While I don’t like to highlight the negative aspects of travel, the sanitation issues in Kathmandu, Nepal, were very apparent. The city is beautiful and the people are wonderful, but there is a clear waste management problem. Seeing people throw trash in the street or rivers, and having no real municipal garbage collection, can be quite a shock compared to what one might be used to. This shouldn’t deter you from visiting, but it’s a reality that I think travelers should be aware of and be respectful of. Every place has its challenges and acknowledging them is the first step to change.
For me, “home” isn’t strictly tied to a specific geographical location. Rather, it’s a state of mind and a feeling of belonging. It’s about feeling at ease, comfortable to be myself, accepted, and part of the community. It’s true that some places made me feel more this than others, but it was more about the people I met and the experiences and connections I had there, rather than the physical location per se. In my quest of finding a home as a digital nomad, I’ve learned this: Home is where your heart is happy, your mind at peace, and your spirit free. So I would say, rather than looking for a specific place, cultivate these feelings and you’ll always feel at home.