I've pondered for quite some time on how to encapsulate my experiences in 2023. Drifting across oceans, untethered and free from attachments. Journeying through five countries, settling briefly in 12 cities, resting my head on over 50 different beds, and at times, with no bed at all.
This has been a year of living without a fixed abode, embracing the transient lifestyle of spending twelve months in various cities. It's not about merely enjoying the world, but truly immersing oneself in its many facets.
Initially, I believed travel demanded lengthy journeys and meticulous planning. However, I've come to realize that simply focusing on reaching our destination allows the journey to unfold naturally, and the people we're meant to encounter will find us.
Waking up to the sounds of monkeys in the jungle at 5 a.m,
navigating sweltering temperatures on local buses, learning new languages and haggling in marketplaces,
enduring the relentless rains of a Vancouver winter, braving snowstorms
and basking in the vibrant greenery and scorching sun of Costa Rica.
Some days were spent rushing through national parks, hiking trails, witnessing sunsets, and gazing at star-filled skies. Other days were spent lounging in seaside cabins, observing the ebb and flow of the sea, and simply being.
There were days of sleep on airport benches, waking up amidst prayers, and carefully making my way through crowds towards the boarding gate. And then there were days of kayaking through creeks, meandering through jungle gorges.
A year has passed, filled with dreams and the rhythm of daily life, shedding restlessness and embracing anticipation.
After experiencing the diverse landscapes of cities and homes, I've come to realize that nothing surpasses the importance of enhancing the beauty of both the journey and the place we call home.
