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Published: February 17th 2020
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When I was younger dreamed about moving abroad. I thought I had everything to gain and not much to lose if I leave. The first time I went to Canada I actually got depressed because I saw how much I missed and lacked growing up in a developing country. Now though, after having seen different parts of the world, some rich and some much poorer than the Philippines, I've come to realize that I am lucky to be where I am. Being in a tropical country allows me to enjoy the outdoors any time of the year, except when there's a tropical storm. We have some of the best coral reefs in the world that I enjoy diving in. Though I am far from being rich, I've achieved enough success in my career that allows me to go anywhere my heart desires. I've so far traveled in 27 countries in five continents. Getting very close to my dream of seeing all seven continents. I know that's pretty shallow but that's really all I wan't in life so far. Perhaps after that I can come up with a better and more useful dream.
And then this opportunity came for me to
move abroad permanently came. I don't feel like I am ready. I already love my life here. I love the community that I am part of. I am at a point in my life where I now like stability. I've become comfortable.
But I remember how much I've wanted this opportunity. Maybe the younger me was right. What if there's more adventures to be had out there and I still have time and energy to face them. And I don't want to spend the rest of my life thinking "What if?".
So right now I am applying for the visa. Let's see where it goes. If it happens then it was meant to be and I'd accept it. Truth be told I am scared. I'm scared of what my life will be. I'm wondering if I will become successful there despite having to start from scratch again. I'll be leaving a promising career, friends, and family, my entire life! At the same time I know that it's good to be scared. Because often the most worthwhile experiences are scary. Any traveler knows that. From my adventures I've come to learn that jumping off a cliff or from an
airplane are some of the most exhilarating experiences one can ever have. And that's how I feel right now. Mostly scared than excited. When my sister broached the subject to me, I knew it made sense. I was travelling with my friends in Iloilo at that time, exploring islands as we normally do, and as we were driving to the beach and I contemplated on leaving. I immediately started crying but I tried to hide it, I don't know if they saw my silent tears. I knew I was gonna miss my friends, family, my country, my life. But at the same time I felt like I've had all the fun one man can have in his lifetime living in the same country. I've been living "the life". I could continue doing so, or get out of my comfort zone and aim for the sky which might also be just self destruction.
Sad as the state of my country is right now with all the problems we are facing, I am proud to be Filipino. And I am proud of the Philippines. I'm proud of the life that I've built here, and the friendships I've made. But adventure is
calling out to me. Although there's now many things to lose and sacrifice by leaving, my mind is telling me to go. A wise friend once told me "The world is too big to just stay in one place". And I believe that.
FAST FORWARD THREE MONTHS AFTER
I got accepted to a school in Winnipeg, Canada. My visa got approved. I bought the plane ticket and cried every night for two weeks straight after buying my ticket. I met my friends personally to tell them the news. To celebrate and cry with them.
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Tommy No Papers
TWR
On to the next chapter...
Good luck! Living abroad is the ultimate adventure.