There is no matter in a place so unbearably light. Ghosts don’t exist in a place so wonderful, for in this state, the citizens have no taste for bitter apples. The birds are not angry and the sky never cries. No guide or map will show you. I longed for the day I’d find my way, and when I almost gave up it appeared before me. Now I run with the horses.

Before this point, I had always traveled with all intent and purposes to throw myself deep into the places far away from fellow Americans, resorts, and tour guides. Admittedly, while the culture was the initial draw, every expedition was about the sweet anticipation of connecting with people I’ll never forget and times littered with getting drunk in strange bars, deep house music, and hot men who I barely understand. This time around things are different. I’m older, wiser, and a few years deep into the freedom of living without supervision. I’m not lonely, sexually repressed, and desperately in need of a good time. At 21 the grass isn’t always greener anymore, it’s that my yard just needs some weeding out and new seeds planted.