Hey there, folks! So, here’s the deal – I’ve been out of the US for 14 years now, just hopping around different spots in Asia. Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty burnt out, you know? That’s why I’ve been hanging out in a few places that I really dig, renting an apartment for a good chunk of time before moving on. Right now, I’m chilling in this cozy pad for nine months, but when the rainy season hits, I’ll sublet it out and circle back next year.
I’ve decked out my place with an air fryer, a trusty bicycle, and loads of plants – little luxuries that I couldn’t enjoy when I was living out of a bag. It’s been nice to settle into a routine, make some friends, get involved in local volunteering gigs, and even brush up on the local language. Having this sense of stability is seriously a breath of fresh air for me.
But man, let me tell you, the heat in Asia is starting to get to me. It’s been a real struggle, especially for my partner. I’ve been toying with the idea of checking out Eastern Europe and South America, but honestly, I’m just too darn exhausted to even think about starting that whole process. My partner isn’t much help in the research department, and I’ve been the one doing all the travel planning up to now. I’m just about ready to call it quits on that front.
We’ve done the whole Australia thing for a year, spent three years in Subsaharan Africa, and even did a stint in Mexico for four months. But no matter where we go, I always find myself gravitating back to Asia. It’s where I feel most at ease as an Asian person, where the food is top-notch (bonus points for all the vegetarian options), and, most importantly, where I feel safe. Safety is my number one priority, you know?
I can’t shake this feeling of getting too comfortable in Asia, though. It’s all so familiar and cozy, but I know deep down that I need a change. I reckon I should take a good long break, maybe stay put for a solid 2-3 years, and then I might be ready to take on a whole new continent. Anyone else out there feeling the same way? Let me know!