Leaving Asia - Starting on a new path

Well, the time has come. It is just hours until I take off in an airplane headed for Uzbekistan and then Rome, Italy. It's been a wild 14 months that I've spent jumping around Asia and I've really enjoyed my time, even with the craziness that it has brought.

I'm actually feeling very nervous but also excited about this next step in my life, becoming a permanent traveler. I can't quite put it into words, how this all feels. Some people say they 'get it' but I'm not sure most people do. It's such an humbling experience, packing everything you own into two backpacks and giving everything that doesn't fit away. Do I really need that 5th pair of shoes? How many pairs of underwear will I really want to have. Which mementos from my time in Asia will I take with me, of the hundred of pictures my students have drawn to random papers that I seem to collect?

These past 2 months I have been traveling solo have been really hard and life changing at the same time. Truly understanding what it means to be on my own, not having anyone or anything to answer to except for me. No work, no significant other, no parents (sorry Mom...), I can get a tattoo (check), I can get smashed on Khao San Street in Bangkok (check), I can buy a one way ticket to another continent (check) and I can just vegetate in my room for 3 days at a time (check). It's all up to me and it is a breath of fresh air that is terrifying to take.

Well, those are my thoughts on the subject as I'm sitting here waiting for a bus to take me to the airport. By the way, Uzbekistan Airlines has really cheap flights from Bangkok to Rome. Hopefully I'll get a good story out of these plane rides.

View of North Phnom Penh from Phnom Oudong, Cambodia

Life update!

Well, it certainly has been a while since I have posted anything of quality (besides pictures) let alone a blog. I'm going through a huge life change in terms of my direction and where I want to go/not go. I have decided that traveling is the life for me and I'm going make it my full time job. The cool part about that decision is that traveling means all types of places and locations, including the US. Which means I'll hopefully be coming home for longer periods of time and I'll be able to time my trips by my schedule and not by someone elses.

A new addition for a new life direction. A momento of my time in Asia as it is a traditional bamboo tatoo and also a tribute to my mom. 

I'm trying to be smart about this decision, I know it's a hard lifestyle but I can't be more excited about it. This means that I'll be living a minimalist existence for the next few years, taking jobs where I can find them to fund my travels until they can start paying for themselves. Any support is gladly appreciated (an email or response to a blog saying good job or I miss you is what I really want). 

Kanabachuri, Thailand. A beautiful waterfall and hike combo.

This blog, I will be keeping updated for those that want to know what is happening in my personal life. It will be more personalized to me and my current locations. I recently started up a new blog/website that will be my primary focus for the next year or two, building/growing it as much as humanly possible. Adrian's Travel Tales is the name, once it is live, I'll put a link to that site for those that wish to follow there. 

Celebrating with a very large, blue beverage at a local market in Bangkok called On Nut Market. Thank you Caroline and Marcus for the wonderful introduction to Thailand. 

Anyways, that's the update. I'll be posting another personal blog here in the new day or so, giving you a glimpse into Thailand and my month here, wow! Time flies. Love to everyone! 

-Adrian Ann