fernweh n
1. an ache for the distance; literally, farsickness
I’m Amanda.
I have a farsickness and I’m always hungry.
So I travel, I eat, and then I write about it.
While growing up in Michigan, I dreamt of two things: exploring the world and food. I wrote letters to my grandfather in New York telling him about my imaginary friend’s travels around the world. They mostly focused on what she ate.
My first international trip was to England when I was 12. By myself. It was then that an obsession with travel was born. Around this time my grandfather made me a bowl of tripe stew. It was then that a foodie was born.
During college I studied in Rome for a semester where I fine tuned my Italian language skills, learned to love cheap red wine, and discovered how exhilarating it can feel to wake up in a new city every weekend.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, I headed straight back to my favorite city in the world, Rome, to work as an au pair and spent a few more months eating as much pizza (potato, preferably) as possible.
I had a brief stint back in the USA, but within months realized that the 9-5, 2 weeks of vacation cubicle lifestyle was not for me. So, I moved to Seoul and taught English for two years and then headed out on a four month backpacking adventure around Southeast Asia.
After being on the road for a few months I was craving some stability again. I’m now living in London and studying for an MA in Digital Journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Besides travel and food, I love craft beer, the ocean, a great view, and The Beatles. I’m a die hard Wolverine fan and the hardest part of being abroad is missing college football season. I have a weakness for horrible reality television, you’ll never find me without my Kindle or iPhone, and I absolutely adore elephants.
And at any moment in time I am probably planning my next great meal.
I adore your blog title. I’m so jealous I didn’t think of it myself “Fernweh” is such a lovely word (German has so many cool, untranslatable words) but you have done beautifully to think up “farsickness”.
Thank you so much! German is the best, isn’t it? I wish I knew more!
I love your posts! You are an inspiring woman, and you officially have a new fan xo, Jess @ http://www.dreamingofleaving.com
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Thank you so much Jess! That means a lot
Love the title of your blog! I’ve wondered about whether there’s a real one-to-one translation of the German word Fernweh, and this is pretty good!
Thanks Dana! I can’t take much credit for it as I found the translation online, but I love it too.
I thought I was adventurous when I travelled to New York, from Switzerland (where I lived at the time) when I was 16 with my boyfriend. You were 12 when your travel bug bit you. That is incredible LOL! Nice to meet you
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That is pretty adventurous too! Thanks for the comment
Hi Amanda! I came across your blog when I googled “I miss London so much,” and I see that we both have farsickness for that fantastic city! I was there for two weeks last October with my mother for vacation and it was total bliss! Very few days go by where I don’t think about just hanging it all up and moving there. Anyway, I’m enjoying reading through your blog! I only just dipped my toes into all your posts, but I’m looking forward to catching up on all you’ve written! And thanks for introducing me to the term farsickness! Now I have a name for this terrible disease I have where the main symptom is missing faraway places!
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Thanks Thomas! London is such a captivating city. I also miss it on a daily basis. Hope your farsickness takes you to many beautiful places
Hi Amanda.
just found your blog, I love it so much. Really love your posts, I am thinking of going travelling myself soon and currently making arrangements to go to italy to work as an au pair next year, can’t wait.
Best Wishes
jess x
Thanks so much Jess! Good luck with au pairing. It’s a blast