i realised i didnt change much from 2004 (was 21 yrs old) till now. some things did (40%) change but the rest didnt. i realise i am less afraid of doing things on my own now. as compared to teenage till early adulthood, 14-27 yrs old.
but moreso this year. i realised that yes, simply going out of my comfort zone is super amazing though really scary at first. the social part is super cool, you meet new people and form faster frenships as compared to when you're with a group or a buddy. but of course more can be done when in a pair or group and you don't feel so scared when you're doing something scary.
i super loved the minority group the Sapa people in hanoi. the 2 day one night homestay and culture exchange was super amazing. and i realised that was because it was a trek where i was quite out of my usual comfortable "tour" experience where i would be with friends or people who know me or in a place i know well. and i think it's truly worth it.......when you break your own barriers or perceived barriers.....and 'see the world as it is'.
As fun as a trip can be or get, and i thoroughly enjoyed being on my own exploring, etc.......at the end of the day even the fun you have with the people you meet there for a few days......i still feel strongly that sincere relationships and/or strong friendships will go the distance much more than only having a thrill.
 sincere personal friendships where you made a difference by helping someone, being there, teaching someone, being a friend, or even the desire to be a true friend to someone is of much more of value than just the thrill of exploring, having fun or seeing new places. And......it goes the distance. but its hard to form such friendships when......time is not on your side.......hm.......longer trips next time?