A revelation of sorts

When I left LA in October, I was searching for a lot of things. I was looking for a passion in life, a career, a sense of adventure, independence, for culture, for people, for something that I don't even know how to describe. I was searching for something.

In the past week, I met a guy named Gary. Gary is 23 and from England. He left home at 17, studied mechanical engineering for two years and then decided to sell all his belongings and leave the country. He has been on the road for 2 years and has never been homesick. When I asked Gary if it was strange to pick up and move all the time, he shrugged and said "Same life, different place".

I could never do what Gary does. Because it seems that he jumps from country to country searching for something that he might never find. He has no ties to home. He owns only the things on his back. He isn't grounded at all. But the backpacking world is full of Garys. And I don't think I'm a Gary.

The point of my story is this: When I left LA three months ago, I was looking for something that I couldn't find. The things that I was searching for, I already have. I already had the sense of adventure, a passion for life, a love for my family and friends, and the tools to figure out a career when I am ready. I have seen so many cool things in the East and in the Pacific, but I miss the sunsets of the West. The salty ocean breezes of the Pacific and eucalyptus trees of the Santa Monica Canyon. I left my heart in California with my family and my friends. And so i think it is time to close this chapter of my traveling life. Time to pack my backpack and head back to the West, leaving behind the tuk tuks, the slow boats, the temples, and the monks. And the bug spray.

I'll be back in LA a little earlier than expected. But I'm very excited to come home and sleep in my fluffy bed. And eat tacos!!!!!!