Last stop: Home

As the blog has accompanied us for 1 year and has documented all our experiences like a diary, we couldn't just end it without a conclusion. But how do you find the right words for such a long story?

During our journey, we visited 13 countries, tried to communicate in 10 languages, and had to adapt to 6 new writing systems. We witnessed the most incredible natural phenomena but also unbelievable environmental pollution. We met wonderful people and cultures but also encountered our limits of tolerance. We were absolutely impressed (positively and negatively) by some cities and fell in love with some countries.

The question that was repeatedly asked of us during our journey was which country was the most beautiful. However, answering this question seems impossible and would not do justice to the entire journey or the countries. Because when is a country beautiful? Is it beautiful when it is rich in culture? Then the answer would be Peru. Or is it more about the scenic superlatives? Then it would be Chile. However, if one appreciates vast expanses and seclusion, our answer would be Argentina. Or perhaps it's about unparalleled diversity in a small space? Then it's off to New Zealand. Are the animals that define the beauty of a country? In that case, we can only choose Australia. But if the warmth of the people is a priority, then Bali was our number one. If one loves volcanoes, then Java is the perfect place to visit. If one is looking for a city of absolute superlatives and innovation, then a visit to Singapore is a must. If the beauty of traveling lies in discovering new religions, then Malaysia is the place to go. Or is true beauty found in making the most of what one has and being happy and free? You can learn that in Vietnam. If you find picturesque beaches and warm bathing water beautiful, then you should go to Thailand. Is it beautiful to travel back in time to a bygone era? No problem in Georgia. And if you simply find it beautiful to go on vacation on your doorstep and still have great weather in October, then Spain and Greece are a good choice.

As you can see, each country has its own unique beauty and much more to offer. And in the end, everyone probably has to find out for themselves what inspires them. That's why the answer to the question of which country is the most beautiful can only be: Go out and answer the question for yourself! We can only recommend it!

Now we are off to new adventures. Maybe you remember that in the first blog we talked about the future self? We can't (and maybe don't want to) really realize that we now have to be this future self and have to decide what we want to do with our lives. You always hear so pretentiously that people on such trips have found their true calling or are finally ready to face the seriousness of life or know exactly what they want to do now. In fact, this is not the case for both of us. For us, this journey was like pressing the pause button. We simply left all worries, anxieties about the future, and all the pondering about jobs, family, etc. at home and fully focused on the journey (which was exhausting enough with all the planning). And it was the best thing we have ever done! This journey has given us so much more than finding our "calling". It has given us 362 unforgettable days and we appreciate this earth so much more than we ever have. We are fortunate to have experienced something like this. And we are very aware that we owe these opportunities that we have had and still have in life only to chance and our families. If we had been born in a different country, in a different time, or to a different family, we could be the same people and still not have the same opportunities.

What we have definitely learned: how little material things you need to find happiness and how much you need your friends and family to be truly happy. And with that, we are now ending our journey to finally return to the most important people in our lives (and to our comfortable beds).

One last quote from physicist Hubert Reeves that describes our travel experience very well: "Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible nature. Unaware that this nature he is destroying is the God he is worshiping."

Song of Goodbye: Moments in the Mountains - Madison Olds