You Can Travel the World and Still Feel Lost
Anthony Bourdain
You can have it all and still be miserable.
Anthony Bourdain was brave in the kitchen and everywhere.
He lived a life chasing stories, flavors and human connection. His life seemed like the dream. Endless exploration, meeting and learning from people everywhere. But even he, someone who found home in the stories of others, struggled to find home in himself.
*His tumblr is a goldmine of inspiration and travel stories btw.
I remember reading his posts and thinking that if I could just see more of the world, I’d feel more at home in myself.
I also remember listening to the Kitchen Confidential audiobook in my red Kia in LA the Spring before I started backpacking through Europe. I thought I was chasing adventure.
But really, I was chasing belonging.
Anthony sat at tables with strangers, listened to stories in countless languages, and tasted the world. And yet, in that hotel room in Alsace, France, in 2018, he was still searching.
In the past 3 years I’ve visited 8 countries and live in France now.
I’ve met more people, seen more art and tasted more flavors than I thought I would in my lifetime, all with my dog by my side. Not to mention, the unbelievable salve travel and exposure to different cultures has had on my journey of healing my lifelong eating disorder.
I’ve been uncomfortable, scared and completely in love.
Still today, I wonder what if belonging isn’t something you find “out there”? What if it’s something you create within?
Our creativity can only thrive when we go outside of our homes. Outside of our norms. Outside of routines every once in awhile. Especially when we are young.
Bourdain’s influence to live life to the freest will always be an integral part of my youth. He taught me, and teaches us all to be a little more open, take a few more risks, and bet that the life you’re dying to live is out there waiting for you.
But now I am starting to think:
Maybe the journey isn’t always about where you go. Sometimes it’s about what you face when you stop moving.
✍️ Reflect with me tomorrow— The Romance Association Sunday Self-Reflection prompts for paid subscribers.
I loved reading this—it’s fascinating to see how he has influenced your life and to compare that to my own experiences. As I continue to explore more, I find myself romanticizing him even more. The more I travel, read, try different foods, and meet people from all walks of life, the closer I feel to understanding his perspective and way of living. It’s an ongoing journey of connection and discovery.
I’m new to Substack and was searching for some travel writing inspiration when I stumbled upon your post—thank you for that! Do you have any recommendations for other writers I should be following here?
Love this!