What if you could travel the world, make a living and meet amazing people along the way? This was the questions I faced in Spring of 2016 that would forever change my life. I came across this very question online for a program called Remote Year. As a result, I am spending 2017 traveling across three continents (Asia, Europe & South America), exploring, learning, growing and loving life. This year is one of purpose, growth, and self-love for me. With that, I am sharing a brief introduction of the places I’ve lived (yes, lived) over the past few month and the impact they have made in my life.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
February – The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is known as a “cultural melting pot”. It is indeed filled with tall skyscrapers, blended people and religions, and amazing cuisine. Malaysia was my introduction to my love for travel and is the perfect place for solo travel or large group travel.
Malaysia taught me these purpose-full and forever life lessons:
- Stepping out of your comfort zone is okay.
- Nothing worth having comes easy.
- Life is an adventure.
While visiting, be sure to experience:
- Petronas Tower
- Batu Caves
- Infinity Pools (check high-end hotels, you won’t regret it)
- Mind Valley
- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- Dinner In the Sky
- Chinatown
- Temples
- Street Food
From Malaysia, I also made a pit stop to Bali, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
March | Vietnam was my favorite city in Asia that I had a chance to live in. The people, UBER motos and an endless supply of PHO and other cheap and delicious food are all part of this city’s charm. Compared to Malaysia, it was a shift from many different cultures and religions to a primarily Buddist religion.
Vietnam taught me these purpose-full and forever life lessons:
- Do it now. Sometimes later becomes never.
- If it doesn’t add value to your life, then it doesn’t belong in your life.
- Different is good. It adds a new perspective.
While visiting, be sure to experience:
- Lunch Lady Restaurant (Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations)
- Uber Moto (I did this daily)
- Pit Stop Community Café
- Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
- Vietnamese Drip Coffee
- All White Party
- “Karate” with Kids
- Post-It Note Café
From Vietnam, I also made pit stops to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Vung Tao, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
April | Cambodia, where the motorbikes are plenty and the heat is on another level. Cambodia was a tough month for me mentally. It was a dip in from the vibrant places of Malaysia and Vietnam, but I am glad that I could experience this country. A bustling and evolving city, Phnom Penh holds a lot of charm.
Cambodia taught me these purpose-full and forever life lessons:
- You don’t have to like everything. You just have to know how to deal with it and push forward.
- This too shall pass.
- See the good in everything and everyone.
While visiting, be sure to experience:
- Tiny Tunes
- Local and tradition Khmer Wedding
- Siem Ream – Angkor What
- Sunsets
- Raji Bike Ride
Bangkok, Thailand
May | Thailand was the last leg of my Asia journey and did not disappoint. A place I’ve had on my bucket list, Bangkok is rich in culture, people, food, and shopping malls. A quick and cheap flight away, you can find the most impeccable beaches filled with white sand and realization.
Thailand taught me these purpose-full and forever life lessons:
- Travel is Empowering.
- You don’t have to do it all. Just do what you want.
- Life is better with good people.
While visiting, be sure to experience:
- The Elephant Sanctuary Farm (Chaing Mai)
- A Mui Thai Fight
- The Grand Palace
- Pad Thai
- Som Tum – Papaya Salad
- Chaing Mai hiking and overlook areas
From Thailand, I also made pit stops to Chaing Mai and Ko Lipe.
Southeast Asia was a great first leg of my remote year journey. Known for its great food, beautiful beaches, rich culture and beautiful people, traveling through Southeast Asia is an inexpensive travel destination. Joining in with the thousands of people who visit landmarks like Angkor Wat, Cambodia; the city of Bangkok, Thailand; and the scenic views of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I can say I have truly experience Asia.
Next up, Europe! Stay tuned…
In the meantime, follow my Remote Year journey on IG for daily inspiration and content related to purpose and travel.
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