Entry 97 My Thoughts on Travelling

In my last few entries on this topic, I want to explore other aspects of travelling, such as my general opinion of travelling and my motivations. Why did I travel?

My motivation was to explore and be curious. Travelling is a humbling experience as I have met people who travelled to far more places than I have / will or impressive people who would indirectly inspire you. The world is big, with lots to see and lots to do.

My approach to travelling can be a bit random, or “stochastic” now I can officially declare myself smart with a PhD. However, Travelling with a tent and relying on public transport in Sicily is so random. My patience in waiting for buses and trains is about 8 hours. I would feel slightly frustrated after 8 hours. Travelling is a tickbox exercise, just to experience it good, bad, and indifferent. Once is enough for some activities, as there are risks involved. I listed the notable ones.

• Travelled to live in a foreign country (90 days+) Italy, Nepal and Japan, Learn about local cultures.
• Provided accommodation to Couchsurfers from all over the world
• Couchsurfed at other hosts (Austria, and Italy)
• Took a hitchhike (Avola to Catania, Italy)
• Gave a hitchhike to others (Iceland, Austria)
• Walked on live volcanoes. (Iceland, Italy, Japan)
• International festivals (Oktoberfest, Film festival at Jersey, Edinburgh Fringe)
• Sleeper trains (Interrail and China)
• Work with NGO – (Nepal, Created science experiments for the local teachers).
• Annapurna Circuit trek – 5400m plus.
• Night bus in Nepal from Pokhara to Kathmandu with an 8-hour wait – Once is more than enough. Zero is the right number here.
• Fly to see Mount Everest – Statistically safe to do it once, and perhaps carbon footprint is not so agreeable these days.
• Many UNESCO sites – People say these places are worth going.
• Driving in Iceland – visited as many swimming pools as I could.

So why did I travel?

My answer is simple, I wanted to find the best version of myself, which I did not know when I departed for Kathmandu, was to find the best version of myself. I recall at that time, I followed my instinct. So follow your instinct into whichever topic and enjoy every aspect. You will find the best version of yourself because that is part of you.

Final point, the most important part of travelling is to return home safely.