31 December 2022
Manila was our last trip for this year and back in Puerto Princesa, on the beautiful island of Palawan, we settled down to celebrate Christmas in the unique, Filipino fashion.
Our travels had lasted almost 8 months in which we had journeyed almost 30’000 miles (the equivalent distance to once around the globe), involving 20 different countries, 12 flights and 2 cruises. We had seen some beautiful sights, met some wonderful people and, especially in Uzbekistan, our favorite destination, we had seemingly taken a ride in a time machine along the famous Silk Road…
We had accounted for every penny spent and came in 10% below our budget, which was very pleasing, since it is extra cash to continue on Tara Let’s Na from here. Travelling together as a couple 24/7 has its highs and lows, but mainly highs, because what is the point of witnessing the world’s wonders if you have no-one to share it with?
When we were asked at the start of this what our plan was, we replied that our plan is no plan. We wanted to have the flexibility to travel on a whim; if someone we met told us that we should really see a place, then we went there. More often than not we were not disappointed. One has to learn to go towards people (not my natural instinct), they can really be a great source of knowledge and help, even support.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery
One other big learning was to ABSOLUTELY travel light. We set off with far too much baggage and learnt along the way (with aching shoulders and backs to prove it) that you have to go where the weather suits your clothes. Of course, you can always buy what you need in addition along the way...
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux
So, what is the plan from here? The answer is the same as before, we don’t know. We aspire to be true travelers. Let’s see where the road takes us!
Thank you all, dear family and friends, for taking the time to follow us on our travels over the past year. Please do let us know if the blog has met your expectations or if there are any changes you would like to see.
In the meantime, have a wonderful 2023 and see you on the road!
Puerto Princesa, December 2022
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