Tonight, is the night, of nights (name that quote). The night before the night to be more exact, but in my gut, it feels like it’s already here.
As I sit on my porch, with the cool fall air caressing my skin, I am overcome with a familiar feeling but one that I have not felt for some time. It is a feeling of indescribable excitement laced with bouts of anxiety and fear. I am confident yet unconfident all at once.
Will I be able to overcome the many unknowns that lay ahead of me? I can prevail, can’t I? I have done so in the past, so why not again. But it has been a while since I have been on the road, am I up for it?
Whether I’m ready or not, it doesn’t matter. The fact is, I have my ticket and I am going. And I will force myself to find the confidence no matter what. I will not back down because I never back down. Not in the face of a challenge. Banzai!!!!
That’s the irony about confidence, you never have enough of it beforehand, only after you have overcome does confidence become yours.
On Friday September 30th 2011, I will depart on an epic adventure. I will travel in the ways of my idols, Jack Kerouac and Alexander Supertramp to name a few. I will walk the lonely roads, hitchhike with French grannies, and stowaway aboard ships. I will seek to expand my mind, to love all those I encounter, and to find contentment in all that I see.
I will begin my trip in London. From there, my only plan is to travel to the Sudan. After some time in Africa, I plan to travel by land to the islands of Japan. I have no specific route as of yet, only an arrival date, April 2012.
Though I will be roughing it most of the time, thanks to chains such as Starbucks, with their plentiful leftovers, their clean and lockable bathrooms and most importantly their wifi internet service, I will be able to stay in touch. I hope to post every other day or at least twice a week. I will post about my journey but I will also post practical budget guides for you runaways and intense backpackers out there.
So, feel free to live vicariously through me. Suggest where I should go, what I should see and what I should do. And if you fancy a postcard, let me know!
If your feeling philanthropic, you can support me by sharing my website with your friends on facebook and in life. And if you’re into tweeting and stumbling feel free to do that as well. Also, if you want updates via Facebook, don’t forget to “like” my FB page.
In any case, all the best, wish me luck,
Leif
Hey!!! Have you thought about traveling to America? If so why? and if not, are there any reasons that you think that traveling there would be a bad idea? Thanks!
Shannon
Hi, Shannon,
I’m actually American. I love traveling the US and would definitely recommend it. It’s safer than the movies that’s for sure :)
Ah, any traveler who idolizes Kerouac becomes my travel idol. Can’t wait to hear about your travel here in the Philippines! ;p
Niceeee, cheers! Might be heading to the Philippines soon!
I’ve always wanted to make a blog like this, but I haven’t really traveled. The most I’ve done was spend a few nights at a far off province in the country just living. I wish I could do as much as you’re doing, but I’m already committed to someone and we agreed to become increasingly stable throughout the years til we get married.
Anyways, I’ll try donating to you sometime soon! I’d love a post card from wherever you are anyway. I do suggest you visit the Philippines. It’s pretty crazy here, and Americans usually find this place dirt cheap. Also, try squeezing in with 8 other people on a motorcycle sidecar or hanging beside 3 other people on the door step of a moving jeepney. We’ve got awesome beaches and are known for our (lol) hospitality and we have awesome food.
Hey Alex,
Thanks! You can start a blog too if you want. It doesn’t have to be about travel.
The Philippines is def on my list!
Thanks again,
good luck with eveything,
Leif
Oh man sounds like you will have a blast. Lol wish i could go & good luck!
Thanks Jerry, it’s been going good! Hit the road too!
Leif, all I have to say is good luck on your travels and would you have an advice on traveling in Israel?
Thanks! Israel is a really cool country. Not as cheap as say Egypt of Syria but still cheaper than the US.
Look forward to read about your adventures. Safe travels my friend.
Thanks Tend, same to you!
Yay! So excited for you! Happy safe travels, can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thanks Mica!
whoaaa! goodluck on your trip man… excited for your trip to Sudan and Africa!!! :-)
Thanks Flip!
Leif, you’ve got a fantastic journey ahead of you! I’m wishing you the best and can’t wait to follow in along :)
Thanks Samuel!
Have a great trip! Good luck! :)
No pressure, but after reading this post, you’re pretty much my hero :) Your adventure sounds like it’s going to be amazing!
haha, thanks Michelle. Aside from a 6 hour detention at UK immigration, its going well so far.
Good luck Leif! Sounds like a pretty cool adventure to say the least. I’ll be tuning in to see how you get on. Will be interested in seeing how little money you can travel with.
Thanks Stephen, aside from getting detained at UK immigration, its going well :)
Have a safe and happy adventure trip, Leif! I’m excited for you :D Btw, I might go back to England by November or December. Just in case you’re in the area, maybe we can meet up or even spend the Christmas in our home there – Filipino style :D Keep us updated!
Thanks Mica, I will!. Yea, let me know, but I think by November I will be in North Africa. Thanks for the offer though, much appreciated.
You are the best! ;)
Thanks, thats a very interesting name, Minmon. Where is it from, what does it mean?
Congrats Leif! Very exciting times ahead. Let’s hope you meet a much better fate than Alexander Supertramp though… :)
Yes indeed, it’s going to be intense. For sure, no berries for me lol.
You go Leif! Wishing you a great time from the depths of my soul; I hope to embark on such a journey soon. Best of luck!
Thanks Sachintha, let me know when you do and if you need any advice.
Good luck, sir!
Especially when hitchhiking with those French grannies…
Hahah, cheers Sarah. French grannies always seem to pick me up when I’m traveling through france. It’s always a test on my french skills.
Have a great trip, may the road rise up to meet ya, and the wind at your back and all that other Irish stuff.
Who knows, when I head abroad this spring maybe our paths will cross in some European/North African… someplace.
Thanks Abe, I will be sure some irish tunes on my harmonica. Yea, that would be awesome. Let me know.
“I will seek to expand my mind, to love all those I encounter, and to find contentment in all that I see.” — you’re awesome, Leif. I wish you all the best of luck! I can’t wait to read your book one day. x
Thanks Torre! I have been really enjoying your book. I am up to the part when you guys arrive at your first island. I don’t want to rush through it. I am going to savor it and read it as I travel. I think I have laughed aloud about 20 times so far. It’s really great, I have been highlighting my favorite quotes as well, going to include them in my review.
Nice to hear! Yes, take your time and savor it. That’s the best way. I’m so glad to hear you’re highlighting quotes ;)