Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with this world or the people who live in it. I understand that every man is for himself. But money is not everything. And it certainly doesn't bring you ultimate happiness. It's almost impossible to lead a simple life in today's world as everything is tangled up with money and greed. Everyone strives to be filthy rich. And seldom anyone sets a goal to be happy as if wealth stands for lifetime achievements.
Of course everyone's circumstance is different. What I need in order to sustain my lifestyle is different from everyone else. But it's never enough for most folks. When you reach a certain level of status, you want to go higher. It's never ending 'til the day you leave it all behind. And then what?
It's been great to visit 6 different countries in the last 3 months. Since most of them are metropolitan cities the basic elements are similar. However, it's the people / culture / views on life / values / lifestyle that make the difference. It's interesting to see how people in other parts of the world lead their lives. When you set foot in a foreign land you become humble. You realize how insignificant you might be in the whole wide world.
When it comes to traveling with others, it is obvious that some are well-traveled than others. While in Japan, I couldn't help notice how dreadful and boring my traveling mate is. And he was a nervous wreck the whole time, worrying about us getting lost. I never knew anyone who loved the information desk as much as he did. Whenever an information desk appeared he had to go up there even though he didn’t have any inquiry. It’s almost like he’s on a quest to hit as many information booths as possible. I don't mind getting lost. Who knows what I'm going to find when I'm trying to find my way. Unless I'm tired and hungry, that's the worst time to be lost.
For Thailand / Australia I was with a girlfriend whom I met thru work. And traveling together totally changed my perceptions about her. She was uptight and stubborn - her way or the highway. I don't know anyone who travels to tropical vacation spots in full-length jeans, under 30c hot weather. She didn't want to tan or allow her skin to get any color. And yet she wanted to visit the beach. Once we made it to the beach, she took off her jeans, spread it on the sand and lied down on it, wearing a spaghetti strap top and her boy short underwear. I kid you not. Trust me that is very beyond me too. We didn't clash or anything during our trip together. These are merely my observations.
Hong Kong & Macau - this trip is to visit a friend who used to live in Taiwan and had to move back home in HK for family matters. He promised to take me to all the good places to eat if I get myself there. So I brought another girlfriend to tag along since I was under the impression that she and my friend in Hong Kong are somewhat interested in each other. She's a few years younger than me and probably looks up to me as an older sister. So she pretty much followed my lead the whole time. On our way back to Taiwan she did make a comment about how relaxed and easygoing I am on the road, much to her surprise.
All in all traveling does broaden my horizon and I enjoy being on the road and surrounded by different sceneries. Traveling puts me in different perspectives on things in life. I feel grounded after every trip and learn to appreciate living in Taiwan more so than every before. It makes me realize that there are more answers than just one in every question. It’s always better to be objective than subjective. Not every WHY is paired up with logical explanations. It’s simply the way it is; it can’t be rationalized and makes no sense at all. Often time there’s no absolute right or wrong in everything. Furthermore, I’m so fortunate to have my family and friends and lead a lifestyle that I love and truly enjoy!
