My RTW Trip Update: A Gap Year Review

Merry Christmas, everyone! And, I guess - Happy Boxing Day!

I just spent a wonderful Christmas here in Wales, gobbling up the most delicious holiday feast, courtesy of my besties, Abby, Kit and their family. It would have been perfect if it snowed... but alas, we only got a few hail showers. Perhaps the Universe didn't want to spoil me... having already given me SO MUCH this year. :)

It;s hard to believe 2013 is almost over, and that this is my LAST post of the year! My old life in Los Angeles seems light years away, and yet at the same time, it feels like I've only just begun!

MY GAP YEAR REVIEW

To give everyone (including myself) a good recap of the events that transpired during the year, here is a timeline of my journey... My Big Year.

MARCH 9 - I flew out of Los Angeles to The Philippines, to complete the training of my work replacement at Bosley.

MARCH 29 - My official last day of working at Bosley.

APRIL 19 - I was invited as a guest speaker on Travel Inspiration for TRAVEL MASSIVE Manila

MAY 4 - I flew out of Manila to SYDNEY, joined by my Travel Buddy, ShinyHappyKaren

MAY 8 - We flew from Sydney to MELBOURNE

MAY 14 - ShinyHappyKaren and I parted ways, as she remained in Melbourne and I flew to AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

MAY 17 - Drove to MATA MATA for The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

MAY 17 - Drove to ROTORUA after Hobbiton, and had my first COUCHSURFING experience with the most wonderful host, Karen, and met a fellow couchsurfer and traveler, Dulce.

MAY 19 - Drove to GISBORNE to see the first sunlight of the world

MAY 20 - Drove down to NAPIER, passing through TE MATA PEAK for the amazing views

MAY 22 - Drove to WELLINGTON and stayed with my old college buddy, Mikey.

MAY 27 - Arrived in TOKYO, JAPAN and stayed with my high school best friend, Fernie

MAY 29 - Went on an overnight trip to KYOTO

JUNE 4 - Arrived in DUBAI, UAE and hung out with my friends from college.

JUNE 10 - Arrived in LONDON

JUNE 26 - GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

JULY 5 - Weekend trip to Liverpool with one of my dearest friends, Andy

JULY 17 - Went up to SCOTLAND to visit my good friends, Paul and Aly in Edinburgh, and to do an Isle of Skye and Highlands tour

JULY 29 - Went on a day trip to York, on my way back down to London

AUGUST 14 - Left the UK for ITALY. Arrived in Genova for my first Help Exchange Experience at The Shanti House

SEPTEMBER 3 - Day Trip to CINQUE TERRE

SEPTEMBER 8 - Left The Shanti House for La Preghiera in Umbria, Italy, for my second Help Exchange Experience

SEPTEMBER 21 - Left Umbria for ROME

SEPTEMBER 24 - Left Rome for GENOVA to hang out with my friends from The Shanti House

SEPTEMBER 27 - Road Trip to MILAN to see one of our friends, Alessando, play music.

OCTOBER 1 - Left Italy for CORFU, GREECE for my third Help Exchange Experience, working at The Pink Palace Hostel

OCTOBER 11 - Left Corfu for ATHENS

OCTOBER 15 - Left Athens for NAXOS for my fourth Help Exchange Experience, working at Hotel Kouros in Apollonas Village

OCTOBER 20 - Left Naxos for SANTORINI

OCTOBER 23 - Took the ferry from Santorini to MYKONOS

OCTOBER 28 - Left Greece for TEL AVIV, ISRAEL for my fifth Help Exchange Experience, working at The Overstay Hostel

NOVEMBER 4 - Day Trip to JERUSALEM

NOVEMBER 16 - Day Trip to MASADA and THE DEAD SEA

NOVEMBER 18 - Crossed the border to JORDAN to visit PETRA

NOVEMBER 21 - Flew out of Israel, and into the UK once again

NOVEMBER 24 - Day Trip to BRIGHTON, ENGLAND

NOVEMBER 26 - Went on a quick 2 day trip to EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

NOVEMBER 30 - Took the bus to CARDIFF, WALES

DECEMBER 5 - Went on a Day Trip to BATH, ENGLAND

DECEMBER 21 - Drove from CARDIFF to WEST WALES for the Christmas holidays, and this is where I still am at the moment.

PHEW!

 Karijgfaeiordsufjan$%lweifuan&lwf8un)(&0384r8!!!!! Honestly, I've been so busy moving forward, that I never really had the opportunity to look back on everything that I've done and all the places I've seen till now. And that's the honest truth. For realz. It's pretty crazy, and a little overwhelming. If you think about it, I've only really visited 10 countries total. It doesn't sound like much, but the experiences I've gained, and the new friends I've made, makes all the difference in the world. 

One of the things that I learned about this trip is that - TRAVELING SLOW really makes the experience worthwhile. I've visited 10 countries in 21 days when I did the Contiki Trip 5 years ago... and even if I have a lot of photos of tourist destinations to show for, I don't really have much to say about the culture of those countries I visited... nor the people. I realized that I prefer spending those 21 days staying put in 1 country, rather than 10, because as it turns out, one of my favorite things about travel is meeting locals, getting to know them, and learning about the way they live.

I have learned SO MUCH about Italy, Greece and Israel (the three countries where I spent more time on)... I've taken away so many new life skills from my experiences in those places, and met SO MANY people whom I consider kindred spirits that have enriched my soul and turned me into a better person. 

WHATS NEXT?

You know what the most amazing thing about this whole thing is? It's that I'm actually not done yet. Yes, 2013 is about to end, but my Gap Year still continues! After my stint in the UK, the plan is to head over to Spain for a couple weeks, maybe see Madrid, Portugal, and visit my friend in Valencia... THEN off to SOUTH AMERICA for the win! Carnival in Rio, Brazil is scheduled for Feb 28 to March 4. Plans aren't set in stone yet, but I fully intend to attend that festival. PERU is also in the radar for Machu Picchu... plus I've been accepted as a volunteer for The Light and Leadership Initiative over there. I'd like to spend about a month helping them out, teaching kids English, Music and Art. I hear great things about Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay as well, so... South America is going to be BIG for Earth2Eartha. HUGE. And you know what? Because of the people I've met from over there, I have a *really* good feeling about that continent. A *really* good feeling. I can't explain it... but I'm excited! 

WHY TRAVEL?

I'm scrolling through the timeline I made above, and I scratch my head in awe. Can I really, truly be this lucky? This year has been amazing. One of, if not THE best year of my life! It's not glamorous though, I tell ya. The life of a poor backpacker is not one for the faint heart. I've worked my ass off volunteering in those places for free board and lodging, been bitten by bed bugs staying at a cheap hostel (and I am scarred for life), hurt my back in more ways than one, carrying my backpack running from one plane or train terminal to the next, and I've cleaned wayy too many toilets than I have in my lifetime, alright? It ain't pretty.
But what I've gained from all of this is just soooo much more than what I thought it was going to be. This year has taught me more about myself than anything... I've discovered strength, kindness and tolerance I didn't know I had. I learned that - I'm comfortable being alone, but that being by myself in a beautiful yet deserted Greek Island is not my idea of a good time. And most importantly, I learned that communication is not limited to words or language alone... Sometimes, good intentions and a smile can go further than a paragraph.
I've made so many great new friends on this journey, and I have seen the world through different eyes. None of this would have happened, had I not taken a leap of faith to follow my heart. It sounds corny, but sometimes, you *need* corny in your life. I'm so insanely ape-shit happy right now, I have nothing but corny love to give to all of you.

Every now and again, I still get asked by people why I'm doing this. Why I travel. Why did I turn back on a life of glamour and security? Why trade a life of luxury for a life of austerity on the road? Why did I let go of everything I own, and live off on just a backpack full of things? Why travel at all?

My answer has not and will not change. It is permanently etched on my wrist.

Why? 

Why not? :)

Pourquoi pas? :)

** Watch out for next week's Top 13 of 2013 post.
In the meantime... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

My 2013 Travel Destinations - Parts 2 & 3

On my last post, I showed you the first leg of my RTW tour – The Friends and Family Discount! I will sache around Middle Earth, hang out with a statue of an Akita, and roll around in mud at a music festival! Good stuff! On the next leg, I will get down and dirty all over Europe. This is still a very rough itinerary, but if Help Exchange permits, these are the places I want to visit. Welcome to the second leg of My 2013 Destinations:

Part 2: The Helpex Backpacking Europe Experience 

Italy

Photo from www.chrystal-clear.com

I’ve been to Venice and Florence, and only spent a couple days there. This time around, I want to visit areas that are not as touristy. I really want to learn more about the Italian culture… their food, their lifestyle… and I want to know how the Italian women maintain their voluptuous figures, having 24 hour access to pizza, pasta, olive oil and wine!

Croatia

Photo from www.akademifantasia.org

They say Croatia is the new Ibiza. I’ll have to find out for myself!

Greece

Santorini - Photo from hdwallpapers.com

Of course I’m going to Greece. How can I not?? I’m obsessed with Greek Mythology, and am convinced I am one of Poseidon’s great great granddaughters. I want to go to the Oracle at Delphi and say hey.

Israel

Photo from www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

I want to go to Israel and do the Holy Land tour. This is the one country that my dad recommends I visit, and as the most traveled man I know, I trust his judgement. I think it will be pretty epic. I’m already getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

Egypt

Photo from Flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com

The Pyramids! Santiago! The Alchemist! Buried Treasure! My Personal Legend!

Iceland

Photo from www.inspiredbyiceland.com

I have heard so many wonderful things about how amazing Iceland is… and just this past weekend at the LA Travel andAdventure Show, I met a really cool Icelandic local who talked passionately about his country! I’ve been having reservations about visiting Iceland just because it’s so far away from everywhere else in Europe. It’s a completely separate island, and I’d have to fly there. But after speaking with my new friend, I’ve decided to go for it… Yes. I will go to Iceland! Hopefully I can see the Aurora Borealis while I’m there!!!

Spain

Photo from www.travel.nationalgeographic.com

I’ve only been to Barcelona… I’d like to explore different areas like Madrid, Ibiza or Sevilla too. Everywhere I go, I get mistaken for a Latina anyway… might as well spend time in Spain and hang with people who sort of look like me? Haha!

_____

Like I said, this is a very rough itinerary… I don’t want to set things in stone because I don’t know how things would work out with Help Exchange, and I’m still trying to figure things out, money-wise. But if all goes well, I’m hoping to be able to visit these places between the months of July and December. I plan to spend the Christmas holidays in the UK with friends and family, that way I won’t get too lonesome on the road by myself. Let’s hope I get a real white Christmas this time! :)

After the holidays, I’ll still have a few months to spare before my RTW year ends… and there are a few more places I want to visit outside of Europe that I’d like to visit before going back to California. That brings me to the bonus, third leg of my tour:

PART 3: The Magical Mystery Tour – Journey Home

I don’t know if I can accomplish this because I don’t even know if my funds will last me this long… but if I’m lucky, then these are the remaining countries on my list.

Costa Rica

Costa Rican Waterfalls - www.deviantart.com

Studies show that Costa Rica is the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes – it beat Disneyland, and I want to personally find that out for myself!

Brazil

Photo from Funzine.hu

I am going to Carnival!!! I am going to make this happen, you just watch me. I will rock a feathery costume and dance till I drop! :)

Alaska

Photo from brandonsetter.com

OK I know this is a State – but I wanna visit anyway! I haven’t been here and I hear it’s amazing! Maybe if I don't see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, I might see it here! :)

Canada

Photo by Allie Greenman

I have tons of friends in Canada and I would love to go and see all of them before I go back home!

My 2013 Travel Destinations - Part 1

As I get closer to my “launch” date, I’m getting more and more nervous. I’ve been so busy getting myself excited about the round the world travel I'm doing this 2013 that I think I’ve forgotten about how big a deal this is. So then I’ve started panicking, and I’ve been spending my days dazed and bewildered. There’s SO much I still need to do. My mind is literally one big clusterfuck of to-do lists that I feel like I can't tick off!

Incidentally, something completely cosmic happened to me the other day. I got pulled over by a cop for “running the red light” (but I really didn’t!!!)
When my pleas for him to send me off with a warning didn’t work, he asked me to take my sunglasses off and he looked me square in the eyes. He said, “I want you to listen to me. Do me a favor, okay? I don’t know what’s going on in your head right now. I’m not sure if you’re zoning off, or if you just have a lot on your mind. Whatever it is, I just need you to pay attention, and focus. Can you do that?”

It wasn’t until I was driving away from him that I realized he might actually not be talking about the road.

Eerie, right? 

I tried to be as cute as Vanessa Hudgens in this photo, but it didn't work. 

And so I am choosing to take his advice (which will cost me about $500) and get my act together. I shall focus on what needs to be done, and I’ll start by giving you an outline of what my year could potentially look like. :)

Every travel website I’m subscribed to have come up with their top 2013 destinations, and I thought I’d join the bandwagon! I haven’t really talked in detail about my plans for this year… I guess because I’m not even sure about all my stops myself. I do however, have a rough itinerary, PLUS a ‘wishlist’ of countries/places I want to visit on this round of the world tour. For visualization purposes, I’m going to divide my trip into three legs:

First Leg – The Friends and Family Discount

This is the leg of the tour that is pretty much absolute. I’m buying my plane tickets in the next week or so, I’ve arranged my accommodations with the people I’m visiting… in other words, this one’s a sure thing.

PHILIPPINES

I’m going home, amigos. A month in the Philippines of doing absolutely nothing.

OK maybe I'll be doing some of this...

My friends and I on a mundane Saturday night at my house

AUSTRALIA 

Sydney! Photo from worldplacez.blogspot.com

Melbourne! Photo from Wikipedia

I’m traveling to Sydney and Melbourne with my travel buddy, Karen, and we’ll be staying with my family in Sydney, and her friends in Melbourne. I’ve never been, but always loved Australians and their spirit! I have absolutely no expectations, just excitement!

NEW ZEALAND

Gorgeous New Zealand Landscape

Hobbiton! YAY!

I’m even MORE excited about New Zealand! I’m going to visit Hobbiton! I hear so many wonderful things about this little country, and I’ve become very good friends with a Kiwi, so I’m definitely expecting to fall in love with NZ! I even have the ONE RING of power to guide me through this adventure – courtesy of my Kiwi bird, Jackie!

JAPAN

One of my best friends from high school is taking me in! I also have a sister who lives there! I’ll be staying mainly in Tokyo, but will visit Kyoto for their temples as well. Honestly, I just want to see the statue of Hachiko.

The Statue of Hachiko in Shibuya!

Gorgeous Kyoto in Autumn

DUBAI & ABU DHABI

Sex and the City anyone? I doubt I’ll be traveling in the same fashion as they did, but I’m looking forward to some desert moon adventures!

Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

Dubai

UNITED KINGDOM

I’m flying to the UK after Dubai and I’ll be staying with Abby & Kit (AKA Mom and Dad) as usual! The UK will be my “homebase” because I’ll be spending most of my backpacking in Europe. If I ever get lonely or sad or broke, I’ll just train it back to the UK and stay with mom and dad in Cardiff and work for them as a babysitter/entertainer! At the end of June though, we are going to attend Glastonbury -- one of the biggest music festivals in the world! It’s like Woodstock! We’ll be camping over there for 5 days in proper hippie fashion, and will be rocking out to the best music from the best musicians!

Standby for a photo of ME covered in Mud this June.

The Glastonbury Festival in England from lollitop.magicate.eu  

I will also most likely be spending time with my friends in London and Scotland. I haven’t worked out the details yet – so, friends from London and Scotland, if you’re reading this, let’s hang out, OK? :)

And that concludes the first leg of the tour. I will be on all of the above from April to July. Aaaagh I can’t wait! Let’s hope I don’t blow off all my money during this period!

Stay tuned for my next post where I talk about the second leg which I’d like to call: The Helpex Backpacking Europe Experience! On that post, I will talk about the potential countries I’d like to visit while I “work” my way through Europe with free board and lodging with the help of Help Exchange.

Till next week! TTFN! :)