I watched the countryside pass by and couldn’t help but think of Oregon. Small, colorful farm houses in bright green fields stood attention to the passing train. I tried to capture the moment through journaling but the landscape distracted me. Besides the sporadic farm houses, fall was just beginning to show it’s colors. The flashes of red and gold were almost surpassed by the overall greenery.

I found myself captivated in the current experience. I was on a train, leaving London after a quick two days, on my way to Cambridge. London was a short but sweet chapter full of pleasant surprises and mesmerizing monuments. I thought about staying for another day or two, but my heart wanted to charge forward. My inner compass was pointing north.

Cambridge is a quaint college town 45 minutes north of London. The city is full of sprawling parks and brick buildings, with church spires decorating the street corners. It feels like an old european town brimming with history. It completely surpasses Portland with roads, bridges, and roundabouts solely designated for bikers.

I’ve come to Cambridge solely by chance. Friends from New Zealand moved to the area several months prior. We haven’t seen each other in years, yet no time has passed at all. Our bond is still strong and we joke like we haven’t spent the last four years apart. These are kind, funny, and generous people, and I am lucky to connect with others so far from home.

My friends convince me to ride a bike through the city. Although I lived in Portland for six years I never actually owned a bike. The nerves have their turn for a few moments before the breeze sweeps them away. A grin plasters on my face as I follow my friend through the homey streets. I find myself invigorated in such a small mental challenge.

Although my journey has just begun, the world has already grown smaller. Each moment brings me closer to the next challenge, the next interaction, the next triumph.

I don’t know what will happen next, yet the mystery is pure adrenaline. This is my trek, my experience, my passion.

The seed has been planted and I can’t wait to see what the harvest brings.