How do you go back to real life?

After a little over 24 hours of travel, I've made it home safely. Laundry, unpacking and napping will now commence, but I did write this on the plane while still over Brazil. I'll be happy to see you all again.

"Writing this on the plane headed home. I’ve been crying on and off all day.

When I stepped off the bus two weeks ago in Buenos Aires, I was so terrified it took me a few moments before I was able to move. Overwhelmed by the feeling of isolation, of loneliness; that moment when you realize you just got what you wanted, and best of luck to you because now you actually have to do it. I went to bed hungry because I was too intimidated to go into a restaurant.

Flying over South America now with the moon shining down over the Andes, I want nothing more than to stay. Everything that took up my thoughts back home seems so distant tonight. If I could just live the rest of my years like I lived the past two weeks, I think I’d be among the happiest people who ever lived. It’s been the purest experience of my life.

I’m sorry I haven’t been good about writing these past few days. It’s been a combination of sketchy at best WiFi and that I was taking a few personal days. I will say that it rained on the one day I was in Mar del Plata, but the sun came out in the afternoon and the ten hours on a bus was totally worth it.

Among the things I’ve learned on this trip:

-       How to be really good at charades.

-       How to phase out snoring and sleep regardless.

-       Not to pack a hair dryer, you’ll never use it anyway.

-       Most people want to help.

-       Language is not as big a barrier as it may seem.

Coston told me, “You’re going to hate going back to work. Hate it. But just remember that every hour your there is another hour closer to your next trip.” And as much as I know some people reading this are going to hate that (mom and dad), it’s true. 

The drama of day-to-day life has fallen away, and a beautiful clarity has taken hold of me. The important things are crystal clear, and the rest… it’s a big world, and they don’t mean a damn thing when you get a little perspective.  I feel focused, empowered, zen.

And sad. So, so sad that this adventure has come to its’ end. As kitsch as it may sound, I just keep telling myself not to cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened. Look forward, because there is a lot more to do and see. Argentina will always hold a place in my heart, because it was the first, but it won’t be the last."