this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2023
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I once took a trip to eastern Europe (multiple locations) which took me about half way across the world from where I'm at. I think I'd have been closer to home if I went any further east or west at that point.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I've travelled a bit. From Australia originally. Currently living in Germany. Been here since July 2022 and planning on staying for a little while.

I'd like to offer this:

Travelling through a place vs living in a place especially when the native language is not your own is worlds different than travelling. The intense loneliness you feel is like nothing I've experienced. It's worse when you're surrounded by people at a Christmas dinner, say. Wow. I've had to get up and leave a few times to take some deep breaths, shed a few tears and head back in. Or I would simply just leave and go be with myself, but that took time.

On the other end, the sense accomplishment felt when you start picking up the language and are able to have small conversations is, again, like no other. The loneliness leaves and I'm left with a newer sense of myself. More confident in a deeper sense.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I went from Europe to Japan by myself. I think the biggest difference which I actually really enjoyed was that (unlike Europe) it was me who was the 'different' person. I didn't fully understand the culture, language, fashion etc. It was a totally new experience and massive opportunity to live in and absorb a culture that was very unknown to me.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I'm from a small town in western Pennsylvania. I went to China in college and fell in love with it. I ended up living there for 3 years after grad school. One of the best periods of my life.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I’m from a small town in the mid-west part of the USA. Years ago I visited England, Austria, Germany, France and several other European countries during a summer trip. It was a wonderful experience seeing the different cultures, styles, foods, people, scenery, architecture, history etc. I feel like anytime someone has an opportunity to travel - if possible, take it. The learning, openness, and enjoyment is so worth it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

A little over 6000km, from Australia to Singapore. I enjoyed the experience. I went for a conference and stayed an extra day for sightseeing. My favourite part was probably relaxing on the beach after I was done with the conference. I also liked the monorail. Overall I felt safe exploring, even at night.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I lived most of my life in the Northeast US. My wife and I sold our house to live in a van. We're currently in Alaska which is definitely as far from the Northeast that I've been. Other than Alaska, I've been to Mexico City which is also pretty far.

This year we will be visiting Iceland and Czechia so that will definitely be the furthest from home.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Czechia is beautiful. beautiful architecture and don't get me started on food and beer!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm mostly excited about the Let it Roll music festival and the beer, but we're staying in Prague for about a week so we will definitely be getting some good food and exploring the architecture. In the US we don't have old buildings like Europe does!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Agreed. I lived in Germany for a year, visiting the surrounding countries and I was floored. The black gate, Zurich and the mountains, in Switzerland, Paris France. All amazing

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Germany is on my list as well due to my German last name, my German employer, and my German motorcycle but unfortunately I won't be able to fit it into this trip.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Schade. Always next time. Enjoy!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's amazing. Never been to Alaska but it looks quite scenic, this would definitely be the time of year I'd want to go. Iceland has always been a place I wanted to visit at some point, hoping to get around to it, it's on my list for potential trips. As for vandwelling I've definitely been one to check r/vandwellers when I was still on Reddit, interesting lifestyle choice, seems very freeing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Living in a van isn't all scenic vistas and glamorous lifestyles like Instagram leads a lot of people to believe. It can be quite challenging at times, but you're right it is very freeing! I haven't gotten tired of it yet!

If you ever visit Alaska this time of year make sure you're prepared for the mosquitoes! It's beautiful but it's tough to be outside if they're swarming.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I was curious to see what the exact opposite side of the world from my home (Australia) is, turns out it's the Azores islands in the Atlantic. So I haven't been as far as I could, but I have been to the UK, France, US and Canada, so I've come close. I enjoyed all those places, plenty to explore and experience and only really scratched the surface of the places I visited.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Totally understandable, I feel like there's so much more out there to see it's overwhelming thinking about, but in a good way.