The End

It is difficult to conclude such a great adventure. That's why I took so long to post this last message. I would have liked it to continue. But now, all is over. The circle is complete.

As during the Oscars ceremony, I want to thank you all. A big thank you to those who helped me financially or logistically (sometimes even both!). A big thank you to those who helped me during my journey: they hosted me or taken a ride, or just invited to eat or drink a beer, gave contacts, wrote comments on this blog or Facebook or sent emails. A big thank you also to those I met, with whom I traveled a day, a week or a month. You helped a lot.

I come back, probably a little different, probably more aware of cultures across the Atlantic, probably more open to diversity, certainly more prepared to the unexpected. I remember a discussion with FX, a French guy who hosted me a few days in Tucson, Arizona. We agreed that traveling requires to accept losing control of everything, losing our cultural landmarks, language, etc. We are faced with ourselves, having to find our own resources to deal with all these changes, these little daily challenges. And I come back with the certainty that nothing is insurmountable.

It is with emotion that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for having shared it with me, by my side, physically or mentally. And after that? Well I take some weeks off to see my family, get to know two new nephew and niece, meet up with friends. Yes but then what? After that, I have other travel ideas... but I keep them for later.