In spring 2008, my partner and I graduated just as the global economy was collapsing. This along with several other factors led us to our current home in Taiwan (not to be confused with Thailand), a large, democratically ruled island triangulated between the Philippines, PRChina, and Japan. This beautiful island is home to some of the most stunning mountains in the world (see 玉山 Jade Mountain), and several unique species of wildlife.
During our time in Taiwan, we have traveled extensively around the island, hiking many of its beautiful mountains, swimming in its oceans, cycling long stretches of farmland road, and basking in the warmth of its Buddhist and Daoist temples. We have even been fortunate enough to visit some of Taiwan's smaller, outlying islands such as Green Island (綠島) and Penghu (澎湖). Still on our list are several others including Orchid Island (蘭嶼), Kinmen (金門), and Little Liuqiu Island (小琉球).
Although we have had a lot of fun exploring this beautiful island, there is plenty more of the world still left to see and 6 years, 10 rescued dogs, 3 rescued rabbits, 2 new languages, an MA degree in Anthropology, and a world of knowledge later, we have decided to wind down our time in Taiwan in order to begin the next phase of our lives elsewhere. Because we have lived in Asia for so long, we feel it is only fair that when we do finally leave, we take the opportunity to experience all that Asia has to offer.
This blog is the beginning of our journey to our new home, which will ultimately take us on a loop around Oceania, and then across Eurasia by land, through the north of Africa and finally home (wherever we decide that will be). The itinerary currently includes over 35 countries such as New Zealand and Vanuatu in Oceania, Malaysia, Mongolia, India, Iran, Jordan, and Turkey in Eurasia, and Egypt and Morocco in north Africa. The trip will take between 15-18 months to complete, and we are hoping to begin roughly 3 years from today!
Until our trip begins, this will be the place we catalogue our discoveries and create our lists for must sees, must dos, and most critically,
must eats. There will be photos, articles, lists, opinion pieces, and other random tidbits. We will try to provide as much eye candy as possible, and highlight the most intriguing sites.
Once our trip begins, this blog will serve to document all that we see and experience, including our photos, stories and personal recommendations for things that should be seen or skipped across Oceania and Eurasia.
Ultimately, we hope to inspire conversation about travel (and life), or at the very least, give fellow travelers and foodies another place to swap info!
Happy traveldrooling,
The Pan Asia Travellers
