Dusting off the Traveling Boots

Two years ago, I stood in the Schiphol airport hugging my best friend goodbye and creating quite a scene- especially in the eyes of the reserved Dutch.  My bittersweet goodbye to Holland (and Europe) was coupled with a resolve to return- fellow travelers know all too well that travel is an addiction.  I've peppered my few years since my time abroad with a few short trips- a guest performance in the Caribbean, a few shows in New York, a workshop in DC, a visit to Sin City and the Grand Canyon, and lots of short trips around the Midwest.

But it is time to get out the passport again, pack my life into a backpack, and venture into new places.  This time I will be joined by my boyfriend Jordan, and we plan to connect to local people through CouchSurfing.

Now, if this is your first time hearing of CouchSurfing the idea could appear dubious.  Yes, we will be meeting up in foreign countries with complete strangers who will bring us into their homes. Yes, there will likely be a language barrier. And yes, there are no guarantees we will get along, or that they won't smoke on the couch you are sleeping on, or they won't have a mean cat, or that you may be subjected to sleeping on a pile of blankets on the floor.  But my past experiences as both a host and as a traveler have confirmed for me that when we open ourselves to new experiences, to different perspectives, and to alternate ways of living, the outcome is only ever positive.  Our Midwestern American culture is one steeped in fear and a general distrust of people- especially those of a different religious, cultural, or class background.  This is why CouchSurfing isn't just a way for us to stay for cheap during our travels- it is a way for us to actually know a place.  It is a way for us to connect with people, more than just see sites.  I'm going to see the Eiffel tower in a few weeks. I'm going to take photos of La Sagrada Familia, and pay to get into museums to see art.  But these are experiences that can be simulated from the comfort of my home (and with the help of a TV or computer). What I'm more excited about is drinking wine with a French host in Paris, and walking around a medina with a host in Rabat. I'm excited about struggling to piece together French sentences, talking about European politics, and learning how to cook local dishes. I'm excited to make real connections with real people, and figure out a little better how we all fit together in this world.

Keep checking back for updates from Jordan and I as we travel. Our itinerary-

Arrive in London June 13...then a long stay in Edinburgh with my best friend, haggis, and castles...
Paris for several nights, then to Nimes.
Barcelona, a train ride to Tangier Morocco, then Asilah, Rabat, Fez.
Back to Spain for Madrid and Bilbao.
 (Return to Des Moines July 12)

People say "you are only young once" and "this is the time to do it" and that they will be living vicariously through us... I hereby grant you full permission to do so.