It seems like everyone’s goal in life is to travel across the world, exploring new continents, languages, food, and cultures. People even take gap years from school to save money and see the world and a lot of students love to study abroad.

I have traveled to different countries and many states in America, and let me just say that I feel very fortunate to have done so. However, I seem to always get homesick after a few days maximum and crave the Fremont aroma. I’m born and raised in Fremont and have never lived anywhere else; therefore, I’m so used to the Bay Area and don’t mind living here all my life.

I hate flights and long car rides. I feel claustrophobic and sometimes, airsick or carsick. I just really want to be in a more spacious setting. Packing is also a struggle for me. I’m always scared I forgot to pack something, and majority of the time, I’m right. Don’t forget trying to cram everything in a specified suitcase while also making sure you have room to squeeze in any souvenirs on your way back.

While language is a beautiful art form, language barriers can be very tricky. It’s often hard to get absorbed into the culture and people of a place if you can’t understand the language or communicate properly with others.

Ultimately, I think traveling just tires me out. When you’ve spent so much money to travel to an exotic location, you need to make sure you are out and about seeing every part of the city from 7 AM till midnight. Sometimes, I just want to relax in a nice hotel and sleep, which I can do at home with no cost.

I do feel lucky to have been to so many beautiful locations, but I am also very content with staying in the Bay Area. Maybe I just hate adapting to a new place since I like stability and simplicity.