Be idealistic and inspirational and travel hard .
BY PHILL FELTHAM
Before I left Canada, I filled the blank pages of my travel journal with my passions and fears. Now, after a year and a half away from home, I understand why I left.
THE PAIN
The summer of 2001 changed my life. I met the most interesting people from Germany, England, and from other countries. That one experience changed the direction of my life. It took three years to bring my travel dreams into fruition. These wonderful European exchange students came into my life during my second year of college so I put off any kind of travel to finish school. My plans were to move to England after graduation, but that was put on hold when I was fortunate enough to get an editor’s job.
This was a golden opportunity I couldn’t pass up because there aren’t many jobs in the Canadian media market when you’re a recent graduate. Also, I didn’t have any money which was another factor. However, my friend Al always was on me like a dog biting on an old man’s pant leg to move to Taiwan.
Before I made the big move, there were some obstacles to overcome. My Publisher didn’t make it any easier for me to leave my job and work overseas. He offered me two pay increases to stay with his company. Also, the sense of security my job at the magazine offered was also very tempting. I knew what to expect with my boss, but Taiwan was the big unknown and an exciting opportunity. I had to cross that bridge so I declined. Believe it or not, age was also a deferring factor. I’m getting to an age where I want a house and a sense of stability in my life. On the other hand, I can’t have “what if’s” in my life. Besides, now is the time to travel. It only becomes tougher as the age increases.
My grandfather nearly died last fall which made me think twice about traveling abroad. That one event triggered the thought that I should be spending a lot more time with my grandparents before they are gone. Not to mention my family and friends. But my parents and grandparents both insisted that I finish this part of my life.
The bottom line is I was struggling with plain fear, the ultimate obstacle. Of all the text I read and the stories (nightmares) I’ve heard, I almost wanted to crawl under my bed and stay there for the rest of my life. However, the best risks in life have always been the best decisions even if it’s negative because you walk away with that experience. Experience is the key word.
My reasons for coming so much outweighed my cancellations or my apprehensions.
THE PLEASURE
My reasons to travel:
- Because I have to say I have done it.
- Travel changes perspective and kills ignorance – both of which I have too much of. I love that Mark Twain quote.
- Money – English teachers can make a lot of money in Taiwan and neighbouring Asian countries.
- A Childhood Promise – I remember wanting to be a teacher when I was a kid, now I get to live that childhood dream.
- Previous career – Working overseas looks pretty impressive on a resume. Be sure to add that when you return home to your previous career.
- Experiences and memories. The magic word is experience. Good and bad are both valuable and that’s the bottom line.
Travel as much as you can. Meet as many people as you can. Do everything while you’re abroad because you’ll miss it when you get back. Do what’s right for you. Bleeding is living. The more blood you spill the more memories you’ll have. You can’t predict what will happen when you buy that plane ticket or even say goodbye at the airport. It’s part of the experience and those memories will be the ones that stay with you for the rest of your life. Enough of the one liners. Just remember this: it’s okay to lose control. iT!
Canadian expat Phill Feltham is currently teaching English in Taiwan. He is also the Editor-In-Chief of The Weekly Wanderer.
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