In a clear sign the American economy is improving, my parents found a buyer for their house.
It is a moment I've been contemplating since before I'd left for my trip around the world in late 2007.
What would I do if the option of living with them was suddenly off the table?
As much as they wanted to see me get another office job, I stubbornly stuck to a very narrow set of criteria (editorial work for travel websites, based in NYC or Washington, DC).
After five and a half years of planning my great escape from the corporate world, and another 20 months of traveling and living abroad, the prospect of going back to cubicles, three weeks of vacation per year, office politics, and waking up before 9 am seems ludicrous.
If you're thinking "just grow up and get a job," I understand.
I've been living an unconventional life for several years, and it'd be natural to suggest it's just a phase or needs to come to a tidy conclusion.
But, this is where my stubbornness (or naivete) comes into play.
I believe I've reached the tipping point where I can support myself through a personal passion -- travel blogging.
The only caveat is that I'm not yet able to do so while living in a major US city such as NYC or DC.
And maybe that's a good thing, as it gives me the perfect opportunity to return to Colombia for the remainder of 2010.
The change in scenery will be bittersweet.
As much as I didn't want to leave Medellin behind last year, I've since settled into daily routines, developed a yoga practice, made new friends, caught up with old ones, and been able to go on dates without an English-Spanish dictionary.
I will especially miss going out every weekend to my favorite club, The Salsa Room.
After the TBEX (travel blogger) conference from June 26-27 in New York City, I'll board a flight to Cartagena.
For the first few weeks of July, I'll be soaking up the sun on the tropical beaches of Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Then, I'll head back to the mountains of Medellin to further grow Go Backpacking, Medellin Living, and Travel Blog Success.
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My 138-page, all-original Medellín Travel Guide is now available for Kindle and PDF.
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