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UPDATE:  TAKING IT EASY IN ISTANBUL

28/9/2015

5 Comments

 
Picture
New Mosque (Yeni Camii), Istanbul at sunset.  An epic view to top-off an epic trip.
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T plus 140 - Istanbul

I'm finally at the end of my journey - 140 days after starting out from Shanghai at the other end of the Asian continent.  I'll work out the exact distances over the next couple of days and publish something more substantial, but I roughly estimate that I've traveled over 20,000km over road and rail in maybe a hundred buses/trains/shared taxis.  I've stayed in over 50 different hotels/hostels/camp sites.  And my camera counter tells me that I've taken more than 12,000 photographs.

I admit that I am a little disappointed that I didn't manage to get into Iraq and was rejected outright by the-country-which-shall-not-be-named, and in the end I decided not to risk going to Syria.  But as I recollect the experiences I've had over the past few months, I realise that the hits far outnumber the misses.  And just like in life, all the gains in the world don't mean anything unless you've lost a little in the process.  I feel profoundly fortunate to have mingled and munched my way through 11 countries, enlightened by every different person and plate I've encountered.  

I look back at the period of indecision earlier this year before committing to this trip and I wonder what made me think so hard for so long.  In retrospect it should have been the easiest decision I've ever had to make.  They say the best possible investment of time and money is on education, and that's exactly what this trip represents for me.  The insights and memories I have gained from this experience will always serve as cherished references to the rare occasion I chose life over work.  Going forward, I believe it will give me better perspective on arriving at a more meaningful balance between the two.

This blog has added a whole new dimension to my travels.  It gave me purpose, direction and discipline throughout the trip.  It provided an avenue for me to share my writings and photography with my friends.  It compelled me to do an inordinate amount of background reading and fact-checking.  And I hope it will serve as a source of inspiration for others who are planning trips of their own.  In time, perhaps it will inspire me to embark on another adventure to a different part of the world!
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I'll be hanging out in Istanbul for the next week or so.  This is a beautiful place to reflect on the journey I've been on, and to process what I've learnt along the way.  I haven't stopped taking photos though, and will be posting a long-overdue blog on Istanbul soon.
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5 Comments
Debbie Ooi
29/9/2015 05:18:07 am

Incredible blog, Sze Ming. I've kept up with you from day 1 and it's been a pleasure to follow you through this wonderful journey. Your approach has been so thorough, vigilant and considerate - I am in complete awe. I agree with everything you've said on this post and I draw the same revelations on my on travels. My galavanting these past 3 months have also shown me there is a balance to be struck between life and work. And that the reward for going forward with courage and eyes (heart) wide open is far greater than the fear of the unknown. Congratulations, old friend. Looking forward to witnessing your next chapter.

Reply
Neoh
30/9/2015 04:19:12 am

Dear Debs, it's so nice to hear from you again! Thanks very much for the kind words. I'm so glad that you're having a blast on your own adventure. Taking time off and meeting people of the same wavelength has really put things into perspective for me. The fact is that there is so much more to life than being consumed by work.

A big part of this trip has been (re)learning how to discover new things and fresh experiences. The feeling of awe and wonder we encounter is something we have far too little of in our daily routines. The solution, of course, is to break from the routine every once in a while! Such a revelation it has been :)

Take care on your trip and travel safe always.

Reply
Suef
30/9/2015 01:08:41 pm

Hey Neoh,

Firstly, congratulations on completing your travels and not giving up when it got rough. Your blog has been inspiring and everything about taking time off to travel and new experiences, work / life balance is spot on. Enjoy the rest of your time in Istanbul and I hope you're reading this with some bubbles in hand as you're getting your feet rubbed. Safe travels coming home and treasure the views, clean air and sun (we have a hazy situation here).

Reply
Neoh
30/9/2015 03:39:11 pm

Hello Suef! Thanks for the encouragement! Hahaha, bubbly drinks and foot massages aren't quite my thing. It may jeopardise the macho image you see. Haha!

Yeah, I heard about the haze on the news and through friends. Seems there is no solution in sight. The Indonesians really need to start arresting people and putting them into jail for open burning (inc culprits from Malaysian and Singaporean plantation companies). This affects us on so many levels - the lost productivity of closed schools, people staying home; and the economic impact of health issues, decline of tourism etc.

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