I love being home and resist embarking on any journey, even if only to go to work. Though once I’ve broken free of the nest’s tractor beam, I enjoy getting away. It’s fun and challenging to see new things, eat new foods, make do with what I have on hand, problem solve getting from here to there. The pleasure of a pleasant chat with an interesting stranger can’t be underestimated.

All that excitement provides the necessary contrast for the peak of the trip—