First note, 2007

I had been planning to travel the world for more than 4 years and I always had some reason holding me back. Given my upbringing and work-life that could seem strange (see About me Contact page). Gradually, I realized that most of these reasons were self-made obstacles and it basically just came down, like in most things, to mastering my fear, ignoring others and living my life as I wanted to.

Most concerns people have, and I was not dissimilar, with the idea of dropping everything and travelling after a significant work experience are the classic fears of (i) managing financial needs and a possibly "successful" career which is just starting, (ii) dealing with expectations of friends, colleagues and family to, amongst others, buy a house, start a family, etc., and (iii) leaving behind friends, loved ones and fear of being alone.

Looking back, in 2007 various serendipitous events and people I met contributed (mostly involuntarily) to give me the necessary courage to take the "step over the edge". On the work front, I had been able to finally convince myself that I was always going to  be fine no-matter what and that the world was full of opportunities to succeed career wise if you really wanted to - today and tomorrow. I am confident that I could always "drop back into the system". Dealing with expectations of others became easier each day I saw my friends and acquaintances settle for a "normal" life which I realized I didn't want - I guess I concluded that nothing extraordinary was going to happen to me in the subway in London... Travelling alone and being alone was the one issue I had to grapple most with and I had always kept my hopes up that some day someone would come along who would share my desire for a very long journey - but one day it hit me: I had been in London for 7 years now and in that time I had been unable to find people like that. In fact, very few I had met truly "inspired me". It was clear to me that I would be more likely to meet incredible people on my journey.

So here we are. I have sold everything I own. Purchased an expedition vehicle and am heading for a very long journey. I am not sure what I will find along the way, but I am certain I will never be the same again after that trip and I hope you will be able to follow some of my stories through this website...