Happy Easter Weekend!
As of today, I have been away from Chattanooga, TN two months, outside the U.S. for 7 weeks, and completed my first work exchange in Portugal! The saying never gets old:
“Time flies when you are having fun!”
May this email find you well as you enjoy Spring back home!
As I wrap up my time in Portugal, there are so many experiences that are worth mentioning. Portugal has so much to offer! Though in my opinion, it comes down to whom I experience it with. I have seen the most beautiful gardens/beaches and still found that the most memorable part was whom I shared it with. Like the famous movie “Into the Wild” which reminds us “Happiness is only real when shared.”
In my opinion, a week of touring main attractions is a superficial way of knowing a country. I choose to stay for an extended period to learn and dig past the surface level.
I am in search of human connection, which I continue to find in the middle of a train station with no Wi-Fi, dead battery, and limited Portuguese. With a soft smile, sign language, and my best attempt at the native language- I always find someone willing to help!
This has been the most rewarding experience.
I have learned that life is filled with goodbyes, though the more goodbyes the more hellos I receive. Do not be afraid of goodbye because a hello will always follow.
A simple life lesson- we hold on to things and forget that life is an endless cycle. Nothing is forever.
Accepting this simple truth I begin to focus on what is to come rather than what was.
Close that door, and open a new one. Adventure waits!
With Wanderlust,
Nabila Kesrewan
What’s Next?
I will be enjoying Easter Sunday with my cousin who studies in Pamplona, Spain. Next week, I am moving to San Sebastian, Spain where I will be until June.
I am working on a website! Soon I will share the best spots for traveling and photography I have captured on the way- STAY TUNED!
Special Soul Shout Out:
Eleanor, a former accountant originally from Ireland now living in the UK who found the courage to leave everything behind and volunteer at Gota D’Agua Surf Camp.
Eleanor, I cant thank you enough for the late night heart to hearts– You were like coming home to a significant other. I looked forward to seeing you when I came home to share all that I’ve done. When you weren’t around I’d immediately question where you were and searched for you with no reservations all the way to the restroom. You made my time at Gota D’Agua so much more special!
