Oct. 6, 2021
Read time: 2 minutes and 28 seconds.
tags:Traveling the world is often painted as the ultimate dream—an endless carousel of new places, faces, and experiences.
Truth is: not everyone feels the need to hop on that carousel indefinitely. For some, the thrill of travel isn’t about ticking destinations off a list but about truly embedding themselves in the places they love.
I’ve been fortunate enough to carve out a life that straddles Canada, the USA, and Colombia. Each of these places has become more than just a dot on a map; they’ve become home. And honestly, when people ask, “What’s next?” I can’t help but think, why does there have to be a next?
Why isn’t soaking up the richness of these familiar places enough?
Take Canada, for instance. The vast landscapes, the polite yet reserved charm of its people, and the way the seasons shift so dramatically—they all resonate with me. There’s something deeply comforting about knowing the rhythm of a place, the hidden gems that tourists often miss. It’s like being in on a secret that only locals know.
Then there’s the USA, with its sheer diversity. Each state feels like a different country, and there’s always something new to discover, even in places I’ve visited a hundred times. The hustle and bustle of New York City, the laid-back vibes of California, the soulful music scenes in Nashville—these aren’t just destinations; they’re layers of a complex, ever-evolving story that I get to be a part of.
And Colombia, oh man. It’s a place that gets under your skin in the best way possible. The vibrant culture, the warmth of its people, the way life seems to move to its own unique rhythm—it’s intoxicating. I could spend a lifetime exploring its nuances and still feel like there’s more to uncover.
But here’s the thing: it’s not about the destinations themselves. It’s about the connections I’ve made, the communities I’ve become a part of, and the sense of belonging that comes from truly knowing a place. Traveling as a tourist is one thing, but living somewhere, becoming a part of its fabric, is something entirely different. It’s like the difference between a one-night stand and a long-term relationship—both have their merits, but the latter offers a depth that the former simply can’t match.
There’s also a sense of responsibility that comes with this kind of deep connection. Instead of flitting from place to place, I find myself wanting to give back to the communities that have given me so much. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, getting involved in community projects, or simply being a good neighbor, there’s a fulfillment that comes from contributing to the places I call home.
So, people ask why I don’t feel the need to see more travel destinations, it’s not about a lack of curiosity or a fear of the unknown. It’s about a preference for depth over breadth, for meaningful connections over fleeting experiences. It’s about finding joy in the familiar and recognizing that sometimes, the most profound adventures are the ones that happen right where you are.
In a world that often glorifies the new and the novel, there’s something to be said for the beauty of staying put, for truly knowing and loving a place. And for me, that’s more than enough.