Time flies, but the travel bug remains

Where does the time go? Seriously.

I remember rolling my eyes when “old” people used to say this to me. And now, all of a sudden, I’m the old one saying this. (Well, not old, but “old-ish” according to my teenage students). It seems like overnight all of my friends got married and had babies, and my bedtime became something of an embarrassing topic of conversation. I’m also about to wrap up my fifth year teaching abroad. It just doesn’t make sense.

But I’ll spare you the esoteric questions about life and get to the point of this post.

I’m heading to Krabi, Thailand tomorrow to meet my parents. They’re wrapping up a 2-week tour of Cambodia and Vietnam and are looking to relax and enjoy the sunshine. I’m looking to escape rainy Shanghai and enjoy some much-needed beach time. We’re all looking forward to catching up after eight months apart.

I started doing some research this week on what we could do during our week-long vacation, and asked my parents about their interest in things like scuba diving, boat trips and cooking classes. My dad responded on both of their behalves, stating that they wouldn’t really be interested in much unless it allowed for the consumption of ice cold beer.

I totally understand, and his reasoning is sound. They’ll be exhausted from their tour, but also (and the fact that brings me to this nostalgic state), we’ve all been to Thailand before.

Usually I shy away from returning to a familiar country, as I try with every vacation to obtain new passport stamps and experiences. But there’s something really special about Southeast Asia. And I’m eager to return after a four year hiatus. I can’t believe it’s been four years. It feels like one.

Thailand holds a special place in my heart, as it’s the first country I ever traveled to solo. Four years ago, after my contract ended in Korea, I boarded a one-way flight to Bangkok, without so much as an itinerary or clue as to how long I’d be gone. I remember leaving the BKK airport, walking into a curtain of humidity, trying to navigate my way through the metro and side streets to find my hostel. Horns were honking, neon lights buzzing, and my backpack was weighing heavy on my sweaty shoulders. I was overwhelmed, but completely energized by the unfamiliar. Simply put, it was the start of my love affair with travel.

So here I am, my last day of work before spring break, and I can’t concentrate. I can’t plan. I can’t grade. The only thing I can do is tap my feet and stare at the Google Image results from my Krabi and Ko Phi Phi searches. But I take comfort in this. Because, while things are rapidly changing, and time is racing, I can always count on one constant: the excitement of travel.


Tell me: What country first made you fall in love with travel? I’d love to hear your stories!

13 Comments
  • Shine
    Posted at 01:17h, 28 March

    Can’t wait to see you today. It will be a wonderful adventure!

  • Vera
    Posted at 21:49h, 28 March

    That is a beautiful story! As for me, what made me fall in love with travel was visiting Namibia in Africa. Such a stunning place! Have a nice day,
    Vera

    The Flash Window | Bloglovin

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 01:12h, 29 March

      Thanks, Vera! I am dying to visit Africa 🙂 xo

  • Josh Stewart
    Posted at 04:24h, 30 March

    I’d have to the first country that made me fall in love with travel was France. I used to go there every summer when I was younger; staying with a friend who was my age. I met this friend, Gregory Couppe, through a exchange student program the elementary school I attended had going on. Long story short, I continued to visit Europe thereafter. I spent one summer in college studying at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Most recently, I’ve been applying to jobs overseas. I’ve also started to consider and research teaching English in China. Hope you’re enjoying your travels. – Josh

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 06:55h, 30 March

      Great, Josh! Let me know if I can help in any way 🙂

  • Phyll
    Posted at 17:20h, 30 March

    It’s funny, my trip to Taiwan about 6 years ago first gave me the travel bug – but I had been there a handful of times previously. I guess something shifted in my mentality/ the people I hung out with on that specific trip 🙂 can’t wait to return soon!

    have a great time w/ your parents!

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 03:57h, 01 April

      Thanks so much, Phyll! We are having a wonderful time in Krabi at the moment 🙂

  • Eden
    Posted at 18:17h, 02 April

    Great post, enjoy your trip!

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 04:03h, 03 April

      Thanks, Eden! On my way back now and will blog all about it 😉

  • Kate
    Posted at 07:51h, 08 April

    I haven’t been to Thailand but I can relate to staring at pictures of places in Thailand and having itchy feet!

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 00:26h, 09 April

      Haha yes, Kate, it’s a problem! (A good one though.) Definitely add Thailand to your list. It’s magical. <3

  • newsfromNOMADS-Elise
    Posted at 20:33h, 08 April

    When visiting South East Asia I was addicted to travel. Loved it before, but after entering Indonesia and visiting the Moluku, Papua and Sulawesi I can’t stop anymore! It’s the best combination of culture and tropical paradises.

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 00:25h, 09 April

      Thanks for your response! I agree–there’s something about Southeast Asia that really inspires one to see the world! 🙂