Another Step Back...

San Francisco, CA USA

February 19, 2008
N 37°48.049
W 122°24.580

Another step in our re-entry process started today, at least for one of us, as Marc went back to work. It was inevitable, of course. We knew our good times of leisure and travel couldn’t last forever, but they were sure nice while they lasted and probably changed us forever.

Now I have to find ways to keep myself busy until I find a job and avoid the post travel blues. The past week has been challenging for both of us. Our house is back together, there isn’t a lot to do except enjoy the sunshine and our neighborhood, but the scenery is the same. We became so used to moving through different cities, taking in new sites, attempting to comprehend different currencies, and understand different languages on a regular basis, that even multi-cultural San Francisco hasn’t been able to hold our attention.

A lingering depression has grabbed hold of us and won’t let go. We planned, saved and dreamed about our trip for over two years. We finally embarked on our journey in early 2007, enjoyed every minute, and made it safely back home after 368 days on the road. So, after three years of being consumed by The Big Trip... it’s now over.

As we sit in our house it now consumes us in a different way. With memories we can’t forget, don’t want to forget… beaches, children, remote villages, smiles, friends, travel days, daunting weather, food and always the thrill of what’s next.

As we try to return to life as “responsible” and “productive” citizens we grapple with the need for balance and those people we used to be. I think we’re ready to get back in the “game”, but at the same time we will always miss those Travelers.

Home is Where the Food is...

San Francisco, CA USA

February 16, 2008
N 37°48.049
W 122°24.580

While traveling we would comment on the abundance of vegetables, produce, dairy and meat we can get in the Bay Area, and how quality product makes a huge difference in the final dish. A perfect example of this rule was when we were in Vietnam. We expected the Pho to be the best in the world. However, since the local produce didn't compare with California produce, the end product wasn’t what we expected. With a few exceptions, we decided our favorite local Pho place was better than street-side in Hanoi.

It is great to be home and have access to the some of the best meats, cheese, breads and local produce around; and now that my kitchen is back together I enjoy cooking nearly every day. In fact, I consider cooking to be therapeutic as we navigate our way back to reality.

While we were gone we thought about Molinari's, the deli in our neighborhood, or Little City Meats, where I have to receive approval from our butcher on how I intend to prepare the cut of meat before he’ll let me leave the shop. I also dreamed about the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building and the fresh fruit and even though we saw other great markets, none of them compared to the vast selection and fine produce right in our neighborhood.

I guess what I am trying to say is even though we are lacking the daily stimulation we received while traveling, and we’re experiencing bouts of post travel depression, we’re happy to be back in San Francisco and definitely enjoying the convenience and simplicity of life at home.