WHY I’M GOING TO ASIA
I’ve wanted to write a “Why I’m Going” post since I started this blog a few months ago, but I’ve put it off until now because it’s been a hard subject to pin down.
Offhand, it’s easy to say my reasons are:
1. Because I want to, and
2. Why not?
I’m not a Type A, hammer-out-all-the-details sort of person, so those reasons are justification enough to hop on a plane, as far as I’m concerned.
But why is it so easy to just go off without much of a plan?
Two reasons.
1. I have nothing to lose.
That might sound like a bad thing, but I swear it’s not.
Earlier this year, I knew that just about everything in my life would be up for renewal in July. I needed to find a new place to live, because the lease was up on the house I was sharing with a couple of friends. I needed to find a new job, because things weren’t really working out. Plus, the feeling that I didn’t belong in Seattle was growing stronger by the day (though it is a great city). Several of my friends were moving away as well, and I didn’t have a boyfriend. I felt like a bored, stuck, miserable failure, until it occurred to me that since I had to start over anyway, I had the freedom to do anything I wanted. And that freedom was an unbelievable breath of fresh air – so much better than the idea of another job, a new apartment and more of Seattle’s questionable dating scene.
I believe this trip will take my life in a whole new direction – if I didn’t, I wouldn’t bother with it. But, let’s say for a moment that it doesn’t. Say I travel until I run out of money and have to return to the US. If that happens, I’ll be in exactly the same position I’m in now, except with a year or two of incredible adventure under my belt. I’ll be looking for a new city, a job, and a place to live – just like I’d have to now if I were staying in the States. But it would be worth it.
2. I can spend part of the trip working.
I learned the hard way that I need to do this.
Two years ago, I took a big trip through South America, drawing up ambitious plans to squeeze in as much adventure as humanly possible. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to go when I got back, but that little detail was easy to conveniently forget – until I got back to the States. Then I had to deal with the unfortunate reality of having spent absolutely every penny in my bank account. And I mean everything. At one point I walked to Starbucks, thinking of buying a latte, and had to walk out shamefully when I realized that I couldn’t afford one. So I had to stay at my parents’ house for a few months while I somehow got together enough work to get myself to Seattle – where I applied for jobs blindly and madly, panicking daily about finding a job in time to pay rent on the lease I’d signed.
I’m not doing that again.
At 26, like at 24, I have no idea what I’m going to do or where I’m going to end up. But, this time I know that the time it takes to figure that out needs to be spent working – and if I go to Asia, I have the option to get a working holiday visa in Australia or New Zealand. They last a year, so I can save up some money to fund the next step, whenever I figure out what the hell I’m going to do with my life. Knowing that I have a job (even a temporary one) on the other end of the trip takes the stress off.
What would your reasons be?
Callie – Love your blog! When does your Asia trip start? Where are you headed first? Tony and I just arrived in Bangkok yesterday and love it here! And you can totally stay in Asia for $30/day! It is amazing how cheap things are here. Anyways, keep in touch and let us know if you need any tips/recs from some other Asia newbies!
Thanks! I get to Kuala Lumpur in early October and from there I go to Thailand. Yes, let’s keep in touch – how long are you there?
i am shocked and appalled that your one and only reason is not ‘my lovely, talented, and engaging friend for life danielle is obsessed with asia, so it must be awesome.’ shocked…and appalled.
that is one reason, but i have to choose carefully which of your obsessions i copy, lest i end up with a tea cozy collection and a thing for anderson cooper.
These all sounds like valid reasons to me! Although I’m on my second year as an expat and everything American is sounding pretty good to me these days…maybe I just need to change countries! Good luck with the moving, planning, etc.
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When I was in South America I felt the same way – I would have given anything for a clothes dryer, air conditioning and some barbeque sauce! Two years back here has swung the pendulum in the other direction though, haha.
Good choice! We are exploring Asia after Europe in the next year or so before we head back home to NZ. Let us know when you will be in NZ
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I will, hopefully our paths will cross at some point!
Don’t worry too much about the reasons, just see where the road takes you and enjoy every minute of it!
Might see you in Australia (or somewhere in Asia if we head back there again soon)…
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I will
And, hopefully we’ll be on the same continent before too long – would be fun to meet up with you guys!
When I first saw this post headline, I thought it said “Why I’m going Asian” and I thought it was going to be about how you are becoming Asian since traveling in Asia… Alas that was not the case. But, maybe it is an article topic for you to consider! Your travels sound great! makes me want to go on a new trip!
Once you go Asian…hahaha. If that ever happens, I’ll write it up. I still think you should come visit – a new trip is definitely in order!