Next In Line

If I had my way, this would be my Asian travel list. Green represents those which I've already visited, yellow would be those next in line, and orange after that. The past two years have seen me blaze a backpacking trail through the Indochina Peninsula, with the exception of Laos which somehow got squeezed off the itenerary at the last minute.


Technically speaking, I've already stepped foot on Japanese and South Korean soil. My family and I used to stop over at Tokyo, and once in Seoul when we'd visit the USA back when I was young. I do remember visiting a samurai village and having my first encounter with snow back in the day. Nevertheless, the strong identity of these cultures calls to me strongly and this is something I'd like to experience personally, as an adult. Mongolia remains atop the list as well. The tales of Genghis Khan and his life, once read, are enough to fill anyone with a burning desire to see for himself the land that this great man tamed, as well as the way of life he imparted to the larger half of the planet. I imagine the wonder and amazement one would feel to be in the land of a man who rose up from hunting marmots to survive to be the leader of the largest contiguous empire in the world, not to mention establishing a government based on meritocracy and fathering.....about one out of every 200 men alive in the world today.

Plus, who wouldn't want a shot on a horse atop a mountain while hunting with a raptor?

I currently have reserved no timeline for my trips. For anyone who knows me, the list is already long enough. The Alps, a cross-continent South American motorcycle ride, a wildebeest run, as well as an Antarctic expedition still sadly remain unchecked. My vision of an traveler lifestyle is still incubating as a pipe dream. Perhaps one day, I shall explore the four corners of the globe. Until then I shall, to paraphrase a known quotation - keep my bow aimed for the stars.