Whoa! We're halfway there, whoa! Livin' on a Prayer!

So I've been writing a lot recently due to my abundance of time. It's coincided with my halfway mark of my trip and this is a good time to reflect.

The Good: So much to mention from the people I've met (travelers and locals), the things I've seen, the experiences that I've had and lessons learned. All of the above have made me a more enriched person. From mopeding on Hvar, going to a refugee camp in Palestine, seeing Auschwitz, food from different countries and cultures, being under the stars surrounded by new friends and wild animals, it's all been amazing.

The Bad: A few to name and they include movies I've seen on the trip, paying extra sometimes as a single/late planner, being mistaken for Japanese/Chinese/Korean or even worst, American. Annoying touts/salesmen.

The Ugly: A few minor one such as the lack of reliable/accessible internet (we take it for granted). Lack of private space in many hostels. Lack of clean facilities and the heightened danger of traveling alone.
But most of all, it's the loneliness. Ones you feel even when you're surrounded by people or even in huge populated cities. While I'm a very independent person and I like being by myself many a times, "No man's an island."
I've been lucky in making some friends along the way (which does not come natural to me) but it makes it even more difficult to leave. The hardest part about traveling alone is the loneliness that comes with missing family and friends, old and new. But there's an easy solution: Like a bad hangover, get some more (beers and friends!)

Some of the things I've learned:

• The world is crazy with complex issues. But inherently, most people only want simple things: egality, freedom, prosperity, a future for their children and most of all peace.

• There is no greater fear than fear itself. The most dangerous animal in Africa is not a lion, snake, spider, croc, etc. It is Man itself.

• No matter how much society or humanity has progressed, it can revert back to barbarism and cruelty in a flash. Those who have the moral courage must take a lead in such prevention.

• There is so much to see/learn in this world that its endless but one must keep striving to enrich one's life!
  

Some of the things I've learned about myself:

• Damn I read fast!
  
• Man I hate the water and I'm a terrible swimmer
  
• I must be slightly masochistic since I like to make myself do things that are challenging and make my life difficult for myself (like diving when I hate swimming)
  
• I still love space and flight
  
• I have terrible flirting skills
  
• I've learned a lot about how to be more social, communicative than since I traveled 4 years ago on my last big trip.
  
• I really should learn how to dance (simple: Lessons with Dave Chesser)
  

Movies seen: Rater 1-10, 10 being the best.

• Last King of Scotland (8)
  
• Blades of Glory (7)
  
• Unknown titled Turkish space movie (1)
  
• Littleman in Turkish (1.5)
  
• Ripley's Game (4)
  
• Leelo and Stitch 2 (3)
  
• Amazing Grace (8.5)
  
• Freedom Writers (6.5)
  
• The Fountain (4) (I hate Hugh Jackman)
  
• Nigerian exorcist movie (1.25)
  

Books read:

• Grapes of Wrath
  
• Children of Hurien
  
• For Whom the Bell Tolls
  
• Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
  
• Mine Boy
  
• Velocity
  

People I've met up with:

• Rhett
  
• Andrew and Dana
  
• Martin
  
• Baris
  
• Catherine
  
• Thomas