One of the many perks for my chosen lifestyle is that I have the opportunity to travel internationally and embrace several cultures in one common environment. Where else can you ride a helicopter to work? It has been proven to me for decades that with travel comes adventure. Adventure to me is a journey into the unknown; a place where one opens their heart and mind to a new world that reveals challenges, risks, and a soul for self-exploration. North face’s logo, “Never Stop Exploring” pops in my head and reminds me why I lead the lifestyle that I do. I have never regretted any of my past decisions and I tend to have a bright outlook for the future, as well for our marine environment.
I would not classify myself as a traditional backpacker, least not in any of my past travels. I travel a great deal for work (one of the main differences of a backpacker; with an exception of a travel writer). I am still mastering the art of packing “light.” I cannot go on long exhibitions and travel around the world without having a proper deadline, when I need to be flying to my next destination for work. I do; however, have the heart of a free roaming spirit and create the best out of each adventure that I stumble into.
The backpacker has the drive to wander around the world soul-searching and enthusiastically waiting for their next destination; I hope to have the chance to do this someday. How awesome would it be to live a few months in each country? Better yet, how great would it be to have this goal-driven spirit to remove yourself from “ordinary” routine and welcome a whole new appreciation of life? Could you imagine having the ability to taste and smell traditional delicacies, hear sounds that you would never listen to in a populated or busy city, see sights that many people around the world will never have the chance or ambition to view, and touch ground that has never been explored until now? At times I find myself longing for this sense of discovery; I can only dream about the places that I will travel to in the future. One day that dream will come true. After traveling for work and some personal traveling combined in my lifestyle; I do foresee a backpacking journey in the future.
Another major difference on why I am not recognized as a traditional backpacker is because I cannot extend my stay in some parts of the world for longer than a week; most agencies and Oil & Gas clients encourage a temporary stay in a location and to have a return ticket in hand. With this being said, a week does not allow a lot of time to travel Southeast Asia; some individuals spend weeks, months, or years to complete such a task.
I have a lot of ambitions to travel world wide. In my eyes, each location unfolds a new sense of adventure and new path for a greater appreciation for life. This year 2011 will be the year where my personal travels override my work travels. I will embrace my inner traditional backpacker.
