My route back to North America – after my recent change of plans – has been a long one. First, upon leaving Thailand, I had to make a stop in Bali and after a few interesting days there, I had to fly to Singapore. The reason for all of this bouncing around had nothing to do with some absurd flight route that was offered by some budget airline for some bargain basement fare. I actually needed to stop in Bali and Singapore before returning home.
So, after having spent the past week in Singapore, I am supposed to fly out tomorrow morning. My ticket is for a series of flights that will eventually land me in Cancun, Mexico, where I plan to spend a few days back in Playa del Carmen before finally returning to Florida.
However, it appears as if my journey back to North America is not going to be so easy as I just received an email notification that the first leg of my flight – Singapore to Tokyo – has been delayed. Not only has it been delayed but I will now almost certainly miss my connecting flight to Houston as a result. And not only will I miss my flight to Houston, but the only other available flight out of Tokyo tomorrow (on United or Continental) is a flight to Honolulu, from where there are no other available flights to the mainland for at least 36 hours.
So the point is, you may not hear from me for a long, long time. Or, I might become Hawaii’s newest resident and invite you all to a housewarming party next weekend.
Anyway, I must say that I found it quite interesting that as soon as I learned that my flight plans had begun to unravel, the first thought that entered my head was “I should write a post about this.” And then, as I began to write this post, starting off with a detailed account of my recent whereabouts, something else quite interesting occurred to me.
I spend much of my time writing about the places I’ve been, the places I currently am and the places I plan to be in the future, but I have no idea where most of you are right now. What kind of relationship is this?
Of course, many of you have your own blogs and so I do know the whereabouts of quite a few of you, however, I’d love to know where all of you are. I just think it’s time we get to know each other better.
I’m well aware that trying to keep track of everyone’s location on planet Earth is a near impossible task, especially considering that I can barely keep track of my own location (I inexplicably informed a friend last week that I was in Brunei instead of Bali), but I want to give it a try. I do believe that at least knowing this tiny bit of information will help strengthen our relationship. Don’t you?
So, to all of my readers, all of you whom I appreciate even more than my favorite Indian curries…let’s get it on.
Where are you in the world? Be as specific or vague as you wish…country, city, continent ….planet.
And keep an eye out for that invitation! I’m thinking the white sands of Hanauma Bay on Oahu would be a good place to get the party started.
Back in 1999, I left home for a 3 month trip to Asia that has still yet to end.
Hi Earl!
It sure is amazing to read about your travel experiences. Through you I get to travel a bit
Oh I am currently in New Delhi, India!
It i really is interesting to read about India on your blog. Brings in a fresh perspective to things that are usually considered routine by us, such as the driving and the trains.
Hope you have a safe trip.
Hey Nishtha – Welcome to the site! And just so you know, I love Delhi
On every visit to India I enjoy spending at least 1-2 weeks in that city!
Hi Earl!
My friend showed me your website two days ago and I have been on it all day every since! My friend Bridget and I want to travel just like you when we are done with college. Before I go to college I want to hike to Machu Picchu with National geogrpahic and once I’m in college my sister and I want to hike the appalachient trail. I have a lot of other plans like living in New Zeland for awhile but anyways, reading your blog has really made me want to go through with all of those plans. I live in Rochester New York and I really like reading about every where you have been!
Have fun!
Welcome to the site Ellie!! And I think it’s excellent that you’ve already come up with some travel ideas that you wish to accomplish. Just stay focused and you’ll get there. One look at a photo of Macchu Picchu or of a glacier in New Zealand every now and then should be enough to keep you motivated to achieve such goals! There’s nothing stopping you
Hey Earl!
I’m in Canton, Georgia it’s in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, it’s a pretty small town. I stumbled upon your webpage a few days ago while looking for ways to afford traveling. I’ve always been interested in traveling, but the other day I had somewhat of an epiphany and decided before I settle down I want to be a nomad for quite some time. I’m about to get a standard two-year associates degree, and can’t decide if I would like to go to a university first, or begin my travels first. I don’t really have any money saved up but I’m also not in debt, So I can’t determine if traveling is a good idea. I’m not certified in teaching either,but I did read about your English classes you created at that university. I’m looking into things such as couchsurfing and tripping.com, and figured I could just fly to a country and walk from place to place, and take cheap forms of transportation. I mean we are human beings were meant to walk right? Plus it leaves extra time to think and take it all in. What do you think? I just want to experience the world for what it really is, not just what I see on t.v. or read about. Gain knowledge, maybe spread some of mine, along with some happiness and of course lend a helping hand to those in need along the way! Hope your having a great time in Romania, try and stay warm!
Hey Brian – Welcome and thank you for sharing your story! And I see nothing wrong at all with your plan. Traveling without a set itinerary is a great way to travel and if you’re in no rush, why not walk around and just see where the road leads. If you really want to experience the world first-hand, then there’s nothing stopping you from achieving that goal.
And the thing is, once you start, you never know where you’ll end up, so as long as you keep an open-mind and are flexible, your travels will almost certainly lead you to new opportunities that will take your life in a new, and rewarding, direction!
Hi! I just came across your blog through stumbleupon and I must say I find it very entertaining and most of all, inspiring! I have been all over America (almost all 50 states, with the exception of Alaska, where I will be visiting this summer, and Oregon and Washington) and I hope to travel more of the world. I have also been to London, Paris, and Aruba- pretty touristy destinations- and your blog has reinforced my desire to go into the back-country and experience more authentic culture. This coming winter break (I’m a college student) I hope to be in Thailand teaching English. Anyways, I am writing this from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hey Rebecca – Thanks for visiting and it seems like you have more of the US covered than most people! I certainly haven’t been to that many states myself. And that’s great that you’re thinking of a trip to Thailand over the winter break…that country is never a bad option at all