Culture – Stamped

What Is Culture Shock & How To Manage It

Moving to a new country or immersing oneself in a different culture can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Say hello to Culture Shock! It’s that moment of utter disorientation, uneasiness, and bewilderment that you experience when you step into a new culture. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Everyone goes through it, and we’ve got your back!

In this post, we’re going to share our personal experiences with you and explore Culture Shock, its stages, and how to overcome it with humor. Let’s dive into the unknown and tackle it like a boss!

First Things First, What Exactly is Culture Shock?

Culture shock can be quite intense and overwhelming. While it might sound like something that cultures do to outsiders, it’s actually the opposite. Culture shock hits you when you immerse yourself into a new culture, and everything seems different, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. It’s that moment when you realize that you’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

Stages of Culture Shock: Let’s Get Real!

We’ve all turned into Keanu Reeves at some point in our lives and wondered, “Whoa, what’s going on?” Culture Shock can be super intense, but knowing the stages can help you prepare mentally and emotionally.

Stage 1: The Honeymoon Stage: “Everything is Amazing!”

The first stage of culture shock is like the honeymoon phase in a relationship. Everything is new, shiny, and exciting. You devour the culture like a croissant fresh out of the oven. You enjoy the novelty of experiencing something different and love the fact that you’re bold enough to take the leap to a new country.

This is an exhilarating stage. It is so much fun to be somewhere new and take in the fresh sites, smells, and tastes. Savor this phase as you would a honeymoon phase in a relationship. Dive into it and enjoy!

Stage 2: Frustration Stage: “Why aren’t things like the way they were back home?”

After the honeymoon stage ends, you step into the second stage, the Frustration stage. You may wonder why the heck things aren’t working out the way they did back home. You might feel like you’re missing out on precious things like your favorite TV shows, foods, or people. You’re trying hard to adjust, but things seem awkward and frustrating. This can be even more intense if you are in a country that doesn’t speak your native language.

There were times when I would get home from class and put headphones in to listen to music in English. My brain was exhausted by trying to understand the hours of Spanish I had just taken in. I also really wanted an apple martini!

Stage 3: The Adjustment Stage: “Let’s Find a Middle Ground!”

After you’ve been immersed in the culture long enough, you’ll start to adapt and become resilient. You’re less frustrated, and you’ve started to embrace your new normal. You’re now comfortable with the concept that things are different. It’s as if you’ve met the culture halfway, and the culture has reciprocated. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the Adjustment stage!

Stage 4: Acceptance Stage: “I am starting to feel like I am at home!”

In the final stage of Culture Shock, you’ll experience Acceptance: The “I am starting to feel at home!” stage. You finally start to get it and appreciate the host culture. You get that their way isn’t better or worse, simply different. At this stage, you’ve not only learned to accept new cultural differences, but you’ve embraced them too!

This is the best stage, in my opinion. It feels like home and you are finally feeling more in your element. This phase is harder to put into words but is the most comforting of them all.

So How Can We Overcome Culture Shock?

Laughing during cultural immersion doesn’t mean that you’re not taking it seriously. It means that you’re enjoying your daily experiences, even if they’re not always pleasant. Embrace the hilarity, and you’ll find that dealing with the emotional and mental effects of Culture Shock is a lot easier. So here are a few tips to help you overcome Culture Shock while remaining lighthearted!

Tip 1: Make fun of yourself

Nobody is perfect. Don’t take yourself too seriously, be humble, and make fun of yourself. You can turn awkward cultural encounters into comedy or create ridiculous nicknames for the strange experiences you have. Laughing at yourself means that you’re open to learning, and your resilience will make the transition easier.

Tip 2: Bring humor into language barriers

Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know how to say something! Make it fun by developing your jargon or tackling the accent with enthusiasm. If you use the wrong word, don’t stress out, it will be a fun story later, and I promise you will not make the mistake again! Speak the wrong words on purpose or try your best to use slang and jokes in the new language.

Tip 3: Find Ways To Remain Cheerful In Strange Situations

Culture Shock often exposes us to bizarre and awkward situations and events. These situations might seem strange at first, but stay positive and open-minded. Laugh at the oddities and awkward moments; it’s the best way to gain acceptance quickly.

Tip 4: Engage in Cultural Exchange Programs

Socialize with locals and their cultural habits when making new friends. Learn from them and exchange cultural experiences. You’ll be amazed by how much they’ll appreciate your interest in their culture. They’ll even be thrilled to hear commentary about their customs and beliefs!

Tip 5: Enjoy The Celebrities

Get entertained by the local celebrities of your new country, be it pop stars, actors, or politicians! Everything that you learn about a new culture is exciting! Who knows, you might get surprised by how much you enjoy the things you were judging initially.

Tip 6: Join Social Media Communities with a Sense of Humor

Social media is a great way to connect with people from all over the world. Find online communities with the same cultural background and sense of humor as you. They’re the perfect spot for sharing the quirks and oddities of your new culture.

Culture shock plays a significant part in the life of many people who move to new countries. By recognizing its stages and embracing the fun and humor, individuals can navigate culture shock with greater ease. We hope that this post has been both educational and entertaining, and has reminded you to embrace the unknown with fun and positivity.

Ready for your next adventure? Where would you move if there were no limitations?

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Paseando en Huelva – Writings From The Past

I wrote the following piece in May of 2007, while I was still an exchange student at La Universidad de Huelva. I was studying abroad in Spain, and I had been there for about 3 or 4 months at that point. It was my first time travelling to Europe and I had done so solo. While it was scary and daunting at first, it soon grew into being one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will forever be grateful for all that I learned during my time there.

As I read through it again, all these years later, I am immediately transported back to that walk, back to that time. It was a time of self discovery and exploration. I learned so much about myself, my dreams, my strength, and my passions. This is a good reminder of why I am doing what I am doing now. Why I encourage my students, readers, and fellow hodophiles to break free of their comfort zones, to open their minds, and explore the world. It is also a big part of why I created Stamped Adventures and I am so glad that I came across this writing so that I can share it with all of you.

While the prose isn’t perfect, there is a speckling of Spanish words thrown in, as well as a few inside jokes, I love what it signifies to me and I hope it gives readers a glimpse into my past and shows why I am so passionate about what I do.

– Dani

“While taking one of my numerous walks that, at times, don´t stray from Avenida Andalucía, (aka Av. de cholesterol for reasons as such), I try to soak in every ounce of energy that surrounds me:

The slightly strong breeze blowing my hair into my face, tempting me once again to contemplate making bald beautiful; The salty smell of the air that is occasionally overpowered by homecooked smells escaping from the windows above provoking a growl in my stomach; The, not so various, shapes of people partaking in their nightly jog, utilizing park benches to strengthen their abdominals, or to stretch their tired muscles; The loud buzz of motorbikes racing by, temporarily interrupting the chatter of people describing their daily activities to their families in a language no longer foreign to me. Families are always outside taking in the fresh night air, simply enjoying the company of their neighbors while taking a ´café con leche´ as the children play nearby.

Today is a bit special, in the fact that it is the day everyone returns from ´El Rocío´. Because of this, I am blessed with the colorful sight of children still adorned in their gypsy dress. To my left, parents are strolling, baby girl at hand struggling to perfect her first steps in the outside world. Couples are everywhere, arm in arm, hand in hand, lip to lip. There is an open display of love here, as affection is definitely not limited to the privacy of the home. I don´t only speak of younger people paseando arm in arm, but of individuals of a vast age range.

As I smile to myself, a passerby comments on my quiet observing, telling me it should be my career. His thick andaluz accent is on of the more difficult ones to decipher. I smile accordingly as I greet him. He nods with understanding and his amused eyes are accompanied with a ´sta luego as he continues on his walk. A young guy stops to call my attention, and when I look up he has a confused look on his face as he realizes he has mistaken me for someone else. This is a rare occurrence considering the fact that my blonde hair is as rare here as a stoplight in a small town.

My thoughts are interrupted by a loud ´pop´ as someone decides to celebrate with fireworks. There is such a healthy mix of old culture and modern living here in southern Spain. The more I experience and the more time I spend here, the more I grow to love this place. This small city that I had never before knew to exist, I now happily call my home, even if only temporarily.

It is a bittersweet thought really. The peace I have found here, I recently let multiply by finally giving in to the pure goodness of people and life. A goodness and felicidad that I once refused to put my trust in. I now realize that if you put all of your energy into constantly watching your back to avoid the inevitable sharp and painful knives, or if you are constantly analyzing the ´what-could-happen´ thoughts of the future, you truly miss out on the amazements and pure joys that surround you in the present moment.

Sitting here on this worn out bench, surrounded by a rainbow of flowers, exotic palm trees, and up-turned pines, I contemplate, not where I came from yesterday or where I am going tomorrow, but who I am now. And, you know, for once I am content with my self-given response. I have a head filled with a plethora of new information, a heart surrounded by honest love, and a body racing with indescribable passion for life and for those who have entered into mine.

Of course, my content heart may have little to do with this city or the people that I have met, but much more with the continuously growing knowledge of myself and what kind of woman I aspire to be. I end as the casi-full moon brightens against the sky fading into darkness. As far as Huelva goes, I can return; As far as the special people in my life, we will keep in touch; As far as mi misma, I plan to enjoy life whole-heartedly, each precious moment here on Earth that I am blessed with.”

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Top Reasons Why To Visit New Zealand

New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in the Maori language, is a breathtaking country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The origin of the word Aotearoa is not actually known, however several meanings have been proposed for the name, the most popular being “The land of the long white cloud”. The country is a land of stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and unique cultural experiences. While most people think of kiwi birds or The Lord of The Rings, there is so much more to the country. New Zealand is remarkably diverse and incredibly unique. While the island country is roughly the size of Colorado, USA, it is home to just under five million people and innumerable natural wonders. Here are some of the top reasons why to visit New Zealand and get that passport stamped!

Natural Beauty and Unspoiled Scenery

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests, golden beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. The country is home to 14 national parks, each offering its own unique experience. Fiordland National Park, for example, is famous for its dramatic fjords, while Tongariro National Park boasts active volcanoes and stunning alpine scenery. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply admiring beautiful scenery, New Zealand has something for everyone. This is just one of the top reasons to visit New Zealand. The diversity of the geography is impressive and unlike anything else on Earth. Not to mention, all of this fits into two main islands.

Adventure Sports

New Zealand is known as one of the adventure capitals of the world and for good reason. The country offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and skiing. I can think of a few adventure seeking friends that would thrive there! There is something for every skill level, ages and abilities. If you go out of your way to find thrilling experiences, New Zealand is the perfect destination for you.

Unique Wildlife

New Zealand is home to a unique array of wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most famous are the kiwi, a flightless bird that is the country’s national symbol, the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, as well as the Hector’s dolphin, which is one of the world’s rarest dolphins. The country is a wildlife hotspot for photographers and sightseers alike.

Cultural Experiences

New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history as well as culture, with its indigenous Māori people playing a significant role. Visitors can learn about Māori culture by visiting marae (Māori meeting houses), watching traditional Māori performances, and trying traditional Māori cuisine. New Zealand also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing the country’s artistic talent. You can explore a recreation of a traditional village, the Māori village, and learn about traditions, foods, music and community life.

Friendly People

New Zealanders, also known as Kiwis, are renowned for their friendly and welcoming nature. They are always happy to share their knowledge and love of their country with visitors, making it easy to explore and experience the best of New Zealand. The country is known for its laid back vibes, cultural diversity, and focus on equality. New Zealand is also one of the top countries known for its safety. It’s the perfect place for solo, or first time, travelers. It is a progressive country that is well known for being one of the least corrupt countries and overall has a relaxed lifestyle. While it is more of a quiet life, it isn’t very crowded and has great food.

Fantastic Wine

What is a Stamped blog post if we don’t talk about the wine! New Zealand is off the beaten path but it is home to some of the most amazing wines. It is well known all over the world for the Marlborough region that produces a variety of wines. Their sauvignon blanc, however, has a particularly strong following. If I had a dime every time I heard someone say that they only drink Marlborough sauvignon blanc, I would have retired by now. My personal favorite sparkling rosé comes from New Zealand. Graham Beck Brut Rosé. This is not sponsored, but if the winery calls, I will happily oblige. ; )

Middle Earth

Last, but certainly not least, New Zealand is the home of Middle Earth. This is If you are a Lord of The Rings or Hobbit fan, you probably already have New Zealand at the top of your travel list. Fans come from all over the world to take a Hobbit tour or to visit some of the many film locations around the country. You can really immerse yourself in the Tolkein inspired world that fans have grown to love.

As you can see, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty, adventure sports, unique wildlife, cultural experiences, and friendly people. And if you are looking for a new country of residence, New Zealand offers several immigration programs, including a Skilled Migrant Category visa, which provides a pathway to residency for skilled workers. In addition, some regions in New Zealand offer relocation grants to attract people to live and work there. With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to plan your trip to this breathtaking country.

Kia Ora!

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4 Incredible Countries That Will Pay You To Move There

Does the idea of living abroad entice you, but you aren’t sure where to start? Here are 4 countries that will pay you to move there. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will give you a head start on the research required to take that leap into moving abroad.

Chile

If you identify as an adventurer and an entrepreneur, and you want to move abroad, then Chile should top your list of places to move to. While it is narrow from east to west, it is a long country from north to south. What this means is that it has a diverse group of climates and geographies. These vary greatly from one end to the other. Because of this, Chile is well known for its adventure tourism. While also has some of the clearest night skies in the Southern Hemisphere. If your jam is stargazing or astrophotography, then it is the place to be. The largest astronomical project on Earth is located in the Atacama desert. With sand dunes, rivers, mountains, glaciers and coastline, if you are someone who gets a thrill out of ramped up experiences, Chile has what you need.

Chile is a unique South American country that offers so much. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, foodies, and adventure seekers. Even in its popularity, it is still a relatively ‘unexplored’ destination. There are areas of the country where you could find yourself to be the only foreigner around. With that being said, the people are friendly, it is relatively safe, and it is easy to get around. If exploration and adventure are must-haves for the next place you call home, Chile is a great option.

Chile has one of the longest running programs that encourage people to move there. Start-Up Chile began in 2010 and has had quite a bit of success. The only catch? Entrepreneurs need to create a unique business idea and relocate to Chile within the first 6 months of the program. They also really encourage women entrepreneurs and put a special emphasis on having at least 50% of their leaders being women. I don’t know about you, but I think that is a nice touch! The government of Chile offers the “Startup Chile” program, and it provides funding and support for entrepreneurs to start businesses in the country. The program also offers a one-year visa to entrepreneurs and their families. You can find more information at their website. https://startupchile.org/

Spain

Spain is a country that I would move back to in a heartbeat. The robust culture stole my heart the first time I set foot on its soil. Spain is known for its colorful streets and even more elaborate flamenco dresses. While this country is full of incredible tourist destinations that I recommend everyone see, the charm really lies in getting into the nitty gritty of the culture. Being awakened at 3am every morning to the sounds of people playing guitars and singing in the park outside of your apartment, stopping for a fresh baguette on your way home, finding a hole in the wall bar with live music, sharing tapas with friends on a Friday night, and dancing until 7am on the weekend. Can you tell I am smitten?

My personal opinions aside, Spanish culture is truly vibrant. Barcelona is home to Antoni Gaudi and his incredible architecture. Guell park and the Gothic district are must-sees if you are visiting the Catalonia region. If you find yourself in the south, Andalucía has some of the most beautiful beaches, the best food, and my favorite Spanish dialect. No matter where you find yourself in the country, you will be welcomed by warm people, incredible art, and awe-inspiring scenery.

If you are thinking of relocating to Spain, some regions, such as Galicia and Asturias, offer financial incentives for people to move and settle in their communities. These incentives can include cash grants, subsidized housing, and tax breaks. A small village called Ponga is trying to repopulate their town by offering couples to move there. It is one of the countries that will pay you to move there and start your family. They are giving each couple 3000 euros to move there and an additional 3000 euros for each child born there. There is the stipulation that the family needs to commit to living in the village for 5 years.

Ireland

If Irish coffee, Guinness, or the Emerald Isle are more your speed, Ireland might be on your radar. Irish culture isn’t just known for its whisky, although it is popular around the world. The country is also well known for its rich culture, scenic coastlines, and quaint towns. You will find everything from abrupt cliffs to lush green landscapes. The main cities are Dublin, Cork, Limerick. If you’re into Viking history, the small town of Waterford was settled by a group of Viking raiders in 853 making it the oldest town in the country. It is also most recently known for Waterford Crystal which gained popularity in the 1700’s.

There are many tourist sites around the country as well. The cliffs of Moher are quite impressive with their towering, sheer cliff sides. Grafton Street in Dublin is a popular tourist destination as well, not only for its shopping, but also for its cafe culture. Stop for a cup of coffee and a traditional Irish breakfast and just take it all in. It’s a whole vibe.

The Rock of Cashel is the top heritage site of the country. A 15th century castle is surrounded by a Gothic cathedral, the High Cross and Romanesque Chapel as well as the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. This group of impressive medieval buildings all sit on top of a limestone rock foundation.

Last but not least, the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone. Who hasn’t heard of the Blarney Stone? This is one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions and is truly a ‘must-see’. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this castle was built over 600 years ago. Dare to hang your head over the parapets to kiss the stone and it is said that you will be given the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness.

All of the incredible attractions aside, Ireland is also one of the countries offering a financial stipend for those wanting to relocate. The stipulations for this offer are geared toward entrepreneurs who are willing to start a business in Ireland. They even offer relocation support, advice and mentoring, as well as business funding. Enterprise Island is the organization that you would need to contact if this sounds right for you. More information can be found on their website. www.enterprise-ireland.com/

Italy

Italy….need I say more? This beautiful and historic country is home to some of the most beautiful art, interesting fashion, not to mention film, opera and literature that have been raved around the world. The people are inviting and very warm in nature. While there are always exceptions to this, they are generally very welcoming and kind. Italy also has an affordable cost of living and the salaries tend to match. Of course, smaller towns will be more affordable than the larger cities. Milan, Florence and Rome will cost a bit more, but the smaller towns are where you will get a true taste of the beautiful scenery that blankets the countryside. Not only is the cost of living relatively low, the healthcare system is one of the best. They have universal healthcare that is funded by taxes. Because of this it is universal and free.

With all of these perks, I imagine you are already close to being convinced and we haven’t even gotten to the food yet!

Italian cuisine is considered to be one of the top styles of cuisine all around the world. Everyone knows it, and most people enjoy it. What isn’t to like? The coffee, pasta, gelato, risotto and, of course, the pizza are world renowned. Italian food is focused on the freshest ingredients that are often sourced locally and tend to be organic since GMO crops are forbidden in Italy. Mediterranean food is some of the healthiest on the planet, and it is my opinion that the Mediterranean diet has something to do with the extended life expectancy. The life expectancy of Italians is almost 10 years longer than those living in the US. The wine that accompanies the exquisite food is some of the best due to the ideal climate for viticulture.

If I have done my job well, you already have your bags packed and you are ready to go. Now for the really good part. Italy is one of the countries that will pay you to move there and invest in their villages. There are areas of the country that are trying to fight depopulation of their small towns. Some of these areas are quite rural while some of them just have an aging population. Keep in mind that there are typically requirements that include time commitments, business development, and/or investments, most of the areas that are encouraging people to move also include a money stipend. These areas are often changing, so make sure to do your homework before you get on a plane.

It’s important to note that the specific programs and incentives offered by these countries can change over time, so it’s a good idea to do your own research and consult with immigration experts before making any decisions.

If you are thinking of moving abroad, what places top your list? I would love to hear about it!

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Are you a hodophile?

If the idea of traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures gets your heart racing, you just might be one. Hodophile (noun):Origin – Greek

“hodos” meaning path or journey

“phile” meaning lover of.

-A person who loves to travel or has a strong desire to explore new places and experience different cultures. They are often motivated by a sense of curiosity and adventure and seek out opportunities to discover the world around them. They may enjoy learning about different languages, trying new foods, meeting new people, and immersing themselves in unique experiences that are only possible through travel.-

The word may be unfamiliar to you but if the feeling is one you relate to, embrace it and welcome to our community! As a hodophile, you likely have a deep love for adventure and discovery. You enjoy exploring new places, meeting new people, and immersing yourself in unique experiences that are only possible through travel. Whether it’s visiting a new city, trying a new food, or learning a new language, you’re always seeking out opportunities to broaden your horizons and expand your perspective. One of the joys of being a hodophile is the ability to break out of your comfort zone and experience things you never thought possible. Traveling to a new place can be exhilarating, as you’re presented with new challenges and opportunities to grow as a person. Whether it’s navigating a new city, trying new foods, or engaging with people from different backgrounds, traveling allows you to step outside of your everyday routine and experience life in a different way. Another benefit of being a hodophile is the opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. By visiting new places, you gain a better understanding of the world around you and the people who inhabit it. You can learn about different traditions, customs, and beliefs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the human experience.

Of course, being an adventure addict isn’t always easy. Traveling can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes even stressful. But for those who are truly passionate about it, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The memories and experiences gained through travel are priceless, and can leave you impacted in ways you never imagined. If you’re a hodophile, grab hold of your love for adventure and exploration. Seek out new places, meet new people, and take risks that challenge you to grow and evolve. Travel has the power to transform us in ways we never thought possible, and as a curious hodophile, you have the opportunity to experience it all. Take this short quiz to find out if you are, in fact, a hodophile.

Created on February 20, 2023 By

Stamped

Choose any that apply to you.

Check any box that applies to you.

*Spoiler alert* There is no score! If you choose even 1, you are a hodophile.

1 / 1

Check all that apply to you.

Do you love to travel?

Are you drawn to adventure?

Do you enjoy learning about new cultures?

Have you lived in another country?

Do you have a diverse group of friends from all over the world?

Do you love trying new foods?

Have you studied a language for fun?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

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Welcome!

Welcome to the Get Stamped blog! I am so excited to create a space for like-minded hodophiles to come together and share adventures, stories and ideas! My name is Dani and I am addicted to all things travel, culture and language. All of it fascinates me!

I grew up moving back and forth between two different small towns. One was in the Midwest and the other was in the South. While very different from one another, they did have similar narrow views on people, places and languages that weren’t similar to their own. Thanks to my grandmother I was an avid reader and would often explore new ‘lands’ through books. I didn’t understand the hesitation people had toward the unfamiliar. I was fascinated by the differences! These two things combined, are part of what sparked my interest in actively seeking what was outside of my comfort zone.

No matter where I was as a child and teen, I could regularly be found laying in the grass and watching the sky. I was an ardent daydreamer and would focus on the planes that I spotted passing through the clouds. I would imagine myself on them and I would create a story about the entire trip in my mind. I would start on the plane and then the daydream would evolve into imagining where I would land and what I would do once I got there. At this point in my life, I had never even been in an airport, much less taken a flight. This might have been the beginning of my exploration into manifesting, but at the time I was just daydreaming.
After I graduated from high school, I decided to go out-of-state for college. While there, I found myself active with the International Student Association and I just knew I had to study abroad. I found a program in Spain and jumped on it. I had always been interested in learning Spanish so I thought it was the perfect location. It took me a couple of tries to get accepted to the program and to get the money I needed to live there for 6 months, but the exchange was finally approved and I was ecstatic! I had never been out of the country, but I was up for the challenge.

Throughout the exchange program, and college in general, I was fortunate to meet people from all over the world. Getting to know them while seeing how differently they lived fascinated me. It opened my mind to new ideas, new friendships, and new adventures. College was an overall great experience for me because I was able to find my footing on my own and break out of my shell. I have a clear memory of thinking, ‘nobody here knows me or that I am shy so I am going to pretend that I’m not and see what happens.’ It worked! I am still shy but I have learned how to break free from that at times and exert myself. I was able to try out different interests and started to get an idea of who I was and who I wanted to be.

After college, I made it my mission to continue my adventures. Traveling, working abroad and finding local events while at home kept my passions fed. My goal with Stamped is to bring these things to people who otherwise might not have been able to reach them. I also want to create a safe space where a community of adventurers, language nerds, and hodophiles from around the world can form friendships and come together. I know what it is like to feel stuck and to be told ‘You can’t do that’. I am here to tell you that the idea that ‘you can’t’ is bullshit and if you really want it, you absolutely can.

Like many of you, the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to any travel plans initially and is still slowing a lot of people down. While I was grateful for the time I had at home with my husband and dog, I am itching to get back out there. Thankfully, I was able to travel a bit around the US these last couple of years. I had regularly put any US destinations on the bottom of my list and prioritized international travel. The pandemic slowed me down and gave me motivation to explore more here at home. It also sparked an idea. Why not bring adventure to people? It is a passion of mine, why not spread the love. This is how Stamped was born.

The idea has evolved over time, and I am still exploring all of the possibilities, but I am excited to launch this blog and start building this community together! If we have learned anything, it is that community is important. Being an introvert, even one who has periods of extroversion, this has been a challenge and I know that I am not alone.

Over the summer of 2020, I had a call with a lovely lady, Meredith Rom (https://www.meredithrom.com/), and she challenged me to explore myself and what I wanted my life to look like. After getting off of that call I walked many laps around my backyard and recorded my thoughts on my phone. I used the video on the camera but all you could see was the sky. It was kind of poetic when you think of it. My goal wasn’t to make a video, but to just get my thoughts down quickly. I knew my hand couldn’t write as fast as my thoughts were flying so journaling wasn’t the best option in that moment.

I talked to myself about my life. Where it had taken me, where it was and where I wanted to go. I rattled on about always feeling like I didn’t quite fit the mold… any mold really. I had friend groups, but I never quite fit in perfectly with any of them, yet I fit in with all of them. It was a strange feeling. I had been told that I was like water. I could reach anywhere but would never form to one spot. I used to think something was wrong with me, but in that discussion with myself, I found strength in it. Why not ebb and flow? What was wrong with having several different friend groups, even if none of them meshed with the others? What was so wrong with not fitting one mold?

Nothing…. Nothing is wrong with that. I realized that it didn’t make me an outcast, but rather, an adaptable being. I could relate and/or empathize with almost anyone. It is a super power, really.

Once that shift took place in my mind, it felt like I was finally able to breathe. Not only that, I just knew that I wasn’t the only one that felt that way. I truly believe that most open-minded people with wanderlust spirits have felt similarly at some point. The spirit of adventure wants you to go, wants you to explore and wants you to continue to learn. Those of us that enjoy the adventure have to be adaptable. If not it is much harder to adjust to new cities, foods, or cultures in general.

If you can relate, you are in the right place! If you can’t quite relate but are interested anyway, welcome! Welcome to a community of adventurers, avid travelers, continuous learners, and everyone in between!

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