In 2012 I met a German guy that said "you are one of the few permanent travelers that I know and the only one from Latin America". I felt proud of that, very proud.
I always thought of traveling as a blessing. As something not many have the chance or the courage to do it.
That has changed...
Lately I have been finding out about some upsetting things that made me changed my views about my own travels.
It all started to change when I went back home from Latin America in 2012. It was very intense, not what I wanted and definitely now what I expected. I spent a few months back home and that made me realize that I wanted to take things slower. Staying in one place and get to know the environment surrounding me. It worked and I loved it.
I got that part sorted. I think I have been successful when it comes to that.
But there is one more important thing that long term traveling has prevented me from: to have a normal life and a routine and to have a partner.
Yes, I escaped from that kind of life when I started this journey but after almost 7 years I can honestly say that I am tired. I still love hitchhiking but I don't feel the rush I used to feel a few years back. Now I always get anxious when I'm about to start thumbing.
It always prevented me to have a partner. Traveling can be very romantic, I could brag about all the places I have been. But when I met someone special and she has to go or I have to go is when it stops being romantic.
Friends can also influence a lot saying things like "you don't have future with him, he's a traveler and eventually, he will end up leaving you".
Or it could be me the one actually leaving. Which has also happened in the past.
I just did a small week-long trip. No hitchhiking, only buses and ride sharing. It was definitely more comfortable and faster (I didn't have enough time to hitchhike anyways) but I still got tired.
All in all, I think I'm ready to hang the backpack. Maybe this is just a temporary phase. I don't know if this a common thing when you've on the road for so long. Only time will tell...
