faq (frequently asked questions)

Below is my own FAQ about my travel. I also have answered a good set of questions from a travel book:

Travel Questionnaire

What are you doing, Mark?

I'm taking a year off to travel.

No, really, what are you doing?

-blank-

Where are you going?

I am creating my itinerary as I go.

Could you be more specific?

My initial destination is India, and as of this writing, I'm already here.

Where are you going after that?

There are actually a lot of places in India I would like to see, so I am going to see them first.

And where are you going after that?

There is a strong urge to plan the entire trip down to the last detail. I have almost succumbed to it. But I am much happier to plan it as I go. I have an endless list of places I would like to go. It is much longer than the places I will be able to go in this lifetime.

Are you independently wealthy?

No.

Really?

I have wanted to do this for a long time. I have spent the last number of years paying off debts and saving money.

Did you give up your day job?

Yes.

Were you... let go?

No. I left on good terms with my employer; I gave them plenty of notice and gave my resignation.

So why are you traveling?

The Nike slogan is "Just do it." It corresponding rule is Fred's First Rule of Travel: "Go."

I am experimenting with following all of Fred's Rules of Travel.

Is that the only reason?

I have tried to judge whether it is necessary to have a reason. I haven't decided on an answer yet. In actuality I do have other reasons. The top is: for the experience and the adventure. The second is: as an experiment in applied geograhy. The third is: to push myself and test my limits.

Do you have any goals?

I'd really love to say that I have no goals or agenda. But I do. I would like to: 1.) Document the trip as I go on the internet, as an experiment in applied geography. 2.) Record observations and comments on the places I see, changing under the influence of modernity.

Wow, that discussion sure got dry! I want to have fun, too, meet new and interesting people, and stay in touch with everyone back home!