When the adventure ends. Back in the USofA 😔

August 12, 2023- August 26th, 2023. MULTI- COUNTRY ADVENTURE SUMMARY: Well, they say ‘nothing lasts forever’, such an unfortunate truth in that for most scenarios. I’d love to say I had an amazing journey and made so many memories, and it’s nice to be back home but the truth is…I want more. It was so difficult boarding that flight back from Scandinavia/The Nordic. I actually was tearing up. This was the first time I updated my blog posts daily, and I enjoyed it very much. I was capturing the memories not only for myself but to share with you guys- it always brings me such joy to show and tell about other cultures that I’ve learned about first hand. It’s just, coming back, when you’re on a thrilling adventure and going non-stop, to the regular pace of a working life brings this sadness that I can’t actually put into words. It’s like, it’s never enough. And the return is so disappointing.

Let’s stay positive? Ok, I can do that. I’m generally a very positive person. I think the issue I’m having is, while I was away I questioned a lot in my life. The daily grind. The routine. The boredom because of the routine. I questioned my purpose, my wants vs needs. I questioned my entire existence to be completely candid. I want more. When? What? Lots of questions to figure the answers to…. It’s always a bit surreal, the adventure and thrill of exploring new places and cultures. I didn’t watch tv/movies for an entire 16 days and it didn’t even cross my mind to. I was beyond fulfilled with, life. In reality. The escape that tv/movies offers was completely unnecessary. It was such a great euphoric existence the entire time.

I send myself postcards from every location I visit. Awaiting their arrival via the mail is excitement in itself. I wrote myself highlights, feelings about what I’m experiencing, just in case I come down with dementia or Alzheimer’s at some point- they’re just reminders of my memories in those particular moments in those exact places. It also gives me something more to look forward to, as they arrive one by one.

I was on the go non-stop. Sleeping a few hours a night then back at it. I actually tracked miles and steps walked, time spent on the railway and the cruise/ferries.

I wanted to share the treasures I procured along my travels. I only purchased authentic, handmade, from the country, and composed of a crystal/stone/piece that has history from said country. I enjoy supporting local craftsmanship and artistry, and I find that when I do purchase something it should be one of a kind, rare, and have a special meaning.

Another thing that I absolutely love collecting is currency from the countries I visit. Each country has such interesting and diverse currency, I find it fascinating. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have their own currency. Finland’s currency is the € Euro. Estonia is now on the € Euro as well, however years ago they had their own form of currency. I was able to buy their native currency in a small antique shop in ‘The Old Town’ in Tallinn.