The Traveler

I've seen a lot of quotes about traveling.

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
"I want travel the world even if I have to live out of a suitcase."

The last one sounds a little like "so you want to be a hobo??" But the others tend to inspire young people to do something outside of their typical life. However its always difficult (financially, mentally, etc.) to make that jump into the unknown. You'll never know what new things you'll find out about yourself.

For myself, I wanted to just drop everything and travel after reading "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I, too, had my fair share of messy break-ups and when I read Ms. Gilbert's take on a jump-started life I was very moved. I tell everyone Ms. Gilbert's book is like my personal "bible" because every time I go through something difficult I look up inspiration in her book. I have notes and markings all over the pages, which I'm very proud of.

When I finally got to Singapore, (a major accomplishment by myself and my family who supports me), I didn't get the feeling that so many travelers say they have - a sense of this is where I'm meant to be. Instead I felt like I took a wrong turn and I kept thinking "why am I here?" I keep asking myself that. It helps me get out of bed, forcing me to attempt at answering the question with "to tour the city" or "to get started with my career." Every single night, though, my mind picks at me and my day and says "are you sure you know what you're doing?" Something isn't right here.

A true world traveler can get up and be excited to go out and do new things that they are not familiar with. A true world traveler can be open to cultures that are totally different than the one the traveler grew up in. A true world traveler, (this is the big thing I forgot), can move on to someplace new and carefully let go of the things and people they left behind... Yes, its great to go to another place, but you have to be ready to leave and not just move.

This trip showed me that I got too attached to my hometown. I can't stay away from it too long. Sadly, I'm not the true world traveler I wanted to be, but if life hands me a suitcase you know I'm going to make lemonade! ... wait.....