A few weeks ago, my life was all about the hustle of New York City. Today, it’s about navigating the winding streets of London, making new friends while sitting at a pub and planning where we will travel to next. My name is Andrea Machovec, and I’m writing to you from a cozy little flat in Chiswick, London. Swapping the grid of N.Y.C. for London’s ancient lanes has been an adventure in itself, and I’m still getting used to looking right instead of left before crossing the road! I didn't make this journey alone; this dream started years ago on a high school volleyball court back in Staten Island, New York, with my two best friends.
My journey really begins with my family. My parents are from the Czech Republic, and I grew up in a home filled with Czech language, food and culture. Both of my parents never went to college, because they emigrated to the U.S. in their early twenties. They worked very hard during those years so my sister and I could get the chance to get the education we need for a successful future. From a young age, they took me on incredible trips back to Europe to see family and explore. I learned how to navigate a new language, appreciate different traditions and see the world through a wider lens.
