400 Days as Digital Nomads: Reflections from Central America to Europe
Sunday, June 5, marked our 400th day on the road—over a year since we embarked on our nomadic journey. Time has flown, yet those initial days of freedom feel like a lifetime ago.
In the last 100 days since Day 300, we've explored six countries across two continents: completing our Central America adventure by reaching its southern tip, then crossing the ocean for spring in Europe.
Wrapping Up Central America + Super Tweet-Up
After traversing Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula and Manuel Antonio National Park, we relaxed in the mountain town of Santa Elena, hiked the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and soaked up Caribbean beaches. We also revisited Heredia, Costa Rica's 'City of Flowers,' where I once lived with a host family during my study abroad year. It was a nostalgic, heartwarming reunion.
In Puerto Viejo, we teamed up with Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker, forming an instant travel family. We journeyed together seamlessly for three weeks, concluding our Central America leg.
Jaime's newbie enthusiasm reignited our passion, reminding us why we became digital nomads and highlighting how seasoned we've become after a year on the road.
While in Panama, we hosted a tweet-up with Jaime, Erin, and Simon from Neverending Voyage in Bocas del Toro. Connecting with fellow travel bloggers—exploring by day and blogging by night over Panamanian beers—was unforgettable.
We then explored Panama City's Panama Canal and Casco Viejo historic district. Doubts arose about leaving Latin America for Europe (originally planning to reach Argentina), but our Bavarian Alps house-sit confirmed it was the right move.
Springtime in Europe
Nine months of bus travel through Mexico and Central America had exhausted us. Our off-grid Alpine house-sit offered profound peace—chopping wood for heat, hiking mountains, visiting Bavarian villages, savoring German cuisine, and enjoying reliable hot showers and tap water.
From Bavaria, we house-sat a Tuscan B&B near Borgo a Mozzano for Easter, then indulged in 'Dolce Vita' at Belmonte Vacanze resort by San Gimignano and Siena.
Reverse Culture Shock: A Taste of Contrast
In Germany and Italy, reverse culture shock hit hard. Europe's ancient, pristine architecture contrasted sharply with Central America's decay. Latin America's laid-back vibe clashed with Europe's rules, like mandatory seatbelts.
We appreciated Europe's order but missed Latin America's vibrant spirit from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. Witnessing true privilege reshaped our perspectives on healthcare, prices, and benefits.
Though we yearn for South America, Europe's excitement—and cuisine!—shone. On April 30, we celebrated our travel anniversary in Italy with pizza, pasta, and gelato in Tuscany. We'll return.
Our First Cruise and Tech Detox
A quick Germany visit for family led to Spain and a Mediterranean cruise with my parents.
Contrasting our slow-travel ethos, the cruise surprised us—we loved the convenience, gym, spa, healthy meals, theater, and library at an affordable rate.
A forced 7-day offline detox (internet at $35-$65/hour) was our longest since starting. Valuable, but impractical for our online work.
The Next 100 Days
Recharged, we're primed to work and play. Skipping TBEX Vancouver for freelance focus, we're in Lisbon, Portugal, for three weeks before our Ottawa house-sit. Thrilled for the city and beaches!
Here are the Tops & Flops of days 300 to 400.
Looking back:
Reflections of 100 days of travel
Reflections of 200 days of travel
Reflections of 300 days of travel
