Jumping sideways

As jarring as traveling to another country can be, the return to one's home thereafter is even more severe. The rude familiarity and the sudden view from without can make homecoming a difficult task indeed. Because vacations are inherently not permanent changes, I view them as jumping away from my routine, but not forward: only sideways. The forward jumps occur by making permanent changes.

That said, sideways can be good; very good. For example:


I've come back refreshed and a little less jaded with my work. The only question is whether it will carry me through to my next lateral movement.