My love for the United States is obvious to anybody who knows me. A year studying abroad, time working in the States and numerous trips to see friends has left me with unforgettable memories. So, the chance to see a close friend and show them what this side of the pond has to offer is always an enjoyable occasion.
A trip to Old Trafford to watch a Manchester United game was a must. A tequila bar proved successful in dealing with United’s lackluster result. We made the most of the day, visiting my first English casino and grabbing some delicious food at a Turkish restaurant. Manchester has a lot to offer and finding new fun places isn’t that hard once you explore the city a little. I love Manchester and weekends like this remind me why I ought to make the most of my home city.
Staying in touch with friends oversees isn’t easy. But whether it’s been a couple of months, or a couple of years, you know you’ll always pick right back up where you left off. Finding lasting relationships like these come few and far between. I appreciate being able to say I have a few amazing friends in different parts of the world, who I know I will keep in touch with.
Since flying out to study in Connecticut during the summer of 2013 I have been fortunate enough to see two friends every year since. At this point it feels like a tradition and something I don’t want to break. Strengthening these relationships and building on fond memories, is the greatest attribute I would associate with travel. It has enabled me to visit new places and take many trips I will always look forward to.
Below are a few photos from the weekend. I wish I had taken more but this really isn’t a post about photography, but more of a personal account.
What’s next
‘Saudade’ – a Portuguese word which portrays a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. It’s hard for me to explain sometimes. It’s a little like a renewed feeling of melancholy. A distain towards home? I know I have looked down on my hometown before now. It’s not easy adjusting back to life after living abroad.
My biggest problem, since coming home at least, has been chasing what I want. Without building any real path to get there. I can’t expect to have everything immediately; I need to work towards it. Nothing is going to happen overnight. I hope with realizing this I will begin to do what I can each day in securing the future I yearn. That includes enjoying home. I have a great opportunity right now and for the first time since coming home, I am excited about the future again.
Hopefully I will get chance to take a trip this year. Even if I don’t, I need to be patient and do what I can. Taking the necessary steps, and enjoying my time here at home will be crucial to any future of mine stateside.
‘I don’t care what society thinks… they are no better than me. Out there, you just have to fit into a pattern that somebody’s already made up for you. Life we live. Set your own patterns, your own ideals. You have to handle the whole job yourselves’.
– John Taylor (1966)
Beyond The Planet 