A Traveler's Need to Be On the Go...

En route to Htee Kee, Myanmar

Even before reaching the legal age of driving, I was always on the go. In my teens I was either lifting weights, listening to music, usually stoned, or going somewhere. I didn't care where I went, I just knew I didn't want to sit at home. I sat at home when I was forced to and that was it. When I was 17 I left home, never to return. Nearly 40 years later, nothing has changed.

I returned from Cambodia just before Christmas and have only been back for a month. Yet, I find myself yearning to go on another adventure. Sightseeing, going where tourists go, is far from satisfying. I need to go somewhere challenging, off the beaten track, where few travel.

Dawei, Myanmar

For years I have been contemplating and dreaming of traveling to the Dark Continent. Not just anywhere in Africa, to places like the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Burundi. For the life of me, I have no idea why I find these places so appealing. Clearly, these are some of the most corrupt, dangerous, wild countries in the world. All I can come up with is that they are four of the least known, undeveloped countries in our day. Or maybe I'm nuts. How may people do you know who have photos from these countries? Better yet, how many people do you know who have really good or great photos from them? My guess is no more than one or two—if you're lucky. 

Myanmar is another place that, aside from the major cities, remains free from tourists. After a dozen trips to Myanmar, I remain enthralled and eager to explore more of the country. My trip to Africa is now scheduled for the end of May. To me, this is a long way off. I may attempt to squeeze in another trip to Myanmar in February or March, but it depends on the status of my funds. Few people, including Burmese, ever experience or see the northern portion of Myanmar where I plan on going, a pristine area that time seems to have forgotten. It is just the sort of place I am looking to explore. It is an adventure. 

Ye, Myanmar

My trips to Africa and Myanmar will both happen. At this point it looks like the African countries will be Malawi, Tanzania and Rwanda. I may pass on Malawi and venture into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but more than likely I will wait for a second trip for this. The DRC is a difficult, time consuming place to travel and while my heart says go, my brain says wait until I have a trip to the region under my belt.  

​It's all going to happen, and as member's, you're going to get a ringside seat.