Final quote of the challenge

Respond: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett

My experiences with 'coming back' have been two whirlwind visits home.  Visits where every hour of the day is planned to cram as many outings and get togethers in as I possibly can.  On our trip in May (the first trip back that Jeremy and I will actually be there at the same time!) I think it will be even crazier than usual, with only two weekends in Canada - one being a bachelor party in Montreal and the other being D'Arcy and Birte's wedding.

When you go 2-3 years without visiting home, all the subtle changes that occur in yourself, your loved ones, and your city all of a sudden become significant changes.  People move away, get married, buy houses, have kids, change careers, get sick, retire, break up, move on...and you're not there to be there for any of it.  New faces join your old group of friends.  Little cousins who were kids when you left are now teenagers with boyfriends!  People haven't been around to see you change and might expect you to be the same person you were years ago.

Coming back as a visitor is also not the same as coming back for good.  When you're in town for a short visit, people tend to make the effort to see you.  Friends who might not see each other much any more gather together, so it feels kind of like old times, but it's really just an illusion.  Best friends who have moved across the country might fly in specially to spend time with you (Tracee!) so they are still a part of your home experience even though if you had never left, that wouldn't be the case.

You want to spend time in your old hangouts, but maybe you've grown up a bit while you're away.  They still hold appeal in your memories, but you're not 24 anymore.  Maybe you can experience a new part of your city.  New restaurants, cafes, pubs etc have popped up and you need people to guide you...you feel like a tourist in your own city and it's kind of cool.  I can't wait until I have another chance to experience this is May :)