The last year has been a great ride with more lasting memories than any previous year of my life. In the space of 12 months I've visited 19 countries across 4 continents and flown over 125 thousand miles doing so. I've seen three of the seven new wonders of the world, visited numerous world heritage sites, and snorkeled some of the most beautiful reefs I've ever seen. My personal goal of seeing more of this big rock we call earth was accomplished last year and this year I plan on seeing more of it. I am setting a new target to visit 20 countries in 2011, with at least half being first time visits.
The high point of 2010, however, was the move from NYC to Tokyo. This opened me up to a new continent to explore in Asia and allowed for some remarkable and memorable weekend trips. After seven months in Japan I'm still loving every minute of it and looking forward to more. I could probably spend the entire year exploring Japan alone and never get bored. It's easy to not do the same things twice in this country. however with the rest of asia only a few hours away it's hard to resist the temptation of getting on a plane and traveling.
To say that I've grown a greater understanding of Asia and Asians in general is an understatement. In relative terms my understanding has gone from 2 to 60, with 100 being the upper limit. Just like each island in the Caribbean is significantly different in flavor and culture and distinctly unique personality. Each country in Asia, no matter how close or small is completely unique in most if not all respects. Food, music, language, culture, physical appearance, you name it. Every country has a deep and rich history that has shaped it into an experience all its own. The same could be said for different cities in the same country. Every bit of that culture and flavor is worth sipping slowly just so you get a full taste.
I knew within a few weeks that whenever I head back west I'll miss Asia. Not in the way you miss Disney, you know you'll love to go back but would never live there. I mean in the way you miss a home you really liked. You understand you have to move on but wouldn't mind living there a bit longer. Until that time comes I'll enjoy it as I know it'll be one of the great chapters in my life.
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2010
