You don’t choose the day you enter the world and you don’t choose the day you leave. It’s what you do in between that makes all the difference. – Anita Septimus

My day of rest is a welcome sight as I wake up to the sun shining on my face from the slightly open window across from me. A quick glance around the room and I notice that I am the first person awake in the six-person dorm room that now consists of all guys. Prior to beginning this amazing adventure that has brought me to day number 69, I had always imagined sleeping in daily, removed from the grind of a more structured lifestyle, yet I find that not only do I have more energy and am well rested, but that I tend to begin my days with the early morning sunrise that is typically before 7am. After a quick shower I am headed down to the restaurant area of Zoola’s for my daily routine cup of complimentary coffee when I find Lindsay sitting outside her room. Debating the possibility of splurging for a notoriously rumored all-you-can-eat brunch, I am still uncertain in my decision. While contemplating my options, Michelle joins us and it is only after more than an hour of pleading and begging in a rather embarrassing manner that may have involved tears and blackmail, I am finally invited to join the Canadians for brunch. Score another one for Team Merica.





Sunday, I have reached the milestone of 70 days of travel, and yet, it feels as though I’ve only been gone for a few weeks. When I look back on the past few months, I think about all that I have accomplished, the places I have been to, the friends that I have made along the way, and while the perception from this perspective is grand, I also think about where my life would be if I were unable to have the courage in taking this leap towards a life I am fortunate enough to continue to experience daily. I have never pushed myself so hard, removed myself so far from my comfort zones, and have seen that I have more within me than I could have ever imagined if I would have sided with the security of my current life for one of adventure that pushes me to the limits of the person I am sure I will become when this great journey comes to an end. However, I worry not for the day that this may happen, but continue to live within the present, because tomorrow has not happened and there is plenty to worry about today.