I love the rewards. Watching the world around me change at the pace of my pedal strokes. Cashing in that massive downhill after a big climb. Or finally having that shower, washing a week’s worth of sweat and dirt off my tired body.
Because that is kind what makes the whole thing, isn’t it? Working – or at least waiting – for something, to then get it. At least I know that when I still had a soft bed to fall asleep in every night, I sure didn’t appreciate it. Now however? Well. And don’t even get me started on clean sheets.
Obviously the same goes with people, perhaps more so than with anything else. A fact that became very clear to me as I was standing at Luang Prabang Airport, ticket in hand and with a heart beating like a drum.
I love the rewards. And I was now about to receive the biggest one I could ever even dream of. Those 3 months in China had been one of the richest experiences of my life. But it had all been with that one clear goal constantly resting in the back of my mind. A goal that during the last rough weeks had become pretty much all I could think of.
This.
With mind and body equally exhausted, I boarded the plane. Flying me to Bangkok, Thailand. A place which I have absolutely zero connection to, but that now felt more like home than anywhere else in the world. Because awaiting me there – was my family.
I love the rewards.
Now. Getting to hug my mom. Dad. My younger brother Henrik. Older brother Kristian. And his Sara. To – after 10 months of boiling deserts & ruthless mountains (& some pretty good stuff, but let’s be a bit dramatic here) – reunite with the people I love most in this world. That simply does not fall into the same category as a sweet downhill or a good shower.
This was… something else.
I think most of you can relate. In the end I had almost 2 weeks with my family. 2 weeks during which we basically didn’t do or see anything. Still. This is and will remain one of my big highlights for a long time to come. And not because of the showers.
Writing this it’s one month ago since we were all standing on the beach of Hua Hin, spending the last trembling minutes of 2015 together. Now we’re already well into 2016, and I’m still thrilled to see what this year have in store for me. My first ever full year of adventure.
One thing is clear though. 2016 can hit me with all the mountains, deserts, new cultures and adrenaline rushes it wants. Whatever it might come up with, nothing will ever quite measure up to these guys.
And to you. You’ve already heard this, but I still want to say it again:
Mom & Dad. Henrik. Kristian. Sara. Thank you! Thank you for coming down, and giving me the energy boost of a lifetime. You are all amazing. I love you. And I miss you already.
Fredrika