BootsnAll Travel Community

I've definitely noticed some changes in myself since I started traveling. I no longer care or worry about a lot of the things that used to really bother me. Things that used to look good to me look more realistic, and things that used to look bad don't look like anything at all. I've found that my life isn't as regimented as it used to be, and I have a hard time understanding how people who live that way can claim to be happy.

I guess the biggest change I've noticed is how people relate to me. People I've known for years seem to be almost hostile and I get the feeling that some of them resent me for what I've done. I don't know if it's envy or simply not understanding my decisions, but I get that "resentment" from just about everyone in my life now.. friends, family, and co-workers.

Maybe it's just in my head or has always been there, I'm not really sure. Has anyone else noticed changes like this? Have your perceptions changed?

That your perception of your environment...and its perception of you changes with travelling, especially in the beginning, is the most natural thing. Your horizont of perception grew not only in width, but also in depth (as you point out with the example of the 'things that bothered you').

When I went back to Switzerland after my first long trip, I realized that a lot of people are not really interested in the experiences I've made. Most people just ask 'how was it?' - and basicly are just concerned about the landscapes you saw and the beaches you hung on. Most can not imagine the impressions different cultures and views have on a personality. Once you start talking about this, most people think you're weired...because they can not understand. I split with a few friends after I got back, simply because we couldn't enjoy our meetings anymore, as we were concerned about completely different things (they: mobile, car, job aso; me: about living the truest to my personality as possible, finding a state of peace in my mind aso). But, don't be too hard on them, especially your family, remember that you used to perceive things differently some time ago, as well. It's nothing evil or stupid in their behaviour...it's just ignorance.

Keep on moving...
Adrian

Yeah I think there's some subconscious resentment from some people. Soceity is based on fitting in, getting along and being part of a community of some sort. When you move outside those boudaries some folk can't help but feel envy mixed with that resentment. But to compensate you meet a whole lot of cool new people round the globe

Once you've tasted steak, it's hard to be enthused about having a hot dog. Sure, you'll still eat it but it isn't much to talk about compared to a steak.

The same is true once you've traveled. The telltale sign of people who have never seen anything-or been anywhere- is the topics of their conversation.

They primarily talk about 1) Gossip about others 2) the job 3) their house or car 4) the newest computer on the market.

This, in my opinion, can be summed up in one word. Boooorrrrrrrring!

Back to the steak/hot dog analogy, how can one of those topics be exciting next to your visit to the Alps or hearing the coyotes at night in the Grand Canyon?

Very good points from all of you. You've obviously been there because that's exactly what I was trying to explain. It was hard to do so late when I was half asleep

Everytime I leave and come back again, I find it a little harder to just step back into what my life was. It's like you all said, I just don't care about personal gossip or cell phones or cars or work anymore. In fact, I kinda feel sorry people who only have those things to think about in their lives.

Good to see that others can relate.

Cola di,
I'm with you here. Most of the people I know and work with asked me when I returned from a recent trip, "How was it?" How do you explain about the life changing moments, let alone the mudane happenings that add up to big changes? It's impossible. Mostly I just said, "It was great!" I offered a few details and that satisfied them. With the ones who really care I offered much more. My good friend and pen pal (yes, she actually uses a pen) received a 13 page typed letter with blow by blow details of my journey. She loved it and I knew she would. Mostly it's about learning to read people. Talk for a little bit, but stand ready to wrap it up. As for the life changing moments, share those with a journal. Maybe it will end up in your memoirs.
Best Wishes,
Jet

All I can really add to this thread is that it's not only travel-related conversations; it's hard to find 'deep' people in general - people who can have and are eager to have conversations that cross the threshold of surface-oriented topics.

I have found in my rather limited experience that when I return I am only able to come up with "It was great" when someone asks me how it was. If they ask in depth questions, I can answer those as well, but I need a specific topic or else there are so many great things running around my head that I can not think of where to start. This generally works really well though because those who really want to know ask the good questions.

About steak and hot dogs, I feel I can accurately complete the analogy. There is a place here in Oakland (Pittsburgh) called "The 'O'" or "Original Hot Dog." The hot dogs are quite good. Not as good as steak mind you, but good. This relates to friends and family at home. While I prefer travel over the people I know here (sorry guys!) I still do enjoy coming home and having a hot dog with them.

Cheech

I was all set to agree with everyone... what else IS there other than travel... and then I began to wonder if perhaps we're all boring to everyone else...

I cannot understand why someone would waste money on baseball... go to games, watch it on TV, pay attention to stats. Maybe my travel talk is like that for someone else.

quote:

what else IS there other than travel...

Lots. If I was only interested in travel I would find myself very boring.