August 1, 2011 
The world is a vast and wonderful place that is just waiting to be explored by anyone willing to step out on a ledge and give it a shot. It is surprisingly easy, however, to fall into a normal routine throughout our daily lives — a routine in which we rarely break out of our comfort zone or push ourselves to explore or try something new. In this state, one’s world tends to be no larger than the immediate bubble around their family, friends, and place of work. And although there is nothing wrong with doing what seems comfortable or easy, it is difficult for the human spirit to grow, learn, or evolve in this world, as there are no challenges to one’s perspective, no new stimuli to invigorate the mind, or no mysterious unknowns for one to discover. For this reason, along with many others, I’ve made the decision to temporarily leave my normal life and dive head first into whatever experiences the world has to offer for me.
My name is Andrew Amiet, I currently live in Columbus, OH, and I have had the pleasure of traveling internationally a handful of times throughout my life. In a little over a week, however, I’ll be boarding a plane — one-way ticket in hand and backpack strapped to my back — for what could potentially be a 2+ year-long voyage across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. There are many reasons for taking this plunge at this time in my life, but the most significant factor is that this is something that I’ve always dreamed of doing and my worst fear was to suddenly find myself an old man wishing that I had done things differently. Another way that I like to characterize this trip is that I’m taking a few years of retirement early, when I’m still young and fit enough to tackle anything that comes my way, whether that be hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekking through the Andes, snorkeling through the coral reefs of the Pacific, or kayaking along the Mekong River.
A common (and often overly romanticized) day-dream of folks frustrated with their lives is to blow out of the office, yelling “I quit!”, giving the finger to everyone as you leave, selling your car to by a motorcycle, and then simply riding off into the horizon. Whereas this is a fun situation to think about, mine turned out to be quite different. My decision to leave a great job, an amazing city, and all of my friends and family wasn’t because I was running or trying to escape from anything, but more that I was running towards or being drawn to something new. This sentiment may seem odd to many, but personally, I’m very much looking forward to this next chapter of my life, as well as the new perspectives and experiences that will form the basis for the rest of my life once I return.
One over-riding theme of my trip is that I want to be as open as possible to any new experiences that may come my way. Because of this, I’m attempting to going against my nature and not plan more than a few days in advance. If I find myself in a country or city that I love or with a great group of new friends, I’ll stay around a bit longer; and likewise, if I find myself wishing to be anywhere else other than where I am, I’ll know its time to move on. This being said, it is still necessary to have at least some direction. As it stands now, my rough itinerary is to spend the first 3-4 months in Western Europe. I’ll then make my way through Eastern Europe and eventually catch a flight to India. After a detour to Africa to meet up with a few family members, I’ll continue on into Southeast Asia and then eventually into mainland China and up the East coast of Asia. If my resources (i.e. money) haven’t run out by this time, I’ll make the next jump to South America, exploring the Western Coast on my way down to Patagonia. Of course, this is all subject to change, as I’m sure I’ll continuously find new tangents to explore once I’m on the road. Hell, I’m not even willing to dismiss the idea that I’ll fall in love at my first destination and never leave. The beauty of the open-ended trip is that I can take whatever path is most interesting to me at that time.
As mentioned before, the purpose of this trip is not to escape from my current life, but to enrich my life as much as I possibly can. It is difficult to say what exactly I’ll find along the way, but I have full faith in the fact that when I return, I’ll have a new perspective on the world, a different outlook to the issues one faces in their daily life, and many new friends and experiences upon which I can draw from for the rest of my life. And as a side note to all my friends and family out there, if you’re planning an international trip or have a destination in mind to which you’ve always yearned to visit, drop me an email. Its a small world, afterall, and if I’m in you’re neck of the woods, I’ll try to swing over and say hello.
Pondering the deep mysteries of life (and looking goofy doing it)
Temporarily Lost 
Good for you man! I can’t wait to catch up on your blog as I’m pushing paper around my desk and “helping” unappreciative children. Best of luck Big Guy.
I could not be more proud of you. Be safe.
I am so excited for you right now. Take care of yourself, good friend, and try not to get too tired of wearing the same outfit every other day.
Ha ha. I’ve got my sink-washing technique down to a science, so clean clothes can be had anywhere! Thanks for the well-wishes!
I’m sure you will do great and know you have many people back home who support you 100%
temporalily lost? my wife says I am a perminately lost person….
I know that I speak for many when I say, “This is really, really, really, really facey.”
I saw this little saying at “Fusion” today at lunch. Thought it pretty much summed up your situation Mr Amiet 0:)
“Not all those who wander are lost!”
Bon Voyage
Lynn Reich
That has always been one of my favorite quotes! In fact, I initially tried to set up this blog as “Wandering not Lost” or “Wandering but not Lost,” but both were unfortunately already taken. Alas…
I admire you so much and thrilled to be able to read your blog! Stay safe!
I realized that you began this post and your “reflections on europe” with the same words .. “The world is vast…” I do not know if you intended to do this but either way I think its nice that it seems like you came full circle.
Wow, I hadn’t realized that I had done that. Though it wasn’t intentional, I think I’m going to keep it that way. Like you said, it brings a bit of closure to this leg of my trip. Thanks for reading!
I’ve just discovered your blog & thought I’d start at the beginning (usually a good place!). I’ve got to say, I love this post. It really resonated with me about how I’ve been feeling & the reasons for my itchy feet. I think you’ve got it spot on here!
Happy travelling :o)
Jen
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the posts as much as the first!