For the last five years I have had the pleasure to travel and perform around the world. I have seen more of the world than most people of my age. I have been to countries I had never heard of or didn't even know of their existence. And I feel extremely proud to be able to say that. Apparently that is the definition of living the 'dream', yet am I truly satisfied with this lifestyle? If you live or work abroad people easily overate your life by just seeing the amazing moments and pictures on social media. Trust me, nobody wants to be alone for Christmas. Or on a national celebration day of your country that isn't celebrated in the country you are currently in. Ireland is not a huge country, yet the whole world celebrates Saint Patrick's Day. I wish we would global celebrate King's Day!
Over the years I have definitely learned to appreciate my family and friends from back home more and more. It is emotionally hard not be their for them on the important days like their birthdays, when your best friend gives birth to a beautiful little daughter or when someone is going through surgery recovery. Yet when I come home, they welcome me with open arms. How blessed am I?
Being Dutch is an awesome nationality to have, we have a great level of English and most people think you are a down to earth weed smoking human being. Which I am happy to accept, although I don't smoke weed. We adapt well and respect the country we visit. So what's the downside? The downside is that although I have met people that changed me as a person, I know these friendship are likely to be temporarily. There is going to be a goodbye at some point. Whether it is a few days, months or a year. And these constant goodbyes have had a great impact on me, made me less social and more cautious who I accept in my life. Another downside coming from a tiny under sea level country is that I almost never find dutch people abroad. Having a similar background and speaking the same language sure does make a difference when meeting people. I have no problem living out of my comfort zone, but boy was I happy when they build a HEMA (dutch-where-they-sell-everything-store) in London. The little things from home are often the ones we learn to appreciate.
So why do we travel? This question has been playing through my mind, as I had a though experience on my last contract. I got some serious medical conditions, got ill because of it every couple of days and had no energy to live or have a social life. It made me ask myself why I had to be on these jobs so badly. For the first time in all these years, I wished to be on the coach at my parents and let them take care of me. Yes I had hit my newest low.
I admire people that go backpacking for 6 months. I don't think I could ever do that. I never made the decision to go abroad, it was the school I got accepted for training and the jobs I got that took me to these beautiful places. I am happy with the decisions I made and don't regret any of the adventures I experienced. But I don't know where I want my future to go, I don't know if I am still that hungry to take any job that'll throw around my life. So therefor I would like to hear what motivates you to travel? Or that you prefer to only travel for holiday? What are the struggles you experience living in a foreign country? Are you more happy in a foreign country?
I know many people living in foreign countries, we all fight our own battles and help each other getting through them because we know what it is like to be so far away from our loved ones! So let's share and help each other. :)
Stay safe!
xLeeda