The Post-Travel Blues

I too have experienced post holiday blues. It's like my mind is expanded and I feel vital and alive and like I'm where I need to be and then suddenly I am back at work, back in this life and resentful as hell! I find that trying to replicate in my days at home what I loved while travelling (new experiences, different tastes and sights, time to relax, no ringing phones or emails etc) helps, as does planning a new trip...

What a great way to phrase the frustration I, you and others feel
after a return from traveling. Thank you so much for sharing, Maree.

I used to go through that depression phase when I came back from a trip overseas years ago. But if my latest travels are any indication, I think I've learned to manage that a bit better. It'll pass.

I'm in Costa Rica and can understand how going from our almost perennial summer heat and sun and laid-back culture to the chills of Toronto can put you down. It's such a stark contrast.

But even for us living here things are not just fun and sun all the time. There are some places tourists go to that I've never been to. We also have jobs, long office hours, traffic jams, stress, bills to pay, and all that. I'd rather like to go out and hit the beach at this moment than being stuck in the office under artificial lighting. But even that it's not as easy (or affordable) for most of us as some may think. And sometimes I wished things here would just work as well as they do on a first-world country.

It's typical of us humans to see the grass greener on the other side and for whatever reason. The big lesson here is that there is no such thing as a perfect country or place and that we have to appreciate life for what it is for us - with the good and the bad. I have to keep repeating that to myself every time. You'll come out fine. :)

hehe, I always LMAO, when someone refers to CANADA as a "first-world" country ... Canada is by NO MEANS (not even GDP BS!) not even "second-world (developing)" country ... Sad, but true, Canada is THRID WORLD country with their level of service, living conditions and starking corruption and nepotism practices

An interesting point of view. I don't agree but I appreciate you
sharing it.

Thank you for clarifying that life in Central America is not all fun
in the sun. This is, of course, very true. While Nicaragua was a
beautiful country, the poverty that many people face there (as well as
other conditions) can not be ignored.

I should clarify that my blues are more related to my long-standing
desire to leave the hustle, buildings, smog and cars of Toronto. I
have grown up in Canada's largest city and my life and my family is
here. But for a few year's now I have yearned for a more natural
environment. A slower environment. A different culture.

I feel sadness as I feel a desire to leave, to carve out a new home
but I identify that, at least for now, that isn't possible. My
husband's work, our financial situation, our families keep us here for
now. But that doesn't stop the yearning we both have to leave.

I am disappointed in myself as I can't seem to rise above this
sadness. To appreciate every moment of my life, regardless of where it
is. I know I'll get there once again, I am just in a bit of a mental
rut.