Turning the corner, heading west, and bundling up.

It’s finally starting to sink in. The endless sunny days with their hot, humid weather will soon be in my rear view mirror. After almost 9 months living in some of the hottest cities on the planet, we’re headed west, albeit slowly. In about a week we’ll fly from Asia to Africa, or more specifically from Singapore to Johannesburg.

I have really enjoyed South Asia (India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.) We’ve been to India a few times and enjoyed going back during this trip. We’ve made new friends and spent time with old ones. We explored lots of new areas of the country. We talk regularly about returning to India, maybe on a regular basis, as our hearts have always been drawn there. Having obtained a 10 year visa makes it really easy. During this trip we’ve solidified 2 very meaningful volunteer opportunities with people and organizations that we love. I believe we’ll be back.

Through southern India, into Sri Lanka, over to Thailand, through Vietnam, and all around Nepal and Malaysia, the weather has been hot and sunny. It’s really been a treat especially given the winter that NH had this year. But that’s about to change. The weather in South Africa this time of year will be in the 60’s instead of the 90’s like we’ve been used to for all of 2018 so far. A few weeks ago we shipped more personal belongings back home, our 3rd package in 8 months. We’re get by with less and less stuff – but that’s a separate blog post. We recently purchased jeans and sweatshirts. We sorted out our clothes and looked at what layers we had and what we may need moving forward. This really is an endless summer here – it’s just that we’re moving on, away from it.

On Sunday we’ll fly out of Malaysia. I’m waiting for the bittersweet feelings to sink in. Malaysia has been the most pleasant surprise for me on the trip. It’s easy. It’s super affordable. It’s nice. The people are friendly and welcoming. The food. The weather. Laurie and I are spoiled with an amazing apartment with a pool, a gym and a covered walkway to the subway stop, attached to the high rise we’re in. To top it off we’ve been out for dinner with the landlord a few times and had a great time. I’ve had routine dental work, annual lab tests and even eye exams done here. I never had to wait for an appointment and the cost was 90% less than back home. It feels like most of the country treats us like family. I could easily come back here as snowbird every winter. Very easily.

So we turn our attention to a different continent, with different weather, not knowing what experiences await us. That’s part of the magic of travelling. You arrive and you’re surprised.