It’s been 5 years since my last big adventure. Before embarking on my teaching career in South East Asia I backpacked through the horn of Africa and explored the northern Somalian state of Somaliland. I learned a lot about a unique part of the world after studying about it during my degree work. On February… Continue reading
Category: Travel Inspiration
Wake up Mr. Joe, time to write!
There’s a big hole in my website between when I settled down in Indonesia until now. For some reason I can never keep up the motivation for writing when I’m sedentary. It is so much easier to write when I’m on the road sitting at a guesthouse in some strange city. The one thing I… Continue reading
Responding to the “You’re so lucky!” comments
When I tell people I am teaching English in a foreign country many people respond with, “Wow, you’re so lucky!” They are right, but for the wrong reason. They assume that somehow I luckily happened upon a lottery in which the winner gets to travel the world and live anywhere they want. Well, no… that… Continue reading
A look back on 2011 and ahead to 2012
The last couple of years have been some of the best of my life so far. 2010 saw the completion of my BA from University, my 30th birthday and the breaking free of a job I didn’t like but kept at for the entire decade. I managed to complete my degree in the amount of… Continue reading
Don’t believe anything you see, read or hear
I just came across this quote this morning and thought it was worth sharing. I’m not Buddhist nor do I want to convert but there is no denying some incredibly insightful words from the Buddha. “Don’t blindly believe what I say. Don’t believe me because others convince you of my words. Don’t believe anything you… Continue reading
Avoid the ‘Phoid
It’s the first question people usually ask when I tell them I’m heading overseas again. “Did you get all your shots?” It’s as if they think I’m just jumping into this carefree and irresponsibly. How dare people question my planning and research? How dare people ask me such a silly inane question? The nerve of… Continue reading
5 Things I’m Going to Miss
The last time I left the country for a long period of time proved that no matter how tough I try to convince myself that I am, I truly miss family and friends when I travel. So, putting the obvious aside for just a moment, these are some things I’m going to miss when I’m… Continue reading
Geography Lesson!
I understand not everyone has a passion for geography like I do, but I feel that a pretty basic understanding of the political and topographical lay out of our planet is important to have. Some of you may be fellow travelers and geography nuts who are are reading for inspiration or trip research purposes but… Continue reading
1 Week to Go
I can’t believe it is only a week away. As slowly as the last month and a half has gone by, it feels like I’m now being unexpectedly shoved forward into my plans. Am I ready? Honestly, I never feel as though I’ve covered everything. I always have this unnerving feeling that I’m forgetting something… Continue reading
The Middle East?
Not much to update right now. I just wanted to check in. I’ve been spending time with family and friends and relaxing. The planning for the trip portion of my journey is pretty much finished and I just have a few loose ends to tie up before I leave. I’ve decided to add the Middle… Continue reading