For the past two and a half years I threw everything I had towards travel – money, energy and passion.
It was the greatest gift I could have ever given myself.
I moved to the Czech Republic on a whim because I’d seen Charles’ Bridge in a photograph once and fallen in love. I visited India because I had a month spare and was full of adventure and curiosity. I’ve seen incredible, ancient temples such as Borobudur and Angkor Wat. I’ve stuffed myself full of giant pretzels in Berlin, tasty amok curry in Cambodia and full of experiences everywhere I’ve placed my feet.
I was an independent explorer – nothing could get in the way of my adventures. On a chance visit home, I met someone who changed everything. I extended my time in New Zealand, but eventually set off to au pair in Spain and travel Europe. Travel was such a big part of my life and I thought it was the most important part, too.
Despite my best efforts, I thought about this person while I was in Europe, eventually came home but the timing between us was off, so I set off on another adventure to Asia. I’ve been home in New Zealand for two months now and we’ve been inseparable since.
I miss traveling every day, but things have changed. Is this the end of my adventures? No! This is just some downtime so that I can find a balance between a career, love and travel.
In the mean time I’ve taken it as a personal challenge to see as much of New Zealand as possible. I want to share with you a realistic account of what it costs to travel New Zealand, how cheap you can do it and the best places to see.
I’m starting with a trip to Queenstown and Arrowtown this weekend.
I’m also looking to set myself up so I can live a location independent lifestyle anywhere in the world. This is going to take a bit of work, but I’m already on the right track.
They say that youth is wasted on the young; well I think that retirement is wasted on the old. I’m not interested in working for the next forty years only to have all the time in the world, but a body that can’t keep up.
This year is all about engineering my perfect lifestyle that allows me to travel while building a future. This year I’ll find balance.
Love this post Izy! So happy for you! 🙂 You’re definitely on the right track! I’m also (trying) to ‘engineer my perfect lifestyle’ this year! Hope it works out for us both!
Go for it!:) I know that you can “find your balance”!
I think you are writing off you life too early. When I was young I headed off to the UK and travelled for a year came home to Oz married and had three wonderful girls.While they were young we travelled locally enjoying what Oz had to offer with a few trips to New Zealand,Bali and Singapore. We have been hosting couch surfers for the last few years (this is like travelling but nor leafing home) and now at 51 my husband and I are in the process of organising (well not really we are going to be flexible) two years of travelling. We are flying to Kuala Lumpur and then going overland to Europe and can’t wait to get started. Many of our friends think we are crazy but you only get one life and we want to make the most of ours. Look on your changing circumstances as another exciting part of life….you have plenty of time to get back out there
You’re right, it is a new and exciting period of my life and I am looking forward to this stage. I don’t think I’m mourning my old life, but rather looking forward to what’s to come – and enjoying the right now. It sounds like you’ve done a lot of traveling and I’m very excited to hear you’re setting off on a longer adventure. I absolutely don’t think you’re crazy, but maybe we’re just crazy together! Happy adventures, Michele.
Love the positivity in this post! Good for you, continue to make the best of your life 😀