I just wrote about how I’m starting on a Eurotrip and that I don’t know how long it’ll last, where I’ll go or what I want to do. While leaving Asia is bittersweet, I’m excited to have started this new leg of my journey. I don’t know whether to call it an ending or a beginning, because really, it feels like neither.
I’m truly going to miss Asia. Three-and-a-half months wasn’t enough. There were lots of places I would’ve stayed longer, and lots of places I missed entirely, but there was always a push moving me forward. Unlike last summer when I stopped when I felt like stopping, in Asia I pretty much just kept on going. I think that’s because there was so much I knew I wanted to see here, and there was always another person willing to travel with me.
While I didn’t get to explore as much of Bangkok as I would’ve liked, I did spend close to three weeks there (spread out over a few months). It’s a city I definitely want to get to know better, but now just doesn’t feel like the time.
There were many other places I would’ve stayed in longer. I only gave myself two weeks in Laos and I definitely missed a lot. My month in Cambodia really just felt like I was scratching the surface. And in 30 days in Vietnam—I only just now feel like I’m getting to truly understand this beautiful country. There’s never enough time.
So while this latest part of my Asia trip ends, something new is beginning. When I left India back in January, I felt like a different person. In the past few months, that person has grown even more. I feel lucky to have shared my recent happenings and all my travels with so many of you—whether in person or here, online. I know I’ve been posting much more regularly here on the blog and I hope to continue to do so while in Europe.
It’s hard to say it, but it feels like part of my trip is ending. I suppose it’s just because I’ve left Asia for what I imagine to be a drastically different environment. I don’t really want to say that my trip is nearing an end, though.
Going to Europe seems like a reasonable way to acclimate myself back into a non-travel lifestyle before heading home; looking for a job, owning furniture again. But I don’t really think I want my trip to end just yet. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting and exciting. After a year+ living like this, I don’t see my future any other way.
So, whether this is an ending or a beginning, I hope you’ll continue to follow along. I’m just as excited as you are to see what happens (probably more so, considering this is me were talking about).
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I can understand the mixed feelings you are having. I know you will not regret it though, I look forward to reading about it!
Thanks Rease!
I know the feeling, there’s never enough time. I’ve already been back to Asia much more than I thought I would have, so there’s hope!
Yeah, Asia’s a big enough place that there are still plenty of countries I haven’t been to yet that I’d really like to see. Not to mention a few places I’ve already been and want to visit again!
Great post Adam. I like your outlook and I appreciated reading about your time in Asia – My husband and I are planning on travelling there during our RTW trip and we need all the recommendations we can get! Best of luck in Europe and when you return to the states and we will certainly continue to follow you through this journey!
Thanks for following along Meg!
Oh man I know this feeling. I spent 3.5months in Central America and Mexico and it wasn’t enough either. I saw a lot but also missed a lot and I know one day I am going to go back with more time and see more of it. In the end I am happy to have done what I did and am looking forward to the part of my trip… as well. Hope you can make the time in Europe last forever so that way you dont have to go home…lol!!!
I always want to go back, too. And I’ll be watching you when you get to Europe to see if our paths will ever cross!
You could always keep traveling…right? :)
I’m going to based in Riga for a few weeks, so if you make it up there drop me a line!
Riga? Cool. Probably not headed that far, but you never know!
I think no time is ever enough time, anywhere! When I was living abroad (Japan, Slovakia, Germany) I thought/realised that you needed to spend at least two years in each place to get to know it “reasonably” well – the first year everything’s new, the second year you know about the local festivals and traditions and you can join in properly. But at two years per location that doesn’t give anyone much chance to see much of the world! Until someone invents a pill that means I can live for a thousand years perhaps.
Two years is soooo much time, but it’s so much fun to get to know a city. There are a handful of places I could see myself living for a year or two at a time.
We’re heading to Europe in six days and will be there through November. Having similar feelings about South America as we only had four months here and didn’t see everything we wanted to. What can you do? It’s nearly impossible to see everything we want to in this world. Maybe our paths will cross and we can catch up for a beer? =)
You’re absolutely right. It’s nearly impossible to see everything you want to see. And definitely stay in touch and let’s see about that beer…especially if you make it to Berlin anytime soon-ish!
Goodness – everyone seems to be in Berlin now! We should be there in late Oct/Nov. We begin in Portugal, Ireland, UK and then Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Hope to see you around =)
Yes, you’re always going to feel like the trip was cut short, no matter how long you stay. As always, I’ll enjoy watching this next stage of your adventure. Good luck!
And as always to you Abby, thank you!
[…] is about to embark on his last trip (to Europe) before moving back to the states after a year+ of travelling. We wish him the best of luck and I […]
I think any amount of time in Asia would probably seem like not enough! I’ve never been but hoped to spend time in a few countries between Oz and the return home…I suppose I’m saving it for another adventure!
Enjoy this beginning/ending/transition/continuation :-)