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I think you made the right decision. You are really young to get tied down in one place because of one person. It hurts, but you can always keep in touch with him.
Warm hugs your way! I know this is a tough decision!
Thanks Camella for the support & the warm hugs. As for keeping in touch with him of course I will. I can’t let an amazing person like him leave my life forever.
You had me in tears reading this man. God, what a heartbreaking decision, but one I understand all too well. Make every minute count!
*hugs and kisses*
Corey W. recently posted..Photo Book – November/December 2010
I’m so sorry Corey I got you in tears… I didn’t mean to make anyone cry. It was a heartbreaking decision and hate that I even had to make. Sorry you can relate to this… seems like quite a few of us that have done a long term trip know all to well. I will make every minute count that is for sure.
I feel your pain! A really hard decision but you must finish your adventure. Sending good vibes and best wishes to you : )
Thanks Sally for your support and best wishes.
Jaime-
Believe me, I know exactly what your going through, but, if you didn’t make this decision (to continue the rest of your trip), you would have always wondered what would have happened if you had…at least this way, you’ll know 🙂
Tiffany recently posted..The Ultimate Swiss Train Challenge. Part 1.
Ah I’m sorry Tiffany that you know what I am going through. I seriously don’t want anyone to go through this it’s so fucking hard. That is true about the “what would have happened”, but the same could be said about me staying? Does that make sense… I don’t know, but I know what you mean and your right. For now though I know I am doing this because I want to do it and I try to live a life of no regrets.
I understand… I made a similar decision, and it’s not because you made the decision that it’s going to be easier for you than for him. I sent you lots of courage!
Juana it really is gonna be hard for the both of us. We are in this together and well we will feel the same amount of pain. This is unlike any break up I have ever dealt with because for the 1st time it’s not really a break up… I mean it is, but it’s not because of something bad it’s just I am moving on and continuing my life. I will not hate him at all when I leave. Sorry I am rambling now.
Oohhhhhh….Jamie, such a heartbreaking news. My heart go for u. Hey, pls done ever think he will hate u, if he love u enough, he will understand. Time will prove & heal. Many many love & huggies…
Oppssss….I mean “don’t” not done. My stupid iPad do the auto correct and I’m stupid enough to post before I checked 🙁
Jaja June I understood, yeah I don’t know if I could deal with auto correct…lol!!! Sorry I had to share this heartbreaking news… and really appreciate your kinds words and am glad you don’t hate me. Time will really prove what is meant for the both of us and if not well it will heal our hearts.
Oh Jaime, I wish I was there to give you a big hug too. That’s a very hard decision to come to, and you are very brave and honest with yourself to have reached it and actually bought the ticket to Istanbul. If your bf is as close to you as you feel to him, I’m sure he understands.
I made a similar decision, years ago, so similar it’s uncanny. Long distance relationships are hard, and you’re just being fair to both of you to admit that it’s not the best route to take. You have many more adventures ahead of you in SouthEast Asia, and Egypt will always hold a special place in your heart but don’t let it make you depressed the rest of your trip; you are so much stronger than that. I think I speak for people who read your blog that it doesn’t matter if you change your mind or stumble, we just want to see you happy XO
Patricia GW recently posted..7/22 This Week in Photos
Thanks Patricia so much… wish I could get our hug, I’ll accept it virtually! It was a hard decision to make and am happy that he understands me even though sometimes I hate that he does… maybe a part of me wish he would beg me to stay, but then a part of doesn’t because it would make it so much harder. I’m sorry you had to go through something similar to this… I mean really it’s just so fucking hard and yeah I don’t want a long distance relationship because I just couldn’t handle it. I have many more adventures ahead of me and who knows what is to come. I also can not allow this to bring me down and ruin the last portion of this amazing adventure I am on. Glad you are happy to see me happy… I appreciate your kind words so much.
*HUG*!!! I got teary eyed and felt my heart getting heavier with every paragraph I read.
It’ll be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but how much harder would it be not to be honest with yourself? I applaud you for that because it’s sometimes easier to temporarily avoid the truth but of course that catches up with folks.
I’ll email you *HUG*
Thanks for the HUG and for the emails. Avoiding the truth is the worst thing anyone can do and trust me I have learned my lesson on that and is why I never do it. I’d rather face it and deal with it even if it’s like a knife through the chest.
I admire your honesty, Jaime! I’ve had to make the same decision and I know it sucks, but you can’t sell yourself short. You set off to see the world and as my friends told me when I was going through the situation, “If it’s meant to be it will be. You will always know where to find him.”
Caroline Eubanks recently posted..Where to Find the Best Food Trucks
Thanks Caroline about my honesty and so sorry you have had to make the same decision, but am happy to hear I am not alone. It sucks big time but I guess it’s part of the roller coaster that is travel… and you are right I can’t sell my self short of continuing to see the world. Even after this trip I am not ready to settle down and know I have so much more I wanna see and do. It’s like once you breakaway the 1st time you know you can do it and you know how hard yet so easy it is to do it. As for him yes I will know where to find him and that is a relief, but I hope he doesn’t wait for me and makes the most of the amazing life I know he has ahead of him as well. Sorry I ramble so much…lol.
I may have just teared up a little at work reading this. You’re making the right decision though, trust me on that. Similar yet different situation at the moment and I’ve just realized what I have to do and I’m currently in the process of doing it. It will be for the better xx
Sorry I made you tear up Lynda, and am sorry you are going through something similar to this. I hope I am making the right thing… right now it really does feel like it, but who knows down the road. Anyway the decision is made and I will continue to live a life of no regrets. I love him & he knows it and knows why I am doing why I am doing so it’s all good. For now will just make the most of it.
You’ve made the right decision, Jaime. When it comes to your life, you have to make tough decisions and ultimately do what is right for you, even if it’s not what someone else wants. It’s YOUR life. You’re still young and yes, you’ll miss him at first. However in time you’ll learn to treasure your time together, and you’ll also have learned a lot of lessons about love and, more importantly, about yourself.
Waegook Tom recently posted..Jeju’s Crashy Waves & Cliffs
Thank you WT, you are right about life being filled with tough decisions and the end we have to decide what is best for us. We have one life to live… so gotta make the most of it.
Big hugs Jaime! It sucks that you have to say good-bye to him soon, but I think you made the right decision. I wish things could’ve worked out but you have to stay true to yourself and what you want from life. Long distance is really hard, and I think it only works if you both have the same goals and there’s an end to the long distance within sight. Andy and I started out as long distance, and before we even met I knew I wanted to live in Europe, so when we started talking and fell in love, it just worked. We wanted the same things out of life and the timing was right for both of us. Eventually either something will happen to bring you two back together, or you’ll meet someone else when the timing is better. Until then, just focus on your trip and how you’re fulfilling a huge dream and making so many amazing memories.
Ali recently posted..Easter Island Brought Back My Travel Spark
Thanks Ali, I wish things could have worked out as well. I would have loved for him to join me and travel the world, but I know that is not his dream and know it would be so hard anyway (not that that would stop me). I remember following your love story and seeing how everything fit so perfectly with how the life you both wanted was what you both wanted and in the end seeing yall now so happy makes me so happy. So for now I will make the most of it and who knows maybe down the road I will be back in Egypt and something more can happen…
Life is tough when you want it to be gentle, but making YOUR own decisions and creating your own life paths will ultimately lead you to where you want to be when the time is right.
Now I just made that sentence up, but I think there’s a lot of truth in it 🙂
You made one hell of a tough decision Jaime, but it shows a lot of guts and character to follow your heart and finish something you spent so long planning for. At the end of the trip you can take the time to settle your head again and see what the future holds.
For what its worth, your blog is a great read and a great source of information for any person wishing to do the same themselves.
Chin up dude!
Carlo
Carlo oh I like that a lot “Life is tough when you want it to be gentle”… it’s hard to tell someone you are going to walk away… fucking hard and how do you do it with out being an asshole. I mean it sometimes I feel like such an asshole, but then at the end of the day I feel like I know it is MY life and know that I must do what I want to do and will make me happy. Thanks for the kind words about my blog and thank you so much for reading it. I really appreciate it and will keep my chin up.
I’m going to go ahead and join everyone else in saying you made the right choice, but more than that, I can’t believe you actually wrote a post like this. I could never imagine putting myself out there like that–you’re definitely a lot more courageous than I am in that respect.
Daniel McBane recently posted..Disappear Into a Sewer in Medan, Indonesia
Thank you Daniel, as for my blog post yeah I put my self out there a lot. I have always promised to keep my blog 100% honest and share it all; the good the bad and now the heartbreaking. Sometimes it’s hard for me to do, but in the end know it may help someone down the road and from the emails & comments I have received I know a lot of people can relate.
Ugh, it’s a hard decision but I think you’re right by being honest with him and with yourself. I think that in the end you will be happy with the decision. If on the other hand, you regret your decision, and if both of you really love each other, there’s always a way to make things work, if both want it 100%.
It’s crazy how you and I are on the same boat. I also bought my plane ticket out of Milan yesterday!! But mine ends much sooner… Aug. 2. 🙁
Time will tell… for both…
Oh nooo Norbert, I know we are going through the same thing and that we have talked about it. It’s crazy that you too bought your ticket yesterday… sorry it’s so damn soon. All we can do now is wait and see what life holds for us down the road. So where you going after Milan???
I totally get it, i had a very similar situation 2 years ago and i choose what was the best for me, it hurts but you will always have the best memories, wish you the best 🙂 xoxo
Thanks Claudia you are right I will always have the memories and no one can take those away from me.
Wow. I find your honesty so moving. I’ve been in that situation, having to tear away from someone for the bigger picture. I still have those “what if” thoughts. I admire your courage and wish you the best. I’ll be following to see how things progress.
Jeff Dobbins recently posted..A Stroll Through Brooklyn Heights
Thank you very much Jeff and am sorry you too have been in the same situation, but you right we must look at the bigger picture. I can only imagine that even after so long I will have those “what if” moments and well for now just must make the most of the time we have together.
Oh Baby Bear, this breaks my heart. I know how much you care for the boyfriend. Unfortunately, there comes a time when all of us bitten by the travel bug must make this choice. Although this was a difficult decision for you, I think that you made the right choice for you. If it was meant to be, then it will be. Keep that in my boo boo <3
Elle recently posted..Letting Go: I REPEAT this is not sabotage
Awww Elle, your comments always cheer me up. I care about him so much and sometimes I don’t even think he knows how much I really care about him. I hate that for us living this lifestyle… have to deal with this from time to time. This is my 1st time and hope its my last… no more locals for me…lol!!! Who know what is planned for us down the road, if it’s meant to be it is meant to be.
Jaime, you are a strong person and letting go must be a very hard decision. Being honest with yourself and with him will be better in the long run. Ulitmately you don’t want to start resenting him for keeping you held down. Good luck in the transition process. 🙂
jade recently posted..Cadaques Wine Tour: Mas Perafita Winery
Thanks Jade, I would hate to resent him for keeping me down or away from living my dreams and that is why I love him so much more because he respects me so much and respects my dreams. Well the decision has been made and the ticket has been purchased now I must just board the plane and that will be so fucking hard to do.
No wise words of support here, I can’t really pretend to understand what you’re feeling or going through. I just want to wish you the best and hope that peace finds you soon.
Best,
David
David recently posted..Hotel Review – Aloft Minneapolis
Aww thanks David for the honest comment and for the wishes. I hope peace finds me soon, cus right now I am a mess.
You are brave. It takes an incredible amount of courage to listen to your heart and make those tough calls. After living abroad for 3 years and traveling from one place to another for a solid 8, I got very used to expiration dating. It can be extremely difficult to leave someone behind that you are so in love with. Extremely. So my heart goes out to you.
I recently had to make some difficult decisions in my life as well, and they were hard— to turn down an incredible opportunity in Peru, to break up a relationship that wasn’t quite what I wanted, to draw a line with a family member. I can’t pretend to tell you that I’m 100% sure those were all the right decisions. Time will tell, but I can tell you that following my heart, especially when it’s difficult, has given me a deep amount of self respect and has always led to something even more phenominal.
Best wishes to you and thank you for being so honest and for sharing your story and the love you have for your boyfriend!
Jacqueline recently posted..Why 29 is Worth Rocking
Thank you very much Jacqueline for your kind words. I don’t know if I could ever get used to expiration dating… this is the 1st time I do it and I hate it so much. I have had plenty of hook ups on the road, but nothing so serious like this. It’s so damn hard and appreciate you telling me your story and your right only time will tell what happens to us after following our heart.
Hello, I just discovered your blog on Alex’s site, and was touched by your story. I admire for being able to be true to yourself, your dreams and your goals. It’s a cliche, but if it’s meant to be… Who knows what the future holds, like you say. I wish you all the best for your SE Asian adventure 🙂
Hi Sarah, glad you discovered my blog and thanks for the admiration and the wishes for SEAsia. Hope you stick around and read some of my old post and new ones coming up on this crazy adventure I am on. Oh & if you ever need anything let me know, I am always happy to help anyone. 😉
Jaime you are so courageous. My heart goes out to you. All the best on the rest of your adventure. I’m looking forward to continue following your journey.
Paula recently posted..Starting over again
Thank you very much Paula for your kind words and for following my journey around the world.
Hi! I accidentally came across your blog while I was searching for information about India!
I have been reading your ‘about’ and some of your posts and I was too raised in a world where happy endings involve settling down, and we are trained to be slaves of the corporate world, but I have never felt like I belonged.
One day (some years from now- I am still finishing college so I am young and broke), I am going to go on a very long backpacking trip just like you, and I hope I can be as brave as you seem to be. I think in this world it is really hard to go against everyone’s expectations and doing what you feel. You are an inspiration to people like me! Thank you!
And don’t worry, everything will be OKAY:)
Maria
Hi Maria, glad you found my blog… I spent 3 months in India so please let me know if you need anything. Sadly we do live in a society where we are conditioned to believe that the only way we will be happy is by settling down have a corporate job along with a mortgage and live in debt forever… and well I am glad I found that that is not the case. We are the key to our own future and we decide what life we live and what makes us happy. It is sometimes hard to go against everyone’s expectations, but hey we have one life to live so why not live it on our terms. Let me know if you need help planning your “BREAKAWAY” after college, I’d be more than happy to help you start planning now so when you are done you can just go.
ooo…it’s hard I’m sure, but if it’s meant to be, things will work out to be so in the future.
What seems really scary to me is that you’ll be headed for the “last leg” of your journey…I can’t imagine how intimidating the thought of going home and getting a job must be after so much freedom. Eek!
Katrina Mauro recently posted..Before You Travel
So true Katrina… if it is meant to be things will work out and well who knows what the future holds for us. Oh & please don’t remind me that I will be starting the last leg of my journey… I get filled with so many emotions just thinking about it. I don’t know what I am gonna do after this is over. AHHHHHH makes me wanna never go home…lol.
I wouldn’t want to go home either!! I want to frolic around the world forever…and that’s without doing so for over a year!
i cried reading this jaime,just remember we have just one life , u should do what your hearts tell u to do
for me is better an ” oh well ” than a ” what if “…….. !
love u !
Perdon Adri, didn’t mean to make you cry, but exactly we only live onces so we must follow our hearts. I love ya too corazon.
Such a heartfelt post… beautifully told. Man can I relate! You know I decided to stay, but each of us has to make our own choice. Continue to love (until the expiration date) and then continue your exploration and adventure… and make sure to tell us all about it. xo
Darren recently posted..Two Faces Of Mumbai
Thanks so much Darren, I know we are in similar situations and that you decided to stay and sometimes I envy you but then remember I can’t because we are living two separate lives and must choose our own paths. I will continue to share my stories with the world… as I carry on.
One of your best posts to date…I love your love story…keep living
Oh wow hey Sophia, your comment surprised me. I always get surprised when someone from home comments. Thanks for the kind words & yup I will keep living.
Aww Jamie, another beautiful post. What a hard but brave decision you have made. Your courage is inspiring. There are no mistakes in life, you keep doing what is right for you 🙂
Thanks Kelley glad I can inspire… and you are right no mistakes in life we live & we learn.
I never saw Pyramids in B&W. It looks so interesting.
Vi recently posted..Sydney whale watching
Thanks Vi!
I am an American and my partner is Brazilian. We have been together for years. It’s hard. It’s heartbreaking to often be apart. But for me, it’s worth it. It’s forced us to be creative to find ways to overcome visa regulations to be together. It’s given my life spice, adventure, travel, and most of all, love. He’s my soulmate, so I know this is how I have to live. We have found a way to be together, though: Brazil gives permanent visas to same-sex partners of Brazilian citizens (it’s called a stable union visa). We applied and are waiting to hear from Brasilia. We bought land in his hometown. We will build a house. But….I have to leave Brazil next month. I will go to Japan for two years for a job (gotta work hard to build our house). But we will meet twice a year: we are planning Istanbul, NYC, Los Angeles….I guess I am writing this to let you know life and love and travel can come together. It’s messy at times, to be sure. But that’s life, right?
Oh wow Dave, thank you very much for the comment. This gives everything a whole different spin. Just from reading you comment my mind is going a million miles an hour thinking of all the possibilities. I am happy that it has worked out for the two of you. That is amazing and I could so understand what you mean about it giving your life spice, adventure and everything in between. I love your plans. They sound amazing and make me insanely jealous. We have talked a bit in the last few days and well for now still don’t know how we are gonna leave things. I know we are gonna leave on good terms and stay in touch. What happens next is what I have no clue about. We will just have to see how we handle it. I could always come back and get a tourist VISA easily the working VISA would be a pain… but possible. As for him coming to the USA I have no clue what the laws are for same sex couples.
Unfortunately, the USA does not allow immigration for same-sex partners of American citizens. Really unfortunate because it means I will probably never live in the USA again. But don’t cry for me Argentina–Brazil is pretty damn good…. I have 3 weeks until I leave Brazil for Japan. I want to spend every second with my partner. I am sure you can relate. Will you visit Japan? It’s an amazing place. By the way–you fasting with your partner for Ramadan is just about the most romantic thing I have heard in a LONG time….I hope you two can find a way to be together!
I’m so sorry you are going through this. My heart goes out to you. I know this can be devastating at the time, but time heals all wounds. If you guys decide you want to be together when you are in a different place, then that’s always an option!
Christy recently posted..What Life Has Taught Me in 33 Years
Thank you Christy, it’s hard now and you are right time will heal the wound. We still don’t know what the future holds so who knows what happens down the road.
I am kind of going through the same thing right now. Only planned to stay in Mexico a year but 13 months later I had to force myself to keep moving. I know there are lots of places to fall in love with and I seem to do it. And I plan to over and over again.
Jonathan Look, Jr. recently posted..My Night in Zapatista Country
Ah sorry you are going through something similar, I know how hard it is. We must carry on and live our lives.
It takes a lot of balls to make the decision you did man, and like most here I think you made the right one, especially with the 3 years thing,. I know it’s a total cliche, but “if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be”, right?
It was so damn hard, but you are right if it was meant to be it was meant to be. We’ll see what the future holds for us.
Jaime, you are brave! If you are strong enough to make the decision and what’s more, post it here, then I’m sure you will get through this! I’ll need to make a similar decision next year and the million ideas whizzing around my head are already making me feel the same anguish. I hope I can be even half as courageous as you when the time comes!
Always, always keep on following your dreams. SE Asia is awesome, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Thank you very much R it’s a tough decision and I am sorry that you can relate and are having to go through something similar it’s tough. I am sure you will find the strength to make the right decision and follow your dreams as well.
I think so many travelers can relate to this. Thank you for being brave enough to share the pain that so many of us has felt. Even know, with my current boyfriend, we worry. He is applying to schools for his doctorates. I want to be in the US as a base and travel a lot, but I’m not willing to make that base somewhere I don’t love. It’s hard to know that our relationship could depend on what schools he gets accepted to. I try not to think about it too much and enjoy our time together, but it is a pretty harsh reminder that choosing a life of travel comes with a lot of sacrifice.
Rease recently posted..How to Stay Fit While Traveling
Thanks Rease for the comment, I had no clue that so many of you had gone through this. I know it happens, but not at this level and since I had never read a post about it didn’t think much of it. I was just sharing my story like I have been doing the whole time and this is part of it. It’s hard though to think about your relationship and how where you go next may change it or what not. It’s true what you say about choosing a life of travel it really does come with a lot of sacrifices.
Thank you for sharing this! While I’ve never had to make that same decision, I completely understand about the long-distance relationship thing. It’s not selfish at all. I refuse to get into a relationship right now because I know that I’m leaving and I don’t think that a long-distance relationship is fair to either person involved. In the end, there’s usually just a lot of heartbreak involved.
You’re very brave to be making the decision and being so public about it…I hope things work out for the best!
Sky recently posted..Upcoming Adventure: Habitat for Humanity – Ghana
Your Welcome Sky & thank you for the kind words. About the long distance relationship that is why I was single for long at home. I knew I was leaving and didn’t want to deal with this pain or problem. Now here I am in Egypt in the middle of my trip and dealing with it… sometimes I ask my self why did I even let my self get into this mess, but you know what it hurts and I don’t regret it for one second.
Jaime, I admire your honesty. It must be such a difficult time for you two knowing that time is dwindling down, but that’s exactly why you have to make the most of it. Enjoy your time in Egypt, and we shall see what the future holds. I truly wish you all the happiness in the world. 🙂
Audrey recently posted..WANTED for Illegal Dumping
Thanks very much Audrey, it is really difficult but we are making the most of it. Thanks for the happiness wishes, hope I have much more of it as I continue my journey around the world.
Damn, you are honest and open on this blog!
Traveling made me realize that I could totally open up and trust someone. But I think “travel love” is also a tricky thing… you learn a lot about yourself, it may change you in some ways, but it may only work at that moment in time because of the situation. You have to keep living your dream. If you are meant to be together, you will end up together.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..3 Reasons Horseback Riding is Over-Rated
Yes Stephanie always have been and always will be open and honest on here. You know before your comment I hadn’t put much thought about what I have learned from it so far & you are right I really have learned a lot about my self and continue on with the life I want to live. If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.
I know how this feels better than most 🙂 I had a three year relationship that started as a holiday romance… and there is nothing more painful than being away from the one you love. Just think of this as a break, and know that you will be together in the end if you are meant to be. The greatest loves aren’t forced, and aren’t clung to… they just… are 🙂
Ah it’s bitter sweet to read comments from the many of you that can relate to this. It’s so damn hard and don’t want anyone else going through what I am going through. You are right though if it’s meant to be it will work out no matter what.
It’s such a shame when life decisions like this come along, but you have to follow your gut instinct. I was lucky I guess that when I made the decision to travel there was no love interest back home. I hope it all works out for you and you find you’ve chosen well.
Arianwen thank you for your kind words. Yeah I’m following my gut. The thing is I too didn’t have any love interest when I left him. I met this amazing man the 1st night I arrived in Egypt and from that moment on it was bliss. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for us.
Speaking as someone who’s been on the other side of this (I was dumped because he wanted to continue traveling around SEAsia and I had to stay and finish university), your partner will be alright. I was heartbroken of course at the time, but two years later met the wonderful person I am now engaged to. I’m still friends with the ex now too. Not trying to make this worse for you, but if you really do just care about his happiness, I thought I’d just say that he’ll be okay too.
Aww thank you so much Edna for sharing with me what it’s like to be on the other side. I really appreciate it tons. It does help a bit to know in the end we’ll all be okay. Ahh it’s so hard yet I know it’s something I must do. Thanks again Edna.
I have been following your blog off and on for about a year. Have it ‘bookmarked.’ I am older and this reminds me of my travels in Europe, though not as dramatic as yours. I have traveled further since then to Japan, Philippines, Mexico & Thailand. Presently, I have a BF living in Thailand and I will join him. I was semi-retired and now fully. We lived with each other when I am there, and now we will be together all the time. It is a miracle when finds their ‘soulmate.’ This distance you will experience will test that feeling and your sense of love. As others have written, if this relationship is important time will bring you back. Travel is an experience you should get out of your system. There is nothing wrong with the concept that once he has done his studies and military you can’t continue together. That is certainly an option. The risk will be that time will change ones feelings and perhaps meeting another. That is the reality. No matter what happens, this experience will remain in your heart for a lifetime. Remember that feeling, enjoy the sights and smells of that. Life is a journey and you are making yours a great one.
Thanks John so much for following my blog and happy to know you have it bookmarked. I love that you describe my travels as dramatic, never thought about it that way, but can so see it. Glad to hear you found your soulmate and will be living with him all the time now. I kind of envy that, even though I know if I wanted to I could stay here and make a life with him. I just know it’s not what I want right now and it’s hard to accept it but I know for a fact I don’t wanna lie ot myself and regret things in the future. So for now like you mentioned I wanna get my travel out of my system, not that I need to because I don’t think I will ever bee done traveling, but at least the way I am now I can see my self doing for several more years. I know that we will stay in touch and if things are meant to be then time will bring me back. I love him and I love Egypt so it’s a win win…lol. I do though that with time feelings may change and who knows what the future holds so for now I just want to enjoy this moment and enjoy this crazy journey.
“-’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
*sigh* This post touches me deeply because I actually lost my first love for the decision to go TO Egypt to study, live, and later travel the world:
http://www.latinabroad.com/2011/11/04/travel-and-a-broken-heart-how-they-changed-my-life/
When you are so young, life happens fast. Too fast. And what we want comes and goes at the same speed. I’ve learned that I must continue to follow my deeply-embedded dreams and goals, as true love will always follow (or leave and then come back again).
I lost my first love. But now I’ve found someone who, not only accepts my gypsy spirit, but actually *fell in love with it*
Your time will come. Travel on my friend. Love will find you again <3
– Maria Alexandra
Ay dios… wow so we went through the opposite. I love what you wrote because it’s so true life really happens too fast and we must make sure we are living it on our terms and being true to us. Sometimes it hurts and hurts a lot to loose a loved one along the way for decisions you made, but life happens and so does love. Thanks for the kind words. Just going to make the most of my time with him that is for sure.
This is absolutely heartbreaking, but you know what…I broke up with the love of my life for travel…we were apart for 2 years as I traveled the world…then I came back and was ready to put down with roots with him and now we’re married! You never, ever know!!! If it’s true love there is never an expiration date!
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Oh wow Andi, I didn’t know that. Thanks for telling me because it gives me so much hope. I just know it’s going to be so hard and well the truth have no clue what lies ahead for the both of us. Maybe it won’t have an expiration date.
So sorry to hear that, but i can totally relate. It’s hard, but you are following your instinct, and in a way or another life will give you the proof that you took the right decision.
Big hugs to you, and make the most of your time together!
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Ahhh sorry you can relate to it… it fucking sucks and is so damn hard. Thanks for the hugs and yup I will make the most of the time we have left together.
So Jaimie! what are u still doing here….run to your boyfriend!! 🙂
Sorry today im a bit emotional….and i can say i TRULY relate to what you’re living!
Today i bought my one way ticket to Bangkok….finally! i still cant believe i did it. And i should be totally excited (and i partially am of course, even if its still 5 months away)…BUT… i have a situation here, SO similar to yours. In SO many ways. Its hard….bloody hard. I already feel a bit of sadness…but it’s life right? so im going to live my own relationship with an expiration date. I have no choice. And i understand you completely. I would never stay just for this, i cant. And you couldnt either. But hey, who knows what life has in its pockets for us?
Best of luck, and even if i dont know you personally, i really wish i could give u a really strong hug! (im italian we cant help such demonstrations of affections :P)… and just enjoy your time, you’ll be back when you have time for “us”, now he is the priority :))
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Jaja the night I replied to all the comments my boyfriend had stayed at his families house so I took the time that time to reply. Sorry you were a bit emotional… I understand fully cus today I’m at the airport and am a mess. Sooo damn happy for you though… that you bought your ticket. That is amazing… one of the best feelings you will ever have… it’s so great yet so scary. As for living a love story with an experation date… that is not fun at all and so damn hard. Right now I have a million things running through my mind & honestly don’t know what is going to happen. For now I am living my life with what I want right now… if that changes down the road because I know I want him or what not then at that time I will deal with it. I could use the hug and I am sure you can too so hugs!!! We gotta keep on living cus who knows what’s down the road for us.
Jaime, not sure how I missed this originally, but it’s so sad to read about this. I know you’ve talked a lot about moving on with your life but I’m sure you’ll never forget this time in your life. There’s nothing harder than leaving a loved one. But you never know what your future may hold.
Ah Aaron I know for a fact… I will NEVER be able forget this time in my life. It would be impossible to do so & yeah leaving a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone can do. As for now just enjoying it and well who knows what the future holds.
This really struck a chord with me. I’m dealing with the exact same situation, only in Qatar. It’s painful, but unavoidable. That’s just one part of the traveller’s curse.
Hi Sam sorry you are dealing with this too. It’s a tough thing to deal with. I mean really it’s just so different then anything else, but in the end if you really love the person you can make it happen. He & I are still together and I plan on returning to Cairo very soon!!! I can’t wait… I love him so much it’s crazy!!!
it’s been almost a year since this post, I wonder how you are doing right now. i don’t know if i can say “i can relate” but, the title rings true for most travelers…love stories that have expiration dates. it’s sad. my story is of two travelers that somehow does not fit well together on the road. but, i do agree…it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. let’s live in the moment.
Hi that, yes it’s been almost a year and everything you said is true. Did you read the post of me going back to Egypt for 2 more months… so um yeah I went back, but then I left again. It’s a long story, but can be read on the post “The Last Goodbye”. So it’s really only been 2 months since we broke up and ugh I still miss him every day.
I know it’s been a while since you wrote about this (and I also read your “the last goodbye” post) but I wanted to know how did you manage to enjoy the moments with him if in the back of your mind you knew there was an expiration date on your relationship? Let me tell you my brief story.
I went on and exchange for 5 months to the Netherlands (I’m originally from Slovenia) and even though I wasn’t looking for love, it still somehow managed to find me. So basiclly I met this wonderful guy 2 months ago and we have fallen for each other but I’m leaving in 1 month and I don’t know what to do… How do you know when it makes sense to talk about a long distance relationship?
At first he was the one who was scared about this and didn’t want to get emotionally to envolved since we’re gonna say goodbye at some point, and I was the one who was telling him to just enjoy the moments and live in the present, but that changed somehow once I’ve developed feelings for him. I don’t wanna ruin our time together by always thinking about the end of my exchange but it’s really not that easy to switch that off…. Would be happy for any advice you could give me
Hi Andy yes it has been a while, but you have valid questions. You manage to enjoy moments with the person you love even knowing you have an “expiration date” because you want to live in the moment. You want to live life to the fullest and sometimes that means making the most of what you have right now and then even if you know it’s going to be gone at a certain point. It’s sometimes hard okay no not sometimes it is ALWAYS hard, but that’s life so many thing are out of our control.
I am sorry you are going through the same thing I went through and am still going through today. It is so hard, but my advice to you is BE HAPPY enjoy the time you have together. You will have time to reflect later and see if it was right or wrong or what not, but for that moment you LIVED IT to the FULLEST and that is what matters. It never make sense to talk about a long distance relationship… it just happens and if it’s meant to happen will happen. Even though it’s been 3 months since I left Cairo I still talk to him every day and it’s as if I am in a long distance relationship.
We are all scared to love, because we are scared to get hurt. We are also scared of making the wrong decision because the biggest question in life “WHAT IF” will be playing in your head for the rest of your life. It’s a tricky situation to be in, but in the end things that are meant to be work out. I hope this helps you and if you need anything else let me know.