American exceptionalism really wears on the soul. I traveled a lot when I was young 18-23. I traveled extensively around Europe and to a lesser extent SEA. I've been to most countries in Europe minus Belarus, Portugal and Russia.

Since 23 I've drank the Kool aid of American life. I'm 31 now, I make 120k a year, bought a condo and have a 401k worth almost 200k. I'm so tired emotionally. The only placed I can walk to in my neighborhood is a convince store. I have to drive everywhere. My friends and family still live in my city but they are all at least 15 mins by car away.

This past spring I essentially took a sabbatical from work and spent 2 months overseas. I didn't even do anything, my time was spent in Airbnbs for 2+ weeks at a time. 2 weeks on the Amersee in Bavaria just existing away from America. Reading books, hiking and being a regular at the bar closest to my rental. Same thing in a village in the Julian alps, later in Rovinj. It was perfect.

While I understand that you are not experiencing "real life" when you are visiting these places you can't help but notice how much happier, healthier and well adjusted the locals seem. The pace of life feels more appropriate and measured. The air is cleaner.

I'll probably kill myself or find the balls to liquidate everything I own and see how long I can live in the Bulgarian countryside or something. Whatever I have now isn't working