Student Blogs/Sierra in Chile
It has been a month now since I returned to Ottawa. It still doesn't feel real, but I am back into the crazy Carleton routine. There are so many differences between Canada and Chile that you don't realize because you slowly adapt to them, so now upon returning home you miss them, or alternatively, love that it's back to "normal."
But what is "normal?"
Probably most of the things that I would consider normal in Canada are abnormal to the rest of the world. Living abroad has made me appreciate Canada more than ever. We are so lucky to have things like recycling programs, a wide array of multi-cultural foods, toilets that flush toilet paper, and delicious, drinkable tap water. All of these things, surprisingly, are not commonplace in Chile. Although they are improving and most things are quickly catching on, we realize how lucky we are in Canada.
Despite this, I miss Chile and all its flaws more than I could have ever imagined. There is so much excitement in the national culture and growing economy of Chile that it has so much potential for the future.
Living abroad has given me a whole new perspective on life and the world as a whole. In 2013, I was in 13 new countries, each with its own charm and unique qualities that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. I have 29 stamps in my passport from this year, and a lifetime worth of new experiences that I will be replaying over and over until I can start my next adventure.
Eternal traveler syndrome, the travel bug, whatever you want to call it, I have it.