So after all this time I've decided to revisit the travel blog and post about my travels. Even after all these years, I love looking back at my "modern day grand tour" and remember all the great places I've been and the amazing things I've done. As I (sadly) grow older and have less time for such adventures these memories are even more important! Even since my world trip in 2005-06 I've been to some really incredible places so I'm going to have to go back and document them at least with some pictures.
I don’t think this will surprise anyone but I love to travel, and the stranger and more far-flung the better. But some things do change. As I get older and get better jobs, I find I can live without the hostel dorm rooms, budget overnight border crossings and poorly self-cooked rice and bean dinners. Not that its 5-star travel but I appreciate showers with hot water, quick and efficient plane rides and the occasional taxi. But don’t worry, I’m still keeping it real.
So to the present day. Now as a working stiff, its harder to find the time for any type of extended travel but I always do seem to find a way. I'm in the middle of transitioning my career and with a new job comes time before having to start it all up again. This time I really hit the jackpot, not only with a great job I'm thrilled about, but with a start date 3 months away! So, of course, I immediately started researching plane tickets and destinations. So for the next three months, I'll be in Southern Africa on safari and doing volunteer work (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia), Cabo San Lucas for a good friend's birthday (not the same type of travel but international nonetheless) and then to Japan where my brother and sister-in-law have recently moved to. Whew, busy.
So where am I now? I'm currently at Heathrow awaiting my flight to Jo'burg. I’m ridiculously excited to be back on the road and to see Southern Africa but not looking forward to my 11-hour flight Jo’burg since it already took me 11 hours to get here. I love to travel but why does everything have to be so far away?
Showing posts with label Grand tour musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand tour musings. Show all posts
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The journey not the destination
So this is it. After 9 months of travel through 14 countries, 3 continents, 16 overnight trips, 23 flights, 11 treks, 4314 photos, I made it back home in one piece. From the extreme cold to the extreme heat and from one end of the earth to the other, it really was one hell of a trip! Its hard to describe what its like to be home. I spent months, years really, fantasizing, thinking and planning this trip and now its over. How will I cope? Where will I find the courage to move on? I'll be honest, the second I landed on American soil, the only thing I wanted to do was turn around and get on the first flight out of there. Its funny how I think that going to grad school and having to find a real job to be more daunting than a year of traveling around the world on my own.
But it truly was an amazing experience. I'll always be able to look back on my experience (and my blog!) and say, that was me! I did that! I really hope that I remember the way it felt being out there on my own. Sometimes I would just get so giddy and do a little dance because it would hit me, I can't believe I'm out here doing this. I know it sounds cheesy but I also learned a ton about myself, which has given me self-confidence and an ability to keep the minor things in life in perspective. It really is about the journey and not the destination.
Anyway, enough of the squishy stuff. How can I best summarize my year? This will sort of be like superlatives in the yearbook or better yet, a reality tv award show:
Favorite place - This is the number one question I get and hands-down it was Patagonia. Maybe because it was the start of travels (after spending time in Buenos Aires) but the remoteness and the wildness were just breath-taking. The glaciers and mountains were also awe-inspiring and really puts life into perspective. Really, my issues seem pretty insignificant when compared to these mountains that have been here long before me and will continue to be here long after. Its such a harsh environment but that just adds to the beauty.
Tastiest food - Another easy one, China! I love Chinese food (and not the American fast-food versions) and I got to experience so many different foods and flavors. Everything from the peking duck in Beijing, the Muslim soup dumplings in Xian, the sichuan peppers in Chengdu, the hotpots in Yangshao to the curries in Dali, it was all SO GOOD! I would go back just to eat
Most "I can't believe I'm here" moment - This is a tough one. Honorable mentions will have to be the overnight bus trips in Bolivia, swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon, arriving in Kathmandu during the political coup but I'll have to say it was traveling through Tibet and spending the night at Everest Base Camp. It was not only the most disgusting place I've ever stayed (at a Buddhist monastery no less) but the most painful. It was altitude sickness at its worse (almost 20,000 ft), I couldn't eat, sleep or function all with the worst headache I've ever had. It was worth it when we got to base camp and saw Everest but just barely. I've always wanted to do Kilimanjaro but no more. EBC was hard enough!
Best road less traveled - Its a showdown between traveling through Tibet and traveling down Northern Argentina but Argentina takes this one in overtime. Maybe it was the company but being able to hop from village to village with Argentinos really made for a truly authentic experience. I also think I learned more Spanish in the week I was with them than in the 2 months in Spanish class in BA. The villages were beautiful but I really felt like I was experiencing local life that not many people get to see.
Most "I went to school with no shoes, in the snow, 365 days a year, uphill both ways" place - The hardest countries to travel through were easily Bolivia and Tibet. Not surprising that both were kind of similar, barren, high altitudes, destitute and poor. I never felt unsafe (well, maybe in Bolivia) but without any infrastructure it was just hard to get anywhere or do anything. I also got sick a bunch no matter how careful I was trying to be. I loved going to both places but I'm glad I did it now rather than later in life.
Best beach - Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. It wasn't just the perfect sand, warm waters and best-in-class scuba but it had this great laid-back vibe. The place is definitely a time drain, you could spend weeks there and it would just fly by.
Biggest gross-out moment - I'm not really a queasy person though truthfully bugs aren't my favorite but I lost my sh*t when I saw that leech sucking on my ankle in Thailand. It was just so slimy and wiggly and I thought it was trying to burrow into my body (I know! Its just the head and it didn't even hurt). Thank god they got it off!
Most disgusting food - Its only fair since I put down the tastiest food that I put down the worst. I try to be culturally sensitive and try everything (surprisingly, most non-Americans find peanut butter and apples to be one of the strangest thing we eat) but my stomach can only taste so much. I have to say that vegemite in Australia is up there along with blood sausage from Argentina but anything yak-related definitely is the worst. Especially the tsampa in Tibet which is this smelly mush of barley and yak butter tea. SO GROSS.
Food I missed the most - Easily anything Korean (I was practically begging for rice in meat and potato heavy South America) and strangely hamburgers, especially with pickles. I think I tried every variety in every country but none compared to good ol' American burgers.
Cheapest beer - In China beer cost less than water at around 80 cents or so. Mind you it was terrible beer but it was cheap! And sanitary!
Most precious resource when traveling - Besides water, I would say toilet paper and soap. I would hoard these and steal them whenever I ended up at a real hotel room. I would also have to put two-ply as the most luxurious item. You really under-appreciate two-ply until you have the sandpaper some places pass for TP.
Luxury I refused to go without - Laundry. I know lots of people did this themselves in sinks and what not but I never did. I always paid to get it done and as often as I could. You really can't put a price on clean clothes.
I could go on and on but really that's what each of my posts have been about! I'm so glad for every one of my experiences in the last year and I never want to forget them - the beautiful places, amazing people, laughs over beers and even the times I wanted to tear my hear out, it was all worth it. I just hope I get more chances in the future for real travel and not just vacationing. Thanks everyone for following me along on my "modern day grand tour"! I'll leave one last photo that for me captures that feeling while on the road. Until next time!
But it truly was an amazing experience. I'll always be able to look back on my experience (and my blog!) and say, that was me! I did that! I really hope that I remember the way it felt being out there on my own. Sometimes I would just get so giddy and do a little dance because it would hit me, I can't believe I'm out here doing this. I know it sounds cheesy but I also learned a ton about myself, which has given me self-confidence and an ability to keep the minor things in life in perspective. It really is about the journey and not the destination.
Anyway, enough of the squishy stuff. How can I best summarize my year? This will sort of be like superlatives in the yearbook or better yet, a reality tv award show:
Favorite place - This is the number one question I get and hands-down it was Patagonia. Maybe because it was the start of travels (after spending time in Buenos Aires) but the remoteness and the wildness were just breath-taking. The glaciers and mountains were also awe-inspiring and really puts life into perspective. Really, my issues seem pretty insignificant when compared to these mountains that have been here long before me and will continue to be here long after. Its such a harsh environment but that just adds to the beauty.
Tastiest food - Another easy one, China! I love Chinese food (and not the American fast-food versions) and I got to experience so many different foods and flavors. Everything from the peking duck in Beijing, the Muslim soup dumplings in Xian, the sichuan peppers in Chengdu, the hotpots in Yangshao to the curries in Dali, it was all SO GOOD! I would go back just to eat
Most "I can't believe I'm here" moment - This is a tough one. Honorable mentions will have to be the overnight bus trips in Bolivia, swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon, arriving in Kathmandu during the political coup but I'll have to say it was traveling through Tibet and spending the night at Everest Base Camp. It was not only the most disgusting place I've ever stayed (at a Buddhist monastery no less) but the most painful. It was altitude sickness at its worse (almost 20,000 ft), I couldn't eat, sleep or function all with the worst headache I've ever had. It was worth it when we got to base camp and saw Everest but just barely. I've always wanted to do Kilimanjaro but no more. EBC was hard enough!
Best road less traveled - Its a showdown between traveling through Tibet and traveling down Northern Argentina but Argentina takes this one in overtime. Maybe it was the company but being able to hop from village to village with Argentinos really made for a truly authentic experience. I also think I learned more Spanish in the week I was with them than in the 2 months in Spanish class in BA. The villages were beautiful but I really felt like I was experiencing local life that not many people get to see.
Most "I went to school with no shoes, in the snow, 365 days a year, uphill both ways" place - The hardest countries to travel through were easily Bolivia and Tibet. Not surprising that both were kind of similar, barren, high altitudes, destitute and poor. I never felt unsafe (well, maybe in Bolivia) but without any infrastructure it was just hard to get anywhere or do anything. I also got sick a bunch no matter how careful I was trying to be. I loved going to both places but I'm glad I did it now rather than later in life.
Best beach - Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. It wasn't just the perfect sand, warm waters and best-in-class scuba but it had this great laid-back vibe. The place is definitely a time drain, you could spend weeks there and it would just fly by.
Biggest gross-out moment - I'm not really a queasy person though truthfully bugs aren't my favorite but I lost my sh*t when I saw that leech sucking on my ankle in Thailand. It was just so slimy and wiggly and I thought it was trying to burrow into my body (I know! Its just the head and it didn't even hurt). Thank god they got it off!
Most disgusting food - Its only fair since I put down the tastiest food that I put down the worst. I try to be culturally sensitive and try everything (surprisingly, most non-Americans find peanut butter and apples to be one of the strangest thing we eat) but my stomach can only taste so much. I have to say that vegemite in Australia is up there along with blood sausage from Argentina but anything yak-related definitely is the worst. Especially the tsampa in Tibet which is this smelly mush of barley and yak butter tea. SO GROSS.
Food I missed the most - Easily anything Korean (I was practically begging for rice in meat and potato heavy South America) and strangely hamburgers, especially with pickles. I think I tried every variety in every country but none compared to good ol' American burgers.
Cheapest beer - In China beer cost less than water at around 80 cents or so. Mind you it was terrible beer but it was cheap! And sanitary!
Most precious resource when traveling - Besides water, I would say toilet paper and soap. I would hoard these and steal them whenever I ended up at a real hotel room. I would also have to put two-ply as the most luxurious item. You really under-appreciate two-ply until you have the sandpaper some places pass for TP.
Luxury I refused to go without - Laundry. I know lots of people did this themselves in sinks and what not but I never did. I always paid to get it done and as often as I could. You really can't put a price on clean clothes.
I could go on and on but really that's what each of my posts have been about! I'm so glad for every one of my experiences in the last year and I never want to forget them - the beautiful places, amazing people, laughs over beers and even the times I wanted to tear my hear out, it was all worth it. I just hope I get more chances in the future for real travel and not just vacationing. Thanks everyone for following me along on my "modern day grand tour"! I'll leave one last photo that for me captures that feeling while on the road. Until next time!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Intermission: what traveling is really like
First, a quick update on my postings. I was finally able to upload all the photos for the Thailand posts and, for once, am completely up to date on all my travels (yeah!!). I've added a whole lot over the last couple of days so if you haven't checked it in awhile, you should start at the Thailand posts. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Also, I changed the commenting option so now you don't have to sign in to comment. Sorry! I didn't realize it was set up like that. Now, no one has any excuse for not commenting! :)
So I've been traveling for awhile now (7 months not including christmas and spring break) and I realized that you guys probably don't really have an idea of what my everyday existence is like. So I decided to show you bits of what its like to be me. Usually, a lot of my time is dealt with administrative crap. I'm always purusing through various guidebooks to figure out my next destination, how to best get there, where I can stay, how much everything is going to cost (from bus tickets to tours to departure taxes) and when I can get out there. Otherwise, I am actually trying to make said plans. That means talking to and comparing many different travel agents (Lonely Planet actually said that the many of the travel agents on Khao San are "more crooked that a mountain pass"), trying to figure out schedules at train stations where no one speaks English, haggling with shopkeepers to get a price that isn't an embarrassing rip-off though I'm probably still getting ripped-off, and wandering around places, trying to discreetly look at my guidebooks without looking like I'm lost and a prime tourist target. I also usually get up way earlier than I did in my previous life, anytime between 6am and 8am, to catch whatever tour, bus or plane I voluntarily booked. I also get to bed much earlier at around 10pm or 11pm, exhausted after a long day of sightseeing. I also don't drink very much though I know I'm on vacation. I'm pretty uncomfortable about being drunk in an unknown place and in a foreign country where I don't really trust the people I'm with though I'm sure they're all lovely people. Drinking is also comparatively pretty expensive and since I would rather spend my money on gifts and souvenirs (for you guys!), its usually the first to go in tighter times.
I also wanted to share what I look like and what I carry everyday. I have a small daypack that looks like an old piece of carpet. I put it on in the morning and don't take it off until night, not even at restaurants or even going to the bathroom. I fear that its becoming permanently fused to my body but its better to be safe than sorry, right? I tote my camera with me everyday as well out of fear of missing that perfect shot. I'm getting tired of taking photos and I don't get as excited about mountain passes or interesting sceneries as I used to but I figure that with over 5,000 photos (and counting) I pretty much have enough. Its helping with my photography skills though.
Me in all my gear!! Note the steel cage around the big bag. I travel alone so I am super-paranoid about getting stuff stolen. The thing weighs 2 pounds on its own(!!) but its worth it. Also note the sensible tevas. I hope never to wear them again for the rest of my life.
My big and small packs! The small bag is key when I do smaller trips like treks. Everything I have with me while traveling has to fit inside these two bags. I started with a lot but now all I care about is weight. My big bag weighs around 35 pounds and it hurts after awhile. The lighter, the better, folks!
My daily essentials though I obviously can't take a picture of my camera. I both love and loathe that bag!! I actually don't use my guidebooks as much as I thought I would. Its has good logistical information but its better to get recommendations from people I meet.
I usually stay in places that look like this. Its so small that I can't take the picture while insdie the room. This is actually at the low-end of the places I stay but its only $4 and I'm only here for 1 night. At least I have my own room!
All my toiletries fit in this one itty-bitty bag. Sniff, I miss all my lotions and creams and conditioners and hair products at home. But I've learned to value the essentials. I hoard and steal toilet paper like its gold as well as the little bars of soap that hotels give you. You really can't put a price on that stuff. Yeah, sad I know. What have I been reduced to??
But of course, this is all the stuff that's not the amazing part of traveling - seeing incredible things and meeting interesting people! Its just the everyday lame stuff but you guys should get the complete picture, not just the fantastic photos! :)
After all this time, I can't believe I only have 7 weeks left though that also feels like forever. Its hard - I really love traveling and being able to experience all these amazing things but it also wears on you after awhile. But I know, when I look back at this experience, I will remember all the good and none of the bad and I'm sure I'll be wishing I could be on the road again very soon. I want it to last forever but I also can't wait for my life (school, friends, having actual belongings that don't need to be smashed into a backpack) to start. What's a world adventurer to do?
Also, I changed the commenting option so now you don't have to sign in to comment. Sorry! I didn't realize it was set up like that. Now, no one has any excuse for not commenting! :)
So I've been traveling for awhile now (7 months not including christmas and spring break) and I realized that you guys probably don't really have an idea of what my everyday existence is like. So I decided to show you bits of what its like to be me. Usually, a lot of my time is dealt with administrative crap. I'm always purusing through various guidebooks to figure out my next destination, how to best get there, where I can stay, how much everything is going to cost (from bus tickets to tours to departure taxes) and when I can get out there. Otherwise, I am actually trying to make said plans. That means talking to and comparing many different travel agents (Lonely Planet actually said that the many of the travel agents on Khao San are "more crooked that a mountain pass"), trying to figure out schedules at train stations where no one speaks English, haggling with shopkeepers to get a price that isn't an embarrassing rip-off though I'm probably still getting ripped-off, and wandering around places, trying to discreetly look at my guidebooks without looking like I'm lost and a prime tourist target. I also usually get up way earlier than I did in my previous life, anytime between 6am and 8am, to catch whatever tour, bus or plane I voluntarily booked. I also get to bed much earlier at around 10pm or 11pm, exhausted after a long day of sightseeing. I also don't drink very much though I know I'm on vacation. I'm pretty uncomfortable about being drunk in an unknown place and in a foreign country where I don't really trust the people I'm with though I'm sure they're all lovely people. Drinking is also comparatively pretty expensive and since I would rather spend my money on gifts and souvenirs (for you guys!), its usually the first to go in tighter times.
I also wanted to share what I look like and what I carry everyday. I have a small daypack that looks like an old piece of carpet. I put it on in the morning and don't take it off until night, not even at restaurants or even going to the bathroom. I fear that its becoming permanently fused to my body but its better to be safe than sorry, right? I tote my camera with me everyday as well out of fear of missing that perfect shot. I'm getting tired of taking photos and I don't get as excited about mountain passes or interesting sceneries as I used to but I figure that with over 5,000 photos (and counting) I pretty much have enough. Its helping with my photography skills though.
Me in all my gear!! Note the steel cage around the big bag. I travel alone so I am super-paranoid about getting stuff stolen. The thing weighs 2 pounds on its own(!!) but its worth it. Also note the sensible tevas. I hope never to wear them again for the rest of my life.
My big and small packs! The small bag is key when I do smaller trips like treks. Everything I have with me while traveling has to fit inside these two bags. I started with a lot but now all I care about is weight. My big bag weighs around 35 pounds and it hurts after awhile. The lighter, the better, folks!
My daily essentials though I obviously can't take a picture of my camera. I both love and loathe that bag!! I actually don't use my guidebooks as much as I thought I would. Its has good logistical information but its better to get recommendations from people I meet.
I usually stay in places that look like this. Its so small that I can't take the picture while insdie the room. This is actually at the low-end of the places I stay but its only $4 and I'm only here for 1 night. At least I have my own room!
All my toiletries fit in this one itty-bitty bag. Sniff, I miss all my lotions and creams and conditioners and hair products at home. But I've learned to value the essentials. I hoard and steal toilet paper like its gold as well as the little bars of soap that hotels give you. You really can't put a price on that stuff. Yeah, sad I know. What have I been reduced to??But of course, this is all the stuff that's not the amazing part of traveling - seeing incredible things and meeting interesting people! Its just the everyday lame stuff but you guys should get the complete picture, not just the fantastic photos! :)
After all this time, I can't believe I only have 7 weeks left though that also feels like forever. Its hard - I really love traveling and being able to experience all these amazing things but it also wears on you after awhile. But I know, when I look back at this experience, I will remember all the good and none of the bad and I'm sure I'll be wishing I could be on the road again very soon. I want it to last forever but I also can't wait for my life (school, friends, having actual belongings that don't need to be smashed into a backpack) to start. What's a world adventurer to do?
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Leaving the coop
So I leave for Hong Kong tonight. Am I excited?? Hell, yeah. Am I ready? Well, not really. I'm a little apprehensive about leaving home just because everything here is so easy. I don't have to worry about my stuff and I can just leave it around everywhere. Its nice to be able to put my bag down and not think someone is going to steal it. Also, its just so comforting to be at home where I can see all the people I love. Well, at least talk to them. But we can't all just be lazy bums. I have things to do and places to go so I'm leaving the coop.
I'm also not really ready because I'm not ready for this year to be over. I'm already more than half done with my trip. I can't believe that I'm done with South America. It wasn't always the easiest place to be but I loved it. I loved that I knew the language and I love that I got to see and do things I would never have imagined for myself. And it also means that the real world is right around the corner. I have China, Southeast Asia and Australia ahead of me but then I'm done. Once I start on this final leg, I will just be counting down until having to take responsibility for myself. I have some friends who are starting jobs and hearing what they deal with makes me very glad I'm not working. I've worked for the last 10 years (part-time and full-time) but I've definitely gotten used to this lifestyle of mine!
But I'm also soo excited about this part of the trip. I can't wait to eat amazing food, hike the vanishing gorges in China, see Mount Everest, scuba for the first time and just hang out at the beach. I'm a little nervous about the whole language barrier, especially since most people will just assume I can speak the language but I will just muddle through. I'm heading to Hong Kong first so hopefully, I'll be able to ease into the whole China thing.
I also bought the rest of my RTW ticket. RTW tickets make it affordable to travel but its a huge pain in the butt to book. I finally decided to just go with STA Travel especially since I have a fake ISIC card that's giving me some pretty great discounts. They have been so nice and helpful so I would recommend them to anyone trying to book a ticket. I bought my final ticket from Sydney and I'm coming home July 27th. That gives me plenty of time to readjust and get ready for school which starts mid-September.
Oh, and I just found out I got into my number 1 grad school!!! I'm very excited. Thrilled, in fact. Actually, kind of in shock. Yay!! Its located very close to my hometown so after 8 years, I'm finally coming home. My mom started to cry when she found out. And then my dad gave me 50 bucks as a reward. Sweet.
I'm also not really ready because I'm not ready for this year to be over. I'm already more than half done with my trip. I can't believe that I'm done with South America. It wasn't always the easiest place to be but I loved it. I loved that I knew the language and I love that I got to see and do things I would never have imagined for myself. And it also means that the real world is right around the corner. I have China, Southeast Asia and Australia ahead of me but then I'm done. Once I start on this final leg, I will just be counting down until having to take responsibility for myself. I have some friends who are starting jobs and hearing what they deal with makes me very glad I'm not working. I've worked for the last 10 years (part-time and full-time) but I've definitely gotten used to this lifestyle of mine!
But I'm also soo excited about this part of the trip. I can't wait to eat amazing food, hike the vanishing gorges in China, see Mount Everest, scuba for the first time and just hang out at the beach. I'm a little nervous about the whole language barrier, especially since most people will just assume I can speak the language but I will just muddle through. I'm heading to Hong Kong first so hopefully, I'll be able to ease into the whole China thing.
I also bought the rest of my RTW ticket. RTW tickets make it affordable to travel but its a huge pain in the butt to book. I finally decided to just go with STA Travel especially since I have a fake ISIC card that's giving me some pretty great discounts. They have been so nice and helpful so I would recommend them to anyone trying to book a ticket. I bought my final ticket from Sydney and I'm coming home July 27th. That gives me plenty of time to readjust and get ready for school which starts mid-September.
Oh, and I just found out I got into my number 1 grad school!!! I'm very excited. Thrilled, in fact. Actually, kind of in shock. Yay!! Its located very close to my hometown so after 8 years, I'm finally coming home. My mom started to cry when she found out. And then my dad gave me 50 bucks as a reward. Sweet.
Friday, March 24, 2006
I wish they all could be california girls
So being at home has been so great. I've had absolutely nothing to do except eat and veg out. But it hasn't been all fun and games. I did my taxes (I got a return this year!), paperwork for school, more travel planning and lots of dishes. My mother was definitely glad to have me home, especially since our dishwasher broke down. Well, I gotta earn my keep somehow, right? But really, this break was exactly what I needed. I spent a lot of time catching up with friends (and even helping one move in!) and its so great to see and talk to the people I love and have truly missed the last few months.
But I also got to visit places that I love and haven't been to in awhile. Last week, my parents and I went to Santa Cruz for lunch and it was wonderful. Its been an unusually wet March in the Bay Area but luckily, it was sunny and warm when we went to Santa Cruz. We had a great seafood lunch and watched some surfers catch waves. Santa Cruz is definitely one of gems of NorCal.
But I also got to visit places that I love and haven't been to in awhile. Last week, my parents and I went to Santa Cruz for lunch and it was wonderful. Its been an unusually wet March in the Bay Area but luckily, it was sunny and warm when we went to Santa Cruz. We had a great seafood lunch and watched some surfers catch waves. Santa Cruz is definitely one of gems of NorCal.
Sunny but a little windy! Behind us is the Boardwalk.
Dad, me and Mom in front of the lighthouse. Santa Cruz is both hippy and picturesque.
Well, I have a week or so left so I need to veg more and really take advantage of this time! I have to say, taking time off during my vacation has been so great. It gives me time to change around clothes, clean my gear, and recharge. Traveling is hard! Also, since I'm going to grad school next year, I have lots of things to take care of so I can actually be ready to go. I know, I'm supposed to let go and travel but I'm not that person. I worry too much and I'm way to anal to just disconnect from the real world entirely. Well, I only have 4 months left so I better enjoy it! But until then, back to Gilmore Girls!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
South american reflections
Warning! Classic self-indulgent, no-one-else-will-listen-so-I-will-post-my-inner-thoughts-on-the-web blog posting ahead! I've been home for a couple of weeks now but at least its given me some time to reflect back on my time in South America.
What can I say about my time there? Amazing, unbelievable, heart-breaking, eye-opening to say the least. Though I did come home in the middle of my trip for Christmas, it was still the longest I've been away from home. I feel like I've learned so much about what I'm capable of and how far I can push myself. I always felt like a true test of character and strength is seeing how one does outside their comfort zone and in an entirely new environment. If anything, this trip has taught me to accept who I am and become a more confident person. I'm learning how to truly take care of myself and how to follow my heart, from working in non-profit to building my own itinerary. I've always known that I'm an independent person but its amazing the things I can now accomplish for myself. It sounds so basic but in a lot of ways I feel like I've lost that over the last 3 years. At my last job, they never expect you to develop your own ideas but instead just expect you to suck it up and do as your told. The faster and better you take orders, the more you are rewarded. I found myself losing confidence in my ideas and who I was since every idea or workproduct I came up with was always assumed wrong until proven right.
But that's all in the past! My travels have given me confidence but also more awareness of the world around me. I love meeting new people and seeing the world from their perspectives. Surprisingly, the US is not the center of the universe and we aren't always right. Debating about religion, politics and culture with Argentinos, Brits, Bolivians, the Irish, the Dutch, everyone has been refreshing and eye-opening. Not to mention my volunteer work. Its been the complete opposite of any type of work I've done in the past and that also has been good for my soul. I feel the plights of my students and their families not only because I've become more educated about the AIDS problem in Argentina and South America in general but also because I've gotten to know and care about each and every person I've worked with. Having that one-on-one connection has been both a blessing and a curse. I'm fully invested and my heart wrenches at all the things I want to do but am unable to. If I fail to deliver, I can see the direct effects with my very own eyes. That's totally different than making sweeping, life-changing decisions from a boardroom. But its given me new motivation. It will be interesting to see if how I can weave it into my career.
See what traveling has done to me? Its made me question everything I've based my life on to this point. There have definitely been times where I just get caught up in the petty, day-to-day aspects of it but I've also had those Deep Thought moments as well to contemplate my life and the universe. Well, I hope it lasts. Traveling was supposed to be this life-changing experience that gives me more awareness and maturity. Only time will tell! After all I have 4 months ahead!
Whew, I've got way too much time on my hands. I'm also turning to mush. My parents have taken away my car so I spend most of time watching downloaded TV shows, talking on the phone and eating, eating, eating. I can barely fit into any of my clothes now! But hey! I'm on vacation! I should enjoy it!
What can I say about my time there? Amazing, unbelievable, heart-breaking, eye-opening to say the least. Though I did come home in the middle of my trip for Christmas, it was still the longest I've been away from home. I feel like I've learned so much about what I'm capable of and how far I can push myself. I always felt like a true test of character and strength is seeing how one does outside their comfort zone and in an entirely new environment. If anything, this trip has taught me to accept who I am and become a more confident person. I'm learning how to truly take care of myself and how to follow my heart, from working in non-profit to building my own itinerary. I've always known that I'm an independent person but its amazing the things I can now accomplish for myself. It sounds so basic but in a lot of ways I feel like I've lost that over the last 3 years. At my last job, they never expect you to develop your own ideas but instead just expect you to suck it up and do as your told. The faster and better you take orders, the more you are rewarded. I found myself losing confidence in my ideas and who I was since every idea or workproduct I came up with was always assumed wrong until proven right.
But that's all in the past! My travels have given me confidence but also more awareness of the world around me. I love meeting new people and seeing the world from their perspectives. Surprisingly, the US is not the center of the universe and we aren't always right. Debating about religion, politics and culture with Argentinos, Brits, Bolivians, the Irish, the Dutch, everyone has been refreshing and eye-opening. Not to mention my volunteer work. Its been the complete opposite of any type of work I've done in the past and that also has been good for my soul. I feel the plights of my students and their families not only because I've become more educated about the AIDS problem in Argentina and South America in general but also because I've gotten to know and care about each and every person I've worked with. Having that one-on-one connection has been both a blessing and a curse. I'm fully invested and my heart wrenches at all the things I want to do but am unable to. If I fail to deliver, I can see the direct effects with my very own eyes. That's totally different than making sweeping, life-changing decisions from a boardroom. But its given me new motivation. It will be interesting to see if how I can weave it into my career.
See what traveling has done to me? Its made me question everything I've based my life on to this point. There have definitely been times where I just get caught up in the petty, day-to-day aspects of it but I've also had those Deep Thought moments as well to contemplate my life and the universe. Well, I hope it lasts. Traveling was supposed to be this life-changing experience that gives me more awareness and maturity. Only time will tell! After all I have 4 months ahead!
Whew, I've got way too much time on my hands. I'm also turning to mush. My parents have taken away my car so I spend most of time watching downloaded TV shows, talking on the phone and eating, eating, eating. I can barely fit into any of my clothes now! But hey! I'm on vacation! I should enjoy it!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Missing home
I thought I would add one more little post tonight. Recently, I've started to feel a little homesick. Don't get me wrong, being here is an incredible experience and I am having a blast but I wish all my friends and family could be here, too! I'm also not super-comfortable in the residence. Its great that I can immediately associate with a group of people so there's always someone to talk to and something to do but that's also sort of the problem. I definitely feel like I'm a freshman again, trying to make friends in the dorms. I think its also the age gap. I'm a bit older than some of the others here and I think its harder for some to adjust to living on their own or at least realize that the world doesn't always revolve around them. But for the most part, I really do like it here. There are a couple of people that I hang-out with on a regular basis and they are really making my experience pretty great. Its nice to explore a new place with other people.
Actually, my biggest complaint about the residence is the lack of Spanish spoken here. We're all students in the same boat so any type of conversation in Spanish would end in two seconds. So for November, I've decided to move to a homestay, which I know is pretty risky but I figure it'll be just for one month. And if I decide that I really don't like it, I can always just move back into the residence. I'm meeting some potential families this week so at least I'll see the house and meet the people before I move in. Hopefully, it will be an opportunity to immerse myself more in the culture rather than hanging out with a big group of Americans all the time. But I'm a bit worried about moving into someone else's house and feeling a bit like an intruder. I move in on November 2nd so we'll see!
I miss everyone back home! Write comments or emails to let me know what everyone else is up to!
Actually, my biggest complaint about the residence is the lack of Spanish spoken here. We're all students in the same boat so any type of conversation in Spanish would end in two seconds. So for November, I've decided to move to a homestay, which I know is pretty risky but I figure it'll be just for one month. And if I decide that I really don't like it, I can always just move back into the residence. I'm meeting some potential families this week so at least I'll see the house and meet the people before I move in. Hopefully, it will be an opportunity to immerse myself more in the culture rather than hanging out with a big group of Americans all the time. But I'm a bit worried about moving into someone else's house and feeling a bit like an intruder. I move in on November 2nd so we'll see!
I miss everyone back home! Write comments or emails to let me know what everyone else is up to!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Preparation neurosis
So far, I haven't done that much. I got my vaccinations, added extra visa pages to my passport and got my malaria meds. My doctor and I decided that I should take Malarone since I'll be going in and out of malaria zones often and since it'll work against all the various malaria strains, I only have to take that one type of pill. Its a daily pill, which adds a bit more of an annoyance, but its supposed to have less side effects than the others. I'll be glad for them when I'm not getting strange vivid dreams or crippling nausea. For my vaccinations, I got vaccinated for yellow fever, Hep A and typhoid. Getting shots after all these years made me a bit queasy. I don't care what they say, they still hurt! I thought I got Hep B when I was younger but my mother confirmed that I actually did not so I'm going to the local travel clinic to get Hep B. Hopefully, the travel clinic will have more information about health issues. I have a pretty decent first aid kit (courtesy of REI, my now favorite store in the world) and my doctor gave me a prescription for some Cipro if I ever need it. There are some international organizations of doctors or medical professionals that I can join for a small fee, which may be worth it but I have to research it a bit more.
I also still have to get travel insurance. This is a bit harder since I've never bought insurance on my own. Its hard to tell which companies are the most reputable and what type of coverage I need. Since I'm taking a few expensive electronic items (camera, ipod), I think I want one that will cover my belongings. Also, should I get coverage for lost luggage and trip interruption? Or is med evacuation enough?
I also need to start thinking about plane tickets and my RTW ticket (actually, this is what prompted me to procrastinate on my apps and start this blog). Because I traveled so much when I was working, I've amassed a ridiculous number of miles, which will finally pay off! I'm going to use my miles for each of my South American trips, which will save me a ton. Also, since I'm traveling down to
I will have to eventually book a RTW ticket for Asia and
I've also been on a bit of a gear-frenzy. I need to buy a bunch of security stuff like locks and this weird wire mesh net-thing for my backpack that I can lock up so I don't have to worry about my backpack while on buses, trains or in the hostels. Its a bit hefty (2lbs!) but since I'm on my own, I want to feel secure about my belongings. Especially, since I bought a new digital camera a couple of months ago and a new 20GB color iPod. I got a Canon S2 IS and its fantastic. Great photos, easy to use and best of all, it takes AA batteries (not many outlets in the great outdoors). And of course, I had to get a color iPod so that I can store all those great pictures. Best of all, it was my birthday a few days ago so I was really able to cash in on some gear including ugly yet practical mosquito pants that's supposed to repel bugs. Especially good for malaria zones since I'll be visiting quite a few.
Well, that's probably enough for one post :). I know, I get obsessed with this stuff. Okay, back to applications. This whole year will be for naught if I can't even finish my applications!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Facing the gauntlet
So I have 6 weeks left before I head to
So how did I get here? Last I’m sure you heard, I was working like a dog in my big-time banking job, making dough and eating power lunches on Wall Street. I've worked so hard my entire life to get to this point and now I’m just going to walk away?? Yeah, basically. After two years in NY, I started to follow what everyone else in my position does and interviewed to get the next step, even bigger-time finance job. After getting rejected from my top-choice firm, I wanted to cry. I've basically gotten every job I wanted my entire life so it was eye-opening to not get something for once. And then I started to think. Why was I pushing myself so hard to get this job where I would be working for even bigger jerks, for longer hours and on things I was already bored out of my mind with? I was so driven to succeed, I never actually stopped to consider if I actually wanted it all. So I decided to move to LA and work for one more year while I figured out what I actually wanted to do. I always wanted to travel, especially since I never had the chance in college, and break free from the confines of my own life. It took me a WHOLE YEAR to convince myself that I could take time off to do basically nothing, without responsibility, a job or even a home, but I finally decided to do it! I knew I wanted to go to business school so I knew this would probably the last time I could do something like this sooooooooo here I am!
You can't even imagine how excited I am about this trip. I've lived my life pretty much by the book, limited by the boundaries that I put on myself. I'm obsessed with making plans and to-do lists - its hard for me to take on anything unless I have a step-by-step plan laid out. So this year will be good for me. I'm not doing too much planning (by my standards at least) and I'm taking off basically with a plane ticket, passport and guide book in hand. I know what countries I want to visit and when I'll be there but what I do while I'm there is completely up to me. I have some ideas from friends, other travel blogs and guide books but I'm going to let the moment take me wherever I go. I really hope that this year will be fun, exciting and most importantly, a challenging and meaningful experience in my life.
So, I’m taking an entire year off. I also wanted to spend some time doing volunteer work, hands-on, working with people and not behind a desk. Actually feel like I can make a difference in someone’s life rather than just making rich companies even richer. Maybe I could actually do something productive with my career and help those in need. Recently, I've really felt the pull towards non-profit and economic development so maybe this year will help me start a new direction in my career as well. I also wanted to work on my language skills and relearn Spanish, which I started in high school. So I decided to move to
Well, enough with the cheese (which you all know I hate with a passion anyway). I just hope you guys enjoy the blog. This way I can keep in touch with everyone so you will know I'm still alive (kidding, Mom!) and hopefully, give you a chance to experience the trip with me.
The Year of Jane
What: A travel blog, of course!
Who: Type-A, former investment banker, neurotic over-analyzer, prada purse carrying world adventurer. I worked my butt off for the last 3 years as an investment banker, 4 years before that at an Ivy League school, and 4 years before that working to have the esteemed honor of attending such institution, not including the most horrifying internship experiences possible. Was it worth it? Well, any answer but yes will make me cry.
Why: This is going to be the Year of Jane. I've decided there's more to life than back of the envelope merger plans and 6am worknights so I'm taking a year off for a modern day Grand Tour. That's right, I packed up my pencils, gave my notice and here I am, facing unemployment for at least 3 years. I'm taking just 30lbs of stuff (shocking, I know), a camera and this blog and hopefully have the time of my life!
When: Is there any better time than the present? I have 6 weeks left but a mountain of business school applications to get through before I leave.
How: Gut wrenching soul-searching, budgets, travel books, web researching, lots of to-do lists. I know this year is supposed to teach me to take more chances and push myself outside of my boundaries but let go of my to-do lists?? I'm becoming a world adventurer, not a crazy person.
Where: Well, now there's the question! For at least until the end of the year I will be in Argentina and Patagonia but I'm still trying to work out the rest. I have a whole YEAR for godssake!!
It'll be lonely traveling on my own so if any of you feel a bit of wanderlust, I would LOVE the company! Also, please leave me comments. I will definitely be missing everyone at home.
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