On August 24, 2009, ten years ago this week, I embarked upon my very first round-the-world trip. I was a full-grown 31-year-old and had just completed a four-year tenure as an English and social sciences teacher in Colombia. It was time to do something (else) epic to commemorate the closing of one life chapter and the opening of another.
With the help of my trusty cheap-airfare-finding spidey senses, and inspiration from explorers like Brian Peters of NoDebtWorldTravel and consummate non-conformist Chris Guillebeau, who tipped me off to a one-way business class ticket from Malaysia to Canada for $600, I pieced together a 19-city itinerary that would take me to all six inhabited continents for around $3,000. I had two carry-ons and would CouchSurf or stay with friends in most of those places. The summer of 2009 was the most exciting time of my life up to that point.
While on that journey, I found adventure! Intrigue! Romance! I met people who have become my best friends in life. I met my former partner with whom I spent five years in loving relationship. I dealt with some demons and acquired others. I almost lost my mother in a car accident. I changed careers, I changed plans, I changed perspectives, I changed, forever. I created a truly global life.
Over the next five months, as I prepare for the debut of my television travel docu-series about friendship and connection around the world, I’ll be sharing images and stories from that journey a decade ago here on the blog, and on my Facebook and Instagram platforms. Won’t you join me on the journey back in time? I’m excited to see just how much I’ve changed, and how much I’ve stayed the same. Let’s fly!
Have you been around the world in one trip? How long was your journey and where did you go?
Wow, I just discovered your travel life on my TV set, and have been watching each show on my PBS station. My travels are more connections with family and their travels (both sisters lived in Europe and Africa…) I am jealous of your “intentional” trips! And they are being filmed! WOW.
Grateful watching from now on. Living through your experiences.