It's strange how it feels as if I've been away for months on end, yet at the same time it's flown so quickly. Singapore seems like forever ago to me right now and I'm already struggling to remember those first few stops! Good thing I have my blog posts to look back on, although right now it'll only make my sad as I sit here in the airport waiting to go home.
Deciding to do this trip was the best decision I could have made, and my only regret is that I didn't make it that bit longer. But, I have an AML exam to study for and I can't keep avoiding life forever. Although I didn't really expect to have an epiphany while I was away, I did hope to be a little clearer on what I want to do and where I want to go in life. Well, I know where I want to go. More countries!
Thought I'd finish off by answering some common questions I've been asked throughout my trip.
What has been your favourite country?
I've loved each and every country I've visited, but all for very different reasons. Sometimes it's been the company that has made a particular place enjoyable, sometimes it's the culture or the scenery. But for me, nothing compares to Japan. The food, the people, the vibe. It's the place where I felt the happiness and had the best time (mainly due to Bec, Jen and Andrew).
What's it like to travel alone?
When people hear I'm travelling alone, the most popular reaction is that of shock and surprise followed by 'I don't think I could do that'. I think everybody has it in them to travel alone, and they should, because it's a completely different experience. You meet so many great people that you wouldn't otherwise have met. I'll never stop travelling alone, even when I'm married (if that ever happens!)
What would I have done differently?
If I were to do it all again, I'd be more flexible. My route and all my stops were planned out and there was very little wiggle room. But the problem is you meet people that suggest different places that you hadn't known about or thought of. Although it would be a struggle for me as a planner, I think it would have lead to a completely different experience. The only other thing I wish I did would have been to slow down and appreciate it a bit more. I guess it's tough to do that when I had so many places to visit and so little time. I look back at some of my photos and think, wow that was incredible I can't believe I was actually there.
What have you learnt about yourself?
Honestly, at this point in my life I'd say I already know myself pretty well, the good traits and the bad. I already knew I was angry, irritable and impatient and that I'd get pissed off with some of the cultures here! I would say though that I've surprised myself in terms of the foods I have eaten. Hard to believe I used to be incredibly fussy as a child.
What's the first thing you'll do when you get home?
Give Marie a big hug (she's picking me up from the airport). Given I get home around 0730 I'm looking forward to cooking myself eggs, avocado and bacon. You can't get a decent breakfast in Asia! I'll also probably hug my wardrobe since I've missed it so much. Living out of a backpack and wearing 4 or 5 outfits on rotation is a pain in the ass. Then I have a LOT of tv shows to catch up on! And I probably should drag my ass back to the gym...
My flight is now boarding so that's it for my final blog of the trip. But don't worry, this will not be the last of tinyhandsontour.
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