Back in Portland. It is extremely weird coming back to a place! Over the past 5 years I have always lived in a different U.S. city to work and save money for travel. This year I not only went back to the same city, but to the same job (managing a hostel).
Returning to Portland has been cool, but I definitely miss being able to explore a new place/ learning what a new city’s culture entails.
Truth be told, it has been a mental challenge returning. I am trying my best to incorporate different activities in my life to feel a sense of “newness.” I am now biking and more heavily exploring areas outside of the hostel’s neighborhoods.
I am happy about my decision to return though. It proved to me I am not ready to settle down to start my own hostel just yet. I am still eager to travel onward.