It is an interesting world I've been living in recent months - transient, fleeting, but strangely significant. I never thought that I approach people within a few days to meet them, but it is difficult to relate to fellow backpackers in hostels while exploring a new place together. The sunsets and countless tours and beaches and waterfalls I have experienced would not have the same meaning if it were not for the people who share those moments with - minded travelers from all over the world, some of which have left their jobs in search of something different, something that is taking a break to learn more about the world, and some who only share a love of travel.

You share bedrooms with Asian, European, American, Australian, American, talking about life and work and relationships and aging, you look with the same awe to beautiful places, you bond over things that go wrong. You realize that despite different cultures, accents, hometowns, backgrounds ... At the end you are all so similar.
Many travelers on long journeys also tend to bump into each other at another destination. And suddenly you realize that someone had said goodbye in one place in the hostel is elsewhere. You laugh at the odds, you shake your head and say "What a small world!" They embrace and appreciate a familiar face in unfamiliar territory.
They are strangely comforting, casual and fleeting these relationships ... Sometimes I think I tend to be more honest and open with strangers - not less to lose, less pressure to conform. And because of the international and multicultural nature of shelters, I think that backpackers tend to be more tolerant in general, more open to different opinions and lifestyles. There is less fear of being judged, because there is no majority. Everyone is there simply because they love to travel and appreciate the opportunity to socialize with different people.
Is it strange that I feel at home with this nomadic group? With these people I barely know? Is it because I'm a TCK, confused about the true meaning of "home"? Because growth was never tied to a particular place or group of people and travelers to understand here that feeling of "temporary"? In any case, being in the world backpacking is liberating, simple and effortless ... at least for now, it just feels easy.