Leaving the Amalfi Coast where houses balance on the side of cliffs and the greenery of the mountains served as a view any blogger could be motivated by I returned to Naples where I would spend my final 24 hours in Europe. A little depressing but chancing an hour long train ride that I’d already experienced delays on just wasn’t worth it. Additionally was the extra expense required to purchase a 130 euro flight for such a last minute booking to London that I couldn’t afford it.
Some would say doing nothing for my final 24 hours was a waste of my time, I didn’t feel that way. I had been on the go for a good two months and really never stopped to catch my breath. Not because I had too or because I felt like I had to try and see all of Europe, but because the excitement and thrill of seeing new thing and meeting new people was like a drug to me.
Everytime I stopped for a day to rest I felt guilty. I have no idea why as this was my trip to travel how I wanted, when I wanted. I tried to go slow but just couldn’t shake that feeling and so I found myself partying and exploring day after day. I remember planning the trip at home where I’d imagined there would be countless times I’d sleep in and waste away hours in parks all over Europe just people watching. All based on the illusion I’d be recharging the batteries from 6 years of work with little holidays of course.
Would I travel like this again? Quite possibly but I’m smarter and more knowledgable this time so who knows really.
Reaching Naples I picked up some beers from a local supermarket and proceeded to relax in the common room of my hostel. I watched a movie, I chatted to some other backpackers about past and future travel plans and I explored the land of the internet. When it finally came time to to sleep that night I was out like a light, travel had finally exhausted me.
As the sun rose to signal morning had arrived I collected my belongings and made for the airport. In what is now my style I got lost finding the bus stop that would get me to the airport. Obviously aware this would happen I’d arrived early. A 15 minute wander around had me at my spot and I sat atop a graffiti covered bench to wait for the bus.
While waiting something happened that I thought was only ever possible to one other travel blogger in the world. However it seemed it was my turn to take one for the team because as I saw the bus turn the corner and prepare to stop for us to climb aboard a bird swoped overhead dumping a big one right on me and my backpack… the people on the bus loved me.
At the airport I cleaned up everything as well as possible and departed Europe with what I hoped was some luck from the birds above. London I was coming for you.
Don’t ever feel guilty for traveling how you want. Slow, fast, as long as your enjoying your trip then that’s all that matters.
Alouise I agree. I think it came down to not wanting to waste my time because I’m so new to this whole backpacking/travelling idea. I know I have plans to travel for a long time and believe I just got caught up in the moment so to speak.
Gorgeous post and I love the picture of the laptop and beer with a brewing storm in the background.
Lauren that was my office while in Sant’Agnello. To my left was the bay and view towards Naples, to my left was more mountains and behind me was the town and a view that overlooked a school football field. We watched the kids play there in the evenings while drinking and talking.
Truly my favourite place I’ve visited.
I always feel the exact same way! – that I need to always be actively doing something, even in my life as an expat. I think it’s a good way to feel. Life is precious, no doubt, and I’m glad to get so much out of mine. But yeah, like you, there are times when I’m just physically spent and need to take a day off to recharge. Nothing to feel guilty about.
I would agree taking a day to relax is always needed, for me that is. Sorry about that bird but hey you werent late to the bus stop.
I traveled through New Zealand last December and lived in hostels. Whenever I took time to kick back and a take a day off from traveling, I really felt guilty. Mainly because I was only there for 25 days and would most likely not get a chance anytime soon to visit back and see all the places. But, I agree that at times you don’t want to get too exhausted from all the traveling.