Living in any city is always different than commuting to and from it, traveling through it, or visiting for a weekend. One of the reason I loved studying abroad so much is because it allowed me to live abroad. Over time, as Santiago and Strasbourg became more and more familiar, they also became my home. I discovered my favorite coffee shops, restaurants, markets, and bars. I knew the parks well and used public transportation with ease. I acquired a routine. I felt comfortable. And as soon as I did, I knew it was time for me to get away.
I don't mean to say that I felt the need to escape... just that I needed to go elsewhere, experience someplace new, if nothing else because I then had somewhere to come back to.
I think I may have reached that point with New York. That is why I wanted to plan my September trip to Iceland (it's still very much in the works). That is why I'm taking an out-of-state overnight when K comes to visit in three weeks. That is why I'm going to Philadelphia for the Healthy Living Summit. That is why I'm hoping to take trips to Boston and elsewhere at some point this summer.
Traveling makes appreciating home, each one of them, that much more special.
I couldn't have said it any better myself. This post echoes my sentiments to the letter. I'm not sure that feeling ever goes away.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true- as someone who has relocated so frequently in life (and cannot even pinpoint where my real home is), I definitely relate! No matter where I am, I am always missing and appreciating one of my other homes.
ReplyDeletei can totally relate to this! and if you do end up coming to visit boston this summer, hit a sister up! :) there is a lot of good eating to do in this lovely little city, i can tell you that much :)
ReplyDeletei can imagine how you feel. I really admire your sense of adventure and i'm sure you'll appreciate a break from your new home
ReplyDeletei so, so, so relate to this (who is surprised?). it's been so nice to get back to traveling this year, and it's even nicer when you arrive home and realize how much you love it where you are. i can't be truly happy unless i have both in my life.
ReplyDeletei'm also all about taking local adventures, especially in the summer. there's rockaway beach and long beach, coney island (i've still never been!), hikes outside the city that make good day trips, wine tasting on long island... the list goes on. :) i'm always looking for a partner in crime!
You said it so well. "Traveling makes appreciating home, each one of them, that much more special". Definitely.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean -- I get antsy, with an urge to go do something new. I love to explore, and while there is always something new in your own city, it's so much more exciting to someplace totally unfamiliar. it's a good thing to go outside of your comfort zone, and I can't understand people who are totally content staying in one place for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteSO excited for HLS and exploring our neighborhood more!
ReplyDeleteMark Ward: I don't think it does... and I don't thin kI would want it to :).
ReplyDeletesaltwatercoffee: Exactly. Perhaps I'm even feeling it more so now because I lived in one place for so long as a child.
Mackenzie: I will most definitely let you know!
findinghappinessandhealth: Thank you, dear.
leslie: We are going to have the most spectacular summer, my twin, I just know it!
Magdalena Viktoria: I'm glad you agree :).
lookthroughmyspecs: Yes, exactly! I can't understand it either. But I suppose they have a purpose as well. We can't all be galavanting ;).
Tropical Eats: Yay! Me too.