Having a love interest back home break up with me via text, and then experiencing the kindness of strangers as a woman in my hostel who I barely knew treated me to ice cream to cheer me up Having a romance with a hostel mate in Ecuador and then traveling through the country together Living in a giant treehouse with a group of strangers in Brazil and spending our days exploring hiking trails, swimming, and our nights drinking and exchanging stories about traveling Taking a 44 from Chile to Bolivia across

Now and again the outing was likewise difficult, from managing long transport rides and nausea to flipping over my bike handlebars in Peru and getting my body (and self image) seriously swollen. But I was fine.

In point of fact, the trip demonstrated my true independence and capabilities, so I was more than content.It also demonstrated to me the beauty of immersing oneself in a culture that is distinct from one’s own and connecting with locals who are eager to teach you about it.
Years later, when people inquire about my favorite trip, this is the one that comes to mind.
-Jessie from Jessie on a Journey An account of a trip to Brunei