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Published: August 9th 2006
Adios Europa
Coast of PortugalApologies in advance for the slight soppiness or hippiness of the following entry..
Its been a really tough week, not in terms of travel, more my battle with the evils of travel fatigue. As much as I needed and cherished the time in Potsdam, it gave me a taste of a normal lifestyle for a while. This is important on a RTW trip I suppose, but leaving that normality and all the affection has left me feeling quite drained, and has provided me with some emotional baggage. Add to that the fact that it is now five months since leaving Aus, and with the 'mountains' still in front of me, my level of enthusiasm is not what I had hoped.
The last few days in Madrid and Salamanca have been really pleasant. Its soooo hot, but dry so not entirely uncomfortable. Salamanca was the perfect place to soak up the last bits of the Europa leg, and reflect. Travelling with Nadia (from Hobart) was really helpful too; we used eachother to sound out our thoughts and worries, and gain a bit more perspective on our travels.
From everyone's good advice, and with my gut feelings, it seems the
Madrid
A large building. Palace I think. best plan from here is to just play it by ear. I'll try to take it easy in Rio (if possible!), get myself to the Andes, do a little bit of trekking in the cordillera blanca (near Huaraz), and then re-assess. Hopefully once I'm there the energy and enthusiasm will return and I'll continue travel as planned. If not, then it's back home. There's always next time 😉 In fact I'm already thinking of next time so somebody slap me!
There's no way I can adequately summarise my time in Europe. Hopefully I can look back on these blogs and be satisfied that the last 4 months have given me enough of a taste. The overwhelming diversity and richness of cultures, languages, cuisines, lifestyles, pharmacies on seemingly every street, landscapes, architecture, and above all, the sheer beauty of the people is making me very sad to be leaving.
In spite of my current state of fatigue, I can only hope that my experiences have enriched my mind and spirit and will continue to feed my urge to keep travelling. Awww.
Ok South America, (I think) I'm ready...
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dad
non-member comment
Keep going, mate.
Dear Andy, You sound tired but uncertain about going on. Tiredness passes with sleep. Uncertainty vanishes with action. Decisions are the hard bits for some, but not for you. Look at where YOU are then think about where the rest of us are! Would love to see you, hug you again andhave a long chat but there's plenty of time for that. Keep up the education and enjoy. Enjoy! much love, Dad (and Cherie)