On to Year Two...

Wow. It's been a year since I left Canada. Where has the year gone? Honestly, it feels like I just left. Maybe that's because we live in such a connected world now, that I am in daily touch with friends back home, so I don't feel the homesickness that would be normal for such a long time away.

I look back on what my plans were, when I left Vancouver at the end of October 2008. I had dreams of having a successful life in Asia, with a fulfilling career and comfortable home (none of which I have yet). But a lot has changed since then. Is it because I've become more aware of the reality of living abroad? Have I grown and changed a lot? Maybe some of each.

Sure, it's been a great year. I've seen much of the SE Asia that was new to me, and I've met many wonderful people who have become great friends. And I've spent a lot of money. It's not easy to live without a steady income when you are traveling. Hotels and restaurants and flights cost a lot. Over the last 12 months, I've been to 12 countries and taken 30 flights. But I have no regrets. I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to do this again. I would do some things a little differently, but I would still do this.

Currently, I am residing in Bangkok. Thailand is pretty cheap to live in, even when paying the tourist prices. I rent a small apartment in the Silom area of Bangkok. It's nothing fancy, but it offers all I need in an apartment. It's close to most of the things I need on a daily basis (food, coffee, laundry, liquor). There is a professional photo lab nearby, and a post office next to me. What more do I need?

Bangkok will be my home for the next little while, while I sort things out. I am shooting lots, and still enjoying my time in Thailand. I have to figure out some issues with Visas still, but I think I can work that out. I still don't have any solid plans to return to Canada just yet. I don't think it's time.