the [inevitable] phases of travel.

I’m currently in the third week of five abroad, and as could be expected, the honeymoon phase is over.  Even though this is a relatively short time away, the post-honeymoon realization has caused me to ponder my current emotions, compare them to my past experiences living in other countries, and compile a list. 

The following may not ring true to everyone’s experience, but it seems to be relatively consistent in mine. 

Phases of adjustment to a new culture:

1.     Delirium.  “What time is it?”  “Where am I?”  “Why am I awake at 4am?”  “Food…what’s food?”  “Am I hungry?”  This phase also contains the deliriously happy moments of seeing all the friends you have only kept up with on facebook in real, live person.  Pretty exciting. 

2.     Wonder.  This phase can overlap with number one or number three.  It really is incredible to experience other cultures and climates…especially warm climates when the temperature at home is below freezing. 

3.     Discouragement.  “What am I doing here?”  “Why didn’t I make a better plan?”  “Should I even be here?”  “I hardly can communicate with anyone here!”  “This was a mistake…” Phase three is generally short-lived, but is also very predictable.  You seem to struggle with these questions early in the trip, when you realize everything is strange, nothing is familiar, and you aren’t sure how you fit in.

4.     Rhythm.  The little things start coming back.  Maps make sense again.  Meetings fall into place.  You remember all the phrases you knew before.  Especially important in SE Asia: “Have you eaten your rice yet?” “Iced coffee with milk, please!” “Beautiful!” “No tuk-tuk!!” (The last phrase works in English, and may need to be repeated ad nauseam).

5.     Disillusioned contentment.  “Totally got this…maybe I do have a handle on this culture, after all, the food is really good!”  “I can probably get around with broken English.”  Hah.  Enjoy this while it lasts. 

6.     Routine.  Wherever you are in the world, this is inevitable.  It is the same thing that happens with routine at home.  Life has the potential to become dull wherever you find yourself…the frustrations can sometimes outweigh the perceived blessings.  The veneer - the shiny, exciting coating of travel - is worn off.  The mosquitoes keep you up all night.  Your digestive system never seems to find it’s footing.  The wireless isn’t working…anywhere. 

It is in the routine that we have a choice -- a choice to become bored, bitter, and frustrated…or to embrace the routine and find the bits of joy.  This doesn’t just apply to travel.  It is finding the good when you work outside for a living and the weather stubbornly hovers around freezing (and usually sleeting as well).  It is choosing joy when you work a monotonous office job with no end in sight, or if you have young children at home that demand every drop of your attention 110% of the time. 

Everyone’s life looks different on the surface, but the more of life I experience; the more I realize that we all tend to struggle with the same things.  Discouragement, boredom, frustration at unmet expectations, loneliness…the list goes on.

I’d like to offer encouragement to you in whatever season of life that you find yourself.  Remember that no one has a journey without it’s own challenges.  That the more that we are open about our own struggles, the more we can encourage one another though difficulties, and also rejoice in little victories. 

Also, if you can…TRAVEL.  The world is out there to be discovered.  All those “phases” listed above?  Completely worthwhile every time.  Travel will stretch your mind in new ways, challenge your perception of people and culture, bring out the best (and worst) in yourself, and leave you a changed person.