“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
– Lao Tzu
My return to the US of A!
My around world tour was finally complete when I arrived to California on June 29th, 2011. I can now officially say I traveled around the world. There is still a lot to see out there but I can't describe the immense amount of joy and gratitude I feel for having seen all that I have. 12 countries and a countless amount of cities, all in four months! Coming home to America makes it 13 countries. Before I completed my world tour in California I made a stop in Florida to visit my best friend of many years and enjoy a smooth return to the US.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Florida was the perfect return to the US. I landed in Miami, Florida after 24 hours of travel. My best friend Stephanie and her family welcomed me into their home in Fort Lauderdale so I could enjoy a relaxing week at the beach before I returned to the grind of the US lifestyle. I must admit coming home was a small culture shock but I was happy to be in Florida with my friend. I spent the week with Stephanie's friends and family and had a great time. I was surprised and overwhelmed with how many of Stephanie's friends knew me from my blog. It meant so much to me to see that people had followed my trip and enjoyed the ride with me the whole time.
While in Florida I was able to do more than just enjoy some beach time. Steph and her boyfriend work at an incredible restaurant called 3030. Their friends treated us to an 8 course meal that may have included some of the most wonderful foods I have ever tasted. We also enjoyed a fun day at a water park that made me feel like a kid again and a night out at the bars- American style- that ended with us dancing in the rain at an outdoor bar until the evening ended at 4am. It was a wonderful return to the US. I had spent much I my youth visiting Stephanie's dad in Florida and I felt like I was at home. It was wonderful to spend time with Stephanie and her friends and family and I must thank them all for making my return to the US a happy one!
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
From Florida I made my way back to California. I was so excited to be back to my beloved California and reunited with so many friends. On my first night back my friends welcomed me with an amazing American BBQ and nothing other than grape bombs. It was a great night spent with some of my dearest friends. I truly felt welcomed home and I can't thank each of them enough for joining me on my first night back in California. The rest of the week was a celebration of our countries Independence- 4th of July weekend! It was 5 days straight of friends, BBQs, fiestas and beach time. I had a fun time reuniting with so many people that make the US home for me. California is truly a beautiful place and my week spent there only confirmed the love I have for it. I cannot think of a better place to have both started and ended my world tour!
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
While my world tour was technically complete in California my adventures are still not over. I am now in Chicago and have been moving from city to city for 5 months now. My arrival to Chicago was absolutely perfect. I flew into the city on the evening of July 8th, saw my very pregnant and beautiful sister on law on July 9th and was here for the arrival of my incredible nephew on July 10th. I am now a first time Tia (aunt) and happier then ever. The past 6 months have been such a whirl wind for me: I left everything I knew, traveled for 4 months, and now have welcome the most amazing little family member into my life. For those of you who know me well, we were all a little worried how I would handle a baby coming into my life (I am not exactly a natural in the kid department)... but in reality I actually am. I am head of heals in love with my nephew, Jaxon Rafael Bombino, and I spent the first 10 days of his life staying with him through the night and doing all I could to help my brother and his wife with our new amazing family member!
Some of you may be wondering what is next for me. If I knew exactly, I promise you would all be the first to know. I can say that I hope to always live life the way I have lived the past four months- embracing each moment and being grateful for all that I have in front of me. I am glad to have realized that people are truly good and giving and the world is such beautiful place. Travel is now a part of me. I will do all I can to continue to see the world and share my experiences. All that I have learned though this experience cannot be put into words so all I can do is encourage all of you to see new places and as much of the world as you can. I can't thank all of you enough for the support you have given me and for keeping me company through my blog. Thank you to all of those who shared this trip with me; it will forever be in my heart and a part of who I am. I am so happy to have been able to share the last five months with all of you. Until the next time....Salud, Yamas, Slainte, and Cheers- to new adventures friends....
– Lao Tzu
My return to the US of A!
My around world tour was finally complete when I arrived to California on June 29th, 2011. I can now officially say I traveled around the world. There is still a lot to see out there but I can't describe the immense amount of joy and gratitude I feel for having seen all that I have. 12 countries and a countless amount of cities, all in four months! Coming home to America makes it 13 countries. Before I completed my world tour in California I made a stop in Florida to visit my best friend of many years and enjoy a smooth return to the US.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Florida
Florida was the perfect return to the US. I landed in Miami, Florida after 24 hours of travel. My best friend Stephanie and her family welcomed me into their home in Fort Lauderdale so I could enjoy a relaxing week at the beach before I returned to the grind of the US lifestyle. I must admit coming home was a small culture shock but I was happy to be in Florida with my friend. I spent the week with Stephanie's friends and family and had a great time. I was surprised and overwhelmed with how many of Stephanie's friends knew me from my blog. It meant so much to me to see that people had followed my trip and enjoyed the ride with me the whole time.
While in Florida I was able to do more than just enjoy some beach time. Steph and her boyfriend work at an incredible restaurant called 3030. Their friends treated us to an 8 course meal that may have included some of the most wonderful foods I have ever tasted. We also enjoyed a fun day at a water park that made me feel like a kid again and a night out at the bars- American style- that ended with us dancing in the rain at an outdoor bar until the evening ended at 4am. It was a wonderful return to the US. I had spent much I my youth visiting Stephanie's dad in Florida and I felt like I was at home. It was wonderful to spend time with Stephanie and her friends and family and I must thank them all for making my return to the US a happy one!
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| Yup- I am back in the US- Hummer and a Bentley in the same garage |
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| Steph joins bracelet power |
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| Steph on the beach- best friend from growing up |
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| Steph and me- out and about celebrating my return to America |
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| Dancing in the rain!- by myself at this point of course! |
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| I got Steph to join me in the rain |
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| I love to climb trees! |
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| Chillen with the tree |
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| Finally got everyone out dancing!- Steph's friends |
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| One of our amazing courses from 3030 |
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| Last night in Florida with Steph, her boyfriend Steven, and just a little bit a beer |
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
Oh Sweet California
From Florida I made my way back to California. I was so excited to be back to my beloved California and reunited with so many friends. On my first night back my friends welcomed me with an amazing American BBQ and nothing other than grape bombs. It was a great night spent with some of my dearest friends. I truly felt welcomed home and I can't thank each of them enough for joining me on my first night back in California. The rest of the week was a celebration of our countries Independence- 4th of July weekend! It was 5 days straight of friends, BBQs, fiestas and beach time. I had a fun time reuniting with so many people that make the US home for me. California is truly a beautiful place and my week spent there only confirmed the love I have for it. I cannot think of a better place to have both started and ended my world tour!
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| Sasha picks me up from the airport! |
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| Yeah for reunions! |
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| Welcome Home BBQ- thank you friends! |
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| Me with my Sign- "Countdown Until Bombino Returns to California"- I felt loved! |
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| Best buds!- Matty with the ladies :) |
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| Reunion with my life coaches- Katie and Kendra- wouldn't have had the courage to do this trip with out you ladies! Thanks! |
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| Planking! Wish I had done this throughout my whole trip! Amazing. |
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| Beach day- this is California. Love. |
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| These flip flops took me around the world and survived 4 months and 13 countries- these bad boys were amazing! |
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| Yay! America! |
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| 4th of July in California |
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| American BBQ- kudos to my friend Adam who BBQ-ed for me the whole weekend! :) |
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| Adios BBQ- thanks friends- so great to be back in California :) |
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Chi City
While my world tour was technically complete in California my adventures are still not over. I am now in Chicago and have been moving from city to city for 5 months now. My arrival to Chicago was absolutely perfect. I flew into the city on the evening of July 8th, saw my very pregnant and beautiful sister on law on July 9th and was here for the arrival of my incredible nephew on July 10th. I am now a first time Tia (aunt) and happier then ever. The past 6 months have been such a whirl wind for me: I left everything I knew, traveled for 4 months, and now have welcome the most amazing little family member into my life. For those of you who know me well, we were all a little worried how I would handle a baby coming into my life (I am not exactly a natural in the kid department)... but in reality I actually am. I am head of heals in love with my nephew, Jaxon Rafael Bombino, and I spent the first 10 days of his life staying with him through the night and doing all I could to help my brother and his wife with our new amazing family member!
Some of you may be wondering what is next for me. If I knew exactly, I promise you would all be the first to know. I can say that I hope to always live life the way I have lived the past four months- embracing each moment and being grateful for all that I have in front of me. I am glad to have realized that people are truly good and giving and the world is such beautiful place. Travel is now a part of me. I will do all I can to continue to see the world and share my experiences. All that I have learned though this experience cannot be put into words so all I can do is encourage all of you to see new places and as much of the world as you can. I can't thank all of you enough for the support you have given me and for keeping me company through my blog. Thank you to all of those who shared this trip with me; it will forever be in my heart and a part of who I am. I am so happy to have been able to share the last five months with all of you. Until the next time....Salud, Yamas, Slainte, and Cheers- to new adventures friends....
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| Lindsey's baby belly! So happy I got to see her pregnant! |
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| Bombino women |
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| Mom and Dad |
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| Celebration dinner- my return and the upcoming arrival of my nephew- Rafi and I drank something called a Volcano to celebrate! |
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| One day after my return to Chicago- Jaxon Rafael Bombino was born! |
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| Such a cute family- Congrats! |
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| So small and precious! |
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| Our little burrito |
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| What a beautiful picture! |
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| Poor new dad is tired! Catching some z's while he can |
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| Abuelo y Abuela |
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| Amazing! My brother is a Dad :) |
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| I love him so much |
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| A new life begins- may your adventures be as filled with love and happiness as mine have little man. Love you. |
Thanks again for following! Best wishes to all!
