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.
Currently I am in South Florida unfortunately no plans to go out for travels until August. Love following your blog hopefully I will be in Brazil soon.
There is a Corona ad in Australia that says “From where you’d rather be” (I don’t know if they use the same ad in the USA).
While Mexico is pretty good, right now I’m guessing I’m at where you’d rather be. I’m bummed out you had to leave Chiang Mai so soon.
Hey James – I haven’t seen that ad but you’re right, it sure is spot on in this case. And I was definitely looking forward to being in Chiang Mai, but I have no doubt we’ll meet up again and I shall look forward to that time. In the meantime, enjoy Chiang Mai yourself!
And did you manage to get your Indian visa? I hope you don’t have any issues with that
Hello Earl! I am in Houston, TX.
Hey Amanda – My original flight was supposed to take me through Houston but I ended up flying via San Fran in the end. But I’m a fan of Houston! My first cruise ship contract was on a ship out of Galveston and so we used to head up to Houston whenever we could
Hi Earl
Finally someone who feels the same about this bizzarre place. I was there last month and whilst I havent travelled extensively I couldn’t believe there was anywhere as foul as Kuta. Not just the tourist attitude and the ridiculous stalls and shop,s but the filth and dirt around the town as well. The beach was awash with rubbish and you couldn’t wade in the sea without plastic bags wrapping round your legs instantly. I simply don’t understand how this place appeals even to the drunk and lewd brigade. I feel deeply sorry for the locals but am simply amazed that tourism has not completely collapsed already.
James
Hey James – You gave a pretty good description of what I saw as well and I also found myself confused as to why people found this place so attractive for a holiday. I guess the cheap prices is enough to keep people flocking there, no matter how dirty it may be!
Hi Earl,
Cool idea. I wish I’d thought to ask our reader where he is (hi Bob). We’re in Beirut and loving the place.
Hey Shane – Beirut! Quite a fascinating city, perhaps the most fascinating and complex city I’ve ever visited. I hope you are enjoying yourself over there. If you need a good place to get some blogging/work done, the Saifi Urban Gardens cafe in Gemnayze was my savior!
Earl, I got my visa. As you said, getting a visa in Chiang Mai was a breeze. A little office with no queue’s, one of the better visa application experiences I’ve had (apart of the cost). I’ll be there in April
.
I just found that ad. The Mexico Tourism board should use it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVMcFZ3NWX8
Looks like it was an Australian ad campaign:
(http://www.youtube.com/user/coronafwyrb)
Now I’m thinking that you are now from where we’d rather be. In the meantime, I’m at Black Canyon Chiang Mai, tipping a coffee in your general direction.
Well, I’m on the other coast of Mexico but I will say, it’s a mighty fine place to spend some time, especially if you’re into perfect white sand beaches
Glad to hear you now have an India visa in your possession. I shall raise my orange/beetroot juice to that!
Wow Earl, exciting stuff!!! I love the way life unfolds!
Well, I was in Egypt and then the revolution came along. We left a few months ago more due to fear of stuff running out than fear of our safety.
We have been in New York, Vermont and Montreal for the 2 months seeing friends and whats not. In around 2 weeks we will go back to Egypt via Berlin as we are thinking of moving there later this year…. See what happens.
Hey Forest – What a shame, as it looks like we’ll just miss each other. I’ll probably head up to New York at some point but probably a month from now or so.
I am happy to hear that you’re headed back to Egypt though, however, I’m not sure you’ll make it out of Berlin. That city has quite a magnetic quality to it that causes many visitors to instantly want to live there!
I live at the beach in southeast NC, but will be selling most of my things to become nomadic at the end of May! I’ll be working as a travel trip leader guiding teenagers for the summer and then I’ll be working on a cruise ship for a few months (I can vouch for the effectiveness of your “How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship” Guide).
Hey Katie – What an incredible summer and end of the year you have lined up! And thank you for vouching for the Guide. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences on board. Let’s see if you become as addicted to ship life as I was
Hi Earl!
I’m a long time reader of your blog but this is my first comment- how rude of me! Well, by way of an introduction I’m Lily and I’m in Birmingham, England- I’m here at university so right now I’m spending money on paying the bills and wishing I could be spending it on flinging myself across the globe.
Bali… now there’s a new place to dream about!
All the best
Hey Lily – Thank you for commenting! And if you’re already dreaming about travel now, there’s no reason why that can’t become a reality in the future
You’ll get to Bali!
Hi Earl,
I was in China, then I met my fiance and we moved to his homestate, Florida, to get married. We’re plotting our escape, likely back to China, but if we had our way and unlimited funds we’d be everywhere. I don’t really like it here, so I can’t wait to be abroad again.
Good luck with your trip! Well I guess by now you’re home, but hope you’re rested.
Hey Ellis – Quite a difference between China and Florida! Hopefully you’ll be escaping back to the other side of the world soon. I know what it feels like to have that strong urge to be somewhere else!
Hey Earl,
I’m in New York City- been here all my life- hope to be heading out for a few months soon- hopefully to Mexico, Italy and Poland.
Hey Jen – At least you’re in a place that is so jam-packed with different cultures. Being in NYC is sometimes like being all over the world at the same time! And I’m happy to hear that Mexico is on your list as that’s where I am right now
Hi Earl,
I am in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy (halfway between Venice and Verona) as a Rotary Youth Exchange student for one year. I am from Frisco, Colorado which is nested in the highest of the Rocky Mountains. I ski a lot there. I was actually born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and I go back there for a month at least a month out of every year to be with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. I am now fluently trilingual with English, Spanish, and Italian and am trying to learn French. After college, I hope to do something more or less along the lines of what you do – travel and write. I actually have my own blog which is a precursor to another, larger blog that I will be launching this summer hopefully.
I like the new look by the way.
- Alex
Muchas gracias Alex! I’ve actually spent a good amount of time in Jalisco, but along the coast, not in Guadalajara. Such a wonderful part of Mexico. And well done with the languages. I’m still working on my espanol! I hope you’re enjoying life in Italy (which I’m sure you are) and I shall look forward to seeing your new blog.
Whenever I go to the beach when I’m in Mexico I either go to Punta Mita (which is halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita) or Manzanillo (which is actually Colima not Jalisco). Where on the Jalisco coast have you been? I love certain parts of it because its not as Americanized as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, etc. and because I think the food is a lot better on the Pacific coast. I’d just love some grilled marinated fish skewers right now …
@TravelingAlex: I’m definitely familiar with Punta Mita. I took a couple of snorkeling trips out to the protected islands just off the coast from Punta Mita. And sorry, when I said I lived on the Jalisco coast, I actually meant Nayarit. I get those two mixed up every now and then. I spent 3 months in Sayulita and the a month and a half in Chacala, about an hour or so north of Sayulita. Now that is one beautiful, yet quiet place!
Alright, I’ll have to make it up that way next time I’m down there! Do you happen to be planning on visiting Europe at all this spring? If so, will you be in Northern Italy by chance?
Hey Alex – I haven’t made it that far in terms of planning
I generally plan about a week in advance, although I don’t think I’ll be in Europe at this point as I have some things to take care of here in North America first. However, if I am ever in the general region of Northern Italy, you can bet I will be letting you know!
Hey Earl!
To answer your question I have to ask one myself – where I am physically or mentally? Physically I’m in Romania (Transylvania to be more exact) – it’s where I live, but mentally I’m all over the place. Most of the times I’m in the US (spent 4 glorious summers working and visiting places), but as of yesterday I’m heading in the direction of New Zealand (and if plane tickets weren’t so darn expensive my body would have been able to keep up). I try to squeeze as much traveling I can in my life (studying to be a specialist doctor – final exam this October), but next week I’m heading to the amazing city of Budapest! So all is not lost, although sometimes I feel I’m going insane for not being able to travel as much as I want to (this is not an excuse, unfortunately it’s my reality), but one day I’ll snap, pack a backpack and head out into the world! You and the entire travel blog community make it seem worthwhile! Keep up the amazing work and I’m waiting for that invitation (as well as some tips for cheaper flights)
Hey Joseph – Haha…I like that a lot and can relate to the difference between physical and mental presence. Hopefully you’re mentally enjoying New Zealand at the moment
And I assume you’re physically heading to Budapest?! At least you get to do a significant amount of travel it seems, which is quite impressive considering your studies.
Let me know when you fully snap and we’ll meet up somewhere out there!
Hi Earl,
I have been reading your blog for a while now… I’m mostly in Copenhagen, Denmark but at the moment I’m travelling in Brazil
Keep up the great work 
- Line
Hey Line – Well, I haven’t been to either Denmark or Brazil so I now know who to talk to when the time comes for me to visit those countries! I really appreciate you commenting and I hope that you’re having a wonderful time traveling through Brazil right now, which I’m sure you are!
In tantalizing Dorset, England but leaving for south east Asia in 3 days. First Malaysia, then all the way up through Thailand to Chiang Mai. We’re hoping to cross the border by ferry at Satun and get in a spot of island life with dashings of Songkran.
On another note… you can’t leave for America Earl… we promised you drinks…
Hey Andrew – Haha…that you did, and don’t you worry, I won’t forget! Unfortunately, I’m already back in N. America. But seriously, I’m excited for you guys, especially since you’ll be in Thailand for Songkran which is one of my favorite festivals on the planet.
Safe travels to Malaysia and I look forward to those drinks at a later, but hopefully not too much later, date!
I think it would be nice if all of us who follow Earl in the online world can catch up with him in some place for a — ‘Let’s meet Wandering Earl’ Event
I don’t know if this is feasible or how to make it happen, but I surely would love to meet Earl and so many of the awesome travel lovers who also are friends of Earl or Follow his travel adventures around the world! Would be good to meet the ‘master’ face to face and get some first hand tips on travel. 
Hey Beena – That sounds like a good idea to me! I would love to meet everyone as well so perhaps I should start planning an event
And I’m hardly a master, just a person who has spent a long time traveling. I’m always learning as well so if everyone was to meet up, I’m sure we’d all be able to learn a great deal from each other!
Thank you for your kind comment Beena!
Hey Earl! I’m in London, UK and planning the start of a never ending voyage with my partner. Though I’m sure we’ll end up spending ages in many places.
Hey Zab – Thanks for the comment! Seems like you’re about to begin an exciting new stage in life. I love the term ‘never ending voyage’ as it implies that you’re plan is open and you’re willing to see what new opportunities come your way. And that’s definitely the way to go!
Hola Earl,
Just arrived back in Atlanta after being in Guatemala last week. Next week it’s El Salvador and the following week is for a quick visit to the Dominican Republic.
I was just thinking about you today Earl because a friend of mind moved to Sayulita. The first time I heard of that town was from reading your blog!
Saludos!
Hola Carlos – Good to hear from you!! I hope you’ve been well. At least your travel itinerary is keeping you busy!
And that’s funny about Sayulita. That was quite a while ago when I mentioned that town so thank you for still following my blog. I’m sure your friend will love it down there as I’ve still yet to hear a negative word about that place. And no matter where I go in the world, Sayulita still remains my favorite place that I’ve ever lived in.
If you ever head back to Mexico in the near future be sure to let me know!
Hiya Earl, I was in Cambodia during Nov and Dec 2010 then London for a quickie last month and currently trying to find ways to beat the heat in Austin, TX.
Looking forward to your next update!
Hey Maria – Thank you for commenting! I hope your trip to Cambodia was a rewarding one. Looks like I was right next door in Thailand while you were over there in December.
Good luck with the Austin heat. I’m currently battling the heat down here in Mexico although I’m quite sure it’s a losing battle
Hi Earl,
) Anyway, have you ever been to Lagos (either one) before?
I live in Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos got its name from Lagos…Portugal. There are a few similarities between the two places (mostly the abundance of beaches) but there are loads of un-similaries too (Is there even a word like that?
Hey Lape – I have not been to either Lagos yet
But Nigeria is definitely on the radar for the near future!
Hackney, London, England
… for now.
@freyshine: For now? Any big travel plans in the future? At least London is an exciting to be for the time being!
Visiting London at the moment. On break from my cruise ship
Hey Earl
I live in Perth, Western Australia. Only six weeks till I start my around the world trip. First stop Auckland then it’s of to Hawaii.
Hey Shaun – Six weeks! Awesome stuff. And what a way to start off…Auckland & Hawaii. Although, just be careful…you may never make it out of Hawaii. Those islands tend to have that effect on people.
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Hey Earl!
I’m loving your blog so so much, huge fan! I’m currently, to my dismay, living in California. I spent last fall in Cairo, Egypt studying abroad and next semester I will be interning in Washington DC. I hope to head back to the Middle East and Africa as soon as I finish my undergrad!
(I know I’m responding to this post a month late but I felt compelled to put a word in)
I hope you’re enjoying Mexico!! You are a huge inspiration man, keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much for the kind comment Kjrstin! It’s always wonderful to know that others find this site inspiring, especially those who are interested in exploring more of this world. Seems like the taste of travel that you enjoyed from your study abroad experience is only the beginning of your adventures
Hey Earl, I just stumbled across your site a few days ago and have been straight up devouring your content since! My wife and I are planning to move to the Riviera Maya (probably either Playa or Akumal) soon so your site has been a great resource and a huge inspiration to us. It’s nice to hear some encouraging words rather than of all the naysayers out there. Since I’m currently stuck in a cubicle in the Midwest your blog is not only a font of information for me but a nice break from the grind. Thanks a ton and please keep up the good work!
PS. We’ll be in Akumal in October so if you’re around maybe we could buy you a beer or a meal
Hey Jason – Welcome to the blog and I appreciate your comment! And of course, that’s great news that you’re considering a move down to this region of Mexico. Akumal is also a great place to consider living, especially if you prefer the fully laid-back, slow pace of life that it offers (not to mention it’s stunning white sand beaches). Hopefully those visions of life in paradise help keep your mind occupied while you remain in a cubicle for now
And I shall look forward to meeting with you when you arrive to Akumal later in the year. Definitely let me know when you’re headed down here and if you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to ask away!
You are correct sir, visions of paradise are what get me by! I look forward to meeting you and thanks for the reply. I’ll send you an email here soon with some questions, thoughts etc. (as soon as I get them all in coherent form). Thanks again.
Hey Earl, how’s it going? The Ultimate Train Challenge sounds exciting, good luck! Do you think you’ll be back in Playa by the 2nd week of October? Cheers, Jason
Hey Jason – I’m working on my schedule over the next couple of weeks but I think I’ll probably stick around Asia for a while after the trip is over. It would be a shame to travel across the planet by train only to turn around and head back right after
But I’ll post my plans as soon as I have them. If it does work out that I’m back, I assume you’re heading this way to Playa in October?
Hello Earl! I JUST stumbled across your blog today, as I am feeling the lure of ‘ship life’ grow stronger each day my undergraduate graduation draws closer! I am pleased you have so much information on the topic you’re willing to share
The closest cruise lines to Oregon (current home-state) seem to only be Alaskan ones, but I’m sure I could use that as a way to start inching around the world, eh?
Keep up the good work
Hey Neelie – Thank you for the comment! And the best thing about ship life is that you can apply to any cruise line that is located anywhere in the world. They will pay for your flight from your home city to wherever the ship is and just like that you’ll be visiting new lands and getting paid
You definitely don’t need to limit yourself to cruise lines based near your home town.
If you ever have any questions about ship life at all, feel free to send me an email and I’ll help you out as best I can!
Hi Earl,
I’m in Nausori, Fiji where I’ve been a Peace Corps Volunteer for the last two years working at the town council office. I’m heading back to Northern California at the beginning of August… but not without a two month detour through Brisbane, Bali, Java & Vietnam. I’m a newbie to travel but I’m doing it anyway. Read the post on Kuta, Bali. Thanks.. the plan is to go straight to Ubud and avoid the whole southern part of the island. So much to see, so little time. Cheers!
Hey Khrissy – Thanks for commenting and I hope things have been going well for you out there in Fiji! Either way, you’re upcoming ‘detour’ should prove to be quite a good one. Seems like you’ll be covering some excellent destinations. I was actually just talking with my friend earlier today about Java and also Sumatra (another great island in Indonesia) and how we’d love to go back there soon.
And it seems like you have the right attitude to be a traveler – just doing it anyway. All you need to do is get out there and start…from there the rest will fall into place
Safe travels!
Hi Earl,
I am at Otago University (in Dunedin, New Zealand), sitting in the library surrounded by books daydreaming about the travels I am yet to have. If you are ever down in NZ I will be happy to show you the sites! Later this year I am off to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam for a month – I can’t wait!
Renata
Hey Renata – Welcome to the site and I am happy to hear you’re currently thinking about travel! And I actually have a good friend from Dunedin so whenever I do make it to NZ again, I shall be sure to get in touch with you
Hi Earl!
I just found your blog by chance this evening, and what a great find it was! You’re basically living my life’s dream and after reading many of your posts I’m even more inspired to get started.
Much admiration for you, from Montreal Canada
Hey Emily – Thank you so much for commenting and I’m honestly happy to know that you feel inspired after reading through some of my posts! Please do let me know if you ever have any questions about anything. I’m always more than happy to answer anything. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer up there in beautiful Montreal!
Hey Earl!
Wow the people who commented live in some amazing places! I am from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and absolutely love it here. I have lived here my whole life, but can’t wait to start traveling more! Next June/July I’ll be roaming around Europe- that would have been a much more interesting post!
Allison
Hey Allison – Well, then you’ll have to comment again once your trip begins next year! I haven’t been to the Twin Cities but can imagine that it’s quite a nice place to live. Of course, even the best places can’t stop us from wanting to travel
Hey Earl! In three weeks I’m heading to Amsterdam, Austria, Prague and Ireland! I love your blog!
Thank you so much Maggie
And congratulations on your upcoming trip!! I’m glad to see Prague on your itinerary as it’s one of my favorite European cities!!
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Planning on traveling to India next year for the first time. And then maybe Nepal! I have always dreamed of traveling the world and your adventures are a huge inspiration to me! I have never been any farther than Boston in my life, so this will be a big step.
Safe travels!
Hey Randi – Thanks for the comment! And that’s awesome that you’re planning to head to India/Nepal….my favorite region of the world
If you ever have any questions about those countries, just let me know. I could talk/write about India for a year straight without stopping.
And congratulations on your decision to take the step and do some traveling!
Earl, big fan of your site and also your e-book refuse the rat race.. I’m in Sacramento, CA.. I have traveled before to different parts of the world on family vacations or study abroad, but now I want to do what your doing – finding a steady stream of income and travel consistently.. what I get from your travels as this is not a set of rules but rather a mindset.. if you have a mindset of abundance and live life with zest – the money will come and the travel will continue
Hey Ryan – Your comment is spot on. While one does have to work hard to earn money while traveling or to earn money that allows them to travel, the opportunities to do so will generally appear to those who are determined to make it a reality. Keeping an open-mind, interacting with as many people as possible and a willingness to be creative are all factors that can help you reach your goal.
There are a million ways to work and travel at the same and having the right mindset will help you discover them!
And thank you so much for being a fan of the site
Hey Earl, I’m relatively new to reading your blog, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it and learning as I go. My hubby and I are planning a trip ourselves and every little bit we learn from experienced travelers is good stuff
We are in a very small part of Virginia that most people have never heard of; Wise, Virginia. We’re in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains where we have the most incredible season changes I’ve ever witnessed. We’ve lived in Alaska and traveled the U.S. on multiple occasions, and autumn here in the mountains of SWVA is absolutely amazing. I’ll send pictures if you want!
Thank you for such an awesome blog, we have you bookmarked and check in every single day
Hey Michele – That sure sounds like a beautiful region of the US that you live in! I have not heard of that town but your description sure makes me want to visit at some point
And thank you so much for following along with the blog and leaving some comments. I always enjoy hearing from readers and learning a little about them as I feel so much more connected to the community when that happens!
Hey Earl,
I have to say that you stole my idea. Right now I am in Portland, Oregon finishing my high school experience (with at least four more years to go before this whole “education” thing is done with for a long, long time) but I travel in my dreams, both by day and night. Through my constant “wanderings” in history class over the past few years I’ve amassed a list of things I am resolved to do some time between finishing up college and “growing up” – settling down, getting a job, and other such constraints of adulthood.
I will hike the Triple Crown (Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian Trails). I will canoe from the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. I will bike from Tarifa, Spain to Tanger Morocco without entertaining the thought of crossing the Mediterranean Sea. I will ride a motorbike from the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa to the North Cape, Norway. All these and more have been carefully traced on a map hanging above my bed; they are the first things I see in the morning and the last at night.
I had even planned on creating a website to document my adventures and allow the world to experience my travels; using a play on words I thought of the URL http://www.wanderingwarren.com
I chanced upon your website by accident when I typed the link of my site-to-be and was redirected to wanderingearl.com. (This similarity might pose a problem later on in life, maybe http://www.whereswarren.com might be a better idea).
How great to be able to read the voyages and ideas of the sojourner I one day might hope to be! I hope that you realize your travels are truly inspiring, I can only hope to one day be able to be as seasoned.
Enjoy your travels, live each day to the fullest, and may one day our paths cross.
Hey Warren – Thanks so much for the comment and welcome to the site! I think that’s a wonderful idea to have those travel ideas posted on your ceiling above your bed. Seems like you’re fully dedicated to making those goals and dreams a reality and so I’m sure that you will do just that. Lots of excellent adventures await you it seems!!
And WheresWarren.com sounds quite good to me
Thanks again for sharing your story and I certainly do hope that we may meet up somewhere on the road one day…
I’m currently living in downtown Montreal, QC!
.
Next summer I’ll be travelling to Chile for a couple months to teach English
Welcome Syd! Not a bad plan you have to teach English in Chile, just be aware that South America can be an addicting place
Hey Earl, hey everybody!
I’m currently at home in Armagh in Ireland finalising my plans for my first RTW trip.
My younger brother and I are setting off in 5 weeks, initially through south east Asia before hitting Oz. After that, who knows?!
Have only about 2grand to last 7 weeks in Asia, so may have to resort to your idea for teaching english if the proverbial hits the fan!
Perhaps I’ll meet some of you on the road, hope you all are enjoying your travels!
Hey Chris – Welcome to the site and that’s great news that you’re soon to head off on your first RTW adventure! And SE Asia should be a perfect region to get started. At least you know that if the money runs low you still have options and don’t have to jump on the next flight home. And do keep us posted with your travels and if we’re ever in the same region, I shall look forward to meeting up!
Hi All-
I’m back home in NYC after four months meandering about India – from Kanykumari to Agra and all sorts of places in between.
This site inspires me to leave my admittedly cool comfort zone of the East Village for sights unseen. Next stop: Back to Bangkok.
Thanks Earl!
Hey Mikki! That’s definitely what happens upon returning home after a long trip…especially one to a place such as India
Glad to know that you’re heading off again, and of course, Bangkok is always a good place to start a new journey!
Hi Earl
I live in North Van.
Thanks for all the interesting articles.
Happy travels,
Darcy
Thanks for the comment Darcy and I hope all is well up in Vancouver!
I’m an American currently living in Jordan.
I was just wondering, what did you do before you started travelling? I’ve applied for cruise ship jobs but never got any response
I am currently working in tourism.
Hey Paula – Thanks for the comment and I hope life is going well over there in Jordan! To answer your question, I actually started traveling just a few months after graduating from university so the only thing I did before traveling was studying. As for working on board cruise ships, it is quite difficult to get a response without knowing exactly what to do. I’m not sure if you had a look at my Cruise Job eBook yet, but it has helped a great deal of people get hired on board ships. But in the end, there are over 20 major cruise lines out there, so if you know how to format your resume properly, there’s always a good chance that one of those cruise lines will get in touch!
In Istanbul, Turkey (on the Anatolian side
) mentally in a good place with the students of my first year teaching TEFL
Hey Angelo – That sounds like quite a setup! Living on the Asian side must be quite a unique experience from others who tend to stick to the European side.
You’re in an amazing spot Angelo! Ciya Sofrasi is one of my top five restaurants in the world. I’m still trying to figure out how to live in Istanbul.
Mikki,
I hope you’ll consider English teaching as an option. While a difficult adjustment at times, it has certainly taught me heaps about myself so far. Otherwise, have you looked into tourism? Beyond these two, there are plenty of international companies here in Istanbul. I wish you the best of luck in your search and if you have any questions about what it’s like to live here, I’ll provide the most helpful and accurate perspective I can.
Cheers,
Angelo
Hey all!
I’m in a city called Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia for 2 days after more than 3 weeks lived working in a small village called Poli-polia. I bet you never been here Earl, rite?
And can’t wait to be in India and Nepal on Januari! YAY!
Enjoy your travels!
Hey Eka – You are correct, I have never been to Kendari. In fact, I’ve never been to Sulawesi
But I’m just jealous that you’re heading off to India, my favorite country on the planet. Let me know if you have any questions at all before your trip and thank you for leaving a comment on the site!
Hi Earl I love reading your blog, you have so many cool adventures. I have
just booked my next trip. Off to Japan, Taipei, Hong Kong and Singapore in August. Awhile to wait before I go but really looking forward to it.
Hey Shaun – That sounds like one hell of a trip and you’ll be on that plane heading over there before you know it. I was just in Singapore again earlier this year and I loved it more than I ever imagined. Nice choice of destinations you have made!
Hi Earl –
I just came across your website, and I love it! I’m currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda. I’ll be there until May, then traveling in southeast Asia next summer!
Hey Jen – Thank you for visiting the site and I hope all is going well out there in Rwanda! I’ve heard some great things about that country as of late so it is definitely on my list of places to visit in the near future. And a visit to SE Asia is not a bad idea either, I’m sure you’ll enjoy that experience very much as it’s hard not to love that part of the world.
I’m currently at school in Asheville, North Carolina. A cute little artsy town in the mountains. (:
hey buddy, love your website…stumbled across from disrupting the rabblement…and i’m on a bit of a trip meself…not sure for how long…currently in lima, peru…and addicted to the freedom, all the best
Hey Brian – Great to hear from you and I hope all is going well down there in Lima! That freedom sure can be addicting…luckily, with some creativity and determination, you can find ways to continue traveling as long you want!
Hi, thanks so much for spending the time and putting all your wealth of experience and insight online!
I am in frozen (yet beautiful) upstate NY and your enthusiasm is a ray of sunshine reminding me to get in touch with adventure and discovery wherever it can be found. I am very fortunate to have a great job and the ability to save up, so thanks for giving me an inspiring goal to travel, the realization that anything is possible, and gratitude for the fantastic world and day we’ve been given. Amazing stuff.
Hey Rosemary – Welcome to the site & if it makes you feel better, I’m currently in Bucharest, Romania where it is -1 F
But I really appreciate your nice words and I certainly look forward to hopefully interacting with you some more on this site. Good luck with surviving your winter over there!
Greetings from Tampa, Florida where it’s a balmy 80 degrees today.. Stumbled upon your site today and all I can say is WOW.. good for you.. i’m hitting the road but a but closer than Romania..I’m taking on New Orleans, baby.. have done alot of traveling outside the USA and yes, it’s quite the thrill..
glad to have found the site and will look into ways of getting the word out and hopefully find you some more $$ supporters!!!
Peace!!
Hey Lynne – Fine, rub it in…you just enjoy your 80 degree temperature over there while I waddle through snow and can’t feel my face here in Romania
New Orleans should be quite a trip! Sometimes we don’t have to go too far from home to enjoy rewarding travel experiences…I’ve never made it there myself but have always wanted to go.
And I appreciate you helping spread the word about the site. That does mean a lot to me. Safe travels to New Orleans!