My One-Way Ticket to Europe: An Illustrated Update
Why settle down when I can see the world?
(AKA other moments of courage—big and small)
Saying goodbye: Before a big trip, I’m usually grinning with adrenaline. But this trip is different. I don’t know where the finish line is. So I cried quietly as I said goodbye to my 98-year-old grandma, hoping she’ll be here when I’m back. I cried quietly as I entered the airport, walking away from what I know and walking towards what I don’t.
Abandoning “should”: Part of me believes I should have the apartment, the 9-5 job, the structure. But the bigger part of me—my intuition—says: go. Take the trip. Trust that New York City, stability, and shoulds will always be there. But this opportunity won’t be.
Tatiana Gallardo is an untethered writer, illustrator, and seasoned solo traveler. Her first month in Europe will be accompanied by a friend, then family, then a food baby. After that, she’s alone. And going wherever her gut takes her.
My One-Way Ticket to Europe: An Illustrated Update
I just discovered you and I think you're amazing and inspiring.. and I'm 57! No kids, can work remotely. Hmmmm
Omg. At this point I think I have read (and immensely enjoyed!!) pretty much all of your posts. (I'm sitting in the airport, waiting out a veryyy long layover). But I can't believe your timing — I also quit my job and left for Europe, with a one way ticket, at the end of August 2022. I spent a month in Lisbon and then hopped around the continent for 3 months, fell in love, backpacked SE Asia for a while, and am now flying to South Africa to meet back up with my boyfriend.
ANYWAY without being weird and stalker-y, you are such an inspiration and kindred spirit, and I can't believe how similar our paths have been the past few years. (I read The Artist's Way and Big Magic in Lisbon, which inspired this whole creative journey and newsletter.) If you're still in Berlin, I hope you are thoroughly enjoying it! I'll be in Europe this summer, so maybe we can even meet for coffee <3