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| My very first Blog Entry.. October 1, 2009 |
Writing my first blog.
I'm not exactly sure why but after reading several excerpts regarding the importance of writing down ones thoughts and its subsequent therapeutic value, I've decided to give it a shot.
I understand this is being published on the Internet and will therefore allows friends, relatives, and even strangers to read and gain insight about my opinions, values, and mindful perspectives. Should I be worried? No. Why? Well first because I've never been really concerned about what or how others think or perceive of me.
So again, back to why I'm writing this...
I have an exceptionally big dream, or ambition as many might call it, and that is to live and work in a foreign country. More recently I've been toying with the idea of becoming a travel writer, writing stories and articles for travel magazines, newspapers, blogs, and et cetera. The caveat however, is that this dream doesn't match up with my present career or scholastic goals at all. My official title is that of "Analyst" for a large international firm and I'm going to school for a degree in Management Information Systems. I work full time and attend night classes at the local university.
My degree choice was an easy one. I was, and still am, great with computers. After receiving my Associates degree in Computer Information Systems in 2004, I went on to earn several more IT related certificates and by 2005 I was being hired (and being generously compesated) for postings requiring a minimum of a 4-year degree but I digress.. (its amazing how the mind tends to wander off-topic)
So my problem is that I'm a computer nerd who is fed up with working on computers, networks, and the overall IT field!
Last year (2008), was both the worst and best year of my life. Despite having gone through major life-altering changes and suffering through an enormous disappointment, I also got to travel and expand my horizons. Spending four months traveling does wonders for the mind and soul. I was able to visit almost all of Italy, Croatia, France, Spain, and Portugal.
Backpacking through Europe for all those months was absolutely the most amazing adventure I've ever undertaken! I got to; experience new cultures, meet new people, savor new foods, make new friends, and fall in love dozens of times over. And my decision to travel was completely spontaneous. I essentially decided that I would take a trip on a Wednesday, bought my ticket the next day, and was flying out of JFK airport that Saturday! Despite being a lone traveler without any prior Europe experience, I felt no fear or hesitation. I was ready to put my wits to the test and figure it "all out" as I went along.
Amazing hostels, European nightclubs, French Alps, nude/topless beaches, street fights (due to tricky thieves and hookers who didn't want to take "no" for an answer), 7 hour train rides, 14 hour overnight ferry rides (with no place to sleep, luckily I befriended a few English chaps and an awesome Australian girl to help pass the time), Valencia winning a European Soccer title (and the mayhem that followed), stumbling through Venice after a night of drinking (and falling into the dirty water canal), and SOOO many more first time experiences and lifelong memories that have changed me forever.
Never having been to Europe before, I approached the new experience as a dry sponge: ready to soak up any and all that it had to offer. And boy did I soak it up! I took it all in. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Not unlike that same sponge you have sitting atop your kitchen sink: filled with liquid soap, grime, and gunk.
Since I'm able to speak and understand English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, I was able to experience Europe in a very unique way. I was able to haggle down prices in native languages, carry on lengthy conversations with attractive women, but most importantly, not have to rely on anybody for help (although this was not the case in France). I enjoyed the fact that I was able to interact and take part in local traditions that many of my fellow travelers could not. Consequently this ability also made me a very valuable companion among my fellow travelers. I would constantly find myself surrounded by people who looked to me to take the lead whenever we went out exploring a new city or tourist attraction. After all, why not? I could read signs, ask directions, and make sense out of the subway maps better than anyone. Again.. I digress..
The experiences I acquired during those four months last year were, as I mentioned before, of the "life-altering" type. I can't ever be the same person that I was. My perspectives were broadened to an extent I hadn't imaged possible. I grew as a human being and found a passion that will always hold a calling in my heart. To travel is to expand ones self. It is the single most important thing I want my future children to experience.
I want to become a travel writer! *yet another reason to be writing this blog! To gain some experience in writing and sharing my stories.
-Victor
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Posted by VictorHK on 2009-10-01 14:09:54 | Rating: | Views: 54
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