The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

My Decision to Go Home

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I previously wrote about how Buenos Aires is the type of city that sucks you in.  It sucked me in for 4 months.

I was ready for a place to call home before I actually arrived in Buenos Aires.  I wanted to settle down somewhere. I had been to this city before and knew I would be back one day.  I had never lived in a huge city like this, and I wanted to try it.

I did it.  I lived in one of the biggest cities in the world for 4 months.

And I loved it!

But it is time to move on.

The weather is a bit of a problem for my planned itinerary.  It is too cold to travel south to Patagonia.  Sure, I could change the plan, but there is a bigger consideration than just the weather.

I need to travel A LOT longer than a year if I want to see South America. I have barely scratched the surface with only Quito, Bogota, and Buenos Aires under my belt.

And if I am going to travel for more than a year, I want to come home and visit with friends and family.

I am excited about my decision to come home.

And as an added bonus, I am getting out of the cold Winter in Buenos Aires and stepping into a hot and humid Ohio.  Every time I complain about how hot it is, you are all allowed to remind me that I was freezing my ass off in Buenos Aires not too long ago.

I am giving myself enough time so that I will not be stressed to make the rounds.  I will also have time to enjoy the things I love about Columbus.

  • Walks through my neighborhood.
  • Leisurely mornings at my favorite coffee shop.
  • Long bike rides on the Olentangy Trail.
  • Girls nights at my favorite restaurants.

More Adventures Ahead

I am also excited because this trip home will kick off the resumption of my nomadic, backpacking lifestyle. When I return to South America, I have countryside, glaciers, and wildlife to see.  I have mountains to climb and deserts to explore.

After traveling the rest of Argentina, I will make my way through Chile, Bolivia, and Peru.

Seeing my loved ones again and enjoying the Summer in a city I love is the perfect kickoff for the next part of my adventure.

Comments

  2. Going back to the USA, eh, Stephanie!
    Well, have a great time. Enjoy friends, everyone speaking English, and ll the other good stuff.
    Glas to hear you are not giving up on being the nomad – sights to see are but one of the many rewards of travel.
    Be safe in your journeys.
    Cheers,
    John D. Wilson
    John Wilson recently posted..In Panama saving a 3 toed sloth from death!

  5. I can totally relate Stephanie. It was to cold for me to go to Patagonia 45 days ago and the strike in Bolivia had closed a lot of Titicaca. I have enjoyed my time in California lately and have been planning my next round of rtw travel. Travel safely and I am rather sure I will hear from you on the road again before too long.
    Philip recently posted..Galapagos Islands; Part VI

  6. In late 2001 I traveled from Melbourne in Australia to another city Sydney and lived there for five months before returning home again. I loved every moment up there but I did prefer the more relaxed lifestyle of Melbourne to the big constant rush of Sydney.

    I totally understand and respect your decision. Going back home will help you recharge your batteries and give you a whole new perspective on things that you didn’t have before you left for South America.

    So will you be taking a break from updating your website or will you be still giving us regular new stories about your travels thus far? I’ve really grown to love your website as I have a dream of my own to travel to South America one day and I’m benefiting greatly from your tips and experiences.

    I wish you well for your break back in the States. I trust you will use wisdom in planning when and where to travel next. Promise me one thing; that you will not procrastinate and allow months to become years. Life is too short and this moment is all we have when you really think about it.

  7. Wow! Seems to make sense to visit Ohio for a little bit. The weather at least this past week has been incredible. Hope to catch up with you while you are in town! :)

  9. Good luck, I have two months left, and after a year I will also be ready to go home, at times its good to go back, recharge the batteries and plan future exciting adventures!!

  13. I can totally understand why you would want to leave the cold winter weather! I don’t think I would enjoy Argentina very much in the winter. Enjoy some sunshine and I look forward to reading about your continued SA adventures when you return to the south. We may even be there by that time. We will be starting with Peru!
    Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..What Type of Traveler Are You?

  19. Great decision. That’s what I do too. Go ‘home’ for a short while, recharge, rethink, repack and replan and back on the road with fresh energy and expectations. Being stationary for too long is lethal. I admire that you stuck it out in Buenos Aires for 4 months. I never go where it is cold though, the old bones creak too much.
    inka recently posted..Istanbul for beginners

    • Ha! Everyone thinks I’m going to meet some Latin American man and never come home :-)

      No, he won’t be coming back with me, but maybe I’ll have to take a few more weeks of classes when I get back.
      The Travel Chica recently posted..My Argentine Crush

  23. Awww I’m so happy for you! Going home is so centering and energizing, especially when you can stay there for more than a rushed trip. I feel like now I never get to go home for more than a few days. I can’t wait to continue to follow your adventures!
    Abby recently posted..An All-American … Castle?

  25. I have always found that coming home makes me appreciate both home and the road a bit more. I hope you have a fabulous break and nice visit! Soak all in, whether you’re at home or on the road!
    Jillian recently posted..GBU: Border Crossings

  26. Enjoy your time at home! It can be tough going for so long without seeing your family and close friends, and the comforts of home. And being home for a while will remind you how much you miss traveling, so you’ll hit the road with renewed vigor!
    Reena recently posted..What I miss most when traveling

  27. The old saying “There’s no place like home” really is home. I just went home for a 5 week visit after living in Germany for a year and was excited to do so. I think a year is about the longest I can do without going home, even if it’s just for a visit. Have a wonderful summer in Columbus and I look forward to hearing about your next adventures.
    Laurel recently posted..Miette Hotsprings – Home to some infamous residents

  29. How are you going to get all the ice cream home with you? Or are you still counting on the delivery?
    Have a good rest. I’m looking forward to some Ohio adventures too.
    Steve recently posted..Jabbawockeez

  31. Sounds like you are heading home for all the right reasons! We are looking forward to heading off on our journey. Funny how the heart knows what it needs :) And if you do listen to what you need, then the next adventure will be huge :)

    Cheers
    Lisa
    Lisa Wood recently posted..Child Safety Tips

  32. Welcome back to the Midwest! As I was reading, I was surprised to not see an OSU game on that list of “fall activities in Colombus”, lol. Anyway, have fun recharging your batteries!
    Scott recently posted..Meant To Go To Mexico

  35. Ahh I keep missing travel bloggers! I don’t get to BsAs until mid October, it would have been great to meet up :)

    I’m starting to look forward to going back to Sydney later this year, too. It’s definitely not the end of my travels but it will be nice to rediscover it and lead a ‘normal’ life for a few months.

    And um, wear nice, new, clean clothes… 😀
    Megan recently posted..Cycling Isla de Ometepe

  36. Looking forward to more of your adventures. At least you don’t have to deal with Cruella back at home!

  38. I’m so happy for you that you get to go and see your friends and family, hunni. :) I have no doubt that you’ll go back to explore the places you want to but I’m thrilled that you’ll get to see all those people and places you’ve been missing too.
    Ceri recently posted..The So-Called ‘Gap Year’

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