Hello. Is anybody out there?
I’m a bit confused; my statistics say that I have about 3,500 new visitors a week and about 7,000 page hits per week. So….where are all of you? You sure are quiet. Very few people leave comments on the site, which leaves me a bit perplexed…do you like what you see/read – or do you hate it? Or do you simply not know how to type?
Regardless of love or hate…leave me a comment every now and then – let me know that the 7,000 hits aren’t simply my mom and dad in South Dakota spending their retirement time in front of their old computer with a dial up connection clicking on my site. As a side note – most 3rd world countries have better internet connectivity than my parents.
So – please don’t be shy, I don’t bite…unless I’m having a particularly bad day or it’s before 9AM. It’s easy to leave comments – and I read all of them (that means I also have veto power on them).
Make your presence known – I love to hear from people!
Sherry
Hi Sherry -
I am a friend of Sara Kittridge’s in Minneapolis. I believe we met before, but it has been awhile.
I absolutely love your site. I love to travel and take pictures as well. I haven’t made it past Europe, but it seems as though there is so much to see there. I bought a Canon Rebel last year and am still learning to use it. You definately have an eye for pictures.
I visit your site a few times and week and enjoy hearing and seeing your travels. You also have a way with words. A few of your stories had me in tears. The Morocco story comes to mind.
Have a nice Thanksgiving and I hope you can continue with the travel, writing and pictures.
Dawn
Hi Sherry,
This is Ruhie from Kenya and i love reading you entries.
They keep me entertained, amused and happy (some cases i am sad and touched).
I am very new at reading blogs and yours is 1 of the ony ones i have actually stuck to reading till i get to the end…
1 thing that got my interest was the book “3 cups of tea” by Greg M and i intend to buy it and treasure it!
Since i am an unemployed, just recently graduated university student, i only dream of what you are doing and so thank you for painting such wonderful pictures of such amzing people and places!
Wishing you a safe journey
Ruhie
Hi Sherry -
I stumbled onto your sight after seeing your beautiful photo on the Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope. I am short on time but had to say I love your photography and have bookmarked your travel log for future reading.
My first question is ‘how on earth do you do it?” are you just independently wealthy? I’m living vicariously through your travels for now but want to join in the real thing someday – any advice.
I will read on!
Peace,
D.S.
Oh my…I am certainly not independently wealthy! Just a lot of saving and no committments such as mortgage, husband, kids, or car. Plus – as I move through Asia, I’ve been lucky enough to stay with my sister’s family when I can. It at least provides a break from the constant budget hotels! Plus, once you get used to living out of a suitcase for an extended period of time, you realize you don’t need a ton of stuff any longer!
Thanks everyone for putting in your comments – I just love hearing who’s out there! More, more!
Sherry
Sherry!
I just happened upon your blog while researching Shagnri La…I taught at an English camp there last summer!! Your stories are inspiring!! While I’ve traveled several places I want to see so many more. However being young the powers that be (family, friends, and esp parents) have supressed my desires a bit to “think logically” about my future. Reading your stories has given me great encouragement. Life is too short to waste in an office pushing papers! And it is possible to travel the world and float where the wind/wine takes you…
Where are you off to next?? I’m planning a trip to the Philippines this May and then I’m off to Madurai India for a couple months…after reading your stories maybe I’ll plan a few more stops!! Nepal? Loas? Bangkok? What would you recommend??
Sincerely,
Jessica
PS-what kind of camera do you use…your photos are beautiful!!
Jessica – glad you stumbled upon me! The Philippines are supposed to be amazing – I couldn’t fit it in this time…but there is always next time! As for what I would recommend. I think flying into Bangkok, heading up to northern Thailand via VIP bus (our air if your budget allows), hang out in Chiang Mai, and head to Pai – then cross over into Laos and work your way over to Luang PraBang and then down to Vientianne – then you can take the train back to Bangkok. Those are some of my favorite places – very local, agricultural, village life – and tons of backpackers along the way.
I use a Canon Digital Rebel with a couple of different lenses – its a lot to carry, but it has been worth it! I hope you keep reading!
Sherry
Hi Sherry,nrnrI remember how to type! nrI share your adventures with everyone in the office and open your email as soon as I see it. If I don’t get a chance to read it in the office I print it out and read it on the bus ride home at night.nrnrI have been on your amazing journey with you from the start. From the mountain climbing, mud baths, tears and fears in airports, through slums in Italy and past blue doors I have been with you. nrYou have shown me so many beautiful and sad things through your potography and through your articles and you’ve taken me on a wondrous journey. I have enjoyed your family and friends and your resent taxi driver. nrThank you for the wonderful time.nrnrJerrinr
OMG….Jerri – what a surprise! I had no idea anyone from work even read this blog! It’s great to hear from you and to know that you’ve been following, it means so much to me. Wow – you probably know more about me now than you ever did after 3 1/2 yrs of working with me..scary! I will see you back in NYC – not sure how long I will stay – but I will surely see you!
Sherry
Hi Sherry,
I’m still reading your blog. I came across this when I was doing research for my own trip to Africa this past summer. I’ve now been back for as long as I was gone (hard to believe!) and it seems like the trip was all a dream. Still job-hunting, though working for my old company. It’s a surreal life for me in either case, but definitely wish I was still traveling at times.
I’m in New York and just discovered the blog a few hours ago, and have been on it SINCE!!! Wow, I don’t even know where to start…I guess work my way up to current posts!
I’m looking for a way to email you – do you have an address listed on here? So much to navigate (of course I’m also in bed on my Sidekick so the screen is a lot smaller LOL). I love the writing and photographs too, I said you needed to write a book but hell, it’s already written! I’m so excited about reading about all of your adventures. Especially on the laptop so your beautiful photos stand out more. One of a little girl in India almost looked 3-dimensional! Cool!
Let me know about an email addy!
Hi there Malia! Thanks so much for your kind words and multiple comments – it’s so fun to hear from people that found the website and actually enjoy it! It’s one of the reasons why I’ve been having so much fun this last year. I have found that I love writing about my adventures, and showing/teaching people about the world! Any chance that you are a publisher…ha?! Actually I have toyed with the idea of how to turn all of this into a book – so I’m working on some ideas – but am completely dumbfounded by the world of writing and photography – so I have a lot to learn!
I will be back in NY in January – and I hope to put together an exhibition of photography somewhere small – so I will keep you posted! Plus, I intend to keep writing about my US adventures and how I intend to follow my dream and change my life – so I hope you keep reading – I figure I have a 50-50 chance of succeeding!
About going to India – you should definitely do it!!!! I was terrified to go there and it turned out to be my favorite place in all of my stops. It grabbed my heart and held it hostage for many different reasons. I plan to go back and teach one day there again. If you have any questions about India or long term travel – feel free to email me at leaott@yahoo.com – I’m always happy to help!
Cheers!
Sherry
Merry Christmas Sherry,
Welcome back to USA and your parents home in SD. Imagine there is snow there. Being in the 32 degree range we are having rain and told to stay inside since ice is to occur any minute. smiles
Of course, I have enjoyed your comments and notes about your travels as well as the photography all through the journey. Don’t think I missed anything as all information was easy to access. Loved that aspect for sure being an older, less savvy computer user.
This is the season of Our Savior’s Birth and indeed a joyous time. I love the lights and witness of the Reason for this Season.
A Merry Christmas to you and a Blessed 2008!
In Christian love and prayer for your entire being, Vonny
Hi Sherry,
I’m a friend of Jean Spinner’s (we just had lunch together!) and I’ve been checking in on your blog here and there since about the 3rd month of your trip. I quit my “corporate” career back in 2004 and left to do the JET Programme in Japan, hitting Thailand, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand in the process… I came back and pretty much fell back into something similar to what I had been doing, but it sure as hell changes you — and what I experienced what NOTHING as dramatic or extensive as what you’ve just been through. Just wanted to say:
1. Thanks for bringing all of us along on your journey. I will continue to read your blog for future posts, as well as read things I missed from the past.
2. I know the feeling of coming “home” and not really knowing what’s next or how you fit in now — you’ve changed and that’s all there is to it. I don’t know if it helps you to know others have gone through it, but you’ll find the right path.
3. Keep writing. I had a blog (no where NEAR as extensive as yours) when I was abroad, and the entries dwindled off as life became so freaking routine I couldn’t even stand to talk about it regularly. Then I didn’t have time. I regret that I didn’t keep making/finding time for it — and now I post only about quarterly… Find the same exciting, interesting, unique things to talk about, even if you find them in every day life. And take pictures, too. Yours are wonderful!
Just wanted to share my thoughts. Welcome back to the US! (I purposely didn’t say “welcome home” just now.)
Minde
HI THERE,
My name is Hannah and I am absolutely addicted to your stories and pictures!
I actually work with your brother here in Lincoln and he led me to your site a couple weeks ago. I was talking to him about the degree I am planning on completing (“International Rescue and Relief”) and he said I might be interested in reading though some of your stuff.
Honestly, I think your brother just mentioned the site and didn’t think much of it, but I pulled it up and was hooked. I sat and looked through all your pictures for the next six hours strait
Since then everyday I have been pulling it up and looking for something new to read about. I absolutely love your pictures!! Ever since I was younger I have thought that the ultimate dream job would be to become a National Geographic photographer. I used to tell people that that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up. Since then, life has gotten in the way a bit, and I haven’t had my camera out that much. I’m only 22 though and have plenty of time ahead of me.
Anyway, I just wanted to write this and tell you not to stop writing…or taking pictures!! I have this bookmarked and it is the highlight of my day to look at. I find your writing so interesting, and your pictures are my inspiration for places that I WILL eventually travel to!
I was in Mexico for the past 10 days and it was hard enough coming back to “real life”, I can’t imagine being gone as long as you…it’s got to be hard. Anyway, looking forward to reading more…
- Hannah
Hannah – thankyou so much for your comment. I have to admit – just when I’m having a bad day, I get a note like this and it uplifts me beyond belief. I’m so happy that you are enjoying the site and the photography – it makes me feel like I’m not wasting my time. But most of all – if you can see the more of the world through my site – then I’ve accomplished my goal! You do have plenty of time ahead of you, and I can predict that you will be an avid, adventurous traveler! Please stay in touch!
Sherry
Hi Sherry!
Your website is so well done and so inspiring. My fiance heard about your site from his friend David, who is also a friend of yours.
When Jared and I were planning our own travels, we saw all your adventures in Asia and couln´t wait to get going. We like your site so much that we linked to it on our own travelogue, http://www.globestompers.com.
I hope that you are enjoying being back in NYC. Even though it must be cold there now, I do miss it! Go up to Buttercup Bake Shop on 52nd and 2nd and get a lemon cupcake for me!
Julie
Just wanted to drop a note to say hello since I’m one of the guilty who read your blog regularly and have never left a comment.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the chronicles of your journey, especially your honest thoughts about work and life. Having traveled abroad a number of times, but only in month long chunks, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to go on an extended romp. I hope you continue to write. And enjoy the fine bit of weather we have going today in the city. Hopefully, it’ll stick!
Ron
Hi Sherry,
My mom told me about your site after having had about an hour long conversation with your mom yesterday. What a blast from the past…I had to see what you have been up to. I thought I’d just be checking out a “small” website documenting your travels, but WOW, there is so much there! I am sooooo impressed with your courage to leave your job and travel the world. But I am very taken by your impressive photography and journalistic abilities. I totally believe in listening to and following your heart and passion, and this is a perfect example of where it can lead. If I could publish you myself I would, but certainly someone will. You could write a book of your travels or sell your photography. Surely you don’t have to go back to the “white box.” I didn’t get to read/see everything on your sight tonight, but I look forward to visiting again. If your travels bring you out west again, my family and I just packed up and moved across country this year to an amazing place–Bellingham, Washington. It’s about as far northwest that you can go before entering Canada or falling in. It has been a real journey for us and we are so glad that we followed our hearts. It is hard to be further from mom and dad, but my sister Annie is much closer (Portland). Anyway, would love to write/catch up more, but it’s late. Thanks for sharing your journeys, photos and insights with the world. Again, I look forward to visiting again!
Molly
Sherry,
I loved your “goats in trees” story on BootsnAll.com. Your writing fulfills my qualification for excellent travel writing, which is that the reader forgets he/she is and is right there with you! Not only do you take us there, but you do a great job of communicating that crazy joy of traveling feeling and I love the photos of the little goats in the trees.
Thanks a bunch and I’ll have to check out your blog regularly!
Thanks for the kind words Grace! I guess my ‘How To Be A Travel Writer’ book has paid off…ha! The Goats were one of my favorite experiences while traveling…a true pilgrimage of the quirky and fun which is what travel is all about for me!
Sherry
Hello there,
Just stumbled by and realize you are doing and living what I’m about to do….quit my job, leave friends and family behind, and fly halfway across the world.
I have no idea what’s going to happen to me. The only “plan” I have is: Go to London.
I’ve been standing on the edge for so long, and I just couldn’t bring myself to jump.
Reading about people like you gives me hope, that everything will be alright.
Best wishes,
Dora (in Hong Kong)
Hi Sherry,
I landed on your site while researching New Zealand travel. I am in Flagstaff AZ and looking for a bit of a get away. From what I read, it sounds like you are not getting many comments on your site, so just wanted to say Howdy!
Chris
love the concept and your travels. the before and after photos say it all!
Travel on.
-j
Hi Sherry,
I just wanted to leave you a note and tell you that you have inspired me. I’ve dreamed about doing what you did for most of my adult life and have always held back. I’m 47 and graduated from college at 46. My son is raised and I feel that now is my time. I don’t have $70K to spare but would love to hear your ideas on doing this ‘on the dime’. I haven’t read all your posts but plan to from my ‘cube’ as I have my melt down days at corporate america and need breaks. Did you get your ESL training and do you see that as a viable way to support one’s self on the road?
I’ve traveled but always for the standard 2 weeks that corp america allows. I really am trying to figure out how to transfer my skills to a job that is seasonal so I can travel for 3-6 months at a time. My soul has always known that this is my dream and passion, to travel and teach, but my gut gets scared.
Looking forward to searching through all your old posts.
Tink