Right now, I’m in Medellín, Colombia, stretched out on a rocking chair on the balcony. After over ten days of exploring South America, I’ve decided to settle here for a week—to recharge by diving into books and deep study. I consider myself a pure “introvert,” or as others might call it, a “mild person.” For me, solitude recharges my energy far more than participating in “lively” activities ever could.
I truly cherish my days in South America. I’ve met countless new friends, interacted deeply with locals, witnessed breathtaking landscapes found nowhere else, and immersed myself in diverse cultures. Those moments have left an undeniable impact on me. But the emotional highs of travel don’t seem as intense now as they did when I was in my early twenties. Perhaps my threshold for excitement has simply risen over time.
On platforms like Xiaohongshu, I often stumble upon posts titled things like “Regain Your Vitality in Three Minutes!” or “Embrace the Vibrant You!” These are usually accompanied by photos of people sprinting across beaches or grasslands, as if vitality adheres to some universal template: full makeup, big smiles, exaggerated movements. Yet, during many of my happiest and most exhilarating moments, I often forget to take pictures altogether.
Everyone’s preferences differ, and living according to someone else’s “advice” can sometimes feel incredibly awkward.
I don’t always radiate high energy; there are times when I feel deeply low. But that doesn’t mean life lacks flavor or meaning. On the contrary, I carry a quiet passion and hope for my own life, even in those quieter moments.
Compared to running through sunlit grasslands, I’d much rather sit quietly in a park, feeling the gentle breeze on my skin and basking in the warmth of the sun. Instead of hopping from party to party, I prefer retreating to peaceful places, doing what I love with the people who matter most to me—these moments leave me feeling truly energized.
When you browse travel posts online, most emphasize relaxation, with titles like “Why Europeans Are So Relaxed” or “The Vibrant Life Force of South America.” While I agree with much of what is written, travelers rarely share the less glamorous aspects of their journeys. Still, sharing beauty has its value—it can inspire new hopes in others.
In the bustling streets of downtown Spain, you’ll still encounter ragged homeless individuals, alleys littered with trash and the lingering smell of urine, crowded subways during rush hour, and the hum of daily life, with street performers singing and selling candies. Traveling through various European countries, I didn’t feel particularly free or relaxed either—I had to remain hyper-vigilant about my bag and phone at all times.
Even more so in Colombia. In fact, I find the most genuine relaxation while traveling through certain cities in China.
Colombians are undeniably warm-hearted, but one aspect that many visitors might gloss over is the “messiness” of some streets and the prevalence of informal “transactions.” Walking through the city center, you may unexpectedly encounter mentally unstable homeless individuals at any moment.
I will continue to travel, visiting places that resonate with me. But staying in one place, soaking in its essence, can also bring me immense vitality.
