I did not even realize it until it had already happened. How could I have completely overlooked this significant personal milestone?
It was a muggy November afternoon at the very decadent high tea of the Shangri-La when it dawned on me; here I was in Bangkok, the official spot that brought me full circle all the way around the world! In 2006, I ventured on a trip westward with my dear friend Seeta visiting India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. On this most recent trip traveling through Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand I had now arrived via the east. I had officially circled the globe!!
This was a defining moment for me. For someone who is passionate about international travel, I actually felt like I was legit now. I genuinely could say I have “been around the world” because I had! This may not seem like a big deal to some people, and to others it might be a cool stat, but this really did mean something to me. On a deeper level, I understood and appreciated how lucky I am to have the freedom and means to travel and experience other cultures; the opportunity to indulge in new adventures, foreign cuisines and interactions with local citizens. But probably the most important of all, and as cliché as it sounds, are the insights I’ve learned about myself; the good (attention to detail with trip planning), the bad (cranky when really hungry) and the ugly (zero tolerance for bugs and small critters in my living space). And I learn more and more about all three of those characteristics, as well as others, with each international (and even domestic!) trip I take. Continue reading