After being home in Liverpool, England, for just two weeks, it already feels like my travels in Canada took place during a different lifetime. Not a day goes by when I do not look through my photographs to remind myself of the amazing places I visited and the lovely people I met.
But now it is back to reality and all of my energy is going into finding work.
Although my plan is to eventually be self-employed, I want the security blanket of a full-time job while I get back on my feet.
Returning home from long-term travel can be difficult. There is a transition period where you have to figure out the next move. Uncertainty and insecurity can prevail for a while.
For me, travel was an investment.
Has it paid off? Hell yes.
My health and fitness has improved considerably.
I was constantly on the move in Canada. Hiking in the Canadian Rockies, traipsing around Montreal in search of street art, following Vancouver’s picturesque Sea Wall.
Career wise, I have taken my blog to the next level through partnerships with tourist boards, tour companies and accommodation.
Despite being unfortunate enough to lose two cameras in two weeks, my love of photography has certainly blossomed as a result of seeing so much beauty.
While Vancouver was my overall favourite city, the place I was most hyped about visiting was Churchill in Canada’s Arctic.
This was part of Frontiers North Adventures’ Big Five Safari in Manitoba.
Getting to see a polar bear in the wild and explore the breathtaking tundra landscape was a magical experience.
I had a great experience WWOOF-ing on a blueberry farm in Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island (see the adorable farm dog, Polly, below)
And an awful WWOOF-ing experience in Perth, Ontario, that made me resort to running away after three days.
I ate lots of delicious food.
Sushi in Vancouver, poutine in Montreal, Russian pastries in Seattle, the tastiest fish and chips I have ever had in Tofino.
I bumped into actor John Malkovich in Montreal (post to come).
Got scared following some spooky occurrences.
Had some issues with my backpack.
Was reduced to a wreck by a wasp.
What is happening now?
I will continue writing about Canada for a while. I also have several posts left to write on Seattle.
Of course, there will be some posts about Liverpool and the UK as well.
When will I be travelling again?
I will be visiting the Caribbean for the first time in February. More on this later.
Other than that, I am waiting to see what the next few months will bring.
Thank you to everyone who has read my posts and supported me during my first year as a travel blogger.
Good luck on finding a job Alison. I am sure you will have no problem. Canada was happy to have you here.
Thanks Darlene. I can’t wait to be working again, and travelling again
It’s always a strange time adjusting to being back home and getting into the groove of everyday life again. The good thing about having a blog is getting to relive it all though. Good luck with the job hunting – and future self employment, I definitely recommend it!
Lucy Dodsworth recently posted..In pictures: Jumièges Abbey in Normandy
Thanks Lucy, glad you recommend self-employment. Definitely think it will be the best arrangement for me.
Glad to have just found your blog (thanks Lucy)!
Look forward to reading about your travels and posts about Liverpool. It’s my home city too!
Holiday Addict recently posted..Making My Peace With Part Time Travel
Thanks and welcome. I look forward to checking out your blog too!
Great post, Alison! I’ve had a blast reading your travel stories and look forward to read more about your experiences. Good luck on the job hunt
Fernando Quintero recently posted..Cinephile Problems: Hefty running times
Aww thank you do much Fernando! It makes my day to hear that and thanks for your well wishes.
I remember coming home from study abroad trips and it always being really surreal. Even a few weeks in New Zealand had me all upside down coming back home. Give yourself some time and find your feet again.
Caribbean sounds awesome. Especially escaping February in the north.
Andrew recently posted..6 Funny Signs of Brussels
It does take a while, but getting there slowly. Missing the Canadian lifestyle though already!