Round The World Tips And Lessons, Part II

Water falls near Greymouth, New Zealand.

This is Part II of my round the world (RTW) trip tips and lessons. For me, many of them also apply to life in general. As with part I, they are in no particular order or ranking. 

Round The World Tips And Lessons, Part I

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RTW, RTW trip

I’ve indicated in previous posts, that most RTW trips suggested by Lonely Planet and other RTW web sites recommend at least 6 months to a year for a RTW trip. However, my RTW trip encompassed 4 months, with 10 countries visited, and I spent no more than 3 weeks visiting each country (2), with most being 2 weeks (7), and one country, Malaysia, I was there for only 3 days. Whew! I’m tired just reading that. 🙂

How The Hell Do You Summarize A Round The World Trip?

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round the world trip, RTW trip

In New Zealand.

I have been reflecting on that very question since I returned home May 14th and frankly, I still don’t have the answer. This may or may not be my final post. I don’t know yet. I’ve also contemplated what to do with this blog. Specifically, will the blog take a different form? Maybe. 

Some (Post) Round The World Trip Thoughts

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Denver, France, Iceland, Louvre museum, Paris

Louvre Pyramid.

I still have jet lag and I’ve been back in Denver, Colorado for 2 days now. Essentially, the symptom of not being able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights tells me a couple of things: 1. Besides jet lag, I have a lot on my mind, especially completing my 2012 taxes (more on this in a bit); and, 2. A persistent headache likely due to not being acclimatized to Denver’s altitude is going to stick around for a few more days.

My Remedy For Wishing I Was Back In The “World”

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Air Force, Alle, Cammeth, Carnival, chocolate, Coffee, Cotacachi, Ecuador, family, Francesca, friends, hotel, La Mariscal, military, Otavalo, Quito, World

Alle and I

In the Air Force, I was a member of a “Crash/Fire” medical rescue team and stationed overseas. Frequently, we would get home sick and talk longingly of the “World,” as in “I can’t wait until I get back to the World.”  Of course, we weren’t talking about Mars or another planet in the solar system, but about the United States of America. Or more specifically, about where we lived.  Home sweet home. Anyone who was in the military probably knows what I am talking about. Moreover, for many of us in the military, including myself, this was the first time away from home, as well as traveling outside the United States. 

Weird Toilet Phenomena And Other Bon Mots At The Equator In Quito, Ecuador

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Ecuador, equator, gravity, Intinan Solar Museum, Mitad del Mundo, museum, Quito, travel

At lunch prior to visiting 2 Equator museums

Quito is a remarkable city with many things to do and see; and after a week there (March, 2012), I knew it was time to visit the equator.  I went with my new friends, Jacco and Tamara, whom I had met the previous day in Quito.  They were from Holland (Netherlands) and they were quite cool.  However, I hate it when foreigners speak better English than I do.  Grin. 

Pictures Do Tell A Story

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Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America, dive, diving, eel, master diver, Nurse shark, SCUBA, sea turtle, travel

Playing “tag” with sharks

A few years ago, I spent almost two weeks in Belize with my friend, Katie. Frankly, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had, especially the daily SCUBA diving in the azure crystal clear waters of Ambergris Caye.  Each morning, we would go beyond the barrier reef that outlines the island and do two dives.  One morning mid-way through our vacation, during our first dive we saw all sorts of aquatic life, including some very large green eels, as well as a few sea turtles.

At Quepos, Costa Rica Beach With Friends

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Beach, Central America, Costa Rica, Quepos, South America, travel

While back packing Central and South America in February, 2012, I spent time in Quepos, Costa Rica. These are some new friends I met while there. Bob gave me the nick name “Rambo.” Grin.

Costa Rica Raccoons Chowing Down On Dinner

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Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park, racoons

A family of Costa Rica raccoons tipping over a trash can at Manuel Antonio National Park and chowing down. Hey Ma! We eat again!

Costa Rican Monkey Just Hangin’ Around

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Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park, monkey, travel

A Costa Rican Monkey I filmed at Manuel Antonio National Park. You have to be careful with these rascals, because they will take your stuff if you are not paying attention, especially when you are swimming in the ocean – they like to grab your stuff on the beach and disappear into the jungle. HAHAHA!