Sometimes it seems to me as if the reason I've gone to the other side of the world is to ponder topics near and dear to my heart. I have written about memory and death, and of emotions evoked by experiences I encounter here. Alas, lately I have been pondering something I would have loved to avoid: when and why shall I return home.
I have been gone from home for almost five months now. My family and I started this trip together, in Florida, the Caribbean, and New York City. After staying for another two weeks in New York, I left for Buenos Aires, and I have been exploring Chile and Argentina (and Antarctica) ever since late October. I am truly having the trip of my life, at least so far; I have no intentions of this being my last long-term trip. And yet, life holds its cards close to heart, so it may be I am never afforded such an opportunity again. I have seen nature in its glory; hiked mountains beyond mountains; met incredible people from every corner of the globe; ate the food, drank the wine, and experienced the life. I have also delved into emotional thinking (and writing) on levels I have never reached before at home, and I am truly glad I have given myself the opportunity to do so.
If I return home, it will be mostly due to an acknowledgment that real life, the one I left behind, comes first. I applied to universities in Israel, and barring any surprises, will be accepted to all three schools I'm considering going to. Should I choose the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, it would be to study a Mathematics and Cognitive Science double major. In the Technion in Haifa or Tel Aviv University, my major would be Mathematics and Statistics. In the latter two, I am trying my luck with specialty programs: Tel Aviv's Lautman interdisciplinary studies program, and the Technion's excellence program. The problem stems from the fact those two programs want to interview potential students; while I'm not keeping my hopes up for Lautman, I'm quite confident I will be invited for interviews for the Technion's program. The program has quite a few advantages: First and foremost, freedom to choose your own course of studies, picking and choosing from different faculties and ignoring prerequisites. There are also several workshops and programs for the students, and scholarships for tuition and dorms. Lautman is both similar and different, but as I am not nearly as confident about it, I will spare the details.
My studies next year are not the only reason to return home, but they are what triggered the dilemma. Should I return home in late April, I might also take another few weeks to travel in Europe with a friend (I considered it, but I doubt I will fly off on another wholly different trip, such as the far east) I could also resume playing Ultimate, perhaps even in time for Windmill Windup or the European Ultimate Championships, should my knee oblige. Lastly, there is the ever-hanging sword of fiscal responsibility. I certainly could afford traveling until September; however, that would leave my with significantly less money saved for my first year of university. Should I return, I will probably find a job until I start studying, and coupled with the fact I will not be traveling, will result in a significant chunk of money saved.
On the other hand, the main reason not to return, is travel! Returning early means leaving South America in early April, to spend a couple of weeks in California (where I have not set foot since graduating high school back in 2008), and perhaps stop somewhere else in the states, before flying home out of New York City. That leaves me with barely another month with which to explore Argentina and Chile - not nearly enough. I could see more of the south, and perhaps taste the culture of the central regions, and the majestic deserts of the north; but by far and by large, there will be quite a lot left to see.
Without any time limits, I would hitch-hike my way up the Caraterra Austral, stopping a few times to hike in a few recommend hot-spots. I could then explore the island of Chiloe, famed for its wooden buildings and phenomenal seafood, and go climbing and hiking near Bariloche. I would be able to partake in urban and cosmopolitan Chile, visiting Santiago and Valpariaso, and see the wineries of Mendoza. Next I should be able to meet with a good friend from home, and meet up to see the magnificent deserts of northern Chile and Argentina. Beyond that, there are a great many other things to see, places to visit, and mountains to trek. To the north looms Bolivia, and its vastly different lifestyle and nature. Beyond that, Peru, with many more mountain ranges that yearn to be thoroughly hiked, and the cultural magic of the Inca. Further yet, Ecuador, and the opportunity to visit another of nature's marvels, the Galapagos Islands.
Moreover, a longer trip would leave me with more time in the states - freeing me to spend a few weeks to a month in California (and perhaps even longer - John Muir Trail, anyone?), and then perhaps make my way up the west coast, to see Portland, Seattle, friends, and natural treasures, before making my way home in time from the school year. Essentially, the opportunity to make an amazing trip even more exciting and fulfilling.
To summarize: on one hand, university programs, ultimate, short term travel, and fiscal responsibility. On the other, the opportunity to see even more of this splendid world, continue enjoying its glory, and grow and evolve with it. Which one shall it be?
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