Europe: The Country-Hopper’s Delight

Since moving to Germany in December of 2015 (and as of today, April 2018), I have visited no fewer than twenty European countries–many of them, more than once. I would like to thank my sponsors, RyanAir, HostelWorld, Airbnb, and — just kidding, I don’t have sponsors (yet). In all honesty, traveling through Europe is an easy way to knock new countries off of your list. With most western and central (and some eastern) nations being connected via trains, buses, and insanely cheap flights (I’m talking single-digits here, guys) it’s easy to see why Europeans scoff when they hear Americans don’t travel to foreign lands. “How can you not have traveled abroad at ALL? Why, I went to three countries last Wednesday and was still home in time for supper!” they might say, not realizing that their entire continent wouldn’t shadow half of the U.S. Just leaving the United States on average takes a four-to-eight-hour flight, whereas in Europe the train from London to Paris is under three hours. Not to mention that the average American citizen only receives 7-14 days paid holiday, while most Europeans have anywhere from 3-7 weeks. (Imagine how much road you could cover in seven weeks in Europe! Ha! –Welcome to my life.)

It’s difficult to pass up opportunities to travel, especially when those opportunities are 1 to 10€…

There are also a plethora of companies which offer inexpensive travel packages for students, young people, elderly people, and even families. And with search engines as sophisticated as they are today, it’s easy to find the right company for you. Budget travel is made easy on this continent, enabling Europeans to explore their surroundings with very little financial investment.

London is a pricey city. Luckily, getting there is not!

The mild climate of the continent has made it a paradise for mankind (and neanderthals) for as long as 1.8 million years. This being the case, there is a high population and a rich history to explore. The Gulf Stream blows in warm air to the region, making it a temperate climate so that at all times of the year, it is slightly warmer than North American counterparts on the same latitude.

The Cliffs of Moher bask in the warm sunshine in Ireland, though the wind can be quite fierce.

When people think of Europe, they often envision bustling cities and gorgeous architecture, of which there is plenty. However, nature here is abundant as well. From glaciers in the Swiss Alps to the tropical-looking waterfalls of Croatia and the uncountable natural wonders in Iceland, you’d be surprised at not just the flora but also the fauna here. While it may not be as wild as Canada and the U.S. concerning large animals such as bears, wolves, cougars, and moose frequently being spotted, there are still interesting animals to be seen here. For instance, I made friends with a hedgehog here in Germany. His name is Henrik. There are also foxes, squirrels, and of course many species of birds. It’s not uncommon to see wild boars and goats in the mountains (I’ve seen quite a few in the Austrian and Swiss Alps!) and bison can be found on the Poland-Belarus border. In any case, I am more of a nature than a city person and I have found this continent to be impressively diverse in its landforms.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, is a natural marvel which covers nearly 300 square kilometers.

Of course, while nature is beautiful, this region is steeped in history ready to be explored. The sheer age of Europe and its countries has borne a human utopia rich with stories and mysteries alike. Architecture throughout the myriad of culturally separate lands will surely make you wonder and stand in awe, marveling at some of the most magnificent structures such as castles, palaces, and even old houses.

Prague’s claim to fame is its medieval charm, varying from majestic towers to quaint apartment buildings.

I was lucky enough to catch Stonehenge, England’s greatest mystery, on a snowy, sunny day.

 

Bratislava Castle (Slovakia) can be seen from this view by a UFO — no, I’m not kidding. I took this from the UFO in Bratislava — look it up!

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria has over 1,400 rooms!

Artistic expression is everywhere, including this building in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Since the countries here are all so different but close together, it’s easy to experience distinct cuisines and cultures on a regular basis. Most nations can be accessed through train systems and roadways, making road trips much more interesting as signs transition from one language to another in a span of a few hundred miles. However, this only makes it more captivating and fun.

Celebrating my 40th country on a 3-country road trip through Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein from Germany.

Naturally, not all times in Europe were good. Lots of blood was shed during various wars and horrible acts of atrocity were committed over history. Luckily, unlike in the States where we tend to sweep bitter accounts under a rug, Europeans insist on educating each generation thoroughly to ensure that it will not happen again. Holocaust museums are prevalent in Germany and other countries around the EU. One particularly moving memorial is called ‘Shoes Along the Danube’ in Budapest, Hungary.

Sculptors Gyula Pauer and Can Togay have created a moving memorial to [..] Holocaust atrocities that sits in front of the magnificent Parliament building on the edge of the river. What visitors will see are 60 pairs of rusted period shoes cast out of iron. Different sizes and styles reflect how nobody was spared from the brutality of the Arrow Cross militia (the shoes depict children, women, businessmen, sportsmen etc.). Behind the sculpture lies a 40 meter long, 70 cm high stone bench where at three points are cast iron signs, with the following text in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew: “To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected 16 April 2005.” (Information courtesy of Visit Budapest.)

Europe has so much to offer on numerous facets. Personally, I find the quality of life here much higher in many ways than back in the U.S., but that is something I have experienced in other places too (such as Australia and New Zealand.) Many governments here value education and healthcare so much that both are offered nearly free of charge to all citizens. Having moved here, I can say first-hand that it is not an easy transition. The bureaucratic headache of obtaining a long-term visa can be daunting (especially in a country with a language different from your own) but it has been more than two years and I’d say that I’ve adapted just fine.

Beer festival acclimation in Bavaria can be both a fun and enriching experience.

In the end, my favorite thing about this continent hands-down is the diversity. The people of each nation are so startlingly unalike, and this offers perspective for a traveler. There is so much to learn from every culture and really, every person, so nothing ever gets old. That is truly the best aspect of this place.

…Well, that and the fact that I can drive to the Swiss Alps.

Grindelwald: Offering a snowboarder’s / skier’s paradise above the clouds.

 

“Will You Ever Come Home?”

One fateful day, in April of 2014, I realized something. My plan to become debt-free was coming to fruition – and the fact that I had no mortgage, no car payment, and was single opened my eyes to the plethora of possibilities for my future. Without debt or anything of the like holding me back in any way, I could leave. I could actually do it. I could save up some money, quit my job, sell my car, get rid of my clothes, pack a backpack, buy a ticket, and leave.

So I did.

That October will be burned into my history forever. With nothing to my name but (literally) the clothes on my back, I boarded a plane to Thailand and haven’t looked back once. Since that fateful day I’ve been fortunate to explore not only Thailand but Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Through jungle treks, elephant encounters, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, following sharks, visiting Mordor, being attacked by mountain parrots (yes, they’re a thing), going caving, skydiving, bungee jumping, road tripping, hostel hopping, swimming with snakes, camping in dunes, living by the beach, experiencing so many cultures, … I need to stop. The list could go on until my fingers bleed from typing it.

The world is more accessible now than it has ever been before. We have flights that cost the same as bus tickets, computerized everything (you can plan your entire trip from an app), not to mention any Google search about travel at our fingertips. The world is in our hands in many ways, and this is one of them.

Have you ever said to yourself, while sitting in horrible traffic on the way to the same job you’ve had for years, “I should just leave,”? And I’m not talking about that job. I absolutely adored my job. I miss it! My coworkers were like my second family. My job was wonderful. So this isn’t about that. It’s about opportunity. It’s about your dreams. It’s about life being short and you recognizing it, seizing the moment, and just doing what many people talk about but seldom do – leave.

It’s a scary verb, “to leave.” It implies loss, instability, yearning. It’s that inclination to do more and to get out when your instincts tell you to sit down and stay put. But where did that instinct come from? Your soul? Unlikely. My best guess is that society has bored it into your brain with their media-tipped drills: WORK. EAT. SLEEP. REPEAT. This is how society is run! If everyone were leaving all the time, nothing would get done. Or would it? With the advances in technology that we see everyday, more and more people (myself included) are finding remote jobs AKA working from a computer or any other mobile device. Is it far-fetched to say that someday the majority of jobs will be like this? I’m not clairvoyant but I could fathom a guess.

“But I’m not you. I have a spouse, children, pets, a mortgage… You had _____ going for you, but I don’t have that. So I can’t just get up and leave.” Nobody’s situation is exactly identical. Everyone has their own battles they’re fighting and their own – well, everything. Okay, that’s fair. But what if I told you that someone who was in your situation has already done it? I’m going to be honest with you – anything is possible. Whether or not you want something so badly out of life that you’ll dedicate your entire being to achieving it, well, that’s up to you. If your goal is to take three more vacations a year to different countries, then do that. If your goal is to simply leave the city at least once a month, then do that! If you want to get rid of everything you own and throw caution to the wind in exchange for the most exhilarating life you could have – then do that! I can promise you only two things: it won’t be easy, but you won’t regret it.

So… Will I come back? Sure, I would certainly love to visit the States. I want to see my friends, family, my home state. Seeing familiar faces will surely ignite some nostalgia. But will I actually come back, to stay? Well, that’s hard to say. Now that I’ve seen what I can do out here – in the general world, that is, away from home – I don’t really feel an urge to return. There are so many places to see, so many things to do, so many people to meet and I don’t want to miss a thing. The richness of what I’m gaining out here away from it all, getting to know the world deeper than books and articles, is too big of a sacrifice than I’m willing to make. My travels have taught me through first-hand experience that I can make a beautiful life for myself pretty much anywhere, and that it’s completely up to me. That freedom enlivens me. It’s nothing like I’ve ever felt before. I can choose where I want to exist on this earth, so I might as well see as much of it as I can to facilitate that decision, right?

Vietnam: The Traveler’s Treasure

A lovely garden

While it’s not the thick jungle brush you picture from the movies (in most places), Vietnam has a charm all its own. And while it’s not totally unlike Thailand (it is, after all, Southeast Asia) I can attest that there are certainly aspects which make this country unique. As buses bounce violently with little to no shocks through the dusty-but-then-suddenly-concrete-again-in-some-places “roads” I find it difficult to envision that a mere forty years ago this place was overcoming chemical warfare and mass destruction. With over 35 millions scooters shooting through the streets, water buffalo tied to random posts along both highways and in rice paddies, a smaller area (km²⁾ than Germany but 10 million more people, it’s easy to see how this country is coming up. The development of this nation is astounding. High rises grace beachfront property and roads are finally (and literally) “on the map” – we’ve even been able to utilize Google Maps to find a temple while we, too, were on a scooter! This buzzing paradise is not so much off the beaten track anymore, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing

A Peek into Vietnam

We board the bus to our next destination and I take a seat next to a giant single-paned window. Water streaks make it a bit annoying to view my surroundings (I really wonder if they ever wash these buses sometimes – I mean, with the monsoon rains they get here maybe it’s not worth it!) but I focus on what is happening outside. A man on a scooter pulls up next to us in the crowd, close enough to touch the side of the bus. On the back of his bike is a cylindric, wiry cage filled with chickens who are one too many in the tiny enclosure. Next to him, a woman donned in full coverage (long pants, long sleeves, socks, slip-on sandals, gloves, a scarf, a face-mask, sunglasses, and a helmet) carries her toddler in her lap (who is not wearing a helmet) who is now asleep against the handlebars. Her apparel is especially impressive because it’s about 34 degrees (almost 94 Fahrenheit) and I’m sweating in the air-conditioned bus. The blaring horns of the trucks and taxis trying to get through the drove of scooters doesn’t seem to shake the toddler from her slumber. The bus begins to move.

A rare picture of all commuters traveling in one direction

Organized chaos is the best way to describe Vietnam in a nutshell, especially the roads. Without studying the patterns, you could very well assume that everyone is partaking in a perilous free-for-all. Red lights are merely suggestions, as are the lines painted on the street. Lanes that bear signage “ONE WAY” or “DO NOT ENTER” (well, the symbols anyway – not English words, of course) are completely ignored – but I do feel like they’re taken into consideration on occasion.

On the side of the road as scooters blaze past, a woman appearing to be between the ages of 80 and 90 pulls a heavy wooden cart filled with dirt. Her conical hat covers her head until she raises it ever so slightly so that I may see the wrinkles depicting her approximate age. To my surprise, I find that many elderly women here work as industriously as young men in the Western world … if not more so. I haven’t spotted too many older gentlemen doing the same, but it does happen from time to time.

As we carry on, we come to a red light (and we actually do stop. Buses and trucks typically abide by the lights from what I’ve seen because – face it, if they barreled forward many people would be squished!) I see a glass cylinder (about two feet high and half a foot in diameter) marked with measurements, sitting atop a rectangular metal box. Inside is a greenish-brown liquid. Protruding from the cylinder is a black rubber hose that leads to a nozzle. This, my friends, is where you can fill your scooter with petrol. You can also find petrol served in 1.5 or 2 liter bottles on the side of the road. We did find, however, that when we filled our tank with these, it was much more expensive than filling up at a normal petrol station, which appear pretty similar to those back home except for that the roofs tend to be much higher for some reason.

A lily on an island in the Mekong River Delta

We pass a school where students are clamoring out of the gated area, and a man with a steamed bun cart is setting up shop. Some parents will come and collect their children on their scooters, and the older children either walk or take their bicycle home. The bicycles used by the children are always much too tall and big for them. I have yet to see a bike designed for anyone under 5 feet tall (which is a pretty average adult height here. Yay! I’m normal in Asia!)

Continuing, we exit the “city limits” (loose term in this case)  and find ourselves in somewhat of a neighborhood. I mean, by neighborhood there are rickety structures about that call themselves houses. And by rickety I mean that some are made from metal paneling being held up by sticks and then a tarp is thrown over them. It’s actually very peculiar to drive through these areas because among the poverty-stricken housing there will be a random mansion among them. Like, in between two shacks there will sit a three-story western-style house with a balcony and you can see a flat-screen TV through on of the picture windows. I question how this A. happens at all, and B. affects the morale of the neighborhood. The surrounding area to the house is exactly like all the others: dirt, rubbish strewn about, etc. It makes you wonder what made the person build their house here. But who am I to question things anymore?? After what I’ve seen, nothing is a mystery anymore. Things just … are.

Stop.

Oh, and before I forget (speaking of “why, why, WHY?”) – one time, when my partner and I were scooter-ing through a neighborhood, we found ourselves behind a garbage truck. As the men hopped out of the back of the truck and threw the bags, bins, random objects, etc. into the back, they would jump back in with the rubbish. Then, they would proceed to sift through the trash and then choose (at random, it would seem) objects that they did not deem worthy to be in their truck. They would throw things back out of the truck INTO THE STREET. We had to dodge quite a few materials that were the arsenal of the garbage man. We eventually passed him on the left, almost head-on colliding with another motorist (this is completely normal).

The legendary 5th dimension, which I presume exists only in Vietnam

Back on the bus – Once the neighborhood is behind us, we enter the famed jungle that is iconic of this region. The beautiful rolling green hills and waterfalls are astounding to say the least. Winding roads and tunnels bring us through mountainous regions that seem to be no-man’s-land, except for the occasional structure of bamboo with a tarp thrown over it. (Still not sure what those are.) Rivers flow happily through these areas and make for some amazing photos – and yet… It’s a constant disappointment to know that nothing I have ever seen or will see can ever be captured adequately by a camera. It’s only first-hand eyes that can see this place (or any for that matter) for what it is.

The beautiful, regretfully not captured satisfactorily, hilly jungles of Vietnam

Well, those are just a few of the interesting observations I’ve made while exploring this land. I’ll make sure to post more about the people, some facts, and more in my next entries!

Lost and Found

A little over a year ago I quit my job, sold my car, got rid of all my clothes, and took my one-way ticket abroad. I would say that in all my travels over the years, nothing has felt like this. When you have no lease and no bills, you have true freedom. You can move about the earth as you please. Countries are not so much places as they are new pieces of you – of your soul. Your eyes and ears bear passage directly to your heart with each new experience. People pass through your life gracefully and you start learning to accept that nothing is forever – even more reason to indulge in the riches our small yet unfathomably spacious planet has to offer.

It’s really interesting for me at this point to realize that I’ve been gone for a year. I wouldn’t say that it flew by, nor did it drag. Week-long vacations fly by, work hours drag on for what seem like days. But this… this is something new. Sure, the spine-compressing bus rides throughout Southeast Asia can be grueling at their best and a day in one city will feel a bit blurred and hurried – but it’s not in the same way that days used to pass for me in my daily life. Without a set routine for more than a number of months, I would daresay that this is how life is supposed to feel. Not hurried but not slow. I don’t long for the days to pass as much as I don’t ever want them to end – but instead, there lies a calm acceptance that days simply begin and end perfectly and how they were intended to be.

There is a peace that comes with freedom. You see the ugliness, the destruction of nature, the corruption, the poverty, the sick. You recognize the beauty, the prosperity, the preservation of species and gardens, the happiness, the love. You know anyone can make a difference. You can be the difference. With freedom you have everything and nothing at the same time. It’s an odd yet refreshing sentiment.

I no longer wish to go on and on about my experiences. I know everyone has their own battles and adventures. Nobody is better than anyone else. I’ve come to realize that people agree and disagree, and I’ve made peace with this too.  But from what I’ve seen on my tiny world journey thus far (fewer than 20 countries) we are actually not quite so different. You’ve heard it before, but I don’t think we could meditate on it enough: We are one.

A good friend told me that she reckons I’ve changed because of this journey. “You must’ve changed so much,” she said. I hadn’t thought about it at all! I tried to reflect and find what may have varied. I can’t tell you straight away what the differences are. I certainly still feel like me. In fact, I feel more “me” than I ever have in my entire life. This is what I was meant to do and how I was meant to live. Pursuing passions as they come brings the deepest joy one can experience.

Anyway, I wanted to post something about New Zealand. I wanted to talk about living in a van for two months straight in the dead of winter. I was going to make a list of things that are starkly different here in Vietnam culturally (from my experience). But instead, I write from my heart. This is what I felt like sharing, so there you have it. In closing, I will answer the question I get everywhere I go: “Will you ever return home?” I think I will visit someday. But I won’t be the same.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

Buddha in My Tho, Vietnam

Top 5 Things to do in New Zealand

The Land of the Long White Cloud is filled with beauty. I’m pretty sure any Google Image search will tell you that. But what it won’t show you is the plethora of adventures awaiting you when you arrive.

A view of Auckland from a ferry to Half Moon Bay. (I skillfully captured the Kiwi flag as well…)

This landscape is not only stunning, but it’s also incredibly empty of humans. (Which, to be honest, is pretty refreshing!)

I pull off the freeway about every fifteen feet to take pictures like this.

Coming from Australia where the population isn’t very high, this place seems even more of a solitary boondocks. For two months straight, my partner and I are renting a Jucy Cabana camper van and traveling through this magical land, camping alongside beaches, rivers, and flocks of sheep.

A lovely view from the Bay of Islands cruise

We’ve cruised through the Bay of Islands, stayed in Auckland, made our way down the North Island, took the ferry to the South Island, and have had plenty of sights and snacks in between.

We’ve only been here about one month, so this list may be a bit premature, but I’m bursting to tell everyone what New Zealand is all about! So without further ado, here are (in my professional opinion) the top five

things to do here:

#5: Traditional Maori Village Experience – The Maori are the native inhabitants of New Zealand who are said to have originally come from Hawai’i. There is still quite a big population of indigenous people who receive lots of respect and admiration (especially compared to the Natives of America and Aboriginals of Australia). One of the most eye-opening evenings can be spent in a traditional Maori village with the wonderful native people who will teach you about their culture and customs. You’ll learn about what they spent most of their time doing – preparing food and preparing for war. Much of their culture derives from protecting their land and territory and trust me, if you came upon a Maori village you would turn around and run! Their war dance in itself is scary enough to disincline fighting. However, they are a very welcoming people. When you first come upon the gates of the village, they present a peace offering. If your chief accepts it, you can be at peace and will be welcomed with open arms. If the offering is tossed aside, war will begin immediately. The women fight alongside the men in battle as well.

Traditional Warrior Dance

Maori Gate

#4: Ski / Snowboard / Sled / Explore the Mountains – I’m a snowboarder myself and I think I speak for all skiers and boarders when I say, there is nothing more exhilarating than being on the mountain. New Zealand has ski fields on both the North and South Islands so pickings are anything but slim. When you rent a Jucy car or camper van in winter, you receive six free consecutive days of lift passes at Treble Cone! Needless to say, I took advantage of that! Although technically we’re coming into spring here, it snowed  and the conditions were perfect. I highly recommend a ski trip in NZ!

A sunny day on the slopes of Treble Cone

#3: Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings Tours – Okay, maybe this is best for the movie buffs, but I cannot stress how fun it is to visit Hobbiton! Even people who haven’t seen the films enjoy this tour, from learning about the special effects, the story of how the location of Hobbiton was discovered, to spending time in a cool movie set village / sheep farm. While Hobbiton was my favorite, a worthy hike through Mordor is on the list as well (Tongariro National Park) where you’ll find unique volcanic landscapes and formations. Lastly, the Weta Cave near Wellington is the home of digital special effects for hundreds of films (Avatar, Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and so many more!) and an inexpensive (NZ$24 per person) 30-minute tour will show you some amazing behind-the-scenes aspects of movie making! You’ll also get to see the artists in action – you just can’t beat that!

I was only a little bit excited.

In front of a Hobbit house

The Green Dragon

#2: Walk on a Glacier – There are two famed glaciers in New Zealand, both on the South Island: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. We went to Franz Josef, and it was one of those exhilarating experiences I’ll never forget! First, we got all of our gear from the company (snow pants and jackets, hats, mittens, boots, and crampons) and then we took a helicopter up to the glacier. The view from the chopper was unreal in itself! Upon arrival, we donned our crampons and started our 3-hour+ hike up and around Franz Josef. The guides were amazing and knowledgable and taught us a LOT about glaciers! (Did you know that glaciers are formed by gravity? Snow builds up and it packs hard against the earth to become the icy structure that it is! They also continuously move – they are like a super slow river and waterfall – and they are shrinking very fast due to climate change. In 2008, you could walk up onto the glacier from a parking lot. In seven short years the glacier has reduced in size so much that now a helicopter is required to get on top.) DO THIS. It is undeniably bucket-list worthy!

Upon the Glacier

Walking through caves

Glacier Cave

#1: Black Water Rafting – New Zealand is famed for its adrenaline-packed tours. Skydiving, bungee jumping (one of the highest in the world – and I’m doing it tomorrow! EEK!), white water rafting, mountain climbing, the list goes on eternally! While all of these are intense and fun, none will hold a candle to the infamous Black Water Rafting. I’ve done lots of adrenaline tours in my life and been around the world and I’ve got to say – this is probably my favorite tour of all time, EVER. There are a number of tours available and we did the allegedly most fun- and adventure-packed one: The Black Abyss. It has everything! Caving, climbing up underground waterfalls (I’m surprised nobody got hurt – it’s intense!), abseiling, tubing through the pitch-black caves and seeing millions of glow worms, zip lining through the darkness – I feel like describing it is futile. Please, just do it. I promise you, it’ll be among the best things you do in your life.

Caving! Easier said than done with rushing water up to your hips!

Into the Abyss

It’s safe to say that this country will offer you the adventure of a lifetime. While there are thousands of options to choose from, so far these are my favorites. I still have another month to go so it may merit revision, but please take into consideration a trip to New Zealand. You won’t regret it.

Standing Still

I don’t think I’m normal. I say this not as a revelation but more as an observation I recognize more and more over time. “Normal” is subjective, yes, but when you look across the board I think a general consensus could be drawn about my life – it’s different. It seems that I am constantly on the go. There appears to be this tendency to “itch” for change after awhile. Routine doesn’t bore me as much as it absolutely tortures me. The mundanity of security has me running for the hills – or, flying for them.

Some stops along the road at my next destination

‘Is this a disease?’ I wonder to myself. After all, people are meant for routine, as I mentioned in my last post. But inevitably, as I am in one place doing one thing for more than a few months, I get that itch. It begs me to move, to explore. I yearn not just for change in scenery but also knowledge. I want to start new books, listen to new music, and discover new ways to be fit and healthy. (I started by downloading the eBook, “Becoming a Supple Leopard” yesterday.) I’ve been living in the beautiful city of Cairns – famous for its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef – for nearly seven months. I made friends and enjoyed the sanity of having a place I can call “home”. I relished having a private room as opposed to a 10-bed dormitory in a hostel. Having my backpack emptied into drawers was a taste of Heaven (not to mention having a fully-equipped kitchen with a functioning stove!) But alas, the time has come.

I was not meant to sit at a desk. (Is anyone?!) It is not my destiny to stand still. Antsy is an understatement. I must continue and venture into the unknown and collect experiences and smiles before I die.

My current home, soon to be another wonderful memory

For anyone who shares this tendency with me, my best advice to you (if you’re not already doing it) is to run with it. Get lost. (Literally!) Buy that ticket. Have you ever had anyone tell you they regretted traveling? “I wasted my life traveling the globe when I could’ve been climbing the corporate ladder,” is not a meme easily found, I’d wager. There’s a reason for that. Traveling will enlighten you, challenge you, and in the end I believe it will make you whole. Five countries or fifty, you’ll only regret the chances you didn’t take. My best guess is that normalcy is overrated… but I wouldn’t know.

3 Best and Worst Things About Travel

There are undoubtedly pros and cons to every lifestyle, decision, and action. I’ve been meditating lately on the up- and downsides of travel. There are countless in both categories, but I figured I’d point out the top three of each in my opinion:

3 Worst Things About Travel

1. Missing – When you leave home, there are always things you will miss. From family, friends, weddings, birthdays, and parties to your favorite restaurant, secret spot, or simply your extra-comfy bed! A lot of times this is what travelers have the toughest battles with, causing some to promptly return home early. What’s worse is even if you’re not wrapped up in missing home, along the way you will meet the most wonderful souls – and have to say goodbye at some point. Another pitfall is the fact that the minute you leave, you are disconnected from lots of people who called themselves your friends. What I’ve realized is that leaving truly separates you from some – but in the end, the people who make the effort to stay in your life are the ones that were meant to be there. If nothing else, this is a wake-up call to who truly has your back. It makes me appreciate all of you who are sticking it out, scheduling Skype and FaceTime dates, and keeping in touch no matter what.

   

   Skype dates have the power to keep connections strong – that is, whenever your Wifi connection is strong as well!

2. Sporadic Routine – Traveling will jostle even the most adventurous of spirits by the day-in-and-day-out changes. People are meant to be in a routine to some extent, and getting out of rhythm proves stressful. Unpacking and re-packing on a daily basis will wear on anyone, and I’ve found that a quick cure to this is to stop in one place, soak it up, and develop a routine before continuing travels. This also ties in with obtaining money for travels – people like having a sense of security. Traveling can be just the opposite. However, breaking the everyday-is-different path up with some long-term stays can also bring in the bank roll as you settle in a place for a few months (or more!) and stash some cash for what’s next on the list/map.
3. Nomad’s Paradox – When someone is (nearly) always traveling and never settling, it can be hard to plant roots and have deep relationships with people. While enriching one’s life with experiences and destinations beyond imagination, it seems that the richness of a close friendship may fall to the wayside. Now, this does not have to be entirely compulsory. It is absolutely possible to maintain friendships and ties with family, but it is no doubt more difficult. For the homebody who enjoys the comforts of having a friend a five minutes’ drive away, traveling for long periods of time might be less than rewarding. On the flip side, if you choose to travel with your partner, friend, or family member you will surely see your relationship deepen. Traveling will bond you with teamwork, problem-solving, and learning more about one other.

Traveling with friends can strengthen your bond. (Beach bonding with best friends in St. Maarten in the Caribbean, 2014)

3 Best Things About Travel

1. Discovery – It is no secret that when you travel you will see new things, meet new people, learn lots, and experience different ways of life across the globe. There is nothing that can replace the knowledge and skills you acquire from this aspect. Seeing the world and how people live in radically contrasting scenarios will open your eyes and your mind. The simultaneous pulchritude and ugliness, tranquility and desolation, and order and chaos of the world will mold you into a completely different person than when you started. You might see horrifying things but you’ll also see amazing things. No amount of reading, watching documentaries, or talking about things will ever equate to the first-hand discoveries you make while traveling.

   

   There are endless possibilities of discovery on the road. (Diving, 2014; Koh Tao, Thailand)

2. Freedom – When you’re on the road you have true freedom. You are not governed or tied down by any one set of ways. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want, all the time. I mean, freedom can be defined in many different respects. But I’ll tell you one thing: You will never feel as free as you do when you have no mortgage, no car insurance, no obligation to be anywhere unless you choose to, and the choice to up and leave whenever the whim strikes you. Whether you’re camping on a week-long hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, partying at a hole-in-the-wall hostel in Chiang Mai, or simply watching waves crash from the boardwalk in St. Kilda, you are in charge of your destiny. Your days and activities are subject to your impulses, and I can hardly imagine a life more free than that. 
3. Adventure – Life’s uncertainty becomes more extreme with travel. For example, back home, you could get hit by a bus on your way to work; out here, you could get eaten by a shark (there’s a much lower chance of the shark attack, however!). You never know what any day will bring, ever, whether you’re at home grinding out your 9 to 5 or you’re bungee jumping off a bridge in Costa Rica. People incessantly regurgitate the mantra, “Live every day as if it’s your last,” but immediately rescind with the reminder to “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” So what gives our life this delicate balance of making the best of each day in every way without being supremely irresponsible? There’s no way to predict life, but there are undeniably ways to guide it in a certain direction. Ultimately, uncertainty is what makes us what we are. It’s what gives us purpose. It’s the reminder that we have an expiration date. So with this in mind, we do our best to make life the adventure that it should be. The unpredictability of whether or not we’ll wake up tomorrow shouldn’t scare us so much that we don’t try anything – it should make us realize that life is an opportunity. Traveling will most likely not kill you – in fact, it’ll make you come alive. But if it does kill you? Well, personally, I’d rather go getting eaten by a shark than hit by a bus.

The Verdict – Traveling isn’t for everyone. It’s not for the faint-hearted or those who do not crave adventure. But (let me nerd out here for a second) remember Bilbo – always close to home, always comfortable – and the best thing he ever did was leave the Hobbit Hole.

5 Questions Everyone Asks Travelers

It’s natural to be curious about things you’re not acquainted with in life. I’ve often wondered, “What is it like to be a billionaire?” “What’s it like having seven children?” “I’m curious to know how life is for the most famous celebrities.” Traveling is a bit of a different ballgame, however, because it’s much more attainable than a billion dollars or world fame. It takes a relatively small monetary investment and you’re doing it! Still, it makes sense to have people questioning travel and I’m sure other travelers can relate to this typical line of questioning:

1. Why (insert any country or destination here)? “Why not? Why stay here?” All joking aside, when I studied abroad in Costa Rica I was asked this. When I taught English in China (my third time there) I was asked this. When I traveled to Honduras, Mexico, Thailand, and Australia I was asked this. I think there’s a misconception that there is always some primary motive for visiting a certain place. Sometimes we come up with reasons: “Costa Rica was cheaper than Spain,” “I was offered a teaching job in China. Plus, the Great Wall?! The Forbidden City?! The culture, history, and food,” “My partner/friend/family member is from (insert place here),” etc. But I think that most travelers would agree that, more often than not, there isn’t really any specific objective for visiting a certain place – we just want to go. When I chose Honduras, it was when I closed my eyes and put my finger on a map. No kidding. And it proved to be one of the most rewarding travel experiences to date. Flight prices help narrow my options sometimes, along with thinking, “Where should I visit while I’m nearby?”  If you’re thinking of embarking on a journey and feel pressured by this question – don’t. Just go. In the end, there is no real single reason for travel. You will find a million when you get there.

Visiting the Great Wall in wintertime, 2012

2. How can you afford to travel? This is a great question. I think there is this idea that travel is difficult because, “Where do you find the money?” I’m not rich. I don’t have a trust fund. To put it simply, I work and I save. It really is that straightforward. I sold my car, got rid of furniture, and donated lots of clothes and random objects. It was hard. But as you might have found from a post on my other blog, freeing yourself from possessions is actually quite wonderful. At the end of the day, you’ll need to implement three principles to afford travel: 1 – SAVE. Stock some cash up. You don’t even need that much. I’ve met people who came to Australia with less than a thousand USD to their name. One guy only had $300. I wouldn’t recommend it, but you can always make it work. I would suggest saving $3,000 – 8,000 depending on your destination. (You can get away with saving much less when traveling Southeast Asia, for example.) 2 – DOWNSIZE. Get rid of shit. You don’t need everything you own. It also helps you feel less tied down when leaving. Bonus points if you can sell things and contribute to your savings! 3 – BUDGET. Set yourself a strict budget. Figure out how much you’ll expend daily on food, accommodation, and getting around. Then, factor in the big costs (A.K.A. adventures)! After you have your budget, you can figure out if and when you’ll need to work and save again.

Use your money for the important things in life.

3. What are you running from / What are you trying to find? I will never understand why some people assume that, because you travel, you are running to or from something. Traveling isn’t running away. It’s seeing new things and experiencing life in a different fashion. Must we be fleeing “real life” working for a corporation to experience an African safari? Must there be some rare enlightenment we are seeking when sipping a watery beer on a beachside hammock? Travel has never been so accessible as it is now – why shouldn’t we take advantage of that and explore our world while we’re here? People will develop negative insinuations about what they don’t understand or feel incapable of doing. “They’re just jealous” is a gross oversimplification. I will chalk this question up to, “They just don’t understand, and they don’t want to.” End of story. Don’t waste your breath on people who take your adventurous spirit for truancy. There are plenty of supporters out there who will welcome your voyaging lust as a breath of fresh air.

A classic example of beachfront enlightenment in Thailand, 2014

4. Are you scared to travel alone? If you haven’t yet noticed, I am a female human. With this in mind, people think that – and I quote – I am “crazy” for traveling solo. The world is such a big, hairy, scary place! What if I get abducted or raped or used as a drug mule? The United States in particular does a great job of portraying international travel as dangerous, when in fact it is much more likely to be subjected to crime there than in most other countries! Without boring you with a bunch of lame statistics, I’ll just cut to the chase: Traveling alone is not that dangerous, daunting, or scary – even if you’re equipped with a vagina. If anything it’s liberating, fun, and at times admittedly confusing and frustrating. I’ve actually felt much safer in most countries I’ve visited outside of the U.S. The best thing about traveling alone is this classic example: “I’ve finally saved up enough money to hit up South America for our big backpacking adventure, Best Friend!! Let’s do this!” “Eh, nah. I don’t want to anymore. I can’t quit my job, I have a cat now, (insert any other manner of excuses here.)” You don’t need anyone to jet off to foreign lands. Don’t throw your plans away because of someone being a wet tomato, staying in the garden. GO! The backpacking and traveling world is extremely welcoming for the solo traveler. I’ve made more friends and connections than I ever would have if I were with someone. I mean, now I’m traveling with my partner (who I met while traveling) but who knows if we ever would have become so close if either of us had been traveling with others? Having the freedom to wake up when you want, do tours as you please, take random walks without any stick-in-the-mud making decisions difficult is quite lovely. Going it alone is nothing short of amazing. I highly encourage it.

It’s easy to make friends, after all.

5. Which is your favorite country? Ooooooh… I’m sorry, I actually can’t answer this one. The only thing I’ve been able to come up with over the years to answer this question is, “There are things I like and dislike about everywhere I’ve been.” As frustrating as that answer is, I can’t pick a favorite because it’s like comparing a goat to a pickle. I like both, but they’re not even in the same category. And while you might argue that destinations fall into the same category, I must disagree. I can’t possibly compare Shanghai to Puerto Vallarta, or San Francisco to Bangkok. They’re too incredibly different. While some people may have found a way to put places side by side, I refuse to attempt it. Instead, I will bask in the good experiences and glean from the lessons of every single place I visit. In doing this, I appreciate every part of this world in its own way – and that’s the way I like it.

10 Myths About Australia

I think everyone has committed the sin of Having Expectations for Travel, myself no exception. I try not to have any preconceived notions of experiences in new places, but I think it’s human nature to do so. There must be some defense mechanism in our brains programming our new territory in a way that we can comprehend – or so we think. Anyway, I am guilty of having some erroneous theories about Australia and I would like to share them with you.

10 Myths About Australia

1. It’s always sunny and warm in Australia. I mean, yes, the part of Australia that I’m living in is very warm year-round. We’re talking 70s-90s all year long. I live in Cairns, which is a north-eastern city best known for its nearby access to the Great Barrier Reef and identifying as the tropics. Most other populated areas of Australia (i.e., Sydney to Melbourne) are actually NOT warm. In fact, they can be colder and rainier than Seattle! Lots of people travel here with the hopes of a Maui-istic paradise only to find the shock of being in a normal, seasonal climate. *The HORROR!* The main difference between Australia and Northern Hemisphere lands is the seasons are reversed, which is a bit weird.

A chilly day in Sydney

2. “Australian” is a completely different form of English. There have certainly been some moments where I’ve had to ask, “What??” more than twice. Aussie accents can be quite difficult to understand if that person is, say, from the Outback. However, most people living here are very easy to understand with the occasional slang term in need of translation. Common examples I’ve come across often include: arvo = afternoon, capsicum = bell peppers, sanga = sandwich, entreé = appetizer, smoko = 5 or 10 minute break, bathers = swimsuit, brekkie = breakfast, mozzie = mosquito, lolly/lollies = candy, and more. Of course, you’ve heard “G’day” (Hello) and “How you going?” (How are you?) from my previous posts as well.

You can find more fun Aussie terms HERE.

3. There are giant animals and bugs ready to kill me everywhere. While you may have a point here, as there are a number of deadly and venomous animals native to this country, I have only been lucky enough to spot a few outside of a zoo. (Notably, giant spiders!) It seems as though most animals, no matter how deadly, try to stay away from humans because – well, face it – we’re the assholes of the animal kingdom. So unless you’re a new Steve Irwin seeking out the craziest, most dangerous creatures, you’re probably going to be alright here in the great land of Oz.

Me, pointing at a Huntsman spider I found on a gumtree in southeastern Australia (Mornington, VIC)

4. Australia isn’t THAT big… Is it? When I first got here, I didn’t know that Australia was SO vast. Obviously I’ve seen it on maps, but when I thought of Australia I didn’t think it was nearly the size of the United States minus Alaska! That really put things into perspective when I arrived. The population is under 22 million – whereas in the U.S. there are nearly 320 million residents. It really goes to show how much more space there is here – more room for activities!!

5. Toilets flush in the opposite direction. Sorry, Simpsons episode from twenty years ago. Toilets do NOT flush in the other direction here. They actually just flush… down. Australia is the driest continent on earth and water levels are much lower here, which evidently contributes to this phenomenon – or lack thereof. I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have asked me about this in the past eight months!

6. I won’t find any familiar U.S. products while living here. When I lived in Costa Rica and China, I missed American products a lot. The food, my shampoos, etc. While there are certain things I miss from back home (Butterfingers, the variety in ice cream flavors, and fat steak fries from Red Robin) I was surprised to find a LOT of familiar products here in Oz. I was even more surprised to find out that more than half of said products are actually made by Australian companies! Who’da thunk it?

I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of high-protein snacks and products here, a stark difference from Asia and Latin America

7. All Aussie dudes are amazingly sexy. And they all surf. Boy, was I wrong about this one. Sorry to burst your bubbles out there, ladies. I think we all had some sweet dreams about shacking up with a tanned, beach-body surfer Aussie dude at some point. But the truth is, they’re pretty much the same as guys back home. Big guys, small guys, guys who climb on rocks – the whole shebang. You’ve got your nerds, rednecks (Outback boys), surfers, athletes (rugby players instead of football), bar douchebags, etc. I was actually really let down by this one. (I’ve got my German guy now, though, so there’s still hope of international romance!)

8. Kangaroos are roaming the streets. While kangaroos and wallabies are abundant here in Australia (note: they’re pretty common roadkill on back roads) they’re not hopping around in my backyard right now. I’ve seen them on hikes and long drives and in some parks, but that’s about it. Think of them like deer. You might see them crossing the road sometimes but you’ll more likely come across a group of them in a protected area, field, or forest. And yes, kangaroo is eaten here. I’ve even tried kangaroo steaks from the grocery store and they were alright!

A sneaky kangaroo getting some leftovers from our campsite

9. Lots of Aussies live in the Outback. The Outback is the least populated area of this country. There’s a lot of farmland but a whole lot more of nothing. Most of the population resides on the east and west coasts, where resources are more ample. Like I mentioned before, Australia is very dry, so it’s better and more popular to live near the water.

10. Most of the people I will meet in Australia will be Australian. One of the first things I noticed about Australia is how hard it was to meet Australians in Sydney. My taxi driver was Indian, the people working at hostels and restaurants were European, and the salesmen at the stores were Canadian. I was very surprised to learn how international this nation is! Especially as a backpacker, most of the time I was surrounded by foreigners or immigrants. It wasn’t until I was off the beaten path working on a farm in Mornington that I finally met some true Aussies. Since then, I now live with all Aussie share mates (save my German boyfriend and an Austrian fellow), work with an Aussie, and have since met heaps of locals.

My awesome group on Fraser Island, consisting of English, Germans, and me!

In closing I should say that I won’t have presumptions for future experiences (next on the list: New Zealand, August through October 2015!) but I do. I suppose part of the excitement of traveling is learning to expect your expectations to be debunked! And what fun would it be if life were predictable?

Culture Clash in my German-American Relationship

When dating someone from another country, especially one you’ve never been to, you will find lots of cultural differences. Sometimes it’s hilarious and other times it’s downright confusing and frustrating. In my case, I’m lucky because my partner is actually fluent in English with only occasional hiccups that are usually pretty funny. (When I first met him, he always exclaimed, “Jesus Cripes!” and I would ask him what a cripe was. I later told him it was actually Jesus Christ, and he said, “Oh, that makes more sense.” However, he doesn’t use the exclamation much anymore.) Oftentimes he’ll say, “I eat now” or “I go now” because in German they don’t have to say “I’m going to go now” and I don’t even bother correcting it anymore. His little errors are actually really cute, but don’t tell him I said that! I encourage him by teaching him different ways to say things but I definitely want him to keep a little bit of his “Denglisch” – I secretly love it. I’m also learning German and he seems to think my accent is adorable, so I guess it goes both ways!

Aside from language (since we don’t have too much of a barrier) there are SO many things that have completely clashed in our relationship. One big one that you may have already guessed with him being German is – timing. His concept of “on-time” means five or ten minutes EARLY. If you’re an American girl like me, my concept of “on-time” is five or ten minutes late. So… that was fun. After multiple arguments we’ve both had to compromise and decided that “on-time” means “right-on-time” because I can’t stand to be early just as much as he can’t stand to be even thirty seconds late. He also used to get SO annoyed with how slowly I walk. (Anyone who knows me can tell you – I am the world’s slowest walker. What?! I like to take it all in!) He’s told me that he’s gotten used to it and it’s fine now, but in the beginning he was always frustrated.

The next story is pretty great, especially if you were one of the people who knew us when we were first dating. Apparently in Germany, there is no “asking out” or asking someone to “go steady” – i.e., nobody is going to ask you to be their girlfriend. If you are from the US or I’m assuming the UK, this often (but not always) considered a vital step in a relationship. It goes by many names (asking out, “the talk”, etc.) but evidently if a German man takes you on a few dates and hangs out with you all the time you are assumed to be boyfriend and girlfriend. (They are not players!) If you are living together, it is serious. And when he proposes, it will have been the first you ever heard of marriage! I did not know this. In fact, I was almost considering an ultimatum if he didn’t ask me soon. I was frustrated, a little hurt, and kind of angry! It got to the point where I tried to sit down and talk about it calmly with him but he had ZERO clue what I was talking about so it exploded into a really confusing argument. Neither of us knew what the other was on about as we stated our cases. (Picture: “I just don’t understand why you don’t want me to be your girlfriend yet…” “What? You’re not my girlfriend? What have you been doing?!” “What have I been doing?! Waiting!” “For WHAT?!” “For YOU!” “…WHAT?!!”) It actually took me cultural research to realize why he hadn’t done that and it all made sense. We laugh about it now, but we were both very confused about our relationship standing for a good week or so because of the cultural differences. I mean, nothing changed, and we decided we were together (obviously) but it was a confusing time to say the least!

Another thing that baffled me was that he was often quiet. I mean, quieter than I’m used to with anyone (I do most of the talking, anyway.) It used to bother me and I’ve actually had times where I’d smile and say, “Talk to me.” And he would be so confused, asking, “About what?” Apparently, Germans are not so big on small talk. There’s no “Oh, what lovely weather” or “How’s it going?” They are much more practical and think that small talk is almost a waste of breath. He would much rather discuss world issues, current events, or interesting facts. It constantly blows my mind how much he knows about history, politics of a myriad of countries, and how many books he’s read – English and German. I actually find the conversations with him to be more fulfilling now that I’ve accepted how he likes to converse. I learn a lot from him and love his insight on issues. I’ve grown to like this aspect of German culture quite a bit, even though I am definitely a talker.

Germans are also brutally honest. There is no such thing as a sweet lie or bending the truth. They tell it like it is, straight up, and don’t understand if you get offended because the truth is the only way! I actually really like this, because I’m totally into the truth. No lies, no games, it’s all on the table and that’s my style. We haven’t had much of a clash here, but I thought it was noteworthy seeing as many people might be shocked by this part of German culture. “Honey, do I look fat in this dress?” “Yeah, kind of.”

The last thing I think is worth mentioning is that Germans are very thoughtful – in the way that they think everything through very carefully before making a decision, and once they’ve made that decision it’s done. There is no turning back. Whereas, Americans tend to make hasty decisions and can change their minds ten times. It annoys the hell out of him when I make a decision and then change it, and then turn around and change it again! He doesn’t understand why I just won’t take some more time and think carefully and THEN make my decision. He’s even tried to make me learn my lesson a few times, like once I asked for water, and then said, “No, never mind I’m not that thirsty,” and he said, “Alright then. No water. I’m putting it away and you can’t have any for at least ten minutes, because you said no!” And of course, since I couldn’t have it, I wanted it. So I begged for the water and we both laughed about it but I don’t think it changed anything, because he ended up caving and giving me the water. But I guess the thing I really appreciate about this certain aspect is, I still remember the day I asked if he wanted to stay in Cairns with me instead of going along with his original travel plans. He said he’d think about it. After one day, he came back to me and said, “I’ve decided I’m going to stay here with you, for you.” I was ecstatic at the time, but now I look back and treasure it even more because I know that he truly put a lot of thought into the decision. He’s in it for the long run, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that because so am I.