Spending an extended span of time undertaking travel definitely makes me appreciate every comfort and convenience when they are available.
These comforts include a comfortable horizontal surface to sleep on in the dark and quiet; easy access to laundry; being able to have a shower; having internet access; being able to change outside a cramped bathroom or bathroom stall; being able to borrow access to a local telephone; being able to leave groceries somewhere cold; being able to hang up suits and dress shirts properly; being able to leave batteries around to charge; not having to worry about checkout times; and not having to worry about your things being stolen if unattended.
My period of transition is still not complete. I still need to relocate most of my possessions from Ottawa to Toronto and I still need to find somewhere to live in Toronto and shift all of my things there. That being said, I think I now have the basic requirements for being able to live and work. I can shuttle them around with me from place to place – as necessary – until I have a place of my own.
One lesson reinforced by this move is the general benefit of keeping personal property to a minimum, especially in terms of bulk. Every gram and cubic centimetre of objects you possess makes you less free, though much of it may be awfully pleasant and useful to own.
I could not agree more. Even the most interesting and amazing adventure makes a person think fondly of the comforts of home. Upon my return from Korea, I am well aware of this. I was hosted wonderfully by my former students, but I realized that I like to have some privacy and time of my own. The stay in the Buddhist temple was very peaceful and quiet, but waking up at 3:00 AM was a challenge. I think that the best way to travel for me is to stay in my own accommodation and visit with people during the day.
I am very proud of your efforts in Washington, D.C. I followed the events with interest as much as I could. All the best for your new work.