As Nick and I prepare for our next adventure through Asia next week, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about my return to Asia for this trip. The last time I was on the continent was three and a half years ago on my last trip to South Korea for work. But even more thought consuming is that it’s been twenty-one years since my last trip to India, as a kid to visit my aunt who was living there at the time. The thing is, my memories of India are so steady in my mind and it was a country that I remember vividly from our time there, even though it was so many years ago and I was only 7 years old.
 |
| My brother and I in Mumbai. |
Truth be told, I’m a bit nervous about our upcoming trip, not that I’m scared or anxious for the unknown, but more in the sense that I’m interested in how I will feel this trip. I’m interested in seeing if my memories match up to our experience now.
This trip will be very different than the majority of our others and is a branching-out in terms of travel for us. We’re visiting countries that are the total opposite of many of the Western countries we’ve seen and even with other trips that we went outside of Europe like Morocco, I was still much more familiar with what to expect there because of my childhood in the Middle East. India, Thailand, Cambodia, these places are pretty foreign to me. I don’t know the customs, the cultures, the geography as much as I know other places and while I’ve been trying to read and educate myself as much as I can, much of it is just experiencing the place, just being there.
 |
| My mom, brother and I in New Delhi. |
So I guess I’m giving myself this goal for our trip: just be present. I want to really be present and indulge in the experience, I want to take in the colors, the aromas, the history. I want to look at this trip differently than most of our others because I want to really experience this adventure, because that’s what it’s going to be, an adventure.
Kiki says
Cute throwback pictures! Being present can be so difficult at times but such a great way to be when traveling. Enjoy your trip!
Casey Martin says
I love looking back at these photos 🙂 I am going to try so hard on this trip to just let it be and be present… we’ll see how it goes!
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
I think it is good to be a bit nervous and going in with the knowledge that things may be different than you anticipate as I think it makes you more open to the experience. We will be visiting Asia for the first time in April and have some similar thoughts. I am sure you’ll have a great trip and look forward to hearing about your travels.
Casey Martin says
You’re right, I think it’s good to be nervous because that turns into excitement and is often what makes an amazing trip!
Corlie says
Hi Casey, Asia is pretty full on, I have been in Asia for nearly four years now and still have to tell myself just to “let it be” and drink it in for what it is.
I think your goal to just be present is the way to go!
The only things to be very aware of is the Buddhist customs, how to behave etc around the monks, that may be worth looking into before you head to Thailand…
Enjoy!
Casey Martin says
YEs, very good advice! And thanks for the tips for Thailand 🙂 I’ve been reading up on all 3 countries a lot but I always love an insider’s advice!
Jenna says
So exciting that you guys are headed to Asia! I’ve been to India and Cambodia, but have yet to tick Thailand off the list. I LOVED Cambodia – it remains one of my favorites in terms of places I’ve been. Be sure to visit Angkor Thom in addition to Ankor Wat and Ta Prohm – it was my favorite of the 3. India was… difficult. But I’m so glad that I was able to have that experience and would go back again in a heartbeat. I think your goal of just being present is a good one 🙂
Casey Martin says
I keep hearing this about Cambodia, that it’s just amazing… I’m so excited. Even for India, I know it will be as you said… difficult, but so worthwhile. I’m even more excited after hearing this from you 🙂
Molly @ The Move to America says
Have a wonderful time and just take it all in! It will be great to read about your experieinces, thoughts and visits!
Casey Martin says
Thanks Molly!!! I’m sure I’ll have lots of thoughts when I get home 🙂