The thrill of exporation
Many people work day after day after day and dream of getting out of the rut of a life that seems routine. They dream of far off places in Asia, Europe, South America or well, anywhere that isn't home.
And I totally understand the wanderlust
I've done a lot of travelling and I've spent a lot of hours standing behind a pharmacy counter. However I've spent the last two and a half months travelling. I've been in the Philippines, in Indonesia, in Malaysia, in Singapore with flights upcoming to Bali and then Japan. Honesty it is very interesting learning about different cultures, different lifestyles, tasting different foods and seeing different sights.
I've experienced the chaos that is Manila. A city that is bursting with life and has so many people its hard to escape the crowds. The noise of the horns as cars fight through traffic and pedestrians weave their way through the cars.
I've experienced Jakarta. A city with even more people than Manila but with more space so that greenery can be seen. But unlike the shorts that are common in Manila they bundle up. Covering on their heads, long pants, and very modest attire. A city where prayer rooms are almost as common as washrooms. Where you can't find pork virtually anywhere in the city and where people drive on the left side of the road.
A picture taken from my trip to Jakarta
I've experienced Kuala Lumpur. I've seen the Batu Caves with their many steps and colourful Hindu shrines. With their tropical parks and rich history in the spice trade and beyond. A city where virtually every meat dish in a restaurant is either chicken or goat because pork is forbidden by the Muslim and beef sacred to the Hindu.
Image taken from my trip to Batu Caves
I've experienced Singapore. A city with a rich heritage very much linked to Malaysia but different because of post world war 2 politics. A city of punishment for those who break the law. However, for those who follow it there is strong home ownership, clean streets, light traffic, vibrant economy and an advanced building scheme that makes everything very livable.
A picture I took in Singapore before the Water Dance show nearby
But I miss home
However, after two and a half months away I'm really beginning to miss home. The routine of getting up in the morning to walk the dog and enjoying the trip around the park. Knowing where all the best places to eat in town are. Where the best deals can be found on food. Knowing what places are good to visit and which ones are tourist traps. Being able to go to church and have it in a language I understand.
At home chillin' with the dog.
Seeing the same familiar faces in the same familiar places.
Honestly you never know what you have until it is gone
But what next?
The world has changed since the time I started this vacation.
When I left on my vacation the United States was a very enticing place to visit as a Canadian. However, Trump's tariffs and the resulting uncertainty in the world have made everything different.
The United States is now a place where I can't go without the thought of being detained at the border and having very bad things happen if I can't produce my passport and valid entry stamp in a random check by immigration.
Japan and Europe have become more expensive because of money leaving the USA and going to other safe haven currencies. However, even before that many places in Europe such as Barcelona have been over touristed and many places are charging extra taxes on foreigners coming to visit.
Indeed in the Philippines Callao caves charges tourist 3x the local rate. The same for the Orchid Garden here in Singapore. I've also heard that Japan is going to be introducing different prices for foreigners at different sites around the country. Too many visitors and too few different places they want to see.
No offense to Africa or South America but they are seen as "scary" for westerners like myself. Australia is awesome...but expensive. China is gorgeous but there is always the "What If" I get caught up in the middle of some international incident.
Honestly There is something to be said for just staying at home!
But maybe I should finish the loop
Now having said that I've seen a lot of South East Asia on this trip. However we are not going to see Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam. Taiwan and China (or maybe just China and the territory of Taiwan depending who you ask) also didn't happen.
So, after learning about half of the area perhaps I should follow up by seeing the other half next time I head out?
Or maybe I should just stay in Canada and see it. I've only visited the Western half so maybe I should see the Eastern half of my own country before I strike out to see more of the world.
As I'm currently on vacation its still way too early to figure out where I'm going next. Perhaps a road trip across Canada with my wife to see parts of Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Perhaps I'll head with my wife to see the unexplored parts of South East Asia. Or depending on geopolitical issues or even just finances things could change to places I haven't yet considered.
Any other ideas on where I should head next? Perhaps eastern Europe (provided Russia and Ukraine cools off). Maybe the middle east (if Israel, Iran and other things cool off). Perhaps Egypt, Morocco or maybe just be adventurous and head into other parts of Africa?
The world is a very big place with lots of options and if I always look at the scary I could miss out on some beautiful places. Then again, ignoring the risk could land me in trouble.
End result: I've enjoyed this trip. Looking forward to the next.... and always open to good ideas in the comments.
Thanks for reading.