Vacations

I always assumed that as I got older vacations would more and more be about resting. Chilling out and just taking the time to be with family and friends. I noticed how my weekends became so focused on those 2 things in specific; making sure I stay in bed longer than I'd like, and jump all over Cairo to see the dear people to me whom I'm deprived of all week. Having those 2 expectations put a lot of pressure on the weekends but who cares as long as you get both right? Well...I traveled to the far east with 3 people, only one of which was extremely close to me and oh boy did that vacation have a different taste to any other vacation I had ever had! I always did really enjoy travelling abroad with friends, but this vacation was the first time I had done so since I had graduated 3 years ago. It was very different. Each one of us was opinionated, put importance on getting enough rest, made it a point to eat when hungry and rest when tired. Energy levels and curiosity were still high. The need to have a good time, and bond with the gang still existed. But the readiness to just go with the flow wasn't. Settling for less quality was absurd. Staying up all night when you had a flight to catch the next day was not encouraged. You felt older, wiser, and more logical. Boring yea? Quite on the contrary, I think it was the first time that I was truly myself in a trip. I said yes when I wanted, and no when I wanted, and it was ok! Fine by everyone, respected by everyone, and it was the same feelings I had to their objections and approvals. Its great doing the "grown up" things we so rebelled against while growing up but still finding acceptance and love from the surroundings. I just loved the trip, and feel a special bond with everyone who was on it. Plus, the much needed break reminded me of how stupid it is to get so stressed out about work...since I got back I haven't been as wired up or burned out as I was pre-traveling. Vacations are definitely a must when you get older!