The Beginning – 25 Aug 2013
It was over the UK bank holiday long weekend of August 2013. Unlike most other long weekends where we always have travel plans , that weekend was all feet up. It just so happened that while checking Facebook updates of an acquaintance an idea stuck. James Markoja and Anna Markoja were on a an year long motorbike trip from UK to Australia. I have been so fascinated to see this lovely couple travelling the world on the motorcycle. I (Monty) said “May be we should do this or something similar. Why can’t we?“. Molly’s response was “Yes lets do it, I always wanted to do it“. This was the precise beginning. We both knew we want to travel the world and now we are going to travel the world.
In Monty’s Words – I have been working close to 10 years. Right until my university I was all focused on academics and career. Getting my foot right and establishing a strong career was all that was important. Almost no one in India, as I know of, would comprehend the concept of travelling the world. Its all about securing your future, money, house, marriage (the usual rat race stuff) which all seems normal. Get good grades in school, get into good university, get a good job, get a house, get a mortgage, get a wife and it never ends. So I feel I was lucky to be in UK and in a position where I can look at my life objectively and spiritually. I asked myself – what does ‘Monty’ want and just not use the standard life template. I think I am in the right stage of my career where I can now take a break and come back to it later. It was hard work getting here and it is harder to let it pass.
In Molly’s Words – Why am I taking this RTW, well, I can honestly say it has been a long time in the making. I remember having endless conversations with uni mates about backpacking when I finished my degree. My original plan was to go backpacking to Australia, New Zealand and to South America for 18 months as soon as I have gained my degree. That was 12 years back. My plans did not have substance. I was lacking in following through with my dreams. ‘Action speaks louder than words’ so the saying goes and the dream of travelling slowly and quietly drifted away but never out of my mind. So when I met Monty and we realized we have the same desire all those buried aspirations just came back.
When?
The first plan (without too many thoughts) was to leave in Jan 2014. Of course there are so many variables. Getting everything sorted and in place, after 4 delays and change of dates we plan to start our trip in Jan 2015. This gave us more time, more savings and we bought our house in London . And yes there was the long wait.
Where?
This was not too difficult. We wanted to travel to countries which were inexpensive, warm, great food and culture. My philosophy was that we can always travel in developed countries later in life, as they offer the right infrastructure and comfort every when you are 50 years+ but the developing and under-developed countries are the one to explore when we are young and have more energy and strength, and open to more challenges and adventure. With Molly’s first choice as South-East Asia and Monty’s first choice as South America it was all decided – approx 6 months in each continent.
We will soon be posting more about our pre-travel planning.