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1/ I always wanted to be a citizen of the world.
I keep an Excel file with a list of countries I have visited so far. Made it to 30 territories on 4 continents before 2020 came around.
Started off 26 years ago my very first business visa application being denied.
I keep an Excel file with a list of countries I have visited so far. Made it to 30 territories on 4 continents before 2020 came around.
Started off 26 years ago my very first business visa application being denied.
2/ It was Germany. I was a young, single, 23 years old tech professional applying with a blank passport.
But the commercial counselor was kind enough to show me the way to re-apply through the right channels and the mistake was quickly rectified.
But the commercial counselor was kind enough to show me the way to re-apply through the right channels and the mistake was quickly rectified.
3/ I used to be amazed by fellow travelers who would cross the world with less than a few dollars in their pocket, a laptop bag and only the clothes on their back.
Till I did the same and found the incredible sense of freedom that brought.
Till I did the same and found the incredible sense of freedom that brought.
4/ The one time I flew first class and paid for it was when it was the last seat on a plane that I had to be on to make a connection to a meeting I couldn't miss.
Got the seat, missed the connection, made the meeting with minutes to spare, like you wouldn't believe.
Got the seat, missed the connection, made the meeting with minutes to spare, like you wouldn't believe.
5/ Then there was the time when I didn't have enough money for fare to the airport in a new city. Ticket and seat yes, but no way to the airport. No cards, no cash.
Or the time when my laptop blew up 4 am in the morning before a client sales demo at 9 am.
Or the time when my laptop blew up 4 am in the morning before a client sales demo at 9 am.
6/ Travel teaches you stuff no school ever could.
Like how to get in and out and back in while transiting through a city for a client meeting in less than 5 hours and 3 dollars.
That includes a change from travel bum to business attire and back to bum again.
Like how to get in and out and back in while transiting through a city for a client meeting in less than 5 hours and 3 dollars.
That includes a change from travel bum to business attire and back to bum again.
7/ Travel changes you.
Try traveling in a wheelchair. It changes your perspective for life. Makes you appreciate all that you have, all that you have been given.
150,000 km a year on the road makes you understand the value of a roof that you can call home, and a bed your own.
Try traveling in a wheelchair. It changes your perspective for life. Makes you appreciate all that you have, all that you have been given.
150,000 km a year on the road makes you understand the value of a roof that you can call home, and a bed your own.
8/ When the world gets back to normal, if you are young and have itches to scratch, opt for roles that make it possible for you to travel the world.
Not in business or first but in economy. The real lessons are in the back rows, the seedier motels, the cheap seats.
Not in business or first but in economy. The real lessons are in the back rows, the seedier motels, the cheap seats.
9/ That is where you will find yourself.
Not in the lap of luxury but stranded cashless in an alien city, cold, hungry for comfort food, friendly company and a bit of kindness from strangers.
That first trip away from home will break you. Then put you back together again.
Not in the lap of luxury but stranded cashless in an alien city, cold, hungry for comfort food, friendly company and a bit of kindness from strangers.
That first trip away from home will break you. Then put you back together again.
