A Whole New World

Come, step into my world
Where days fly by in seconds
While hours drag on for years.
A world where there are two days in the week:
Sunday and Not Sunday.
Where running out of bus snacks is a major concern
But running out of underwear isn’t..
Where no one looks twice if you eat alone, sit alone, drink alone, or walk alone,
Though you’ll never remain alone for long.
A world where two shirts is a luxury,
And clothes with hand sewn patches are a badge of well traveled honour.
Where names are shared at the end of conversations,
Merely as an afterthought, a minor detail of lesser importance,
While your travel biography is the most important.
Where conversations begin with nationality,
Fill with recommendations and stories,
And end with an open invitation.
A world in which your everything is on your back
(And your front),
Though everything is definitely starting to smell.
Join me in a world where playing cards are an international language,
And books are read and shared more than you imagined possible.
A world where the state of your digestive system is an appropriate topic to discuss with strangers over lunch.
A world where waiting for a bus is never a problem,
And moving slowly is the norm.
Welcome to a place where crafts are currency,
And instruments are played by all,
You’ll learn that jamming can be done regardless of skill.
A world in which an internet connection faster than dial up is a pleasant surprise,
And a roll of toilet paper is always in your bag.
Where hot water is a selling point
And a bed without a bunk is rejoiced.
Where an overnight bus means a free night of accommodation,
And bus stations can double as a hostel before an early morning bus ride.
Welcome to a world where your carefree or adventure seeking nature is never scoffed at,
Where committing to plans is everyone’s worst nightmare,
And grand ideas and curiosity are always encouraged.
Come to the world where everyone is a friend waiting to be made,
Where homesickness strikes and is understood,
And a tearful bus ride isn’t seen as weakness.
A world where wanderlust is welcome,
And limits seem to be made to be pushed.
A world where everyone breaks some sort of mold,
Where we are all extraordinarily unique, yet somehow similar.
Where no conversation is off limits
And no desire discouraged.
Come join my world
Where everything resides in a judgement free zone.
Where paying it forward is a standard way of life.
A world where you are free to explore, question, and discover.
Where you control your own choices, and live on your own terms.
Where strangers support you in tough moments,
And celebrate with you in great ones.
Where every morning brings the promise of adventure,
And possibility lies in every breath.
Where the world grows bigger while getting smaller.
Welcome to a world of immediate understanding,
A world where you are accepted as you.
Where beauty will astound you
And people will take your breath away.
A world where you are aware, but don’t let fear control.
Come join me in a world that is nearly impossible to describe.
A world that is not always easy,
But is always rewarding.
A world that exists apart from reality,
Yet firmly ground in it.
A world not without flaws and hardships,
Making every moment all the more triumphant.
So come, join my world.
Become a traveler, a backpacker, a nomad, a journeyman.
Come for a week, a month, a year, a life.
Walk your journey alongside mine.
Come with your travel gadgets, or with nothing at all.
Just be sure to bring your passport,
The world is waiting with open arms.