RYE - Olivia Jul17

I am so lucky!!! It really hits you when you're in Germany lying on a pull out sofa in the apartment of your host mum's sister's son's apartment feeling pleasant about how lucky you are to have traveled Europe (technically) on your own at the wee age of 17. I've always believed that every choice we make has a consequence and to leave everything I've ever known and move 14,000km away is the best decision I've made in my life. It's almost impossible to imagine never having met the people I have and never having experienced what I've been so lucky too. I'm so incredibly lucky that I'll get to tell my hypothetical children I bought my first real (Phil Collins!!) vinyl from a little shop tucked away in Frankfurt when I was 17, and I first tasted what love feels like in Europe, and I broke my wrist in the Swiss Alps once, and that it's possible to find a family in complete strangers. If there's one thing I've learnt from these 5 months is that you shouldn't say no to an incredible opportunity because you think it isn't the right time or situation, the consequence could change your life forever (p.s. I'm still thankful for who I have to come home to, I love and miss you guys a lot)

Also an extra thank you to Hyde Park (Allen Stanley) Rotary Club and my parents for making it happen, without you I wouldn't be where I am right now.