Back home I experienced a major cultural shock. Palm trees, warmth, no schedule, exotic food and wild adventures for almost 9 months. What more to ask for? It’s a lifestyle that many dream of without diving into it. I won’t lie, it does have its ups and downs. Backpacking forces you out of your comfort zone. May it be from finding accommodation to communicating with hand signs to getting food or a taxi ride. All of which making it interesting and more appealing to me. You also spend everyday with your partner, lows and high included. Wanna put your couple to the ultimate test? Go travel for an extended period of time.
Some people say they experience a cultural shock when they travel to foreign countries. Personally, I live mine coming back to my home country. While traveling, I live a very simplistic life. My backpack contains everything I need and I don’t have any deadline or responsibilities. One may say that you break free from our society’s standards or expectations. No cellphone, no monthly bills, on schedule and no ties.
So when I came back home I felt deprived of adventure. Same scenery and people everyday. My bubble had been busted. Seeing family and friends was all exciting. However I quickly fell back into the routine of finding work, an apartment, a cellphone and all the daily chores. The journey was over. So how do you switch your mindset?
First off, try to stay busy with hobbies. Then try to find adventures in your daily life. Try to meet new people and explore new locations in your own country. Coming back into a season where you can do lots of outdoor activities might have helped. Back in Newfoundland in November and December was just too muddy for hiking and too warm for snowboarding. So I started learning German and planning my next adventure. The key is to keep busy and surrounded by good friends or family. Sharing stories of our trip also made me re-live it.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem!
Alex
