Things I don’t normally do

I like how travel changes someone. I’m pretty lazy in real life- I only get out of bed at 10, unless it’s a work day, which means I’m up a little earlier. Nine o’ clock is considered late in my house, including on weekends. I’m still trying to figure that one out.

Everything changes when I’m away, though. I can wake up at the most ungodly hours when I’m travelling. Not a problem. I’ve woken up at 3am for a drive to Taman Negara. I’ve gotten up at 4am to get to the airport for a flight to somewhere or other. I remember waking up at 4.30 in the morning in winter in Beijing to get ready for a hike on the Great Wall. In fact, if I’m travelling with friends, I’m usually the one who wakes up first. This never happens at home.

I’m also much nicer when I’m travelling. I smile more and open up to people more. I’m more patient, less grumpy (that’s obvious) and generally in a better mood when I’m away. I like me when I’m travelling; I prefer Travel Mode me.

I’m sure I can’t be only person who changes overnight when they’re travelling.

Do you do things differently when you’re away?