My Last Post

Yup, the trip is now complete- and I think this will be my last post. So, first I want to say sorry to all of you out there that have at one point or another, wasted some valuable company time reading my blog...but- thankfully- March Madness can now take its place. :) But, also- to those same people- a deeply felt thank you. I'm really glad that people took an interest in the blog, and although it was always intended as a type of electronic journal for myself (so that when I'm old and can't remember my own name, at least I'll still have some stories!), it was encouraging to hear the comments on my adventures and it kept me returning to the blog to write more.

All that aside, I want to briefly mention the swirling worlds of emotions that I have gone through the last days of my trip. So strange, the emotions were...that I'm actually a bit reluctant to share the whole intensity of them to the world....nevertheless, here is the snapshot. It has really been a strange experience...leaving, that is. Actually, when I was leaving Buenos Aries (the start of my long journey home)..for the first time in several months, I really truly felt sad, but the sadness was mixed. It was combined with a strong sense of accomplishment, and pride. This trifecto emotion is a new one for me- and thus I thought worth mentioning. I'm not sure really if the sadness was leaving the people who I met along the way- some of whom I would have liked to get to know better- leaving places, ending a trip that I felt could have lasted a lifetime, or just the overall ending of what at one time, seemed such a monumental decision in my life. More and more I pondered the revelations of my trip...searching for super cosmic discoveries....but of course there were not many. At least none that would surprise you. I of course, have a truckload of new memories, fun stories, and amazing pictures! Mainly, though- I think I'm taking away a new sense of openness. To everything. The world feels open to me now, and the fear of going new places, is utterly lost.

In fact, along the way...and now...I have come to the same conclusion that I have in every sales job I have ever had. The question people like to ask is, so what is it like selling to 'xyz' type of person? (the same question applies to people in "xzy" country) As if they are some type of foreign species...they are not- we are all just people. And many of us have very similar wants, needs, and desires in this world. If you understand that, you can relate to anyone on the planet. And, when you can relate to people, everyone feels better. In fact, I've become relatively comfortable with people staring at me because I look different, or talking my broken Spanish to people who are making fun of me...I think these skills may help me down the road.

There is one thing that scares me though. The travelers plague that all of us carry in common...we are all forever planning our next trip. I will freely admit, that more than some thought has already gone into my next adventure. But, the question then really becomes, how do you sustain this type of lifestyle? what type of career will allow for it??? And, is that what you want to do?? ...all good questions...

My next adventure, I believe, will be starting my own business. A tough one indeed...but I think I'm ready for the challenge, and seeing people living through the rest of the world with virtually nothing has taught me that life will go on...no matter what number I see in my 401k. The fear of loosing it all, although not completely absent, has subsided in me for now. I think, having the nerve to risk it all for something you believe in is an important quality for an entrepreneur.

For now, though- I will enjoy being home, close to family and friends....and try to decide what that new venture will exactly be.

Once, again- thank you to all who were readers.