A sense of adventure

“The good story tellers are the people who are attracted by the mystery of things that don’t make sense rather than fearing those things.”~The Story Factor

I’m not sure when I became such a wannabe adventurist. It’s possible that my desire to explore hidden and colorful portions of the world may have been ingrained in me from childhood. My parents and I would travel frequently - whether it be to the salty Oregon Coast or to the tropical islands of the Phillippines. Even now in Oregon I find adventure as I leap into the rainy unknown. The tough thing about the unknown is that soon enough it becomes known and novelty disappears. With novelty gone, I grab for excitement and adventure but find them fading away.Frustrated I search, I grope for things to reignite my spirit. I find a match, but discover that matches are hard to light when you are on a roller coaster. So here are some of my favorite tales of adventure - small photographs cherished only in my mind.

1. Road trip to Seattle and the EMP Museum my Sophomore year of college

I remember 4 of us piling into a car and singing to "Mustang Sally" on our long trip north. We were only sophomores and not yet willing to answer to anybody - much less the boyfriends we left behind for the weekend. Cheap beer and stale pretzels were abound at the Green Tortoise Hostel in the heart of downtown Seattle. We named our band the Green Tortoises as we sang"Wild Thing" at the EMP - not realizing that our jam session was being shown to everyone in the museum at that very moment. We got recognized over our greasy fries at the nearby McDonald's and handed out our autographs with humor and even a bit of haughtiness. We were big time now.

2. Road trip to Nevada and ending at Wallowa Lake my Junior year of college

My friends and I decided to do this on a whim. We were crammed into my friend Rebecca's tiny Ford Focus named Pebbles and hit the freeway. Mastered the art of making the perfect jello shot thanks to our new found bartender friend Joey. Danced the can can by the road heading out of Nevada. Dressed up like it was prom part 2 and told scary stories late at night as we all huddled together. Fed all sorts of wildlife creatures outside our cabin and hiked through the snow - all the while singing songs from Moulin Rouge to scare off bears.

3. Granada, Spain - my study abroad experience

To me Granada is the most magical place in the world and I don't think I will ever be convinced otherwise. To live 6 months in this beautiful tiny town will forever be one of the best memories of my life. The 45 minute walk to school amongst gypsies. The churros with chocolate, the coffee, the endless amounts of journaling. The beer and tapas. The shots bar where I became friends with Bartender Javier. The feeling of sore feet after a day of exploring and an evening of dancing. The acoustic guitar player who dedicated his evening song to me on my stroll home from the library. The sunset and sunrises, the park I would run around barefoot in. The smell of incense, the amber rings, the tiny alleys littered with the most amazing array of jewelry stores. Drinking amazing tea out of delicately created glasses and the tortilla de patatas. Yes - truly the most magical place in the world to me.

4. Positano, Italy - a trip during my study abroad experience

I went to one of the most romantic places in the world with two crazy girlfriends. A city that is built completely vertically and along the Amalfi coast - you can't help but get a workout on your way to and from the beach. I remember the gelato, pizza and beer on the beach. The sun shining down on us. The bag of cherry tomatoes I bought and would pop into my mouth as we started our trek up the hill to our hotel. The gnocchi, the red wine, the Christmas lights strewn about. The long, winding bus ride home with Bruce Springsteen playing in my ears.

5. Haleakala on my honeymoon with Bryce

I've never felt smaller than standing above the clouds at Maui's crater. The steep car ride uphill at 3 am in the morning. The blanket and pillows I had grabbed in order to get some extra sleep on the way. Singing along to John Mayer (in my awful voice mind you) in order to keep my new husband awake. The crowds of people, the silence, the peace.