What's the plan?

They say there are two kinds of people in this world; those who plan and those who act purely on spontaneity... well I describe myself as the kind of guy that plans his spontaneity! 


Planning the spontaneity of traveling around the world has been a process that's kept the wheels turning in my head for quite some time.  In fact, it I think the idea of circumnavigating the globe could be considered "hardwired" in my DNA; part of my Portuguese blood (my Grandpa Tex always said the Portuguese were the "Navigators of the world") or, at least, as ingrained in my psyche as my fear of needles (immunizations for this trip included)!  For as far back as I can remember, stories of strange places, unique cultures, and epic adventures have been a source of intrigue that have beckoned my curiosity.    

If you were lucky enough to watch it, you may remember my favorite childhood character: "Uncle Traveling Matt" the crazy uncle of the character Gobo from HBOs Fraggle Rock (see pic).  Uncle Traveling Matt was the most respected and magnificent explorer in all of Fraggle Rock.  He even dared to go out into outer-space!  His only communication back to Fraggle Rock is through a postcard in to his nephew Gobo describing his experiences out in "the great unknown".   Now is my opportunity to become "Uncle Travelling Nate".


Though life's circumstances have prevented be from doing this sooner, I have no doubt that NOW is my opportunity to GO!  While my closest friends occupy their lives with their newly formed marriages, growing families, or blossoming careers I've found myself with no commitments and enough change between the couch cushions to last me at least 6-months on the road... so, why not?  With the economy the way it is affecting work opportunities and starring down the big 3-0 there is no better time to hit the road...  


So... what's the plan?  Quite frankly... the plan is to NOT HAVE A PLAN!  Sure, there are a couple key questions to ask yourself (i.e., Where do I want to go?  Why do I want to go there?  How long do I want to give myself to be there? etc.)  and there exist some realities you need to get sorted (i.e., Can I responsibly leave my place of employment?  What do I do with my possessions?  Do I have the funds to support my travel plans? etc) which require some dedicated thought before you can really begin to commit to living a dream... but, beyond those, the beauty of going on a journey like this is the freedom of not having every detail planned out!  


So I've resolved to DO IT... to undertake this trip around the world (the great unknown), and give myself a target duration of one year to chase the summer!  I've gone from struggling with deciding where I wanted to go to concluding I wanted to go everywhere... sold my truck, computer, guitar, bike, surfboards, etc... gave-away most of the rest to salvation army, rented out my place, booked my tickets, and renewed my passport.  I go not to escape anything (I love my home, my family, friends, lifestyle) but to go adventure, see the world, face personal challenges, broaden my perspective, find a deeper appreciation for art/culture/history, grow spiritually, and trust that I'll return home in one piece.   

They say there are two kinds of people in this world; those who plan and those who act purely on spontaneity... well I describe myself as the kind of guy that plans his spontaneity!  I guess that makes me simply complex :)