Here we go again. I’m once again packing as much of my life as I can fit into a suitcase and shipping myself across the world.
This scene looks pretty familiar by now. My clothes folded into messy piles all around my room- “definitely take,” “maybe if I have room,” “last minute laundry.” I’m slowly crossing off my to-do list, running final errands, responding to goodbye texts. By now I’ve got this leaving thing down pat. I can pretty much pack my entire life into a suitcase in 20 minutes flat. 15 if I’m pressed for time.
But even though I’ve done this so many times before- put my home life on pause and taken off for a new country, new adventure- it doesn’t really make the leaving part any easier. Sure, it’s not the ceremonious departure it used to be. Elaborate going away parties with tears and promised Skype calls have dwindled down to relaxed drinks and final goodbye coffees with a couple close friends. Which is fine. The song and dance of painful, drawn out goodbyes sometimes just makes things harder.
Having been home for over two months makes it especially hard to leave. I’ve gotten into a routine here and will miss the comfort of being home. Warm days by the pool. Shouting out answers during Jeopardy with my dad. Drinking wine and watching trashy reality TV with my mom. The little things.
This summer was especially a good one. I celebrated my birthday at home for the first time in three years. I got to see three of my closest college friends get married in beautiful ceremonies. I spent much needed girl time with my best friends and even found time to meet up with old friends I hadn’t seen in years. I got to see my beautiful family every single day. Having all these incredible people in my life makes it that much harder to leave, but I’m so grateful I have them all waiting for me whenever I end up back home.
So with that much love at home, why leave? Well, for better or worse I’ve been bitten by the travel bug, hard. Somewhere between buying my first ticket to Mexico and becoming a full time traveler, this has become my absolute passion. I’m happiest with my life in my pack, holes in the same clothes I’ve been wearing for months, my hair matted to the point of semi-dreadlocks, living off what we need instead of what we want. Traveling really puts things in perspective. Spending time in developing countries really shows us how ridiculously privileged we are. Stripping back all the frivolous stuff, leaving behind our iPhones and makeup and hair products, we can really see what’s important: finding clean water, nutritious food, a comfortable place to sleep and spending time with people that inspire us to be passionate, adventurous and grateful.
And it doesn’t hurt that I have the absolute best travel companion in the world. Equally as much as it kills me to say goodbye to family and friends in the US, I am just as excited to finally be reunited with the love of my life. I feel so incredibly lucky to have my best friend to travel with. As cheesy as it sounds, it was an absolute gift for him to walk into my life in Pisco. I can’t imagine a better travel companion, or life companion, someone who is just as spontaneous and thirsty for adventure as I am. Someone to share my incredible experiences with.
So, tonight I’m off on yet another long-ass plane trip. I can’t wait for the energy of the airport. To throw on my headphones and be pulled along into the frenetic current of motion, people in constant movement toward every part of the globe. And to finally be reunited with Jules so we can keep going together on our crazy, chaotic whirlwind adventure.
What a lovely, heartfelt post. You guys are amazing. I have also spent some time apart from Nick and it was very, very tough. Being together again is the best feeling ever. You guys are amazing, I hope we’ll have the chance to meet in person one day.
Aw, thanks Margherita! We’d love to meet you guys someday too 🙂
Good luck with your next adventure! It sounds like you are ready.
Thanks Mindi!
I know exactly how you feel. Saying goodbye the first time to your family and friends seems so hard, however you soon realise how easy it actually is…and to be fair….If you would go to university in a different city or work somewhere else you would probably see them the same amount. being in a different country just motivates you to really stay in touch with the people that matter!
Very true Linda! I’m terrible at keeping in touch with people but I make an effort for the people that matter most. And thats true, I saw my family a bit more during Uni but not a whole lot more!
I love packing my bag, and yeah the hardest part is saying goodbyes sometimes you tend to be so emotional
Yep, goodbyes are so tough! But its all part of the journey. And it makes coming back home even better!
I had commented on this post before but I know you had some issues… This post and this experience is very close to me and I know how you feel. Dhanish has moved with me to Portugal and is adjusting to everything (all is different from language to habits). I, for the first time, don’t feel at home at all. I’m guessing we’ll be fine anywhere in the world as long as we are together — that is the biggest lesson a two year-old long distance relationship has taught us. Right now we are planning next steps which may include moving to a new country where we both feel “at home”.
Thanks for taking the time to comment again Sandra! I appreciate that. I can totally relate. It’s difficult to find a place that really feels home to both people. We’ve been to the US which Jules really liked and now we’re in Australia which I love but it will always be an adjustment. Finding a place to call home but looking for it can be a real adventure! Did you see the movie “Away We Go”? It’s about a couple looking for “home.” Check it out. I hope your search finds you in a beautiful, lovely place 🙂
I know how you feel but the adventure is always worth it! Good luck on your travels!
Thanks Elaine! It definitely has been worth it!
Aw, I can’t imagine how it would feel being away from the love of your life. As hard as family goodbyes are, to be reunited with Jules must have been amazing. Such a beautifully written piece from the heart.
Thanks Lynn, that’s so sweet! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. I am going through this same thing right now… I’ve been home for a few months, but I am packing up and leaving back to Bangkok in 10 days. It’s been wonderful being here with all the love of my family and friends, but I too am happiest with my life in a suitcase and new perspectives. I hope you’re enjoying your chaotic, crazy adventure… I know I am!
Aw thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post. Yep, we know how you’re feeling. We’re headed to Thailand next year! Let us know if you’ll still be in the area!