What are we looking forward to in our second year? Let’s first address what a strange question that is. We just spent a year doing nothing but traveling, no working, no school, nothing else, yet we’re not done yet, we have 18-24 months longer on the road. Here are the things we know as of now…
HE SAID…
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Two months into our trip we became friends with Spaniards who informed us, “after a year of travel you’ll be pretty worn out.” Even though they had been traveling for almost three years, it was hard to believe. Who could get tired of a life of exploring, drinking and constant stimulation? I could; that’s what I have learned. Getting me to visit another “historic city”, UNESCO World Heritage Site, or temple takes some convincing, it better be damn good or I’ll look around and think, meh. After a year, visiting at least 90 cities, I am pretty tired, but I’m not about to throw in the towel yet. The reality is that there is still so much more of the world to see and rarely will I have as much time and freedom to see it.
During the next 12-18 months we will complete some of the world’s great hikes. From the Tongarario Crossing to Milford Track to Annapurna Circuit to Torres del Paine Circuit, we’ll have done some of the best long hikes this planet has to offer. We even get to go to Mt. Everest (above) again, this time from the Nepalese side. Especially cool to me is the fact that we’re doing predominantly mountain treks and I love mountains.
The next best thing is the fact we’ll be slowing down. This year we had planned to travel in six to eight countries, instead we visited 13. This is the main reason we’re feeling fairly worn down and something we won’t repeat. The bulk of 2012 will be in two countries (India and Nepal) after resting up in Australia and New Zealand. While in India we plan to spend at least one month in a single city…something we had also planned for this year. Knowing how we now feel, I assure you we will make a home somewhere during the year. 2012 will probably end in a rush through the Middle East, but then will be off to South America, which is like home to me.
Overall I am looking forward to the second year of travel. After a year on the road we’re in a groove, have our roles down and ready for whatever the future may bring.
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SHE SAID…
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I still have a hard time believing that we have been traveling for a whole year already. With so many new experiences and new countries under my belt the past 12 months flew by. Asia blew my mind and exceeded my expectations, but I’m ready to move on. As I look forward to the year ahead there are a lot of unknowns, we only have our plans figured out through March and then it ‘s decide as we go. I am really looking forward to more flexible travel after the past few months of island hopping and set flight dates.
I am sad to be leaving Asia, but ready to move on because 2012 begins with two months in Australia and New Zealand where everyone speaks English! That sentence deserves an explanation mark because for the past year I have struggled to communicate even my most basic needs.I cannot wait to be able to ask directions with ease, locate a toilet without assistance and actually know what I’m ordering for lunch. Australia and New Zealand also brings more than just language familiarity, but friends and family from home will be meeting us down under. I am really looking forward to New Years with friends in Sydney and New Zealand with my Mom, Dad and brother.
After New Zealand we head to India and Nepal, don’t worry everyone has already warned me about the culture shock. I’m ready as these two places are the two I was most excited about in planning the trip and continue to get me pumped for 2012. I have no idea what our plans for India are except for Holi in March, but I’m looking forward to the planning. Nepal on the other hand we already have ambitious plans for; we’re planning to do both the Annapurna circuit and the Three Passes circuit. I’m anxious to get out hiking in the Himalayas after getting a taste in Tibet.
After India and Nepal our plans are up in the air, which is exciting as we are throwing around plans for Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Turkey. We haven’t made final decisions about when and where we will go after India, but with so many good choices we look forward to doing the reseearch and making our plans for 2012. Regardless of where 2012 takes us it is certain to provide many new experiences, amazing memories and great stories for all of you to read. Cheers to 2012!
Tags: learning, livingif, locavorista, thinkchua, traveling as a couple
About the Author
LOCAVORista: is a curious adventurer exploring the culinary delights and local traditions of people and places around the world. Currently on a multi-year expedition across Asia and Oceania with my husband, thinkCHUA, we are exploring the places to go, things to eat and offerings off the beaten tourist track, while working to give back when possible.
Comments
Dec 21, 2011
Unlike you guys, I am not sure I would say the year flew by for me…..reading your posts, daily journal and staring at photos in bewilderment, often left me imagining/visualizing your reality in a “exhausted state”…….your efforts to attain your desired travel/life goals are nothing, if not admirable…..wishing the best for a safe, inspiring, purpose filled year ahead…..love you dad
Dec 22, 2011
Dad, the past year has been exhausting but well worth it! Looking forward to seeing you in the new year.