Some places never really leave us. Somehow, even after countless journeys through renowned cities in over a dozen different countries, this tiny town tucked into the Flint Hills still takes my breath away.
Emporia, KS. This place has a permanent spot in my heart. This town shaped so much of who I am. The moment we set foot in our old stomping grounds, I was flooded with a rush of happy memories of old times. Being on the old college campus was especially nostalgic.
We only had one night there, so we wanted to make the most of it. One of the highlights of the trip was discovering that Emporia actually has an Airbnb place and booking a room in an old Victorian house right by the downtown so we could walk to all of our favorite places. If you haven’t tried Airbnb yet, it is a must!! It’s usually much cheaper and more comfortable than a hotel with the added bonus of local hosts who usually welcome you and clue you in on your surroundings. We had a great time chatting and swapping travel stories! Nothing feeds the soul like meeting fellow travelers.
In addition to strolling down memory lane, we also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to eat at some of our old favorite restaurants. Stop #1 was Radius, a super tasty gastropub that opened right before we moved. It’s soooooo good! I’m really going to miss American food in a couple weeks!
Porter-infused creme brulee = best dessert ever!!
After stuffing our faces, we walked around downtown a bit more, sorry that we couldn’t spend more time there. It seems crazy that it’s only been a little over a year since we left Emporia, and yet it seems like a lifetime ago. It feels different and exactly the same all at once.
We went to both of our favorite local coffee shops and picked up beans to take back to Turkiye!
Being back where all of my crazy dreams started to take shape really made me want to conquer those dreams all over again: reading more, writing more, teaching better, and studying languages. Oh, and definitely more traveling!
Forever a Hornet!
It was so great to be back in our former home. I’m looking forward to going back again next summer! My heart is happy and recharged with new ambitions for the year ahead.
