Going Abroad!

Gonna Be An Expat For A Bit

I'm excited for next semester.  You know why?  Because my life is going to be awesome.  

I wanted to create a blog so I can:

1) Show everyone what I'm up to while I'm not at school in DC;

2) Have a record of what I've been doing

(#2 should really only be a problem if I have some forgetful nights)

#2: This stuff will be a problem in China

I've been waiting until now to create my first post because I had not purchased all of my flights until today.  So let me give you a brief overview of what my life will be like for the next six or seven months:

My Itinerary

Ironically, only half of my Southeast Asia trip has reservations

For the first month of my time abroad, I will be traveling in Southeast Asia (yes, by myself) to see some pretty cool places.  Then from February-June, I will begin my study abroad program in Shanghai.  

Part One: Burma/Myanmar

After traveling for 36 hours from the United States, I will arrive in Burma (Myanmar).  Side note: Thanks to the amount of airline miles I have, my flights to get to Asia are rediculously cheap.  Pretty cool cause that is what is making this trip possible!

I will be spending a week in Burma, spread out between Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay.  I am by far most excited about Bagan because it is wicked beautiful.  

Bagan: I mean seriously, look at this place.

Part Two: Thailand

After flying from Mandalay, I will arrive in Bangkok and will be there for a couple of days.  Now assuming I don't get a tattoo like in the hangover (who knows...) I will head to one of the beautiful islands of Southern Thailand for some fun and relaxation.  

Please no...

Part Three: ???

Ah, now here's where the really interesting part of my trip comes in.  Since I'm going by myself, who knows what other cool places I'll learn and realize I want to visit while I'm in Southeast Asia?  Who knows who else I'll meet while in the ASEAN countries?  As long as I end up in Bangkok on the right date for my flight to China, then I'll be all set!  Other options include Northern Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.  Definitely gonna have to hit up Angkor Wat though!  

Angkor Wat is pertty

Now this may seem odd or stupid for me to do, but it isn't necessarily.  If I plan too far ahead, make reservations to hostels I'll have to keep, and I decide that I want to go somewhere else, then I can't!  Plus train and bus travel in ASEAN is cheap and easy, and the really inexpensive hostels are many a-plentiful!

Part Four: Shanghai

When it's time to say my see-you-later to Southeast Asia, I will fly to Shanghai and spend my semester studying abroad there!

I can't wait to go abroad.  It's going to be so cool!  I just wanted to give you guys a run-down of what I will be doing, but I hope y'all stick with me through this journey of mine.  I am not going to put everything down on this blog that I do (also there is some stuff I just won't want to put on the internet....the Hangover Tattoo is a good example...) but I will make sure to put down a lot.  Until then, good life and happy travels!

-Andrew