December 15-21, 2022.

The count down was on. My 4 month round the world trip was almost done. One week until I fly back to the USA. I could have traveled longer but the practical side of me said I needed return to work and make money.

I have become a very indulgent traveler. I know what I like and I do it. So I ate delicious Japanese food, explored small towns, stayed in traditional ryokan hostels, went hiking, and visited as many onsens (hot springs) as possible.

Japan is a lovely country and the people are some of the nicest people in the world. Everywhere I went, the people were welcoming and excited to show me their country. On my final day, I explored Tokyo and took part in a workshop at a cultural center.

Somehow it time to head to the airport and fly back to the USA to spend Christmas with my family. Just like the start of my trip I went to the airport as a backpacker but flew business class booked with airline points! JAL does not have the same over the top treatment as Qatar but was still lovely. My 10 hour flight went way too quickly.

I feel such nostalgia that this trip is over. I’ve had such amazing adventures and experiences. 19 countries, 3 continents, 120 days. I had been dreaming about it all throughout COVID times. And now it was finished. Looking at myself in these pictures I think the joy I experience while traveling is evident. Something about just wandering the globe makes me so happy. Until the next big trip!