Well this is it the last “Photo Round Up” I will post of my 2 year journey around the world. I know it was only 2 years so have no clue why or how it’s ending on “WEEK 105”. I went back to make sure I didn’t skip a week and didn’t so yeah no damn clue. Anyway I’ve been home a week now and fuck it’s been hard… it’s a strange sensation I don’t even know how to begin to explain. I will write more about that later when I fully grasp what is going on in my life. Right now though I just want to thank you all for being a part of the journey… it was one crazy ride with a million ups and downs. I appreciate every one who has ever read one of my post, shared it or commented. I don’t know what I am going to be doing for my Friday posts from now on, but I’ll figure it out. Maybe I just put a pause on them while I am home and bring it back when I’m back on the road or any time I am traveling. Thoughts?
WEEK 105
This is the oldest tram system running in Africa and one of the oldest in the World. The tram system in Alexandria Egypt began operating in 1860. Every time I would see one of the trams… I would think “fuck it’s falling apart” and well now I know why. So cool that it’s still up and running.
The Citadel of Qaitbay. It is a 15th century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast, which built upon/from the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, in Alexandria, Egypt. This was my 2nd visit to Alexandria this is something I missed the 1st time around and must say it’s actually worth the visit. I love that they have taken care of it and it’s still clean and intact. Even though it’s tiny it’s beautiful to see and the views around it are also beautiful.
Me with one of the owners of my favorite street food restaurants in Cairo! We were never able to communicate with each other, but he was always happy to serve me and that I was a foreigner eating at his place. I love that he never ripped me off. I would pay what the Egyptians paid for a sandwich $0.12 (yup that cheap).
Look closer… this is a photo of all the photos I would have loved to post of my boyfriend & I during my time in Egypt, but never could. I respected his privacy and understood that if found by the wrong people it could end up bad for him. It’s a part of Gay life I’m happy I was able to experience and see for my self, but hated at it same time. I understand him and understand the crap GLBT people in Egypt have to go through sometimes and it’s heart breaking. Now that I’m out of Egypt I plan on writing more about gay life there and how it’s okay but at the same time not.
On my way home from Cairo I had a 15 hour lay over in Dubai… I knew immediately I wanted to step out to see the world’s tallest building. It was easy breezy to get through customs, step out of the airport and get to the Burj Khalifa. This is the best shot I was able to get of it, I love that you can even see like 2 or 3 stars. It’s an epic building and mammoth in size, I kept wondering how it just doesn’t fall over. Stepping out to see this made me more interested in Dubai, because I feel like aside from the materialistic side of it, it has a lot to be discovered. One day I will come back and give it it’s proper due.
MY 1st WEEK HOME
Need I say more… here I am in the bedroom I left behind 2 years ago. As I sit here writing this from my bedroom I just can’t even believe it. I mean honestly it feels like just yesterday I left it all behind to start my crazy journey around the world and well now I am back. I have no clue what is next, but know I will figure it all out with time. For now just enjoying my time back seeing all my family and friends.
THIS WEEKS UPDATES
- FRIDAY – 3/01/13 – 2 years into my “BREAKAWAY” & I’m going home, but it’s not over.
PREVIOUS PHOTO UPDATE
Your photo of Burj Khalifa is so beautiful!
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Overnight Subic Trip – A Barkada Weekend Getaway
Thank you so much Mica! It’s such a beautiful building.
Coming home after such a long journey must be super weird. I’ve only done it after 3 or 4 months, so I can only imagine. I only just started reading your blog (Jess and Dani, who my partner and I met up with a few weeks ago in Chile, recommended it!), but it’ll be interesting to following what you do now you’ve returned home after such a long trip!
Sam recently posted..Food Porn Friday: Covita, Bariloche
Hi Sam… ah so cool that they recommended my blog to you. Welcome along… the journey is over but hte stories are still here and well I have plenty more to come. For now just going to take it slow and see what I do. I’ll be posting for sure what I’ve been up to.
I know it will take time to figure out things, but you have your family and friends…. I am just getting through my last 3 months in Japan separated from my partner and then heading back to Brazil where he and I can legally be together now that I have my Brazilian permanent visa. I know it’s not my place to say, but maybe it is for the best that you and your Egyptian boyfriend broke it off. I went through HELL being apart from my partner these past 7 months. It just about tore me apart. (And it still does, although I can see the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel) I wouldn’t want you or anyone to go through what I have been going through ….so maybe–in the long run– you saved yourself a lot of pain…. If you ever make it to Sao Paulo, please be my guest. The nightlife in SP has got to be experienced to be believed. For sure, Brazil will cure whatever heartache you might have.
Hi Dave, yes it will take time for sure to figure things out and for now I will take it slow. Thanks for always giving me advice and helping me out. It really means a lot to me because I know you understand. It was hard saying goodbye… but we both know we did the right thing for now and well make the most of our lives and well who knows what the future holds. Right now I’m going through a lot of pain, but know with time it will get better. As for Brazil… it is in my plans for sure if I make South America my next journey. Who knows but I’ll take you up on your offer if I am down there one day.
You’ve looked really happy in your return photos so far on FB. I know with the good is also a lot of crazy emotions pulling you in 50 directions. You’re gonna do just fine <3
Heather recently posted..What to do when an airline loses your bag: My 9-day experience with Air Canada
Thanks Heather! Yes being home has been nice, but also just full of so many crazy emotions. I still feel out of place & just strange someitmes being in my own room. It’s nice seeing everyone that is for sure, but yeah I know I’ll need to be back on the road soon.
That sensation of being home after a trip is a weird one. I’ve seen it after 8 month study abroad and a few weeks back in Atlanta after 4 years in Germany and it is wild. Everything seems new and almost scary which makes no sense because you have been dealing with wierder and potentially more scary things abroad, but that is how I felt in places. It does fade. Just like with travel you get used to your new place and adapt. Perhaps as a traveler even faster than a nontraveler.
I love the pic of the castle. Crazy that they built that around the lighthouse. I looks a bit like a kid’s sandcastle.
Andrew recently posted..Walking the Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey
Oh yes Andrew it is such a weird & wild one. You described it so well, because that is how I feel right now. I think the hardest thing I’m having trouble with is feeling OVERWHELMED by many things, but I know with time it will get better. The good thing is I have plans to travel a bit through the US before actually settling down and saving for my next big adventure. Oh & yes that Citadel in Alexandria did look like a sandcastle, it was so beautiful.
I think you can put your Friday posts on a hold while you’re at home. You might take the time you normally spend on them to really let the ‘being home’ sink in.
You’ve been away for such a long time… Maybe it’s not a bad idea to do something ‘homish’ on Friday:)
Thanks Sofie, that is a good idea. I think I will do just that and when I’m on the road well I’ll share more pictures. I’m loving the staying home bit for now…lol.
that fortress looks like a sand castle
Hogga recently posted..Surviving the Arctic for Idiots
I know right so crazy! It’s beautiful.
Hey jamie ure a brave dude, 2 years away from home with really a limited money, wow. Its amazing and u did it. just only a few moths ago i began to read your blog , but really amazed of it. And u know now u are a world citizen. And what i really wonder is wast it hearbreaking leaving your noyfriend in cairo? will he come for u ? And what will happen to blog ?
Thanks Hakan… not gonna lie it was a brave move to breakaway and leave it all behind, but once you do it you realize how it’s actually not that hard. Thanks for all the kind words as for my boyfriend we did break up I will be writing about it soon and well my blog I will keep writing. I have plenty more stories to write about from my time on the road and well from my time here at home too before I hit the road again.