You seem like the coolest person ever. I came across your post on quora and got redirected here. You were very courageous to continue such a long trip around Asia! Were you scared? Was a lot of it spontaneous and unplanned? I've been to quite a few places too, but they were rigidly scheduled. I would like to take a long adventurous trip sometime as well. How was it, mixing with the locals in all your destinations? I also read that you're working on a novel. I'll surely read it.
First, thank you!
Yes, I was terrified before leaving. I remember anxiously worrying about every detail I couldn’t control. It was mostly unfounded and the word “control” became laughable the more I journeyed, but it was my reality before setting out.
Apart from the train trip from London to Shanghai, which required planning for visas and stops along the way, much of it was left open. I had ideas of where I wanted to go, but lack of planning allowed serendipity to move me forward.
There was a strong focus on doing “local” things and hanging with “locals” but in the end, learning to travel with an open heart, I met the right people at the right times, regardless of where they were from. I realised that we’re all just humans who’ve accidentally ended up in different parts of this tiny blue dot.
I’ll be sure to let you know once the novel is out next year!