Picture this: me, Sarah, a typical American girl with a thirst for adventure and a heart yearning for something more. Armed with nothing but a backpack and a sense of wanderlust, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. Now, let me take you on a ride through the highs and lows of my own version of Eat Pray Love, with a twist of unexpected romance thrown in.
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It all started with a longing to escape the monotony of everyday life, much like Elizabeth Gilbert in the famous movie and book, Eat Pray Love. My soul was searching for something, but I didn't quite know what it was until I found myself solo traveling through places like India and Costa Rica. Each with different lessons but each served as the perfect backdrop for my journey of self-discovery. It was there, amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, that I began to peel back the layers of doubt and uncertainty that had weighed me down.
I traveled off and on balancing clients back home, while know deep down I wanted to shift but I wasn't quite sure how. I journeyed to the chaotic streets of India, the jungle of Costa Rice, the bustling markets of Vietnam, and an unexpected visit to Thailand. Each destination offered its own set of challenges and revelations, but it was in Mexico that my adventure took an unexpected turn.
Tulum, Mexico – a beach paradise where time seems to stand still and the air is filled with the scent of salt and sand. It was here that I met Fernando, a Spanish yoga teacher who would forever change the course of my journey. Our meeting was straight out of a movie – a chance encounter in a Kundalini yoga class on the beach, with Fernando as the charismatic teacher leading the session.
As we watched the full moon rise over the ocean that evening, I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of knowing like a soul mate. Neither of us were looking for a relationship at the time, but there was an undeniable connection between us that couldn't be ignored.
We exchanged numbers and stayed in touch, despite the language barrier (Fernando was still learning English, and I had never taken a Spanish class in my life). Our conversations were filled with laughter and shared playlists, as we navigated the challenges of long-distance communication.
I was spending three weeks in Vietnam. Our calls became off and on as we shared our adventures and got to know each other better. Florida was only a two-hour flight away from Mexico. Fernando invited me back to Tulum for a week, and I jumped at the chance to spend more time with him.
Those days were filled with yoga on the beach, meeting new friends, and partying in Mexico. But as Fernando's departure date drew near, the reality of our situation began to sink in. We had a layover in the US on our journeys, and it was there that we shared a bittersweet goodbye, knowing that our time together was coming to an end.
But like Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat Pray Love, I couldn't shake the feeling that our journey was far from over. So, I flew up to New York City shortly after, eager to show Fernando my favorite city and create new memories together. From strolling through Central Park to exploring the city skyline, our connection only deepened with time.
One week in NYC wasn't enough, and we both knew it. So, I flew back again a month later, and then it was Fernando's turn to return home to Spain for the holidays.
But even with an ocean of distance between us, our love only continued to grow. We faced a tough decision: do we release this love or do we grow together? And so, we decided to embark on a new adventure together – one that would take us to the island paradise of Bali, Indonesia.
Bali – a dream destination for many, and a place where most people go for honeymoons. It seemed like the perfect place for us to start a new chapter together. We booked our tickets for the new year, and after three months apart, we reunited on the island, ready to begin our adventure.
Over the next six months, we delved deeper into our yoga practice, explored every corner of the island, and even took a side trip to Singapore. Our time in Bali was magical, filled with moments of pure bliss and shared laughter.
We traveled back to America for three months to visit my family, and while it was nice, it didn't feel like a place to stay. We packed. our bags and we asked ourselves the big question: where do we go now?
And that's when Machu Picchu came to mind – another dream destination of mine. We decided on Peru for three months, living in the breathtaking city of Cusco, nestled at 13,000 feet above sea level.
The challenges of adapting to the altitude were worth it for the breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences we had. And let's not forget about the food – oh, the food! Peru stole my heart with its flavors and spices, leaving me craving more with every bite.
Throughout 2023, we hopped from place to place, working remotely and living together for the first time. It wasn't always easy, but we overcame every obstacle together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
And now, here we are, Spain for the holidays and start of the new year 2024 surrounded by love and the familiar embrace of family. It feels like home, and the lifestyle fits our needs perfectly.
As we look towards the future, our dreams only continue to grow. We plan on staying in Europe for a while, starting a life together and who knows – maybe there's a marriage on the horizon. But one thing's for sure: our journey is far from over, and we can't wait to see where it takes us next.
Sarah's Eat Pray Love
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