Since I was young, I’ve always imagined myself traveling around later in life, kind of like the romanticized vagrant. My parents would laugh if I told them this seeing as how I hated family vacations and have skipped out on the last few. But I’ve always thought that writing about something is easier to do if you’ve experienced it, and I’ve always wanted to have that basis.
I’ve adopted the mentality that I should study writing and other travel related skills now, then go wander around later. But I wonder if it’s just an excuse. So many of my other friends are taking advantage of study abroad opportunities, and I see the wisdom in doing that, but can’t bring myself to follow through. I went to Japan as my senior high school trip, which I thought would be really awesome. My experience involved me fighting with my girlfriend at the time, losing my wallet, and experiencing a general feeling of culture shock.
If I studied abroad in Japan now, I could actually change my Japanese minor to a major, and I wouldn’t have to worry about the complications that would come from going there independently as I’d have a place to live. But the past, in the case, is like a monster haunting my dreams. I want to think that if I had someone by my side as I faced this fear, I could do fine, but would it mean as much if I didn’t do it on my own?
Time is running out and I need to make a decision. I only have another year. ^^;
Do it! Personally, I’m having a really hard time gearing myself up to go abroad, but I think I need to do it, something totally different, out of my comfort zone. I think for you, it would be good to go, you’ll probably end up having a great time, and replacing all the bad events you associate with your previous trip. Don’t overthink it or talk yourself out of it!