Although it’s been a month, I don’t want to forget what was probably one of the best parts of my traveling… Tenerife.

There’s a chance I’m idealizing it now, but Tenerife was definitely the most present I’ve ever felt. The decision to skip Uganda threw everything into disarray. Trying to figure out a new plan felt chaotic. But finally choosing to book a flight home brought a sense of calm. It allowed me to be fully present and savor my last European adventures (my last for now, at least!).

Tenerife was also my longest independent traveling stint. I was completely on my own time, not having to work or coordinate plans with anyone else. However, I was far from alone. My little hostel came with wonderful friends, who I dearly hope will cross my path again someday.

Here is TENERIFE – ASHLEY’S VERSION

FEBRUARY 1ST

I am counting Feb 1 as my actual first day because I spent the entire 31st in bed and then debating what I should do next with my travels. It was only after I booked my flight to the US that I could finally be #PRESENT.

THE ACTIVITY

So the reason I went to Tenerife was to surf! Or at least to try 🙂 Prior to Tenerife, my surfing experience was limited to a little stint I attempted in San Francisco . In SF, I couldn’t even paddle the board past the white water, let alone attempt to stand p.

This time though, I had instructors and plenty of other beginners around me. It was very nice to have someone hold the board and push me, and when I stood up….WHOAH.

At one point, my surf instructor told me “Tranquila Ashley” and explained to me that I could not catch every wave. I had to wait for the right one. WHAT A METAPHOR FOR LIFE!

Thinking about that has helped me with some recent job hunting. I’ve been so anxious to just HAVE a job or HAVE a sublease, but I kept/keep telling myself to chill out and wait for “the right wave” to come. AND I think my patience is paying off.

Anyways, I also tried to turn this metaphor into a song, but unfortunately, I keep setting my song lyrics to “Stand by Me”. I know Mr. Ben King is passed now, but I still don’t think plagiarizing his song is allowed. Stay tuned if I can come up with my own melody.

I also took a little diving trip! UGH, I REALLY want to get my next level of diving certification. It’s fine. It’ll happen eventually.

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On this little dive, the waters were crystal clearn, and we saw AN OCTOPUS. He was hiding, but he was really cool. I really enjoyed my time with my dive instructor and his dad. His dad bought me a cafe con leche between our 2 dives and it was just really good vibes. SPEAKING OF WHICH….

THE VIBES

Tenerife was just a vibe. That is the only way I can describe it. The people I was with, the sunsets and yoga and guitar on the beach, finding Jupiter, the secret climbing tunnel, the sand that covered my body every second of every day… It was amazing. I really hope maybe I can go back and even do a work-stay with that hostel in the future?

I am really thankful I ended my trip on such a high note. I feel like there were so many ups and downs on this little adventure. I learned a LOT. I made a ton of mistakes. BUT…I am leaving now knowing more about myself and about how I want travel more and travel better (better for me at least) in the future. I am anxiously awaiting more adventures.

Hasta Luego España,

Ashley ❤