Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
My Journey Across Continents
Have you ever looked back and thought, “Wow… how did I get here?”
If someone had told the small-town kid in me that one day I’d be writing this blog post while sipping coffee in Europe—or even better, typing away during a layover in Japan—I would’ve laughed and gone back to my instant noodles.
I was born and raised in a humble town in Malaysia. Life was simple, dreams were big, and at that time, traveling far meant a bus ride to the next state. But fast forward a few years, and I found myself living and working in Singapore, where my passport started getting its fair share of stamps.
The First Time I Flew to Europe (Yes, I Got Lost)
My first long-haul work trip was to the UK. I still remember how confused I was at Heathrow Airport. The signs were in English, and yet, I still managed to take the wrong train. I ended up somewhere that looked like the set of a Sherlock Holmes movie. But that’s how it all started—me, a suitcase, and a notebook I carried everywhere.
Since then, I’ve walked through snowy streets in Sweden, visited the breathtaking churches in Italy, stared in awe at castles in Germany, and biked along the canals of Amsterdam in Holland. Each place brought its own flavor—literally. I still dream of that Roman pasta and smoked salmon.
The USA – Big, Bold, and Unforgettable
My American journey deserves a whole blog series, but let’s try the highlights. I’ve been to Washington, California, Las Vegas, Kansas, Texas, Chicago, New York, and Boston. I’ve had burgers the size of my face, seen Broadway lights, got lost in subways (again), and walked through snowy streets in Boston trying to act like I wasn’t freezing.
I haven’t been to Alaska yet—but it’s on my list. There’s something magical about that place. I imagine myself journaling under the northern lights one day. I wrote it in my notebook already. Manifestation, right?
Japan – Our Happy Place
Now, Japan. This is where my heart returns again and again. There’s something about the way the culture, food, and nature all come together in harmony. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time here with someone I love, and every moment felt like a peaceful dream. Even the vending machines are polite!
The Notebook That Changed Everything
Through all of these travels, I’ve kept one thing constant: my notebook. It’s filled with scribbles—some deep thoughts, some embarrassing fails (like the time I confused a bidet button for a toilet flush in Tokyo), and some ideas that turned into real things.
Writing has been my way of making sense of the world and my place in it. Whether it was jetlagged musings at 3 a.m. in New York or quiet reflections by a lake in Sweden, writing helped me slow down, take it all in, and shape my journey.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
- You will get lost. And it’s okay. Some of my best stories started with a wrong turn.
- Don’t skip the journaling. Even if it’s just five minutes a day. Looking back is a gift you give to your future self.
- The world is big, but people are kind. Language barriers, cultural shocks, and awkward hand gestures—they’re all part of the fun.
- Dreams grow as you grow. I started by dreaming of traveling. Now I dream of telling stories that inspire others to live their own.
To My Fellow Writers, Dreamers, and Travelers
If you love to write, blog, or journal—I hope this blog feels like a conversation with a friend. One who tried, failed, laughed, and kept going. Let’s keep sharing our stories, one page, one post, one memory at a time.
And if you’re reading this from Alaska… save me a seat. I’m coming soon.
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