First stop - Hiking in Iceland

How does one get back to real life after spending nearly 3 months traveling and experiencing all this world has to offer?  Is there such thing as reverse culture shock because if there is, I think I have it?  With it being about a month since coming home and back to real life I thought it would be good to reflect on my 12 weeks abroad.  Here are just a few things I learned about the world and myself…

The world owes you nothing

Connecting with a fellow Angeleno (someone from LA) in Vietnam and having drinks with her made us both realize that a lot of people in the US feel entitled to things, as though the world owes them something.  I’m definitely guilty of this as I thought the world revolved around the United States.  I can now see why many people from other countries look at the US the way they do.

Nothing can replace the sights, sounds and smell of visiting a place

We live in a connected world where you can be in any part of the world within a few clicks, virtually.  I thought why travel when you could just jump on YouTube and see everything you need from every corner of the world.  I can tell you from experience, it’s not the same!  From the 95+ sweltering heat in Athens to the 1000% humidity in Bangkok, those are the things you need to experience (or not).

There is no right or wrong way to live your life

Although the majority of people I met were in their 20s/early 30s, I did meet a few older solo travelers.  Hearing everyone’s stories from where they’re from to why they’re traveling was really inspiring. One of my favorite conversations was with an older gentleman from Ireland (we met in Madrid, Spain) who was on his way to start the El Camino de Santiago trek that many embark on each year.  Chatting for about 20-30 minutes and learning about his plans to conquer the 2-3 week trek across Northern Spain was not only impressive but inspiring!

Australians are one of the friendliest people on this Earth and I wish I had their accents

Since Australia is on the opposite end of the hemisphere, it is their winter season from June-August.  To escape the cold (although I’ve heard it’s not that harsh), many Australians go on ‘holiday’ to travel.  Although I hadn’t met a lot of Australians going into my travels, all my interactions with them were very positive.  My travels only reaffirmed my affinity towards them.  From the ones I met, they were very laid back and really friendly.  They had the laid-back California vibe only with Australian accents. *Fun fact: Outback Steakhouses are NOT from Australia*

Americans on the left, Australians on the right - Rome, Italy

Avoid traveling to Italy in August (if you can)

Seeing as how this was a last minute trip, I didn’t have the luxury of choosing the time period of traveling in Europe.  Many countries take a week or two off in Europe as their ‘holiday’ and travel around the continent.  If I had to do it again, I would definitely go in the Spring or Fall when it’s less busy with tourists and much nicer weather.

Traveling solo forces you to enjoy your own company

I was pretty comfortable and happy with myself going into this adventure.  Learning to keep myself company whether it was eating alone, walking through a foreign city or having a few drinks at a bar was just a few experiences that I can think back to when the feeling of loneliness arises.  I learned that I’m enough and don’t need someone to be with me to experience new things.

Phone addiction is a worldwide phenomenon

According to the latest estimates, about 63% of the population worldwide own a mobile phone.  Out of the 63% I’m willing to guess that 25%-30% are addicted to their phones.  I’m not sure what classifies having a problem but I was really surprised to see so many people glued to their phones.  Even in a developing country like Vietnam I saw young kids glued to their phones.

Traveling makes you rich in ways money cannot

As the saying goes, ‘spend your money on experiences/travel and not on things.’  Even though I went over my budget for this trip, it was more than worth it for all the memories made.  I could have easily spent my money on a new car but how long before that ‘new car smell’ starts to wear off.  The priceless memories and moments you experience will last you a lifetime.

Miyagi-san out

At the end of the day, it was the best 12 weeks of my life that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  This travel bug has not yet gone away and part of me wishes it never will.  It’s made me appreciate everything I have in my life, both bad and good. Most of all, it’s broadened my perspective on life and opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking and living.  I feel like a more compassionate, less judgmental person.  I hope you’ve enjoyed following the journey as much as I have had to share it with you.  Hopefully, you were entertained, educated or inspired to get out there, take risks and see the world! Oh yeah, and watch my travel videos again…I’m trying to get to a million views.

QOTP: “It’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.” –unknown