Why I like being here so dang much ...

Being back in the US, I had to face, for the first time, questions after I expressed my overall joy of being here in Austria and how hard it was to come back to the US for a visit.  Folks wondered why I liked living in a small apartment?  And why I didn't mind walking a lot and not having the convenience of a car?

That got me to thinking ... those questions seem familiar for some reason.  Then it hit me ... they sound just like the questions I get every year from some quarters when I go on and on about my latest backpacking trip!  So, I wondered, do I like living here for the same reasons I like backpacking?  What do I love about backpacking, anyway?

I like having a small amount of stuff, and knowing where it is.  I like spending my day exercising.  I like being outside.  I like being new places.  I like having little chores that are part of my everyday schedule.  I like having interesting conversations that you just don't have in your everyday life.  I like having roles within a team and working together.

Yep, same reasons! :-)

Russ