Well folks, so it begins! After many tearful goodbyes, tons of parties and hugs and epic going away trips with my best friends in the world, my trip of a lifetime has finally started in England! First stop of course, was to see my dad. After a long catch-up, lots of hugs and tanning together in the sun, I woke up from an amazing 2-hour nap to dinner already on the table and a Rose-sized glass of wine waiting for me. Perfect 1st day! There have been many strange and wonderful coincidences that have been happening over the past month that I’m becoming more aware of and want to appreciate as they come. A few weeks ago, a close loved one said to me, “The world is opening up for you.” What he meant was that things keep falling into place before me; That the universe is cheering me on and I’m in the right place at the right time. An example: When planning our San Francisco trip, I happen to choose a hotel that was exactly across the street from our chosen entertainment for the evening without even realizing it. Or our Sonoma Valley tour guide telling us that 60% of the time the Golden Gate Bridge and the entire bay are covered in fog and you can barely see it, hence why they painted it the colour they did (fun fact of the day)! The day we were there? Not a cloud in the sky and perfectly sunny. Or today, arriving at Gatwick and getting through customs and to baggage claim just in time to watch my bag loop around to meet me. Or walking to my dads, luggage in tow and going up to his door with the key poised in lock just as my Auntie Tina opens the door to head out for the afternoon. These serendipitous moments are further reassuring me that the current path I’m on is the right one. It’s the road less travelled, but the best one for me. I can’t wait to see what else unravels over the next few days and beyond. XO, Rose -EXPEDITIONIST Diaries