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Countdown Until My Departure to Brazil: NONE

12/19/2009
by Tanya

Ok… the time is finally here. After countless days, I am leaving today! Wow… After spending the week in bed with fever, I can’t believe the time has come. It’s funny because while I was living in Europe, traveling was a part of lifestyle. Every weekend, we’d be hopping on a train, bus or plane to discover a new city. And I must say that Europeans take this for granted. Being surrounded by so many different countries and cultures in such a close distance is admirable! Yet, Europeans don’t travel all that much. Most of the young people I met in Europe hadn’t visited half the places I managed to go to in a span of 7 months. Anyhow..  all this to say that when you are limited to only a few weeks of travel time per year, you learn to appreciate it all that much more. For all you avid backpackers, 3 weeks may not seem like a lot but trust me, it’s enough time to disconnect from the routine, explore a new country and come back to continue what you left off. Obviously, if I were to have a choice, I’d be gone for a few months but since that’s not the case, I’ll appreciate what I do have- a healthy me, with 3 weeks vacation and the drive to visit the world!

As my backpack is ready to go, I’m also ready to go! Although my last real backpacking trip was in Argentina (2008), I did enjoy a few road trips to Boston, California, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Toronto since. But let’s just say that I am way overdue for a real, backpacking, free-spirited trip. I feel the need to wander into the unknown, meet the most random people and experience a new culture! This being said, I’m ready to do it alone! Although traveling with friends is always more convenient since you don’t have to worry about being alone, I still think that when you reach a certain point in your life-either a certain age or after a certain amount of traveling- everyone should go on one solo trip. Spending time with yourself is definitely the best way to get to know yourself and learn to rely on yourself!

As I will be flying directly to Manaus (the Amazon), I will most probably not be writing until Dec 26th. If I do get a chance to write from the hostel in Manaus as soon as I arrive, I will do for sure! Wish me luck- I may need it!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas! No matter where you are in the world, appreciate the day- whether you are at home with your family or backpacking in some random country/city, enjoy it!

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6 Comments leave one →
  1. Patricia permalink
    12/19/2009 7:20 am

    hey! so an interesting question is do you work when travelling? or just travel? (: your webby is indeed interesting. cheers!

    • 12/19/2009 8:46 am

      Thanks Patricia! Glad you like it :) It’s easy to write about a passion! I’m traveling for pleasure but would be up for working/writing while away. Let me know if you have any or know about opportunities! Write me @ offtrackbackpacking@gmail.com. Happy Holidays! Keep coming back :)

  2. 12/19/2009 12:27 pm

    Tanya, I know you will have an amazing time traveling solo! and the fact that it’s to Brazil doesn’t hurt either. Have an awesome vacation. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hopefully we’ll see a post from you before the new year. Be safe! :)

  3. Martin permalink
    12/20/2009 12:21 pm

    Tanya, have a great trip, Merry Xmas, and a happy New Year. Hope you’re feeling better, because flying when you’re sick really sucks! Sorry we missed you but look forward to reading all about it and hearing stories when you get back. Watch out for ‘gators, pirannahs, big snakes that eat you, deforestors, Brazilian cops, soccer fans, tiny brightly colored frogs, electrical blackouts, jaguars (the big black cats not the cars), and especially ‘gators… Have fun! Martin

  4. 12/22/2009 11:02 pm

    Hi Tanya

    I LOVEEEE ur blog. I am excited for you and excited for myself as well. I am traveling to Brazil in 3 wks ALONE. I am a bit nervous but nonetheless, I am excited. Plz keep me posted on where you’ll be staying at once you reach Rio. Also, how did you find out about that excursion to the Amazon?.. it sounds amazing.

    Happy holiday and take care!!!!

    p.s
    you can email me at prcs22481@aol.com

  5. 12/26/2009 1:01 pm

    Thanks everyone! So far, so good! I survived my week in the jungle :)

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