This time last year, I found myself in another new place experiencing new adventures much like this past year. I spent a little over a week in Arezzo, Italy, where my grandparents have lived for the past few years. I had an amazing time with my family spending most days sightseeing and nights with good food and drinks … and desserts. I took a day trip to Florence and saw some of the most amazing art in the entire world. My personal favorites were the “Unfinished Slaves”. I spent the last night in Rome reenacting scenes from my favorite The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

A year ago, I was also preparing for my year in Sydney, Australia. I was applying for my visa, picking clothing, packing up my dorm, and finishing off my second semester at school. I was ready to move on to my next adventure that would start in only two short months.

My trip to Italy gave me a small precursor to my year in Australia. The biggest takeaway I found was that the best days I spent weren’t the ones where we were seeing the big sights, or staying out the latest. It was the afternoon pastries with families and locals. The same holds true for this year in Australia. The best days haven’t been spent at some crazy event or typical tourist spot but instead in late night thai food with friends, or surprise gelato trips with my boyfriend.

It doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing to share or the most interesting, but it is the truest. There is no way to predict what is going to make us the happiest. I had a picture a year ago of where I was going to be and what I was going to want to do, and I think that has changed a million times.

I’m no longer searching for the next big adventure because I trust it will find me.

Here are some pictures from my trip to Italy:

My mom and I spent a good amount of time taking pictures of me pointing at things.

Spending some time in Florence

The most amazing church

I also spent some time pointing at police officers