Apr 2007

As many of you know, I have just completed a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Engineering. Many people have been asking me: "What are your summer plans?", "Where are you going to work?" and "Do you want to play squash on Tuesday?" (well that last question was only from AnnaK).

I have been getting kind of tired answering questions relating to my future career. While I am excited about my future job as a an analyst in a technology consulting group within a consulting firm, what really excites me is the idea of not doing any studying or work. I've also been wanting to travel again for an extended period which I haven't been able to since my European Expedition 2003 and West Coast 2004. As a result, I'm taking a break from everything and plan on taking a little trip, around the World.

Numerous comments and questions have been posed to me with my answers such as:

• Why take so many months off and travel so much of the world?

  Because once I start my consulting job, I'll be working 40-70 work weeks and dedicating myself fully to the job. I don't get many vacations so it'll be hard to get away and I'm not content just traveling Europe. Europe is only a small piece of the world and I want to experience it as much as I can!
  

• Why are you traveling to Africa, Middle East, South America, etc..? Isn't it unsafe? Why don't you just travel Europe?

  While it is riskier to travel in Africa, Middle East and South America, it's not as dire as a lot of people think. Yes, many of these countries are not developed, there are higher incidence of muggings and toilet facilities consist of a hole in the ground, or just a provision of toilet paper and a shovel. However, it's an adventure. To me, you don't live unless you've risked. Like in economics, the higher the risk, the higher the potential profits.
  

• Why are you doing that now Why don't you save up some money and do it in a few years when you have more?

  Well you see, even though I only have 4 months, which I had to fight really hard for, it's still better to do this trip now rather than years down the road. I remember meeting numerous travelers/backpackers on my European Expedition and they all told me to do it while I'm young. When you are older, it's harder for you to take risks, harder to travel in hostels with a bunch of young kids and not in the comfort of your AC single hotel room. Also, traveling to certain of the riskier parts are impossible with a wife/kids/girlfriend/sick dog left at home. And so, before I get tied down, I need to go out and see the world!
  

• How are you getting the money to fund this trip?

  A lot of savings. I've saved a lot of money from the past two summers from my summer job as well as working as Project Manager for a course in University. In my last year, I was also a Resident Assistant and did not need to pay rent, utilities and groceries. It's amazing how much you can save if you have a plan and discipline.
  

So, let's get to The Plan(tentative):

Duration: May 27, 2007 - September 22, 2007
Start/End Location: Toronto
Regions: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia (SE and East), Australasia/Oceanie, South America
Transportation: Star Alliance 39,000 mile RTW Ticket, RyanAir, EasyJet, regional airlines, train, bus, etc..
Lodgings: Hostels primarily, hotels every few weeks and more frequently in cheaper areas (SE Asia), friends places in certain cities.

Destinations(countries, tentative):

• Ireland
  
• Germany
  
• Poland
  
• Czech Republic
  
• Greece
  
• Italy
  
• Spain
  
• Morocco
  
• Kenya
  
• Tanzania
  
• Uganda
  
• India
  
• Thailand
  
• Cambodia
  
• Vietnam
  
• Taiwan
  
• Japan
  
• Korea
  
• Australia
  
• New Zealand
  
• Easter Island
  
• Chile
  
• Peru
  
• Bolivia
  
• Argentina
  
• Brazil
  
• Costa Rica
  

Must-sees/dos:

• Visit the Guinness Brewery, Dublin, Ireland
  
• Visit Warsaw, Auschwitz, Poland
  
• Visit Vatican city
  
• Visit Hagia Sophia and go to a Tapas Bar in Spain
  
• Camel trek, Morocco
  
• Safari trip to see the Serengeti in Tanzania/Kenya
  
• Visit the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel
  
• Taj Mahal, India
  
• Visit relatives and eat great local food, Taiwan
  
• Take a bullet train ride, Japan
  
• Eat Kim chi, Korea
  
• Hiking, New Zealand
  
• Hike Machu Picchu, Peru
  
• Eat famous Argentinean beef, Argentina
  
• Visit Salt Plains, Bolivia
  
• Party in Rio de Janeiro