a year abroad ... ends

My 'year' abroad will come to an end on the 16th of this month, some fifteen months after originally leaving home. Tomorrow, I'll be flying from Istanbul to Edinburgh to spend one week with Nicole. On the 16th, I'll be flying home with a short layover in Dublin. It only seems fitting that my time spent abroad will end in the city where this trip of a lifetime once began.

To say I have mixed emotions over my decision to move home is, by all means, an understatement. I'm excited at what will come, yet nervous at the unknown and the many decisions to be made, and depressed that this period in my life is coming to a close. While I'm not looking forward to the end of my travels, I am at the same time trying to be realistic about the situation. Financially, I don't have a choice; considering this, there is no need to stress over the uncontrollable.

I have developed a love of traveling, of meeting new people, of experiencing new cultures, and more than anything, a love of living my day to day life outside of my comfort zone. I'm convinced this won't be the last time I find myself traveling the world. There is still so much to see in this world, and the thought of never traveling again is frightening. I'm excited at the thought of once again leaving home - again feeling the rush, the excitement, and the nerves of what comes when leaving everything that has become comfortable to you.

This time I've spent abroad has been an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. It has been invaluable, but it certainly hasn't been easy. For 15 months I've been separated from family, from familiarity, and from old friendships. This being said, I've met so many people along the way who have undoubtedly helped to shape the person I've become. It has been an opportunity for me to learn more about who I am, what I want to be, and hopefully enabled me to understand the world around me just a little bit better.

Thanks to you all for following me on this journey. You are the ones that drove me to sit down, to reflect, and to document my travels. All the best, cheers,

mk