That’s right. Like a good bout with déjà vu, I am back in the good ol’ U.S. of A. I have actually just arrived at the Washington Dulles Airport and am trying to make some quick observations and judgments (yes, judgments) on the cross section of people before me. Now, granted, I am in an airport. It is probably more international than the average American main street. But now I sit waiting for my domestic connection to vacation hotspot, Newark, New Jersey and am surrounded by a majority of Americans.
So who do I see? The basic answer is a little of everything: fat people, fit people, sloppy people, well-dressed people, short, black, tall, white, on and on. Possibly a bit less stylish and civilized than those I left hours ago in France, but probably also a bit friendlier.
America really is the least homogonous place I’ve seen in a long time and hence we are back to the oft-used term of melting pot. America truly is one big fat creamy stew of all kinds and you just can’t put a label on it – many try to and many labels stick, but I am here to say – peel them off! As I traveled, I met a lot of folks who think they know who Americans are, but I think we are practically indefinable.
My traveling days are over… at least for now. Well, maybe just on a hiatus. Okay…. a ten day hiatus. I am soon going down to Virginia (dragging the same damn bag) to see my brother, sis-in-law, and cutie-pie nephew, Nick.
Then I will fly over to visit my mom in Colorado for some nice hugs and laughs. Then I will be back in New Jersey for my dad’s nuptials and then finally, in May, I return to my beloved Chicago where I suppose I will hang out for awhile and see what materializes. And believe it or not, I’m ready, so ready in fact that I counted down the days (good thing they were numbered – that made it easier).
‘What?’ you say. Yes. I’m tired, mentally tired. And it all goes in line with what I’d learned the first ‘go around.’ I need to do things – work, volunteer, anything that makes me feel local or keeps me in a place for a few months.
On this leg of the journey, I traveled because I had a free ticket so I figured why not? But then I traveled more like a tourist which taught me again that that’s not what I want to be. Don’t get me wrong, I had great times and met more and more interesting and fun people, saw beautiful places from France to Egypt and Estonia to Israel, but I suppose for now I need to hang up my walking shoes.
I have been traveling on and off now for 2 ½ years or 29 months or 124 weeks or roughly 875 days. Sometimes I travel fast… jetting on cheap budget European airlines to my next city and sometimes I travel slow – getting an apartment and a temporary job and not touching my bag for several months. But, I think, as marathon runners often say, ‘I am finally hitting the wall.’ And scary and limiting as it may be, perhaps it is time to ‘plant some roots’ again and see how it all feels – I’ll probably feel like a caged monkey and possibly it won’t be long until I’m off and running again.
Fancy a Swedish Fika?
you'll be ready to leave in 2 weeks….
This is just a prediction on my part. You've gone all over the world for almost 3 years and you've really seen much of the US prior to that. I think I'll call a friend of mine with NASA. Your next trip will be to Mars. I can see your posts now….while everyone here is green, you needn't stay long to realize there are no two antennae that are exactly alike. I like martians alot. I too, have become green with envy of the lifestyle. I never realized the conflict they had with Venusians over an old satellite they fought over. My fellow galaxy surfers and I all got jobs detailing flying saucers. It's big business here.
This post reads with resolution and a bit of lament. Rest assured, Chicago awaits with open arms to welcome you back, hear your stories and provide you with good soil for roots to grow. As you mention, the USA and thereby Chicago are a wonderful collection of people from every corner of the globe. We will help you channel those travel urges into deep exploration of the world of Chicago's varied and engaging neighborhoods. Welcome home.
Oh Lisa, you remind me so much of myself when I finally put away the backpack (always temporarily, though).
I remember the day I made the decision. I'd come home for the birth of my niece after three years on the road, intending to stay a week or so. Or two. Or three. And then someone offered me a writing gig. And then another. That was nine years ago and I'm still home, with a huge farmhouse, lots of cats, and soon, chickens.
But you know what? I wouldn't trade those years on the road for anything. They are perhaps my most treasured memory and never really leave my mind and my heart. And who knows – some day, I may feel the need to circle the world again and if I do, maybe you'd like to come to France and house-sit 15 rooms and seven cats for me? 🙂
Happy landings! I can tell just how right it must feel for you.
2 1/2 years on the road…that's something! Well, you are finally at home now…maybe you should stick around for sometime. And when you decide to travel again, don't forget to include India in the travel itinerary..:)
I think sometimes the best part of traveling is coming home. That may sound crazy, but sometimes I appreciate home most when I'm on the road. I miss my family, friends, my own pillow, my grocery store. The inverse is true too – when I'm at home too long, that's when I want to get on the road, the longer the better.
Maybe that's just the cycle of life! Could the same be said of dating, being a student, unemployed, etc…?
I guess the trick is to enjoy something while it lasts, and to know when it's time to pack up.
Welcome home, Lisa. Funny that I had to go to Spain to meet you, only to find you're coming home to Chicago. =)
Lisa,
I hope that day comes soon!…:). Now I am eager to read what are you going to write about….How does it feel to come back home after such a long journey!?…:)
welcome back