I spent spring break in Lisbon, Portugal. It was my first time out of the country, and I really enjoyed it. From getting copper highlights to excessive amounts of shopping, I did things I never thought I’d even get the opportunity to do. I learned lessons of traveling, like making sure I always have TSA pre-check… And I also learned that international travel can be so chaotic. But, all in all, the chaos in the airport was worth it. 

Traveling internationally changed my perspective on life. It sounds weird, but seeing everything from above made me realize how little of an impact I have on the world around me. For so long, my entire world has been a little speck on a map, and it still is. Our lives have no significant impact on the world. 

Lisbon was a truly beautiful place and I felt at ease there. While I was in Lisbon, I got more comfortable behind my camera and I think my photos reflect that. I used to be nervous to take my camera places because I was insecure, but at the end of the day, does it really matter? No, it doesn’t, and I was always too in my head to realize that. 

I was sad to leave Lisbon, but I came home with a new attitude and perspective towards my speck. I’m so grateful for my time and experience in Lisbon and I couldn’t have had better people to share it with. Aside from my dad dressing like a “tourist” the entire trip and the initial shock of dying my hair for the first time, we all had fun.