Femi, did you read my response?
WoinParis, I see it both ways I guess. We can't predict what could happen and when. In most circumstances, we don't want to think the worst but instead hope for the best.
As I said, I just think how quickly my 30s have already flown by and feel that I'd rather see these places whilst I still can. Then again, I know that South America will still be there in 20, 30 years time.

WoinParis, are you seriously trying to suggest that because some people die young, that someone should plan based on that? Do you think that because you are aware of some individuals who have died young, that constitutes evidence that validates someone planning based on they could 'die next week'? The plural of anecdote is not data. http://mxplx.com/meme/412/

Again, more don't get hit by a bus than do get hit by a bus. What makes sense is to plan on the probable, not the possible, whether the possible is positive or negative.

There are pessimists (those who plan based on getting hit by a bus), optimists (those who just wait for life to happen and expect it to all work out for the best) and REALISTS (those who figure out what is most probable if they pursue a given course in life).

Everyone has a choice and whether they make a conscious choice or not, they choose.

Shortermnomad- I'm glad you've decided to take the trip. There's never been a trip I regretted taking. I've learned a few tough lessons (like wear a seat belt even if nobody else is), but never regretted going.

<i>...thinking I might have this epiphany - didn't happen. <i/>
I can't say I'm surprised.

<i>However, I am still feeling that slight guilty / uneasy feeling of "should I really be doing this at this age?"<i/>
I don't think it's your age that's the issue, I think what's missing is a sense of purpose. My sense of purpose is what gets me out of bed in the morning and in to my cubicle. Along the way I may need to remind myself a dozen times a day (like when my co-workers and boss aren't falling over themselves to please me ;) ) why I'm doing what I do. My ratio for job applications:acceptance is approximately 13:1.
I've come to learn that I also need a sense of purpose while on vacation. Spas and pampering no longer do it for me. Perhaps you could aim for the ability to speak a certain level of Spanish by the end of your trip? That would be handy on your resume. It would be hard work , if you really give it a good go, but in the end I think you would be glad of the effort.

Oops, didn't mean to italicize everything (just the quotes) but you get what I mean. My preview button isn't working.

Dog
I hope you had a chance to read my answer before it was removed by the mods.

Wo in Paris, dogeared has twice previoulsy been dumped from Fodors. Much of what he says about travel is dreamed up in his garret in Toronto. I'd love to see your deleted post.

"Everyone has a choice and whether they make a conscious choice or not, they choose." billions of people in this world have little or no choice about much at all. But hey! Why, let the truth get in the way of a glib cliche.

I 'think' wo's and dog's posts were both deleted since it says 'comment<B>s</B> were removed. Probably a spitting match between the two.

Peter_S_Aus: On another thread he claimed I was delusional to say he has had other screen names. He honestly thinks we don't recognize him???? But I think that post has been deleted as well.

Here are my thoughts on this. While you are there do go to a Spanish immersion school. Use what you learn while you are there on an everyday basis. When you get home and start applying for jobs think in a different direction and go for jobs where you would need to be bilingual. Keep up on your Spanish and a whole new area of career might open up for you.
I do hope you really enjoy your trip.

Hi Thin.

I don't exactly remember the words but I can understand it was removed...

The very correct part was that I don't consider myself as apt to give advice on how one has to live his/her life. Some others feel they have these skills.

And certainly not on a travel forum.

If interested in further discussion with me I have a half dormant address on my profile.

groumfbof ad gmail dot com.

Shorter term, its been 2 years. How did it all go down?

Who knows -- the OP hasn't posted on Fodors in two years

OK i just gotta ask... how in the world did a brand new registration find this particular post to comment on?!?!?!

Remember Suze, the internet leaves trails 😉 I was doing some research and this post came up.

Research on whether to travel or settle down? And the www brought you to a two year old thread on Fodor's? Interesting!

And furthermore why are we in italics?

This was a great question, a pity she's long gone.

Why am I speaking in italics?

Weird . . . every post since #44 is in italics (actually from the 2nd paragraph in #43). Must be some code embedded in that post -- strange.

Yup it's been that way for awhile you'll notice. Looks like Femi somehow turned it on back on May 8th last year... for the duration :-)