On the road again

I've been here in Chiang Mai for five days. And experienced so many emotions. My head was spinning and I kept telling myself, how I need to write this down.
Ever since I left this perfect little place last year, I was planning my return. And ever since I finally purchased the air ticket, my heart jumped at the mere thought that in less then two months, less than one month, less than ... I'll be back here, where I was so happy last year.
When the big day came, I felt such a strong reluctance, all of a sudden. Wondering, what makes people pack their bags and leave for far away places? Why do some people live happily without ever leaving their town or village while others are restless and always planning their next trip or at least dreaming of travel?
This world is a paradox, it's grown so small and yet so big at the same time. Just a hundred years ago travelling in general was but for a select few. Or it meant one journey in a lifetime to start a new life. Nowadays we board a plane and in a  few hours we are on a different continent, immersing ourselves more or less into a different culture. The possibilities are huge, the world is too big to be travelled all over within one lifetime. Unless you travel for life.
And yet its small, no distance requires a lifetime commitment any more, only cash and courage.
But why oh why did I board that plane and underwent the torture of 10 hours in an uncomfortable seat? Why would I take all these risks, that travel brings?
Well, ten minutes on the streets of Chiang Mai gave me the answer. Travelling to foreign places gives me the freedom to do things, I'd never feel comfortable to do at home. Like, going to a pub alone have a beer and listen to live music. Like, chatting to strangers who ask you where you're from and what you're doing here. Like, smiling at the people coming in my direction. Like enjoying the present and not worrying about the future.
Carpe Diem!
The best aspect so far was the fantastic welcome I received from the student monks that I spent so many hours with last year, helping them with their English homework or just chatting with them about life and everything. I admit, I was a bit nervous, what it would be like, after I had such a brilliant time last year. But the cheers that greeted me took away all the fears. It's as if I'd never left.