I've been back in San Francisco for about a month and a half now, spending way too much money on everyday things, dealing with some mild post-travel depression, and working through a laundry list of errands and chores to get myself back on my feet. (I'm still trying to figure out health insurance in this country.) But I'll be the first to admit that I've also been enjoying cool weather, sidewalks, reasonable traffic, normal bathrooms and showers, consistent Internet connections, and a lot more ease when catching up with friends and family. It's bittersweet to be back, but I'm happy.
I've been meditating a lot recently on how I can possibly write a post that sums up the last two and a half years and I've concluded that it's impossible. There are already hundreds, if not thousands, of well-written posts on the Internet that explain the benefits and pitfalls and emotions of long-term traveling, so I'll leave that research as an exercise for the reader.
I have to smile a little bit when I think back to all the conversations I had before I left where I was looking for justification or encouragement when faced with the terrifying option of abandoning a life I had carefully built for so long. The general consensus was "If not now, when?" and everyone who told me that was absolutely correct. I've experienced life moving at the speed of light and I have absolutely no regrets over how I've spent the last thirty months of my existence.
With that, I will leave you with a photo montage of the second half of my backpacking trip, which, I'm delighted to say, has a bit more production value than the first one. Nevertheless, both are very special to me, not only because they act as happy places that I can retreat to, but because they are the most accurate way to convey the extensive highlight reel of memories and feelings that lives inside my head.
This is perhaps a bit excessive for a "vacation video", but I couldn't care less. Want a better one? Go make your own. :-)
I've been meditating a lot recently on how I can possibly write a post that sums up the last two and a half years and I've concluded that it's impossible. There are already hundreds, if not thousands, of well-written posts on the Internet that explain the benefits and pitfalls and emotions of long-term traveling, so I'll leave that research as an exercise for the reader.
I have to smile a little bit when I think back to all the conversations I had before I left where I was looking for justification or encouragement when faced with the terrifying option of abandoning a life I had carefully built for so long. The general consensus was "If not now, when?" and everyone who told me that was absolutely correct. I've experienced life moving at the speed of light and I have absolutely no regrets over how I've spent the last thirty months of my existence.
With that, I will leave you with a photo montage of the second half of my backpacking trip, which, I'm delighted to say, has a bit more production value than the first one. Nevertheless, both are very special to me, not only because they act as happy places that I can retreat to, but because they are the most accurate way to convey the extensive highlight reel of memories and feelings that lives inside my head.
This is perhaps a bit excessive for a "vacation video", but I couldn't care less. Want a better one? Go make your own. :-)
