Travel

Does the title ring a bell? Around the World on 80 days was a novel by Jules Verne published first in 1873 about Phileas Fogg, a rich British gentleman that took up a bet to travel the world. Since air travel didn't exist until the early 1900's he had to complete the journey via road and sea only. Phileas spent half his fortune traveling across 6 countries - Starting from London, Egypt, India, HonKong, Japan and US. In today's world, you could probably complete this trip in less than two weeks, including some sightseeing!!!

Explore The World

A journey around the world is on my bucket list and it would probably last at least 8 months or more as I would like to experience each country and city  I visit and immerse in it's culture. They say, you can experience the true joy of visiting any country is staying just like the locals, eating in niche restaurants or street side, meeting new people and simply blending in. All of these are usually difficult when you are on a quick business trip or vacationing with family. You are usually rushing from one place to another between work meetings or trying to capture a shot or two of every tourist hotspot that you saw on your friends social media post.

While I can claim that I have visited almost two dozen countries (thanks to my work), I don't have many vivid memories of truly experiencing them - Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Japan, China, S. Korea, India, Mauritius, UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, Czech, Brazil, Mexico & Canada to name a few. However, I do recall certain aspects of each country that are forever etched in memory like my trip to the forbidden city or the June Bug in Stockholm (yes, it's a real drink), my staple Kimchi in Seoul, Becherovka in Prague or simply browsing through Akihabara in Tokyo. One should take every opportunity you get to at least explore a new city, a new country - even if it is only for a couple of hours. You never know when you will return!

Altitude Therapy:

Do you ever feel at peace when you are on an airplane traveling at 00's of mph above 30,000 feet? To me it has always been my ZEN like moments. While most folks traveling for work would be consumed with their to do lists, catching up on emails or presentations they have to give when they land, or watch a movie, I often take the few hours to read (Yes, my Kindle goes with me everywhere) or just back and reflect on my life or my future self. It's a personal space where you are on your own with no distractions to be truly mindful and creative. Often times when I get buried in a rut with work or personal issues, I look forward to my short breaks where I can experience what I refer to as "Altitude Therapy". Experience it yourself the next time you fly...

Back to my Bucket List?

Yes, traveling around the world in 80 days or more is on my bucket list for sure. While it would be great to have company along, I don't mind doing it all by myself either. It will need a lot of planning and savings of course as well as a break from my work and personal life to witness and explore deep rooted history, culture, cuisine and nature. Am giving myself a few years before I set on this journey and will maintain a log of my travels here. I recently completed an unexpected solo trip to Costa Rica and I am simply in love with this place. Besides being one of the 5 Blue Zones around the world (Nicoya, Guanacaste), it is the most magnificent place on earth with a true affinity to nature. Someday, I will return and will be writing a separate blog on this for sure. Meanwhile, I will continue my mini-travels on work or pleasure and take some time to see a new place with mindfulness!

What about you? What's on your bucket list of travels? Share your stories and dreams in your third life...