Everywhere I Want to Life Someday
As someone who is approaching the end of their junior year in college, I’m realizing how unique of a time this is. While the promise of another year on campus means that you do not have the sadness and nostalgia of a senior, you’re watching those feelings knowing all too well that twelve months from now, that will be you.
Knowing this has led me to start thinking more seriously about what my post grad life will look like. As a follow up to one of my last articles, where I discussed all the jobs I’d like to have after graduating, I’ve been thinking more about where, exactly, I’d like to live. If you read this article – where I talked about jobs ranging from working at writers retreats to being a bridal consultant in New York City – you could quickly gather at least one thing about me: I am all over the place. To no one’s surprise, this also applies to the many, many corners of the globe that I’d love to move to. Here’s a few places that I’d pack up my bags (and my entire life…) to have the opportunity to fully explore and ultimately, call home.
In Europe: Lisbon, Portugal
My first ever Her Campus was a love letter to Lisbon. Ten minutes into my taxi ride from the airport in 2018, I just knew: I was going to live here someday. My fascination with Lisbon only grew when I solo traveled there this past summer. The yellow buildings, the trams, and all the Pasteis de Nata.To me, Lisbon is a city that is always asking for you to discover more. I have yet to find a place that feels more vibrant than Lisbon, and I know, at some point in my life, this is a place I will call home.
In Africa: Cape Town, South Africa
If I had the opportunity to do a semester abroad, Cape Town would be my number one destination. While that’s not something I’m able to fit into my college career, the next best option might be even better: moving there! I’m someone who would always choose a destination with mountains over a beach, so the table top mountains alone are a huge draw for me. Not to mention the array of wildlife reserves that are in your backyard!
In North America: Austin, Texas
While I’ve always envisioned myself somewhere international, I’d be crazy to not include at least a few destinations in the US on my wishlist. There are several runner-ups, including Charleston and Portland, but Austin has been having its moment lately, and it’s taking all of my self-control to not book a plane ticket for a weekend getaway. Sprinkle in some rodeos with world-famous (and only growing) art and food scenes, and it’s no wonder people are visiting (and staying!) in droves. If I decide to stay in the United States after graduating, Austin will most definitely be at the very top of my wishlist.
In the Middle East: Tel Aviv, Israel
While this is technically cheating, since I spent last summer studying abroad at Tel Aviv University, my return trip to Lisbon taught me just how much more you discover on return trips to places you’ve been before. Not to mention, it’s been too long since I’ve had freshly freezed fruit juice from Carmel Market. With its beautiful beaches, excellent food, and a great nightlife, there are few reasons why Israel wouldn’t be a place that I’m ready to call home again. I also want longer to soak up the relaxed pace of life that Israelis move at, something that I think America could learn from. Regardless of whether it was happy hour on a Thursday or 2pm on a Tuesday, restaurants and cafes were always bustling with people, simply enjoying the company of friends and families. I know that I need to sneak in more time in this beautiful and most definitely underrated country.
In Asia: Japan
Japan is a country that has been near the top of my bucket list for the longest time. Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe…there is no shortage of cities in Japan that I would love to call home. A perk of living in Kyoto especially would be the opportunity to experience all four seasons as the temples are even more stunning against the backdrop of cherry blossoms in April and leaves in October and November! While the culture shock would be an adjustment, I have yet to experience any country in Asia and the adventure of this would be incredible.
In South America: Brazil
Like Japan, Brazil is in my top five of places that I want to someday soon explore. From Rio de Janeiro to the rainforest, there is so much diversity that I can’t wait to see in person. Perhaps it’s just from the images I’ve seen of Rio Carnaval, but I’ve always pictured Brazil as an explosion of color. I definitely want to put this perception to the test by finding somewhere in Brazil to call home!
As sad as I know it will be to leave college behind, I am also so excited to have the entire world at my fingertips. Whether it be Austin or Brazil, I know that there will be an adventure to be had wherever I end up – and this might just be what I need to lessen the tears and nostalgia of my impending senior year. Who knows where I could be signing a lease in a year, and as scary as this seems – I’m ready to see where else around this world I make roots!