I’m considering going on a year-long working vacation in Europe, but am seriously debating whether or not I should. If I do this, I’d almost definitely have to do it alone, and as I know no one in Europe, I would have to completely start over at making friends. I know a lot of people say they meet great friends on their travels whom they will keep in touch with for the rest of their lives, but what I’m wondering about is the effect such a trip will have on your friends back home? After all, those are the people you’re really going to have to live with for the rest of your life after your trip. And while I’d be off in Europe, their lives would probably be moving in a different direction. Have other people had trouble getting reacquainted (sp?) with friends back home after a long-term trip? I’ve only known my current friends for a year anyways, since I’ve just moved to where I’m now living, so I also don’t know if we have a long enough history to sustain such a trip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!