Stories From a Nomad Abroad

I'm on an adventure!
 
TL;DR? I hopped on a one-way flight with my wife for an indefinite journey, armed with a couple backpacks, a tight budget, and a keen sense of adventure. I hope to fill this thread with stories and a memory or two, travel advice when I can offer it, and I hope you'll share any travel stories of your own.
 
Three years ago I decided that I was dissatisfied by what society always told me I was supposed to do. I saw myself speeding down the track toward getting trapped by a career I was increasingly at odds with and possessions that owned me more than I owned them. After a series of poor decisions I hit a point that could easily be described as rock bottom and thought fuck it. I bought a ticket to Australia where I intended to begin working my way around the world. Six months into that trip, I met a girl. Y'know how it goes. The past few years of my life have been nothing short of the best, but my soul is still wandering and I'm picking up where I left off -- girl in tow.
 
Once again I quit my job, sold everything I own, and said goodbye to everyone I know. We flew into Tokyo three weeks ago and left almost immediately for Hiroshima. With the sobering experience of the Memorial Museum to start us off, we slowly worked our way back toward Tokyo where we've been spending the holidays with my cousin who lives in nearby Yokohama. In another week, we're popping across the sea to Beijing where we'll work our way more-or-less west through Asia.
 
Thoughts on Japan? It's something else. A series of sights and experiences that make you wonder what the fuck in one moment, and nothing at all in the next. The people watching is endlessly entertaining and there are vending machines everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. Why is there a vending machine here? I spent more than a week finding my zen in Kyoto, hiking the hills on my own, dipping into the countless temples, meditating when the vibe struck -- which it often did. Japan hasn't changed my life or anything, but I think I could exist here quite happily for a while.
 
That said, I'm eager to move on. As Kerouac said, the road is life.
 
"Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry."

 

I've been just winging my entire life, mate. I speak French and broken Spanish, but that has yet to help me here. My lady and I parted ways for a few days last week and on my way to meet her I got a bit turned around. I needed to find the bus station but couldn't find an English speaker. Once in Thailand I got directions to the airport by miming an airplane with my arms out. But how do you mime a bus? The only thing I could think of was the Wheels on the Bus song, but I only managed to look like an idiot pretending to drive a bus and going "swish swish swish" like the wipers.

The cultural divide is a chasm. Other people gathered to watch and laugh, and I laughed and we were just a crowd of people laughing. I gave up and eventually stumbled upon the station myself.

That was a fail, but it's surprising how well things work out when you point or play charades. People usually, sincerely want to help you. And I've had some of the best meals just by pointing to pictures on a menu.

Cheers!

 

Cheers fellas. I'll try to get some photos -- that's the woman's department. I'm not a camera man.
 

 
Good advice, random middle eastern guy. It's a biased belief, but I maintain the best thing you can do for yourself, particularly when you're feeling a bit lost in life, is to travel. I'll back up his praise for Thailand. I spent most of my brief time in the south, on Phuket and nearby islands. It was mad. Thai parties are legendary (full moon party, anyone?), the people are so fucking friendly, and the whole country has a festival devoted to water fights -- that spirit speaks for itself. I'm stoked to go back and dig deeper into that country later in the year.
 
It's where a lot of backpackers start their journeys. Khao San Road in Bangkok is a mecca for wandering kids looking to experience life. You could live like a king for months with very little money and have the time of your life. You could wing it, man.
 
 

 
I feel exactly the same way. I'm 26 years old and I've spent my entire adult life trying to follow that normal path of education, career, wife, house, kids, success. Though all the career changes, all the moving around, all the times I was certain that "yep, this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life," I've never been satisfied. I finally accepted that the only time I really feel so sure of myself and my actions is when I'm on the road with nothing to my name but the pack on my back.
 
I can't say what's best for you, but if it's what you really want, I promise that it's worth it. It's not a glamorous lifestyle, but it's a rewarding one. The hardest part is taking that first step.

 

Righteous! Welcome to the other side, my friend. I sincerely hope you go through with it. Booking your flight is the hardest part, honestly, everything else will fall into place.

A good rule of thumb in Thailand is that if you budget $30 per day, you're living good. I know guys who brag about doing it for half that. I like to party too, but I certainly don't chase them down. That said, the wildest time I've ever had while traveling was in Thailand. Just buzzin'. Wicked.

I got blasted in Osaka when I was there this month too. I don't generally dig big cities, but that place was cool. We were couchsurfing (join that community for free places to stay) with this quiet guy who was a real good sport about taking us out on the town. Many karaokes were had and many free beers were given to this gaijin for belting out all the cheesy pop hits. I ended up carrying our host back to his place after he passed out and took down a few tables with him. Of course we got lost on the way.

I digress. What language all depends on where you're going. English is always your best bet (whew, lucky us), but French is a useful one across a number of places in Europe. As for work, you might also keep in mind WWOOFing (volunteer farm work), teaching English in Asia or South America, or grabbing a working holiday in Oz or NZ (travel and work anywhere for up to a year).

Dive in, man. That's the only way to do it.

 

Contrary to what media and the travel industry would like you to believe, travel doesn't have to be expensive. Don't worry so much about your bank account, especially if you plan on working.

Edit: except Japan. I was all together unprepared for the cost of this place. Holy fuck. I'm digging it, but eager to get the hell to China. Never thought I'd say that.

I hope you decide to take the plunge. Where do you want to travel?

 

Where you headed, matey? Fucking stoked for ya.