In the beginning...

"Don't listen to what they say. Go see." - Chinese proverb

This journal is going to be a record of a trip that shall begin in Bangkok, Thailand and end in Beijing, China. When I am asked where I am going, I find myself reluctant to respond – a vague idea is all I have, I know the countries I will visit, but quite when and what is another question.

I still remember the day that I decided I wanted to travel; that I needed to see the world. In the Australian Outback a lot of things seemed to make sense. The isolation and natural beauty was unspoilt, making any poisonous bites fatal without any nearby hospital. But more importantly the lack of light pollution made the Milky Way visible within the night sky; I should wonder about my own insignificance – but instead it just reminded me to take all my opportunities.

Most recently I travelled within China where I have some of the happiest memories of my life; but also fell in love with the Orient. Beijing thrives on an energy that is different to London; cosmopolitan and never sleeping, but it also brings a strange mix of western luxury amongst centuries of heritage; from the age of the Ming dynasties to the very prominent legacy of Mao.

Although I follow one of the most well trodden backpacker routes in the world, the chance to climb Fapisan, wander through Hutong’s, admire Angkor or just watch the city breeze by in Saigon – that is still a chance very few every have, and for that I am privileged.

“we do not know where we have come from, and we do not know where we are going”

& that is the best way to travel.