Freedom Tour 2013

Merry Christmas from Bagan! 🎄 #myanmar #bagan (at Htilominlo Temple)

I love the joy of the unknown and sense of discovery in every moment that is so accessible while traveling. Really happy with my selections of hostels so far. Insa Hostel was perfect -- great location, great people, solid bed. My next hostel is right next to Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling was invented!! It's one of the top destinations there. Good job, C! I walked almost 28 miles in 3 days -- woah. The Korean spas have been a god send. Esp the one at the airport! Got to get refreshed before my overnight flight.

Out and about in Seoul!

More images from yesterday. Tried posting these a few times already. Last two are at Ewha Women's University -- beautiful campus. First few are Namsam Tower at night. Lots of "love locks" and views.

Some photos of Seoul. Most of the good ones are on my nice camera! The subway is super easy to use! Amazing way finding; plenty of English. Really enjoyed the new Star Wars on the second largest imax screen in the world. Been making personal connections every day. Yesterday with my brother's friend and today with friends of my Brazilian friend whom I know through my parents. It's a truly small planet once you get out and about! Xoxo

Breakfast at the hostel. My favorite sesame dressing--very much like Japan!

Made it easily from airport to hostel last night via bus 6011. All is well.

Traveling "light"! Backpack only 8.8kg. #seoul here I come. (at San Francisco International Airport (SFO))

A journey begins with a single step. This was my first decision point: cable car or bus. Met the incredible woman standing there. She is German and worked at the German Embassy in Jakarta with a friend for many years. She thought I was a tourist since I had my travel gear with me. The cable car wasn't coming, so I chose the bus, which meant our lovely conversation was cut short. I didn't even have a chance to reveal that I speak German. Was going to say, "Sie haben ein wunderbares Leben gehabt." Hope I run into her again. She was sharp, well put together, warm, open, and friendly. Today, I am on the way to Korea. It's the start of a three week adventure in Asia and SE Asia, during which I will visit 5-6 countries, bringing the lifetime count to 50-51. I've been reflecting recently on my motivation for this trip, wondering if my eager accumulation of countries is a phase that is softening or soon at an inflection point. I came down with a cold Wednesday evening, pushed myself through work and our work holiday party Thursday, supported by theraflu, and wondered this am if I truly want to embark. Part of me would be content and feel restored staying home. And I have an ambitious itinerary planned. That said, as much as possible, I can be restful and move slowly on the journey.

en Jordan's Kitchen

#home. :-( (en zestforlifetoday.com)

Amazing views of the Bay on the way in today. We flew by Whistler, Seattle, Portland, and many dry river beds...#sfo #bayarea (en San Francisco International Airport (SFO))

Last treat in Europe. Sad to leave...#copenhagen (en JOE & THE JUICE - CPH AIRPORT)

Had so much fun at the Louisiana! Super relaxing place. #copenhagen #summerdays #denmark (en Louisiana Museum of Modern Art)

Goodbye #helsinki! Hello #tallinn. (en Gulf of Finland)

This port is enormous. #stpetersburg #stpeterline (en port of st petersburg)

My favorite cafe in St. Petersburg. #zoom #russia #stpetersburg (en Zoom)