My first post

It is three weeks until my ship sails but now is a good time to begin. I have already learned a thing or two. I have been preparing for this trip since January. I started with the germ of an idea to start traveling with an open-ended itinerary. I want to visit Asia and Australia, two continents on which I have never set foot.

The problem is I hate long flights. I can handle three or four hours. After that it becomes tedious at best and a grueling ordeal at worst. Of course I know that's not the worst but I choose not to think about all the really horrible things that can happen on an airplane. My solution to the long-flight problem is to book passage on a freight ship. I have heard of people doing this for years and have imagined what it is like. It is more expensive than regular air travel and much more time-consuming. But what the hell. I can afford it and I have plenty of time. Also the ship will be my first interesting destination. I will have lots of time to get to know it and see how it works and where it goes.

Once over the Pacific Ocean I can continue my journey by train and shorter flights. I am looking forward to train travel in China. And I can stay put as long as I want. I like to visit a place for at least a few days and really get to know that one place. I find this more satisfying and rewarding than quick tours where I see a few sights and then move on. Accordingly, I have booked lodging for nine days in Shanghai. That is the only booking I have done so far. I would like to remain as flexible as possible while recognizing that some advance planning is necessary.