I had a conversation with my college roommate last night and she was quizzing me on my trip, asking a myriad of questions mostly focusing on why I’m doing it and how emotionally can I do it. Then, she asked flat out if I got lonely and is there anything I “miss”. The truth be told is “No” I really don’t get lonely I have been lonelier in Rockford, in the house by myself dealing with my brother’s estate, then I was during seven months of traveling across Europe. Truth is I never travel alone, there are always hundreds of people going in the same direction as me and I tend to meet them, everywhere and anywhere. I strike up a conversation and boom – the bus or train ride takes less time and I made a new friend. I always sit at the bar when I go to a restaurant or pub. That way I have someone on either side of me and a bartender to converse with. Plus, it comes with perks – just today, I got two free shots and a tapas sample due to an order being mixed up. If I were to sit at a table, I would dine alone, yes. Also, I really like staying at Airbnb’s or Hostels – the opportunity for meeting people is terrific and I can get a lot of tips on what to do wherever I am or going. Plus, I have had numerous friends, from back home, that have come to visit me while I’m traveling and others that I have met by chance because they were in the area. I really enjoy that…
I admit that there are some things that I miss, including driving my sports car fast with the windows open, the music blaring and my hair flying in the wind. I miss cooking in my own kitchen. While I still do cook on the road it’s not the same as having my own gadgets, spices and equipment. I miss YooHoo. There are times I wish I could share my experiences with someone special, having the opportunity to say five years from now “hey, remember when we…”. It also that human touch (one of my love languages) that I miss. I miss a good FL Thunder & Lightening Storm. And finally, I do miss my bed – Mine was a large bad ass custom-made one from Thailand, which was amazingly comfortable.
But what I am doing is not forever. And I do plan on settling down someplace and reconnecting. The amount of I Experiences I have had out-weighs any difficulties there may be. This is the most amazing life. I know I am blessed, and I don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Traveling, being the ultimate minimalist, connecting with other people, living new cultures, tasting different foods and seeing so many countries makes me a better person. I think it is important. If more people explored the world this way, barriers would be broken down and we would all get along a hell of a lot better…
