When some friends asked us approximately how long we think the average destination requires, I replied that a good average is 3-4 days, but that I just get a feeling when I know it’s time to move on. I now have that feeling, but instead of moving on to the next destination I just know that it’s time for me to go home.
We originally planned to travel for up to 8 months, but it’s hard to judge how a trip is going to go until you are on it. We ended up completely changing our travel plans from our original itinerary, and although it was one of my favourite destinations, traveling 2 months in India really takes it out of you.
The Philippines has been an amazing part of our trip and I think it’s a great place to depart for home from. We came here thinking we would have endless relaxation on beautiful beaches, and although we did visit some of the worlds best beaches, most of the Philippines has been action packed. The actual travel aspect of the Philippines can also be exhausting because of the fact that it is a country of islands, so days upon days can be spent taking buses, jeepnies, ferries and tricycles to get to one destination. This is why lately I have heard my bed calling my name from Canada.
I have had an amazing time and couldn’t be happier with the route we’ve taken and have had no regrets along the way. I spent everyday seeing beautiful, disgusting, interesting, crazy, monumental and downright weird things with Nick, and as we celebrated our 7th anniversary this January I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather have shared these experiences with.
Nick is a lot tougher than I and has a higher threshold for the little things that have begun to wear me out, plus he is still as excited to see new places as we both were when we left, which is an indication that he should not yet return home. Our computer unfortunately crashed so Nick won’t be continuing with regular blog updates, but he’ll hopefully get the oportunity for a few picture posts.
Before I leave I want to address how long term budget travel isn’t as ‘fun’ as many people might imagine it to be. It might seem like backpackers simply step out on life and take a break from the stresses that plague most people. What isn’t widely understood is that it’s simply an alternative lifestyle, that brings along with it new and different stresses and frustrations. Amazing things can happen when you’re put in situations so completely different than your ‘regular’ life, but unfortunately these things don’t happen everyday. It’s on the off days that you realize this awesome backpacker life is the opposite of being irresponsible, it’s actually a big commitment to stay on the road and search for that next adventure.
When I arrive home I probably won’t see anyone for at least a week because I’ll be sleeping day and night, but when I finally wake up it will only be a matter of time before I once again decide to save all my money and journey to another area of the world to explore. So as I sit here typing this I am not saying ‘goodbye’ to our blog, I am really saying ‘see you soon.’
About Lianna
I’m so glad you’re home… <3
…
miss you Nick… come home soon!
As I type this, Lee is home and what a pleasant surprise it was to see her! We knew she was probably coming home sooner than she thought when they started out but we definitely weren’t expecting her today. Nicole opened the door and said “I brought somebody home with me” and our chins nearly hit the floor and then the hugs came, even the dogs were trying to squeeze in too – it was crazy for a while, but so great to have her home. But, there’s a feeling of something missing and that’s Nick – hey kid, journey on, and we’ll be thinking of you every day ’til you get home too. We’ll be expecting lots of pictures Nick – keep them coming please – there’s a lot of people that have been reading your blog as if they were watching a Soap on TV and we’ll all be having withdrawal symptoms soon if you don’t stay in touch – STAY SAFE – Rick, Ann, Nicole, Lianna, Buffy & little Mia
Welcome Back Lianna! I bet a shower and your own bed felt really good. Lots of love to you Nick. Safe travels.
I’m getting all teary … I’m looking forward to seeing you lee xo
Welcome home Lianna! Travel safe Nick!
Hi Lianna, Welcome home. I too was teary reading your blog and your Mom’s response. I am sure you are happy to have you own bed back. I am looking forward to seeing you and hearing about your adventure. Nick best of luck with the rest of your travels stay safe. I will be thinking of you. Mary
Lianna,Welcome home glad that your home safe.Nick enjoy the rest of your trip,stay safe and keep us posted.
Welcome home Lianna, can’t wait to see you and so glad to have you home safe and sound! Anxiously awaiting Nicks home coming but I know he has a few more mountains to climb and places to see first. So many people are going to miss the blog, thanks for letting us experience this trip along with you.
Welcome Home Lianna. What a shock I got when I heard. No more blog, it has been so wonderful to read about all your fabulous expeniences. And what amazing photos, of things we only see on T.V. I do hope that Nick will post up some photos. I can imagine you will sleep for a week, I bet you will not miss all the creepy crawleys.
Maureen
Fort Albany and Squater will always be here waiting for you!! Safe travels home!
Lianna – I hope that your homecoming was everything you wished for and more joy besides. I turned green with envy at the thought of you enjoying your own bed at home. James and I have just been out for a “homesick” meal of Western food and I can’t stop thinking about my own bed!
I wholeheartedly agree with what you say about budget travel. We are so very priviliged to be able to enjoy what we do, but unless you’re one of those “backpackers” who just unpack somewhere beautiful and sunny and sit on their behinds for the rest of their trip (usually getting wasted every day and topping up their tans!), you can get so frazzled. We’ve had a number of disagreements in internet cafes, just trying to arrange the cheapest flights, to tie in with the only bus out of a certain place in a week etc etc… and India was the toughest of the lot so far!
Congratulations for being wise enough and brave enough to know when to call it a day.
Its a shame we won’t be seeing you again on this trip, but hopefully we’ll catch up with you again one day.
Nick – we’re in Vietnam now and heading for the Philippines on 12 April, via Bali and the Gili Islands. Let us know if our paths will cross yours.
Much love xxx
Thanks to everyone for the lovely responses.
Gwen I’m glad to read your comment. It can be hard to understand what I was trying to say unless you’ve had similar travel experiences, and what you’ve added is exactly true!
I have a feeling we’ll definitely run into each other in the future. I hope James and yourself continue to have an amazing trip in Asia, then Africa and Europe. And please keep that blog updated, now that I’m home I will be needing my fix!