A bit of back story: I figured that I had accomplished all the goals I set in high-school by getting a good job, university education, fancy sports car and finally a new apartment. On paper it was everything everyone would want right? Wrong. I was unhappy and miserable. I took Computer Science and Math instead of History and Art because that's what my parents wanted for me so I could be successful. I felt cheated because I was young and didn't think for myself... I always told myself I would go traveling later and kept putting it off in order to follow someone elses dreams for me. I pre-purchased into the condo development before it was complete at a low price, the real-estate market peaked. I called up the mortgage guy and canceled the appointment and went to a real-estate person instead. It took 4 days to sell the place and I took the first offer. After taxes and fees I had just shy of $40,000 for selling what amounted to a piece of paper and paid off all my debts and started planning. I gave my work 8 months notice that I was leaving and stayed with my folks until I left a year later. I planned and prepared for my trip, it was the first time in my entire life I felt free and in control.
I traveled all through Europe, 17 countries in total. I spent a day in the Louvre, swam in the Mediterranean, wandered the streets of Pompeii, Para-Sailed in Corfu, rode a camel by the Pyramids, had one foot in Asia and another in Europe, drank beer in a real Beer Hall from a .5 liter stein, climbed mountains in Switzerland, Whitewater rafted in Austria, got stoned in Amsterdam, saw musicals in London... you get the idea. If you take the time right now you could do all those things and more, but it does take a small amount of sacrifice and guts. I cant tell you how many times I though "How the fuck did I get here, this is the best day of my life"
It was a life changing year and in my eyes the best thing I have ever managed to do. I learned more about the world and myself in that year then I could have hoped for. It changed my outlook on just about everything, I realized money and possessions are not all they're cracked up to be. Some of the happiest people I encountered were people who had nothing. We're talking mud-brick walls and no roof, dirt floor and no water or power. That kind of stuff sticks with you forever.
I met so many Aussies in Europe I ended up heading to Australia for about 6 months. I consider my friends from my year abroad to be my best friends and would do anything for them. There is something about meeting other backpackers, most are very straightforward and actually act like themselves. You don't have to "wear a mask" like you do at home, if someone doesn't like you fuck them you'll never see them again :P I found most people to be genuine and rather kind. Facebook is amazing for keeping in touch with people.
If you have any questions fire away, I can't recommend taking the trip enough. Getting the travel bug is totally worth it.
This post finally decided to make an account after around 4 years of lurking."
"You are still young. I'd rather live with the mistake, than with the regret of not doing something, and not knowing what could have been the outcome."
^THIS!
This will be pretty useful to me one day.
No comments:
Post a Comment