Thought I'd weigh in on the returning to civilization theme. Just returned from 9 months in Africa and finding it very difficult to adjust back. Took 2 months to find a job, and eventually ended up back at a company I had worked for before. Now I find myself staring out of the window daydreaming of being 'out there'. I also check this forum much more than I ever did while planning or on the trip. Communicating with others of like interest seems to be good therapy.

And on the 'how did we afford it?' theme: We planned and saved for 5 years. Got the car, outfitted it. Bought a house that we planned on fixing up and selling. Then we decided that if we didn't work on the house we could keep it AND do the trip. So we did that. Unfortunately we ran out of money on the trip. We did make our destination, but didn't spend enough time anywhere. Now we are saving again, paying off some debt and planning the next one. May have to sell the house this time, but the car is paid for as is most of the equipment.

Setting goals is very important. We started planning 5 years before the trip and set a firm date 3 years before. That made it easier to work and save. Now that I don't have that goal, work is harder. I think the only answer to 'fit-back-into-civilization', is to plan another trip. That can justify the work.

cheers

Graham
www.africaoverland.org

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Graham 'Cracker'
Director: Overland Training
Editor: Overland Journal
Instigator: Africa Overland