Coffee Break

For those who noticed my check-in on facebook at SFO, there was no small bit of surprise and puzzlement as to why I was apparently in California. I was lucky enough to make a ten day detour back to the homeland for a family reunion in Hawaii and my sister’s wedding in Napa. Tokyo-San Francisco-Kona-San Francisco-Tokyo-Hong Kong, all on frequent flyer miles. More about miles another time.  

 

 

After two months on the world adventure, and having about ten days to relax without having to find a place to sleep every night, I’ve done some reflection on the first stages of my journey.

Things that have gone well

Equipment: My equipment situation has been fantastic. I haven’t met anyone yet with less gear than I have, and most people have WAY more than me. My Osprey Farpoint 55 Liter Travel Pack has been stellar. When zipping off the day pack and zipping up the primary backpack straps, the main pack essentially becomes a duffel which is JUST small enough to carry on along with the day pack – meaning I never have to check bags. Not only have I packed light, but the gear itself has been perfect. Just the right amount of clothing and equipment have made packing and moving easy and convenient, a major plus.

Connections: For those who have been following along, making connections has obviously been a highlight. I’ve been able to meet and connect with some great people who have really made the adventure so far.

Being Chris Healy: When you’re traveling the world alone, you get to choose who you are every day. While there are plenty things about myself I want to change and improve, there are also things that will never change. So far on this adventure, to put it simply and frankly: I’ve been happy with who I am.

Things that haven’t gone so well

Having a plan: I’ve not really had a plan in most of the places I’ve been to so far. It’s been getting there, showing up and figuring out where I’m staying. Beyond that, I’ve had to figure it out on the fly from there. I think I’ll enjoy the experience more with a better idea of what I’m going to do once I get there.

Spending money: First few countries were not good on the travel budget (although they were three of the most expensive countries in the world).

I need to spend more time learning the things I want to learn.

Why do I still have such a never-ending to-do list? I thought it was going to be simpler. I still need to figure this out.

Things I’ve learned

I won’t claim that I’ve mastered these things, but I’ve certainly gotten better at each:

• Becoming more self-sufficient
• How to figure things out
• Saving money
• Arriving in a new country
• Making things easier on myself
• Awareness
• Watching out for trouble

Things I want to get better at and things I want to learn 

Here are some things I need to get better at:

• Writing more consistently
• Working on and improving my website
• Spending time learning
• Spending time working on plans for the future
• Planning ahead
• Knowing where I’m going

I’ve also thought a lot about the things that I want to learn, be able to do, or accomplish, both during this year and in life. I’ve started keeping a list of these. To be developed further, here is the first draft:

• Learn to play the piano
• (Re)learn and practice enough Spanish to communicate
• Get a pilot’s license
• Do 20 pull-ups
• Swim underwater for one minute
• Have a vacation home on a mountain

Looking ahead

Coming up over the next two months are Hong Kong and Beijing, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Just for fun, I’ve started compiling a new photo album for “Repping It” (thanks mom)

Life was easy for the past ten days. Back to survival mode..