As most of you are now aware, I have decided to travel around the world in 2009. I figure it is the perfect time to take a dream trip to (almost) all of those places that I keep saying “I have always wanted to see” (3 “I”s in a single sentence can’t possibly make a sentence in the English language). While the world economy is tanking, I have chosen to take this situation as an opportunity to taste some sweet lemonade. I don’t have a doubt in my mind that the economy (and particularly Internet marketing) will rebound back even stronger than ever (eventually).
If I had a nickel for every time someone has claimed that they would travel if they had won the lottery, I would probably be paying for this trip in nickels. One of those shinny nickels would be in my pocket by virtue of my own claims. If there were ever a time to take up the “lottery scenario” it would have to be right now. The power of the US dollar has rocketed straight up in the past months in lock step with our tumbling economy. It’s almost too obvious. The world is calling. The way I see it, you get one chance in your life to shake it up before you have those wonderful virtues like a wife, children, and that beloved thing we Americans know as a mortgage.
I am by nature a saver. I usually don’t even know what I am saving for. Actually, as soon as you know what you are saving for, the task becomes as tedious as holding your breath. Kind of like sitting at your desk without peeing in your pants is a lot easier than holding it once your pants are down at the stall. It’s psychological (like most things are). Speaking of psychological, it’s a whole lot more enjoyable to globe trot than it is to fear for your job.
I see plenty of old rich men who have more money than they know what to do with. The problem is, they are old. You simply can’t buy youth. I don’t want to travel when I need an inhaler, or have bad knees. I don’t want to have to wait till my kids are out of the house until I can travel. That’s a lot like waiting to pee long enough that the pain goes away and you’ve accepted the inevitable bladder damage (damn you 9th grade teachers!!!)
I am currently in an exciting time. I am cashing in my hard work for exactly that; time.
I have an ambitious itinerary of over 30 countries in 6 continents in exactly 365 days.
Think I can finish it? Stay tuned!