Small Things That Have Stuck With Me; exam season, lofty travel plans, and prose poetry

March is a month I have dreaded since last September. A pestering voice in the back of my head would remind me every time I sat back to relax after a long school week; ‘remember, this year you’re taking those exams and orals and internal assessments you’ve dreaded for years.’  It’s a frustrating preconditioning or a demotivating pep talk before a presentation you know you might fail. And somehow, we are more than halfway through the month. Somehow, we are stumbling forward despite life’s constant attempts to beat us backward. 

Instead of studying for exams and worrying about the future for multiple negative reasons overshadowed by anxiety, this evening I decided to take a break and plan for some other aspect of my future: travelling! Although I know visiting other countries to explore other cultures is such a privilege I’m glad to have experienced,  I haven’t been outside of the country much besides to visit my grandparents. My top three destinations include Japan, Greece, Peru and the Swiss Alps, though I hope to visit more national parks in the US. While I still can’t wrap my head around attending college and journeying toward adulthood responsibilities, planning for fun trips is therapeutic. When my head isn’t in the clouds, it forgets about the present and spends time obsessing over future choices. I admit I have no power over these obsessions, but I can try and channel my restlessness into something less stressful. 

These are some specific places in the world I’d like to visit and my ‘reasoning’ behind my choices. Note that I did attempt to do concrete research but was distracted by all the aesthetic photos. If I were a talented photographer, I might consider taking up travel vlogging: 

1. Tokyo, Japan.

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric

My sister and I share excitement for visiting new cities, but if we could ever do a girls’ trip it would be to Japan. We’d visit temples, the Ghibli museum, national gardens, and visit Harajuku- Japan’s ‘youth neighborhood’. Of course, we would plan an elaborate food tour. From having 3-d latte art, Japanese tea experiences, and ordering ramen from a vending machine – we have a long itinerary to plan. Who knows, we might visit a sky observatory, night market, or sing karaoke.

2. The Swiss Alps.

Take me to the mountains! Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities, and just the thought of seeing the Matterhorn is fantastical. Scenic valleys, glaciers, and crystal alpine lakes set a picturesque scene. Sitting in a chalet, drinking hot chocolate, or learning how to ski for the first time would make for the perfect trip. Hiking is becoming a common denominator with these travel destinations, but nature reminds us just how small we are and how much depth and culture our world is infused with. I could brave the cold weather to explore these peaks.

3. Anywhere, Greece.

Before you come after me, Anywhere, Greece is not a place - I have just heard too much about how tasteful and unique Greece is to narrow in on specific destinations. To name a few, I can imagine visiting the Athens Acropolis, Mykonos, Delphi, and perhaps a Greek island. Beaches aren't my favorite travel spot, but these may be some of the best in the world. My friends who've been to Santorini say volcanoes are a must-see as well, so the bucket list might never end. Imagine spending a day at sea with the bluest skies reflecting clear water and soft sand. After growing up obsessed with Greek mythology, Greece's architecture and rich history are important highlights - and who can forget about Mediterranean food?

4.  Machu Picchu, Peru.

Photo by Chelsea Cook

Known as the 'Lost City' of the Incas, Machu Picchu is a marvel of engineering that is located in the Peruvian Andes. Archaeologists believe the estate was built for an Incan emperor, but was abandoned a century later due to Spanish conquest. I would plan my visit during my spring break sometime in late April. If given the chance and proper training, would take the multi-day hike to the citadel and view other locations on my way. Of course, there are trains that offer scenic views. When I visit, I would not miss out on the stunning Peruvian architecture and food - booking the best tours would be of the utmost importance!

5. The Redwood Forest.

Photo by Mare Collantes

In California for a wannabe tree hugger. Yes, it would be a dream to visit all 63 US national parks and hike my way through nature adventures, this forest has been on my bucket list for a while. Something about standing before a tree that is about three times your age and thirty times taller than you is both humbling and exhilarating. Imagine how much history, how many storms and weathering and natural disasters they weathered.

Inspiration & Creative Works of the 'Day'

A prose-poem that I’ve read recently: Prose in a Small Space by Rita Dove. Prose poetry is one of my favorite forms of literary expression (besides creative nonfiction), and I found Dove’s piece as an ode to the form that challenges what constitutes verse. Life can have vivid imagery, but at times its nonlinear pace spares no victims. I read Dove’s piece through a newsletter I willingly subscribed to – ‘Poem a Day’ –where every morning, a new work appears in your Inbox to add some beauty or raging emotion into your day. 

Another poetry collection for you all (and those who know me and are reading should already know which poet I’m going to recommend): Felicity by Mary Oliver. I came across her short collection from ~2015 a few days ago and could not put it down. Her nature writing is always breathtaking and resonates with my restless thoughts, haha.

As always, a prompt for the smattering of readers accompanying me on these rambles through the Internet-void; what piece of art has stuck with you for a while? What spaces does it transport you? If there is any escape strategy you would prefer right now, how would you take that leap and advance toward an unapproachable horizon?