Nothing can set you up for what it’s like to go home. No matter how many people tell you how you’re going to feel or what you’re going to think. It’s one of those unavoidable roller coasters, but you have to learn to enjoy the journey, not the destination.
I love New Zealand beyond belief, it’s like my second home, but after being ill for so long (and expensive doctors bills) I couldn’t wait to get home, to just repair and see family again. It got so bad I was ill every week, whether it was colds or strep throat, or just being wiped out from chronic fatigue. Not fun. However I’ve managed to get through it by quitting sugar. Completely cleared my body of it over 8 weeks, and I’m still going, 12 weeks on. I feel so much better, I can think clearer and I feel brighter.
The worse bit is, now I’m back to being myself again I just want to get out and explore. Not seeing any mountains around me or cool beaches really sucks. What makes things a lot easier though, is having Connor here with me. Showing him England has been a lot better than I thought, I had forgotten how much history is here compared to countries like New Zealand. For starters, Connor had never been in a castle or a church made of stone, or seen a three-wheeled car (got to love Robin Reliants). It makes me appreciate my home country a lot more than I used to.
It was weird to come home to all my old clothes and stuff (my god I was a hoarder), and I realised I didn’t need half the stuff I had. Infact I had a massive ebay session and sold most of it – travelling makes you realise a minimalistic life, is much more enjoyable than owning something incase one day you might need it.
The one thing I noticed the most is that no one has really changed. Everyone is pretty much the same as they were two years ago, albeit maybe engaged, pregnant, or renting accommodation with their partner. The frustration is when you just want to show everyone what you’ve seen and experienced, but you know they will never understand it until they experience it themselves. Photographs and videos can’t explain what the locals are like, or what its like to live abroad.
The biggest thing I have learnt, both abroad and since being home, is that happiness is what you make it, and if you’re too busy looking at the destination, you’ll forget to enjoy the journey. Never rely on others, let no one hold you back, and appreciate everything.
Oh and don’t plan to come home to a second winter. Ciao for now!