Have I Settled Back Yet After My Trip?

When a friend of mine asked me if I had settled back after my big trip, I didn’t know what to say. It was a simple “yes” or “no” question, quite typical to be asked after being away, yet, I couldn’t decide on an answer. Yes? No? Kind of? The thing was I was already rested and the jetlag was gone, but I wasn’t really trying to settle back at all.

When I was planning the trip, my biggest concern was that it would throw me out of the rhythm. I had all those commitments, obligations, and chores that I needed to complete. Going away on a trip, however exciting, seemed a distraction. But now that I had come back from some of my favourite places, discovered new ones, and met with my family and friends, I just realized how much I missed that. I wanted it back home.

Of course I am not talking here about bringing a piece of Paris, a Mallorcan beach, or even my family and friends home with me. I am talking about doing more things that I loved doing when I lived in Europe, but which I slowly abandoned on this side of the Atlantic in the name of... adapting? blending in?

The trip reminded me how much I loved speaking and hearing different languages. Maybe once a week, instead of one nature hike with my dog, I could take some French or Spanish classes. I loved going to museums- the quiet ones, where no one eats, drinks, or talks. Maybe I should explore local galleries? I loved dressing the European way- yep, that’s really a thing. It might be hard when you live on the prairie, but how about dressing up for dinner every now and then. I could spend hours strolling down the streets when I lived in Europe- there was always something to do and to see there. Maybe we should stop worrying about redoing the backyard, and get out of the privacy of our house more. And then there was the food: crispy galettes with cheese and egg, comforting Russian pierogi, cinnamon-y szarlotka... I should definitely add them to our spring menu. And finally, the people. I actually really liked meeting and talking with people, something I rarely get to do since we moved to Oregon. Maybe instead of thinking about my people somewhere out there, I should get out and find them.

So, yeah, no, I have not settled back. I have refocused and I am readjusting.

*Photo courtesy of my dear friend Bogusia K.