A picture cannot capture the beauty of a moment, a historical sight, or memory. However, they can inspire a desire to travel that will change your life forever.
1. Rome, Italy
The air was humid and heavy. Typically, I hate that sort of weather, but this day left me with an exception. How long ago was this structure built? Did those who constructed it know that the sun would hit it just right? It's fragile and rough, but stunning.
2. Venice, Italy
There is no better past-time than wandering through a new place with ice-cream in hand. Every sense is overwhelmed in the best way.
3. Venice, Italy
A crowd has gathered on the bridge across from mine. Is it a family? Could it be a group of friends gathering to celebrate something? Either way, there is no more beautiful place to spend time than on the water in Venice. Flowers garnish nearly every inch of the area, and the sun is hitting the water just right.
4. Dingle Peninsula, Republic of Ireland
5. Dingle Peninsula, Republic of Ireland
6. Dingle Peninsula, Republic of Ireland
Dingle is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. The rocky beaches and blue water will make you never want to leave. The green of Ireland even covers the salty rocks that rest in the water.
7. Galway, Republic of Ireland
Galway: the place people say you will end up dropping roots. I've seen pictures from this very same standpoint before. I never thought I'd be standing here with two great friends, shortly after sipping coffee together and strolling through a bookshop. Music plays down every street and the pubs are thriving. These colorful houses represent new friends, bonds, and experiences.
8. Aran Islands, Republic of Ireland
Shortly after taking this picture, I sit on the fence and set my hand down on a broken beer bottle. We are halfway through a bike ride around the island, without much access to medical supplies. I spend the entire day switching out flimsy band-aids, and ignoring the injury to complete my day that is filled with beauty and breathtaking views.
9. Maynooth, Republic of Ireland
It's a quiet, brisk night, only a few days before Christmas. Midnight struck an hour ago, and I am roaming the empty streets with my friends the night before we return to America for the holidays. In this moment, I fully appreciate the glimmer of the street lights and the memories I've made on the main road. I'm happy I get to come back and make more.
10. Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
People say that Ireland is all green, but it's not, and that's something I've come to cherish. Although the days are often grey and rainy, the buildings are vibrant and bold. The people match perfectly.
11. Cliffs of Moher, Republic of Ireland
It's the muddiest walk I've ever been on. Looking extremely American, I'm rocking my bright yellow rain-boots, and cringing at every squash sound they make. When I arrive at the top, the view is one thousand percent worth it. The fog adds a mysterious air to the green and grey cliffs, leaving me breathless.
12. Glendalough, Republic of Ireland
13. Kerry, Republic of Ireland
The land is mucky and rocky, but the water has soft, clear blue ripples that make me want to dive in. The cold weather is no longer overtaking my thoughts. I feel on top of the world.
14. Republic of Ireland
I climbed to the top. I did it, even though I ended the hike out of breath and exhausted. My fellow adventurers and I add to the mountain of rocks, creating our own heightened structure. We leave our mark, and smile all the while.
15. Howth, Republic of Ireland
I stand here on the pier with some of my favorite people in the world. Over the past two years of my travel, I've learned so much. I've grown up and changed. Standing as the sun sets over this stunning horizon, I realize that I have amazing people in my life. They are the perfect people to share this journey with.
I hope that this documentation of some of my travel experiences inspires you to take your own. Go out and see the world. Create memories worth reliving over and over again through pictures.