Post Vacation Stress Disorder???
May 9th, 2006, 04:10 AM
#21
I too can identify with your feelings LA. Some of you may remember the extremely lengthy trip report I wrote - it did help tremendously. At work I had trouble concentrating for about 2 weeks, my thoughts often on Cambodia or Mae Hong Son.
I could feel the warmth of the sun, the humidity. Would recall certain moments with such vividness - waiting for the monks to come out at 6:30 in the morning all by myself in front of our hotel in Luang Prabang. Sometimes the smells of Bangkok seemed almost real. And I could imagine the heat of the pavement on my feet or the sweat running down the back of my neck while trekking in Mae Hong Son. I'd look at the picture on my desk of me and my daughter riding the elephant, and I'd remember her bare foot against the elephant's back and the rough feel of its skin. Most of all, I'd remember the faces - the wrinkled faces of old women, the smiles of the children at the school in Siem Reap where we donated pens and notebooks.
It was a world apart from my office and my email and all the day-to-day things people here were worrying about. And none of my friends could quite identify with what I'd experienced.
I wanted to be back in Southeast Asia - wondered if I'm doing the right thing with my life by living in Maryland working for the US government - shouldn't I be doing more? I felt Asia drawing me back. And... one day I will go. But as with all intense experiences, it does fade as you settle back into your own life. Now, three months after my trip it's an extremely pleasurable set of memories and I can't wait to return. So yes, like everyone else, I'm planning my next trip - to China with my sister.
And I have to agree with everyone else regarding the trip report - how it made the trip seem to last longer and eased the return to my own life. Every day I came home from work looking forward to reliving another day. I'd sit down to start writing and the memories would come rushing back - not as good as being there, but the next best thing. So... I've written way more than I intended when I sat down, but your post definitely struck a chord with me. Now get busy writing that trip report! We can't wait.
Karen
I could feel the warmth of the sun, the humidity. Would recall certain moments with such vividness - waiting for the monks to come out at 6:30 in the morning all by myself in front of our hotel in Luang Prabang. Sometimes the smells of Bangkok seemed almost real. And I could imagine the heat of the pavement on my feet or the sweat running down the back of my neck while trekking in Mae Hong Son. I'd look at the picture on my desk of me and my daughter riding the elephant, and I'd remember her bare foot against the elephant's back and the rough feel of its skin. Most of all, I'd remember the faces - the wrinkled faces of old women, the smiles of the children at the school in Siem Reap where we donated pens and notebooks.
It was a world apart from my office and my email and all the day-to-day things people here were worrying about. And none of my friends could quite identify with what I'd experienced.
I wanted to be back in Southeast Asia - wondered if I'm doing the right thing with my life by living in Maryland working for the US government - shouldn't I be doing more? I felt Asia drawing me back. And... one day I will go. But as with all intense experiences, it does fade as you settle back into your own life. Now, three months after my trip it's an extremely pleasurable set of memories and I can't wait to return. So yes, like everyone else, I'm planning my next trip - to China with my sister.
And I have to agree with everyone else regarding the trip report - how it made the trip seem to last longer and eased the return to my own life. Every day I came home from work looking forward to reliving another day. I'd sit down to start writing and the memories would come rushing back - not as good as being there, but the next best thing. So... I've written way more than I intended when I sat down, but your post definitely struck a chord with me. Now get busy writing that trip report! We can't wait.
Karen
May 9th, 2006, 04:41 AM
#22
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LAFA-you've clearly opened a vein. Do not ignore jet lag as an element of your feelings. It takes me two weeks to normalize after returning to Boston from SEA. At work, the week I return from vacation is always the worst week of the year. It seems that while I'm away, the forces of entropy operate at double time. Nevertheless, I agree that SEA changes the way I look at my life. That may be why it is so enchanting. A two-edged sword. It's induced fantasies of living in Thailand for a few months a year.
BTW, with this post, you've been granted a temporary restraining order on the imposition of the delinquency penalty for your trip report.
BTW, with this post, you've been granted a temporary restraining order on the imposition of the delinquency penalty for your trip report.
May 9th, 2006, 05:40 AM
#23
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Wow, that really hit a nerve! I didn't realize how depressed I was after our 2 week trip to Japan until you asked the question.
I think you've named a new disorder.
Like DeeElle, I usually long for home towards the end of a trip. But this trip had me longing to stay in Japan for a few more weeks.
Writing the trip report (that nobody but you guys want to read) and getting pictures develped may help.
Also, posting on this forum allows you to relive the trip with people who have been there.
I haven't redecorated like Bella_Bluebell, but I have enlarged and framed 8 pictures from Japan that now take up a wall in my living room.
There are so many places in the world that I want to visit, but for now (we've been back six weeks) I just want to go back to Japan.
Hang in there, it will gradually get better. And you can always find simpathy here.
I think you've named a new disorder.
Like DeeElle, I usually long for home towards the end of a trip. But this trip had me longing to stay in Japan for a few more weeks.
Writing the trip report (that nobody but you guys want to read) and getting pictures develped may help.
Also, posting on this forum allows you to relive the trip with people who have been there.
I haven't redecorated like Bella_Bluebell, but I have enlarged and framed 8 pictures from Japan that now take up a wall in my living room.
There are so many places in the world that I want to visit, but for now (we've been back six weeks) I just want to go back to Japan.
Hang in there, it will gradually get better. And you can always find simpathy here.
May 9th, 2006, 06:03 AM
#24
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One thing that has helped me is that I enjoy coming back to my work. I like my work a lot, and getting back into the work pretty quickly helps me not feel so bad after a trip. Last year I took an extra week off of work after a 2 wk trip to Japan and that was not as good for my sanity as jumping back into it like I did after my trip this year. But I am not quite sure what I'd do if I didn't like the work.
I agree that it does help to post a trip report and then to start planning another trip, even a year ahead of time.
Oh, and I give myself lots of time to get the other stuff like mail and unpacking and laundry done. I try to get all the bills paid before I leave so I'll have a few wks after I get back before new ones are due. And who cares if it takes me two wks to unpack and do laundry. I try not to come back to much trip laundry by washing as much as possible as I go along on the trip. I hate coming home with an entire suitcase of dirty clothes.
I agree that it does help to post a trip report and then to start planning another trip, even a year ahead of time.
Oh, and I give myself lots of time to get the other stuff like mail and unpacking and laundry done. I try to get all the bills paid before I leave so I'll have a few wks after I get back before new ones are due. And who cares if it takes me two wks to unpack and do laundry. I try not to come back to much trip laundry by washing as much as possible as I go along on the trip. I hate coming home with an entire suitcase of dirty clothes.
May 9th, 2006, 06:59 AM
#25
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It sounds like you're suffering more from a "crappy" job than post vacation stress/depression. Maybe the trip was a sign to change gears in your profession. You can always drop by Wat Thai in up in North Hollywood. The place is jumping on the weekend. Everybody is there sitting out in the sun and eating/sharing Thai food. There are a lot of food vendors and the food is quite good...home cooking. It's very cheap...about $2.00 per dish and they celebrate all of the Thai holidays and celebrations.The food vendors are there every weekend. The temple looks like it was taken out of Thailand and dropped over North Hollywood. Total Thai architecture. Or go to the restuarants in the Thai part of Hollywood Blvd. We have the largest Thai population living outside of Thailand so it's not hard to immerse oneself into the culture here in L.A. Plus, Wat Thai teaches Thai language class on the weekends. Happy Travels!
May 9th, 2006, 07:52 AM
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Having just returned from two wonderful weeks in Thiland and two in China I feel your pain!. Travel has opened our minds. We are so thankful for the life we enjoy and the choices we can make and at the same time we are looking at ways to give back to others who may not seem to be as fortunate but have hearts as big as the whole wide world. Hang-in there!
May 9th, 2006, 08:16 AM
#27
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I agree with Guenmai... and I find one of the best ways to cure the "longings from afar" is to get the closest thing to it as often as possible... lately, my wife and I have been going down to Chinatown where there are a couple of Vietnamese restaurants that specialize in Pho Bo... sure, it's not like sitting in the street with the best tasting stuff in the world, but it's close enough for now (until we can get back there again)... I also like going to the local Thai restaurants where I can practice my Thai with the waitresses... it's a good way to keep that feeling going... I wish we had a Wat Thai equivalent in NYC!!! I'd be there every week...
Another thing that's happened that I find very funny, is that I find myself checking in on Fodors about once a day or so... I never thought I would read the message boards very often once I had finished my trip report, but I find myself checking in almost as much as before we left for our trip!
Another thing that's happened that I find very funny, is that I find myself checking in on Fodors about once a day or so... I never thought I would read the message boards very often once I had finished my trip report, but I find myself checking in almost as much as before we left for our trip!
May 9th, 2006, 09:38 AM
#28
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It's good to check the Fodor forum regularly. We're basically all in the same boat as far as can't wait to plan the next vacation and take the next trip. So, it's fun and helps to break the blues when one reads other people's trip reports and also when one just chats. Happy Travels!
May 9th, 2006, 10:17 AM
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You can count me in for this post-trip blues syndrome too. Been back 3 weeks now and it is worse now than ever before.
I am all "talked out" about my trip. I have already written my trip reports and given my slide shows to several co-workers.
I still have on my plate to make a video/collage/slide show of my time in Cambodia. I also still want to print some hard-copy photos on my photo printer (I bought extra ink today). Some pictures will be frame-worthy, and others will need to go into a photo album.
I have spent ample time looking at my retirement savings; planning for my retirement that is 20 years away. Not real fun. I also looked at my other finances too, the car, the mortgage etc.. Hopefully one day I will never need to come into work and play nice. I will take a vacation that will never end!
Normally I begin planning my next trip early on, but this time I am not. The long wait just feels longer when I have tickets purchased.
I am considering becoming a vegetable and learning how to fish. People who fish seem to not care about things as much as I do. Jello, I want to become jello. Lime jello would be even better.
I do like the idea of taking a class and learning something new. Perhaps the fine art of jello molds will return to the forefront of haute cuisine.
Redecorating a room is also on my list. I have enough asian motif bric brac, silks and wall hangings to open a Thai restaurant in my living room. I suppose I should start working on the menu. Any ideas for the name of my restaurant? "Same Same You?"
Doing some volunteer work has some appeal. Anything to keep me away from jello.
Feeling better already,
Ken
I am all "talked out" about my trip. I have already written my trip reports and given my slide shows to several co-workers.
I still have on my plate to make a video/collage/slide show of my time in Cambodia. I also still want to print some hard-copy photos on my photo printer (I bought extra ink today). Some pictures will be frame-worthy, and others will need to go into a photo album.
I have spent ample time looking at my retirement savings; planning for my retirement that is 20 years away. Not real fun. I also looked at my other finances too, the car, the mortgage etc.. Hopefully one day I will never need to come into work and play nice. I will take a vacation that will never end!
Normally I begin planning my next trip early on, but this time I am not. The long wait just feels longer when I have tickets purchased.
I am considering becoming a vegetable and learning how to fish. People who fish seem to not care about things as much as I do. Jello, I want to become jello. Lime jello would be even better.
I do like the idea of taking a class and learning something new. Perhaps the fine art of jello molds will return to the forefront of haute cuisine.
Redecorating a room is also on my list. I have enough asian motif bric brac, silks and wall hangings to open a Thai restaurant in my living room. I suppose I should start working on the menu. Any ideas for the name of my restaurant? "Same Same You?"
Doing some volunteer work has some appeal. Anything to keep me away from jello.
Feeling better already,
Ken
May 9th, 2006, 01:41 PM
#32
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LA Don't Fade Away!
There's something about the Asian experience that really makes you question your life back home. You've got it bad, girlfriend.
Like Karen, I seriously questioned the value of everything I thought was so bloody important. In fact, I was ready to sell everything I own, pack a bag and go teach English in Siem Reap.
Still think about it some days. If you do find yourself homeless soon, you can come along.
Here's the deal: now that you've "been to the other side" you are immune from all the petty crap we all wallow in every day. You have seen the big picture-you no longer give a flip about that big pile of crap on your desk! It doesn't matter! Absolutely meaningless!
Keep telling yourself that until you believe it.
I highly recommend volunteering somewhere.
There's something about the Asian experience that really makes you question your life back home. You've got it bad, girlfriend.
Like Karen, I seriously questioned the value of everything I thought was so bloody important. In fact, I was ready to sell everything I own, pack a bag and go teach English in Siem Reap.
Still think about it some days. If you do find yourself homeless soon, you can come along.
Here's the deal: now that you've "been to the other side" you are immune from all the petty crap we all wallow in every day. You have seen the big picture-you no longer give a flip about that big pile of crap on your desk! It doesn't matter! Absolutely meaningless!
Keep telling yourself that until you believe it.
I highly recommend volunteering somewhere.
May 9th, 2006, 04:30 PM
#34
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Just remember that when all the folks, you're referring to, are caught up in their "high drama" that those folks have nothing better/exciting to do in life. Well, I do....like detach myself from it all and plan my next vacation. I just say,"click" and it's like I've waved a magic wand, turned them off, and swished them and all of their "crap" away. So, wave that magic wand! Happy Travels!
May 9th, 2006, 05:09 PM
#35
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Ok, I've been lurking on this thread but now here's my take.
1. It takes 2 weeks of recovery for every one week away on vacation regardless of where you go. Sorry, that's the reality - it really doesn't matter where you go.
2. Now for the therapy. For me, posting a trip report, doing a photo presentation for my Rotary club and on line for friends are great ways to relive the trip. Also researching and cooking meals especially with the authentic ingredients - we have a huge southeast asian supermarket in our area.
3. We have a theme party with neighbors based on our trip with appropriate food, table settings and a short slide presentation - always a big hit.
In a few weeks you will be energized and excited again about your career or about pursuing a new career. Hope this helps.
1. It takes 2 weeks of recovery for every one week away on vacation regardless of where you go. Sorry, that's the reality - it really doesn't matter where you go.
2. Now for the therapy. For me, posting a trip report, doing a photo presentation for my Rotary club and on line for friends are great ways to relive the trip. Also researching and cooking meals especially with the authentic ingredients - we have a huge southeast asian supermarket in our area.
3. We have a theme party with neighbors based on our trip with appropriate food, table settings and a short slide presentation - always a big hit.
In a few weeks you will be energized and excited again about your career or about pursuing a new career. Hope this helps.
May 9th, 2006, 05:11 PM
#36
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Wow, I just now got a chance to check back in and am amazed at how many replies I've had today. You are all so awesome and are making me feel better already. Those of you who are saying my job may be a big part of the problem are absolutely correct. Unfortunately, I work for my husband's family business and I've somehow ended up in charge of the whole company. It just sort of happened that way over the last fifteen years. So, it's not quite as easy to leave as if it were some job for some company that I didn't feel any commitment to. If I were to quit, it would affect the entire family and possibly their future incomes, not to mention my own and I can't imagine having to work for a "real" boss again. It's just that the stress level of this highly deadline driven and complex business is almost intolerable at times. In addition, our clients are just other corporations, so I don't feel any sense of fullfillment from the work. It's just a way to keep on paying the bills and to subsidize my next vacation!
Taking classes as suggested is also an option; however, I just finished my MBA and am kind of enjoying the lack of additional school related stress at the moment. I do like the idea of visiting the Wat in L.A. I didn't even realize we had that!
Well, I need to finish opening mail and paying bills so I can get to that trip report!
Oh, btw, angithereader, I didn't come up with "post vacation stress disorder". I actually have heard that term used by the media before to describe what I am currently experiencing. Apparently, doctors have already coined the phrase! It must happen to a lot of people.
Taking classes as suggested is also an option; however, I just finished my MBA and am kind of enjoying the lack of additional school related stress at the moment. I do like the idea of visiting the Wat in L.A. I didn't even realize we had that!
Well, I need to finish opening mail and paying bills so I can get to that trip report!
Oh, btw, angithereader, I didn't come up with "post vacation stress disorder". I actually have heard that term used by the media before to describe what I am currently experiencing. Apparently, doctors have already coined the phrase! It must happen to a lot of people.
May 9th, 2006, 07:17 PM
#37
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Oh yeah, I forgot to say that I like the idea of volunteering somewhere. At least that would make me feel like I was doing something more meaningful with my life besides enriching corporations. Now that I'm done with school, I finally have time to do something like that. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone!
May 10th, 2006, 03:47 AM
#38
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I find that starting a new book is also helpful, maybe a book that I might learn from. Recently I started a short novel called The Alchemist; written by a Brazilian about a Spanish shepard who decides to travel the world. Somewhat fitting I suspect since I like to travel.
May 10th, 2006, 07:15 AM
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We came back from Singapore/Malaysia on a Friday and early Sat. morn I was back at the office...doing paperwork,jet lag and all.Also worked Sunday and then started the "real" week on Monday.
The second I got a chance I was back on the computer planning a trip to
Australia...I kept thinking that every day working was a day closer to the Park
Hyatt in Sydney.It's year away and I already know where we are staying.
I also work in a "family business",
what type business are you in?
Volunteered for 3 years at a Botanical Garden and it was the most fun "job"
I ever had.By the way, I also tried
auditing courses at a local college..they were fun classes to take
and I wasn't interested in getting any type of credit or grade--took an American History class since I slept thru the one in high school.I think post vacation stress disorder is similar to the let down after the holidays.
The second I got a chance I was back on the computer planning a trip to
Australia...I kept thinking that every day working was a day closer to the Park
Hyatt in Sydney.It's year away and I already know where we are staying.
I also work in a "family business",
what type business are you in?
Volunteered for 3 years at a Botanical Garden and it was the most fun "job"
I ever had.By the way, I also tried
auditing courses at a local college..they were fun classes to take
and I wasn't interested in getting any type of credit or grade--took an American History class since I slept thru the one in high school.I think post vacation stress disorder is similar to the let down after the holidays.
