The Pleasure of Anticipation

Planning for my next trip. Any guess?

Come to think about it, the planning of a trip is almost as fun as the trip itself. Our human brains are so powerful in its imaginative ability it transports us to faraway places without us having any idea of the reality of said location. The imagination and anticipation is almost as fulfilling as the travel itself, especially when, to quote Alain de Botton, the reality of travel seldom matches our daydreams.

Small problem with the Enfield.

Prior to a trip to Nepal last year, I've researched extensively to make full use of a rented bike for 5 days. So much fun and anticipation and excitement! Until I started riding, because the reality couldn't be more different. The roads were bad and dust so horrible that sweat turns into mud on your face. Kathmandu's roads were particularly ghastly as the city was choke full of vehicles and pollutants to its very last bit. Can't imagine anyone not having lung disease there.

Imagine this for 50km.

They probably just went for lunch.

My trip to Yogyakarta and Borobudur 2 years ago was no different. Riding there is really not something that I can recommend, especially anywhere near a town or city. One word- traffic, for Java is the world's most populous island. However as with any trip there are always surprises. Mostly bad, but always one or two good ones. During my last day there I went up Gunung Merapi which is an active volcano that soared into the clouds. Riding in its foggy dream-like peak was one of my greatest experiences of that trip.

So the real secret to really enjoy a trip is to lower expectations. Planning and anticipating is fun but one must always reality check to make sure he won't be taken aback when reality strikes. Then one can truly travel as it is and be rewarded with the little pleasant surprises that happens with almost every travel. LY

Was lucky to encounter the colourful Chong Phara procession at Mae Hong Son during my first solo trip- truly an experience to remember.