Coming back to my home base in New York city gets more difficult after every international trip. Unfortunately, I got a rude welcome when I returned home this time. Because of my looks, I had extra problems with the immigration officers. Since, I can pass off as a “terrorist” or “drug smuggler.” Of course, the jar of coconut candy looked too “suspicious” to the officers. Can’t blame them to be honest, they are just doing thier job. I got that candy from my time in little Africa, during my trip to Paris. So I was a little annoyed; however, everything checked out after some questioning and inspections.
Ps. I will be writing about my trip to little Africa during my time in paris. Keep on the lookout!
I love New York City to the fullest. So much culture, going to queens is like taking a plane ride to another part of the world. Being back home usually takes some time to get used to.
Eventually, you get so accustomed to being on the road. So much to a point, that post travel depression is a thing. Luckily for me, I have grown an immunity to it over the years. Although, when winter hits New York City, all I can think about is getting on the first plane to the tropics.
Still, coming back is always different. Same place and same atmosphere; however, I’m not the same. After ever trip, I come back a different person. These questions always comes back and haunt me. Am I liking the person, I’m becoming? Will my close friends and family members still accept me, the way I am now? Will my future lover dislike the person, I will slowly change into?
These are the questions, I always come back with after every trip. I just hope, I can continue to look at myself in the mirror. Currently, I’m genuinely happy because I know traveling the world is my life’s work. I can feel it in my heart. However, there’s a fear deep down that my character will be consumed by the constant travels.
I just want to stay true to who I am as a person and not forget where I come from. Not many people where I grew up become a contributing member of society. Especially, not someone with my ethnic background. I can’t help, but feel guilty at times. Why am I the lucky one that escaped? This is what goes through my mind, every time I return from a trip. I just hope, my hometown will accept me for who I will become. Also, that I don’t become arrogant and forget my humble beginnings.
Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels! Next week, I will be taking over again. While, Tony and his wife are in Cuba. Meeting up with them soon! Can’t wait to write about cuba and share with you all!
To start your own adventures, check out the link below.
Check out our latest e-book “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come without breaking the bank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe0
Reverse culture shock is a real thing! I’m going through it right now. And I don’t know if constant traveling “consumes” someones character but it definitely changes it!
But maybe settling back “home” is just a matter of time. “Home” molds you just like the places you have visited have.
Because I am from Brooklyn I got the bug to travel the world.When I was in high school I went to the U.N. to have lunch with people from all over the world.For me coming back to New Yawk is coming back to the scene of the crime.Being a New Yorker gives you the desire to know more about the world its part of our DNA.
I’m so sorry you had to go through all that at the airport. You are a brave man for traveling. You make me want to grow wings and fly over the horizons. Many blessings to you.
Thank you for this lovely post… I think I’ve found my tribe 🙌😊
I’ve always wanted to visit New York. Coming from a small town in England, as quaint as it may sound, is unbearably dull. And if you know anything about current British politics, ethnic and cultural diversity is not something that is generally celebrated, especially in small towns. I think everyone would benefit from travel, a change in character would be advantageous to most, and I certainly always feel enlightened when I’ve had the opportunity to discover different parts of the world.
This is a great post! It’s inspiring to see you following your heart. I would imagine that traveling has allowed you to find pieces of yourself that you might not have found otherwise.
Wow. This is so real. I relate to this so much, especially since moving to Alaska. The people who are down for you will always be down. I try to focus on who IS there instead of who is fading away. Living in another place will inevitably change you, so I hope you don’t treat it as a burden or something that makes you a pariah. Your life’s work, like many of us, requires you to be away. ✨🔥💪🏾
😊 you’re welcome. Yeah winter was pretty brutal. -50 something degrees at one point!
I am in the same shoe as you. I just been back home after almost 4yrs of being an expat. I cannot even start to blog about my experience yet but will do so hopefully soon and check them out if you get the chance. Don’t worry too much about you changing coz the only thing that constant in this World is CHANGE. People change as well as the environment around you. As long as you are happy with who you are honestly that’s cool.
Ok please hang on.
https://evewanderer11.wordpress.com/2019/05/09/going-back-home-to-aotearoa/ my new post pls read if you have the time thanks!! 😉
Thanks appreciated your time and comment.
Thank you for this article and sharing your experiences with us. It’s a gift to me to read this and to read the comments from your followers who also travel the world and how it changes them. I’m so thankful we live in a world so diverse and beautiful and we’re all connected like this, to learn about each other’s lives. I’ve changed so much in the last few years, not so much from travel, but from opening my mind and heart to people and listening to their stories and just human connection. Thank you again for opening up and writing this, and thank you everyone else for writing your comments, too. Much love.
thank you, that’s the kindest compliment in the world to me.
Great post! Keep ’em coming!
What part of NYC did you live in previously, Hugo? I’m from Brooklyn
I live in California as well. That’s where my work is based. Haha what a small world.
I lived in Brooklyn Heights. What about you?
Sf is beautiful! Im in LA
Same. Keep in touch!
Sure it’s @PandaPellePots
What’s your username? A few people added me so I’m not sure which one is your insta account
❤❤❤❤loved it…check out my blogs too ❤
Ah, yes, New York winters. That’s why we now live in Southern California.
I relate to this feeling, coming back to live in London after living in Australia for a year and a half, was definitely reverse culture shock. I had changed so much and it took me a good 6 months to adjust, it’s crazy!
Keep doing what you’re doing, regardless of what people think 🙂
The number 7 car looked so clean. Back in the good old days when I lived in the Bronx, they were covered by graffitie 😄
Haha i used to see photos. The subway trains have some advance carts. Some now even have charing plugins