And then what?

A little bit over a year has passed since I came home from my backpacking journey. Features in Google Photos or Facebook remind of you the pictures you took/uploaded a year (or longer), so I’m always reminded of the crazy things I did a year ago. Now I sit in an office and explain idiotic people how the internet works. Is it worth it?

About a week or two ago, I was talking to one of my coworkers about backpacking. We both would like to go to South East Asia. I’m still keen to go to Japan. It’s something completely different and I really want to have that “culture shock” moment. I did not really have that in South America.

For my birthday last year my brother got me this scratch map which I think was the best gift I got that year (also because I wanted to buy it myself and this way I saved some money). After scratching off all the places I’ve been to I realized: There’s still a lot of blank space on the map. And I’ve been backpacking for over a year.

At this point I have to say that I do not want to travel again for a year. This time I want to shorten it. Two or three months. Maybe four if I can afford it and the schedule allows it.

However, for now I just love the fact that I don’t have to worry about anything. The freedom you have when traveling, of course, is amazing but it also comes with a prize. I’m not gonna write about this now as there are already plenty of blogs around.
For me it’s just super relaxed having a fixed work schedule and the same things you do every day. Your laundry basket which you fill up and then just wash it. Buy things when you WANT to without having to think if it’s worth to keep it with you all the time.

Seeing the same old people every day (which can also be a disadvantage). Having a gym membership and actually going there AND seeing differences.

It’s all those little things I love and missed when I was backpacking. Obviously my Instagram is not as adventurous anymore, in fact, I haven’t been posting a lot lately but it’s ok. I enjoy my easy life that I have now. It’s sunny here and I make enough money to live a good life. This is obviously not going to be like this forever as I already started making semi-big changes in my life … but more about this later.

I thought when I got here I will still go out on the weekends and explore the surroundings, or book a cheap flight somewhere after all it’s Europe and RyanAir just updated their privacy policy.

BUT it turned out the other way: Lazy as I am I just relaxed. Not doing a lot. Even though I did see new places which was cool.

The only thing that really bugs me right now is should I start building something up here already or wait a bit and see for something better. The thing is, I started this TEFL course which will have a big impact on my life and probably even where I’ll end up.
The flat I’m currently living in sucks. It’s super small and sharing a flat is fun at all but at one point you just can’t take it anymore. Barcelona is quite expensive so living on your own is a big no-no. Unless you’re rich or live super far away which takes away the Barcelona feeling.

I did find some good friends here and as I started going to the gym, I like – most of the times – what I’m doing for living. And of course it’s the little things.

A few days ago I became an uncle which is just plain amazing. Last year I was the best man and became a godfather. Some more friends got married or kids and I’m thinking more and more of even having a family. As of right now I would say no.
But a few years ago I also said I never moved to Barcelona and I never work in a support center again, and look where I am now. How much can you trust this person even?

One good thing has this whole thing though: In South America I learned to be patient and sometimes you just can’t control things. Most of the times your plans are scrambled by something you haven’t even considered. All you can do is lean back, play some nice music, and enjoy the ride …