keep my heart most alive.

One of my favorite quotes of all time...  "When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that's when you discover the stars."

I want to be discover the stars.

-Carrie