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
And 4 hours after discovery(stumbleupon of course)…i’m still on your site!
so thank you for your knowledge and for fueling my desire(even more)!
I’m writing this from Taunusstein Germany where i will be living and going to school for the next 6 months. Your site is; i’m sure you hear this all the time, inspiring!! All my life I have loved to travel and experience new places and cultures. After the school year I plan to go to Italy and Croatia and then head back to Idaho for Junior year of high school! Then off on my next adventure: teaching soccer in Ghana for 6 weeks! My goal in life is to not only visit, but spend quality time in every country in the world. Everyone says I am crazy but your blog and all the fantastic tips in it along with my determination, it will happen
Welcome to the site Kathryn! That’s quite a lot of traveling and overseas experiences you have lined up and yes, it will happen if you’re determined to achieve your goals…and don’t worry about being labeled ‘crazy’. Every long term traveler has been labeled that (or worse) at some point, but we keep on going anyway
Hi Earl!
I found your blog on stumbleupon this evening and can’t help but keep reading. I’m 25 and have been to 30 countries. About two years ago I decided I was “stuck” at home (Michigan, USA). After a bit of research and a visa application, I bought a one way ticket to Australia. Only then did I tell all my loved ones I was leaving. I’ve been living in Sydney for a year and a half now and truly believe this is where my home was always meant to be. It just takes that one big scary step. Thank you for sharing your stories and encouraging your readers to share their stories in the comments. If you ever need a place to stay in Sydney, you’re welcome here.
Hey Melanie – Thank you for the invitation
I love how people mention that first, scary step being the most difficult part of achieving one’s travel goals. I will forever believe that as well because, if we really want to travel, things always seem to fall into place once that first step is taken. Sure, it might take some hard work and a few moments of uncertainty, but it doesn’t take long to realize that our crazy travel goals really aren’t so crazy after all!
Hey! I found your website linked to some other travel blogs I read. It’s been interesting to read about your cruise ship experiences… I’m heading out to work on private Yachts this spring!
Ps. I’m in Calgary, Alberta, Canada!
Hey Dana – Welcome! And I think the private yacht idea is a great one…I’ve met many people who have done the same thing and they have all loved the experience. It’s not a bad way to travel/work/network/enjoy life!
Hey Earl, I am a sophmore college student hoping to be able to live the life youre living one day. I attend The Ohio State University and after I graduate I plan on puting the diploma in the back seat and traveling all over. My friends and family think Im nuts but I think its just fear.. fear of something more out there that most don’t want to dive into. As for me, I like reading blogs like this so I can be better prepared when I do start my never ending journey. Have a great day!
Hey Catherine – It’s great to hear from you and I would tend to agree about your family and friends’ reactions. It’s difficult for people to envision a lifestyle that doesn’t fit the normal pattern and as we all know, we tend to fear what we aren’t familiar with. But my guess is that once you get out there and start traveling, once they see how happy you are achieving your goals and that you are able to survive out there in the world, they will come around and begin to offer their support…that’s what happened with me
Hi, Earl! A friend of mine told me about your blog a few days ago, so I’ve just read some of your entries and I have to tell you that I think its amazing what you’re doing and your lifestyle is starting to inspire me.
I’m going back to Mexico on August, and I want to start learning portuguese because next summer I want to go to Brazil to teach english or spanish. My parents are supporting me with all of this, but they keep telling me that I should concentrate more on my career, not only them, also my friends. Sometimes I think they’re right, sometimes I think that I should do what makes me happy, that is, traveling, and learning languages, but whenever I think about doing it, I feel really scare and think “No, that’s crazy, I should stick to the ‘plan’” (graduate, work on what I study, stay in Mexico…) but that sounds boring haha, I’m going to graduate but I don’t think I’m going to end up doing what I’ve been studying for. I bet that you had that same fear when you started traveling, how did you overcome that fear?
Have a nice day! and Thank you!
My name is Italia, I’m from Irapuato, México, I go to university in Guadalajara, Jalisco, but right now I’m doing my semester abroad in Florence, Italy. I’m studying third year of Digital Art and Animation, but I’ve been having a lot of doubts about it, I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do anymore.
Last summer I had the opportunity to spend 3 months in Orlando where I worked at Walt Disney World. While I was there, I realized that I love meeting people from all around the world because when I talk to them it’s like I’m visiting that country, I found fascinating that, while I was there, thanks to the international environment, I was able to speak spanish, english and french in just one day, so I realized that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in front of a computer (Even though I find 3D animation really fun). So, when I went back to Mexico, I started to plan my semester abroad in Italy, this is my first time in Europe so it’s a whole new experience for me. I am now learning italian, and on June I’m heading to France to practice my french
I’m going to continue reading your blog, so I can get more inspiration and to get rid of my fear
Hello, Earl! I am a humble Kentuckian in school in downtown Chicago for a few years. Like Catherine, I plan to set sail to anywhere and everywhere once I finally graduate. I doubt I could travel as extensively as you do, but I know I need to at least try it and see where it takes me. I could not being happy wandering the Earth forever, but I am sure that if I don’t give it a try, I will always regret it. There just isn’t enough excitement and adventure in my average American lifestyle. I am so appreciative of your blog, it has really opened my eyes and made my nomadic dreams seem more tangible. I just found it tonight, but I’ll definitely be catching up on old posts and following new ones. Thanks for sharing your life with the world and good luck to all of your future travels!!
-Sean
Hey Sean – Welcome to the site and I really think you have the best attitude towards travel! Even if you think you might enjoy exploring this world a little, you owe it to yourself to get out there and try. There’s no reason at all to have travel on your list of regrets later on in life.
And if you have any questions as you read through the posts, just send me an email through the Contact link above!
and just as i was about to close my laptop and go back to the real world where my near 2 week pile of washing awaits me, i stumbled across your blog! I have now spent most of my day, absolutely absorbed by your experiences and needless to say, i still have no clean socks. When youre in high school i think one of the most common questions your faced with is what do you want to do with your life? Everyone would respond with their desired career path or some with their dreams of having a family etc etc but me? all i could ever come up with was that i just wanted to travel. im 21 now and the idea of buying a house and settling down in one place forever still seems freakin absurd to me so i packed up and randomly moved halfway across my country to a state i had never visited. I guess it was just to get the ball rolling. My next move is ideally going to be overseas.. the problem with this plan up until now has been that im yet to find a travel partner who has the same free spirit as me. Everyone i meet is so bogged down in whats happening here, on this tiny little patch of the planet that we live on and they either cant or simply just dont want to see the world the way i do. Anyway i have no idea where i will go first when i do head off overseas and even less of an idea about where i will end but i do know that its gonna be the best thing i ever do with my life. And thanks to you i think i finally have the courage to say screw finding a travel buddy, IM the one that wants to do this, so im just gonna go and do it! There is literally nothing holding me back except for that little ‘but what if’ voice in the back of my head and ive decided that from now im just gonna tell him to shut the hell up. Its so refreshing to see somebody living my dream and i cant wait to read more about what youre getting upto!
Anyway considering i am commenting on this particular post i suppose i had better tell you where i am. Im sitting in my house about half an hour east of Perths city. I moved here 3 months ago from Adelaide and i just love it! Despite my strong ambition to get out of Australia, i will say that i find myself regularly reflecting on what an incredibly beautiful country i live in here. Youve obviously been to Australia quite a few times so im interested to know what is your favourite part to visit?
Hey Taysia – Thanks for the comment and I think you’re on the right track for sure! There is nothing stopping you from achieving your travel goals and if finding a travel partner is all that’s left, well, it seems that you’ve realized it’s not so important after all. Just as you made the move to Western Australia on your own (I assume), so too can you make the move to some overseas traveling!
As for Australia, I love it all and would have to agree that you do live in one amazing country! Melbourne has always been my favorite city (I’m biased because I studied there for a semester back during my uni days) but I also love Byron Bay, the Daintree Rainforest and especially Broome. But I’m also an Adelaide fan and was there on my last trip to Australia…had a great time of course. Adelaide is the perfect size city for me.
I really enjoyed Perth as well and found myself wondering what it would be like to live in Fremantle for a while. Too many wonderful places in your country.
Hope you got your washing done in the end
Hello! This is my first time to your site and I am definitely getting sucked in. I am home sick from work today and foresee spending many hours on here.
My husband and I quit our jobs, ditched our apartment, and left our cat with his parents back in 2010 to travel around the world. Hands down one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We spent about 11 months and traveled through 18 countries. We are back in the States now but that itch to travel certainly doesn’t go away. Coming across stories and websites like these only ignites the feeling that we need to go away again and see even more! While many people have lots of fears about travel, I found that I was way more comfortable than I anticipated and the experience really reconnected me with the kindness of the human spirit. Some of my best memories came from trusting complete strangers as they befriended us and opened their lives and homes to us. We live in Chicago, so if you are ever passing through let us know and we’ll show you some traveler’s hospitality! Continued good luck with your travels.
Christine
Hey Christine – Thanks for the invitation! I’ve actually never been to Chicago so I should visit that city at some point
And I know the feeling of wanting to get back on the road again. That’s what happens once you have a taste, or in your case a bit taste, of the traveling lifestyle. And I’m glad that you found the human interactions you had to be so rewarding as well. That has always been the best part of my travels, no matter what country I’m visiting.
Greeting from Malaysia!
I am Serene, currently living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. But my mind always has a way of bringing me far far away. I daydream a lot – of crafting a beach-doll house, of building a wall tall book shelf, of writing a story, of happy memories I had with friends, of movie I watched last night, of opening up a small cafe that is decorated with postcards from all around the world, of traveling round-the-world, of working abroad, and the list goes on
I enjoy reading your blog. I think it is very genuine and uplifting! Wherever you’re now, have a blast!
Hey Serene – Welcome and I appreciate you reading the blog! Seems like you have a few dreams of your own for this life and I hope that you are taking steps towards some of them…that’s the only way to accomplish those goals. I would be first in line if you had a cafe with postcards from around the world
Greetings Earl! I am in a small town in southern Ontario Canada, about 1hr from the Michigan border! Have you travelled Canada much? I havent really been anywhere in the world….yet. Other than living in Alberta Canada for 3yrs, I havent ventured out of Ontario much. Furthest I’ve been is a trip to FL with my family when I was young. so needless to say I am ITCHING to travel. Just graduated college for travel & tourism infact.
Welcome Junelle! I’ve been to Canada many times but only to the eastern part of the country – Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. I know I need to see more and I would love to get out west at some point. So I guess now that you’ve graduated you have some travel ahead of you??
Hi Earl,
, anyway,,i’m Uwan from Batam, Indonesia, its small island nearby Singapore. I yet travel to many countries but i do love to read travel stories.it’s bring my imagination to somewhere i don’t know about.
Glad that i found your site, i found it on my friend’s wall on FB, and i like to read your stories
always take good care and stay safe
Cheers,
Hey Uwan! It’s great to have you here and I hope all is well out there in Batam! I’ve never been to that island but now you have me curious…I just might have to visit the next time I’m in that area
You are always welcome here Earl:)
Batam is in Kepulauan Riau, Batam itself is not really great place to visit as it’s industrial Area, but Batam surrounding with beautiful islands, like Bintan, Natuna, Lingga, Anambas, and other small islands..
let me know if you wanna visit Batam
greetings from Oceanside, Oregon!
Welcome to the site Michelle & hope your spring is going well over there in Oceanside!