Social networking and all its addictiveness aside, I have felt like I’ve been declawed and released into the wild lately. I just don’t know what’s wrong with me. Two years ago I would have been able to pitch article after article to the MatadorNetwork, while doing countless searches on new websites, places off the beaten path in Japan, and seeing what I could do to further my “career” as a travel writer. It’s not even about pitching articles or making money, it’s about wanting to do so, and wanting more out of one’s life. This year, I just haven’t felt much of a drive to do anything.

I looked at all my pictures of my years in the land of the rising sun, and I couldn’t help but feel a certain disconnect with that aspect of my life, as though I had forgotten I was and am a traveler. Even being aware of my recent days in New Zealand, I stared and wondered…

When was I ever in such a state of mind to travel every week, every day? What was it about these countries that compelled me to take photos of everything, and why don’t I have the same inclination to do so here, now? Am I really such a different person now? Where have my traveler’s instincts gone?

Maybe it was the fact that, in Japan, there were so few options available to traveling foreigners. If I wanted to go somewhere off the beaten path, I could be sure there would only be 1-2 websites, few others who had preceded me, and limited sources of information. As such, when I wrote up the blogs for my Japanese adventures listing the best ryokan, onsen, and transportation, I was stating the obvious: there were next to none in the way of other choices. I may have been parroting that which others could find with a little elbow grease, but it was the only information for the areas I traveled.

Maybe time is my enemy now. I’m essentially doing what some more notable writers have done in reverse. Rolf Potts traveled Asia after working in South Korea for two years saving money. I may have worked in Japan, but I spent every last yen on ferry and train tickets, while letting my credit card debt slowly grow from interest rates. In New Zealand, I earned enough to get by, but continued to charge for fancy meals and unnecessary items. Nowadays, I wire the majority of my paycheck to the states, and when friends invite me to go bungee jumping or to Taebaek for the casino, I simply say I’m trying to save… and spend the weekend in front of my computer, wondering why.

What would I rather be doing? Ah, there’s the rub. The whole “grass is always greener” argument. I think I’m finally ready to call it quits, whatever that means. I sound like such a hypocrite saying such a thing, but I’m tired. I’m tired of being comfortable, because long-term travel, living abroad, teaching English, indulging in nothing but travel and superficial relationships, and waking up in unfamiliar surroundings have become comfortable to me. Even when I don’t know the area or the language, I know how things work; I know how to live comfortably. I didn’t think it was possible either, but if the purpose of travel, why we travel, is to stretch our minds with the unfamiliar, I think I’ve numbed myself up too often for it to have any effect. Maybe I’m wrong. I certainly don’t like this development, but I don’t see a cure. A new country? New city? Same places with a significant other? Go back to the states to recuperate, then hit the road? When I was living at Vimutti Buddhist Monastery in New Zealand, I asked the abbot whether he had ever known a monk to disrobe (leave the tradition). In fact, he had, and went into detail about how some, even after decades of service, get tired of everything: early morning chants, celibacy, physical labor… The way he explained it, you don’t have to be ordained to achieve enlightenment (though it does help with the lack of distraction), and people have to follow their own path. Some get tired, and need a change.

I’m tired. I need a change.

I started writing for the MatadorNetwork not long after they really started to take off in the online community. Yet I remain a freelance writer, while others I’ve known have become editors and influential members of the team. It’s my own fault, of course, because I didn’t ask for any more responsibility. I was comfortable writing freelance, only submitting articles when I wanted to, and nothing more. It’s always nothing more with me. These nights I spend browsing travel websites only leads to envy and frustration; I like what I read, I know I can write that well, but all I see is someone getting more glory. It’s petty, but I just keep thinking why I’m not in their positions after this long a time, and now, it’s clear to me: because I didn’t focus my efforts there. I always spread myself too thin, knowing a little about a lot, and I’ve come to realize this isn’t beneficial to me or to the world I should be helping. I need to just pick a path, go with it, right or wrong, and see where it leads me. Hopefully it will lead to some stability, situations in which I can still travel, and someone with whom to share my life.

This isn’t limited to anyone in particular. Don’t give the check-in lady a hard time because your flight just happens to be oversold. Don’t look ticked off in front of the security guard as you enter the metal detector. And, above all, do not yell at the immigration agent; you may not have broken any laws by showing your frustration, but he has the power to let you in or send you packing.

As I was waiting in line to check into a hostel in Auckland, I noticed a large group of belligerent guys giving the receptionist far too much stress. When it came my turn to speak, I simply said “would you like a reprieve?” and handed her a few chocolate chip cookies I had just bought. Not only did she seem in a much better mood, but, as a courtesy, she upgraded me to a single room for the holiday weekend.

As difficult as it may be at times, remember to show a little compassion, not anger.

“You Won’t Like Me When I’m Angry!”, DenisGiles

2. Flash Cash

Pretty self-explanatory. Even though you may need lots of cash on hand to travel, don’t pull out your entire bankroll every time you buy a bottle of water. You may attract unwanted attention from pickpockets, or worse, someone daring enough to assault you.

3. Be Ignorant of Local Laws

Found yourself in handcuffs abroad, have you? Did you step on an image of the King of Thailand? Eat during Ramadan? Don’t be a fool; read up on the local laws of countries to which you plan to travel. Just because you have a Canadian flag on your backpack doesn’t mean you’re subject to the laws of her majesty wherever you go.

4. Travel Sick

I’m absolutely sick of people doing this, pardon the bad pun. I know, I know, if you’ve contracted a bit of a cold while traveling and need to catch that flight home, it’s often unavoidable, but do you have to put people on their vacations at risk by coughing, sneezing, or just being sick in crowded areas? If nothing else, wear a mask:

“Public transportation circa: 2009″, weissfoto

5. Have Absolutely No Idea Where You’re Going

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there
- Through the Looking Glass

I’m not referring to those who couldn’t care less if they end up sleeping in seven different countries seven consecutive nights, or want to see all of the Sahara on foot. No, this advice goes out to those tourists who have taken the time to make elaborate plans… and feel compelled to rely on others to execute them properly. The ones who make it a point to do absolutely no research prior to setting out in a foreign land, bugging locals and travelers for directions and advice. I’m all for engaging others in conversation and sharing expertise, but could you try to help yourselves first?

6. Lower Your Defenses, Put Yourself at Risk

I’m all for adventure, being a “yes man”, exposing yourself to situations you might never have imagined… but remember, you’re in foreign country, possibly alone and very vulnerable, at risk for kidnapping, rape, assault, who knows what else. At the same time, you feel compelled to cut loose, have a good time abroad, and party it up. I’m not suggesting you do otherwise… just be mindful, simple as that. Don’t get drunk around people you don’t know. Don’t accept drugs from anyone, period (you know how many bodies they’ve dragged off the beaches of Kou Phangan after Full Moon Parties?). Don’t be stupid.

7. Expect Others to Understand English

My apologies to non-English speakers (this article is in the target language, after all). Although English is certainly the language of choice for international communication, try not to be arrogant when someone doesn’t speak a word of it. You’re in his country, after all: volume won’t change that (i.e. yelling “HOW MUCH?” right after saying it slowly changes nothing). I suppose this goes back to controlling your anger in an unpleasant situation.

The corollary of this, of course, is that many people in foreign countries DO understand at least a little English, and, especially if you’re a long-term resident, it’s stupid of you to assume otherwise all the time. No need to force your smattering of improperly pronounced Thai onto a bewildered tuk tuk driver; he can speak to you better than you may ever be able to speak to him… tonal languages are tricky.

I have just finished working to rebuild Haiti, but can’t speak to the details due to a non-disclosure agreement. I am off to Korea tomorrow!

My apologies for the delay in posting, noble readers; I have recently relocated to Vimutti Buddhist Monastery and have limited Internet access.

Some Couchsurfers may have already had the fortune of reading Sleeping Around by Brian Thacker, the story of a man surfing his way across the globe; incidentally, if you are in New Plymouth, New Zealand, I left my copy to their CSing community – find it and leave your autograph to the ages.

From Kenya to Iceland, Thacker takes us on a global tour of the hospitality of those bearing their souls… but mostly their couch cushions. If I had read this back in 2007, I would have been pleasantly shocked and awed. As it stands, from my great experiences Couchsurfing in Thailand – longboating to Kou Raya Yai in Phuket, dining on the beach in Kou Tao, enjoying the company of Americans, British, and Thais over a home-cooked meal in Nahkon Si Thammarat – I already knew the world was full of such generosity… even from those who have little: in Kenya, he stayed with a man in his mudwall house and did a few walkabouts of a small village. But there are also those with resources who want to give a good name to their culture: somewhere in Brazil, there is a huge mansion listed on CSing (you get your own wing; how’s that for a couch?); an Argentinean man offered to set Thacker up in a ski lodge for a few days.

A pity he didn’t choose to surf in Japan, New Zealand, or his native Australia, but I digress… what got my attention, among other Couchsurfing ideals discussed in the book, was a conversation Thacker had with his Icelandic host, inquiring as to whether CSers and hosts ever “hooked up” in their travels.

Let’s explore this further with a hypothetical scenario. You’re a male Couchsurfing host and a single female contacts you about needing a place to stay for one night; altogether, not an uncommon occurrence. From her picture, you can see she’s smokin’… and here’s where difficulties arise: do you try to make a move on this beautiful, well-traveled girl who probably just wants a safe environment with a charming guide for the night? If she responds (good on ya), you might start to question whether she surfs just for casual sex; if she doesn’t, you feel a bit sleazy for even trying in the first place, and chances are, a negative reference is in your future, limiting your Couchsurfing opportunities as host and surfer:

This guy is such a jerk. I politely asked if I could stay for one night, and as soon as I arrive and settle in, he tries to get me drunk and starts hitting on me! Girls, BEWARE! I wouldn’t recommend him as a host or surfer. Definitely an insult to the spirit of Couchsurfing.

It is pretty sleazy to even consider sleeping with someone alone, on the road, and to whom you’ve opened your home. On the other hand… the vagabonding life can get pretty lonely. Sex is often the first real connection in interacting with foreign travelers. And if she’s only staying one night, there is little chance of conflict in ending the “relationship”: you know she’s only staying for one night, she knows she’s staying for one night, and the chances of both of you running into each other again by coincidence are staggering.

From a woman’s perspective (and I apologize for this guesswork, but I will forever remain in the dark as to your minds), let’s play out a scenario between a female Couchsurfing host and a male surfer. The guy tries to gage as to whether a delightful, attractive host would be interested in taking things a bit further this evening… ok, stop there; a nice girl has opened up her house for you, and the first thing you can think of is “how can I hit that…”??? Pretty shameful. On the other hand, if unwelcome advances come from the girl first (whether she’s surfing or hosting) I can imagine it playing out in two ways: either you hook up, or there’s an awkwardness following the both of you for the remainder of the trip (I might add it would take a cosmic event for a guy to turn down a girl).

Why Couchsurfers hooking up is a good thing:

• Ummm… “building bridges” in the international community?
• Some would say that’s called being a good host
• An impermanent thing; you both have time to have fun while traveling, and not deal with anything serious

Why Couchsurfers hooking up can be a really bad thing:

• You betray the trust instilled by Couchsurfing, both as host and surfer
• With a negative reference, you may be permanently couchless on the road
• The chance of that awkward encounter in an international airport later on

My experiences? I’ve had a lot of surfers and hosts and thought about what might have been. I hear stories all the time from hosts, mostly guys, about girls who have surfed looking for a good time. My hosts on Kou Tao met while the guy was surfing her couch in Egypt, and they’ve been together for quite a while (soon to be married, I believe). I guess, in a sense, it’s better than trying to hook up in nightclubs or through random encounters; you know a little about both host and surfer going in, and you already have a common interest that really ties you to each other’s feelings: travel. The differences lies in accountability, i.e. your references. In the real world, if you’re turned down or slapped in disgust, that’s pretty much the end of it (unless you’re unfortunate enough to have tried something in a small community or office); in the Couchsurfing world, the experience is torn open for all to see… one can even change his or her reference after the fact.

What are your experiences with Couchsurfing?

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Most recently, I’ve been restricting my travel blogs to my Matador Travel rants and raves and my Japan blog, Keeping Pace in Japan. However, from this point forward, I will be making an attempt to concentrate all my efforts here, at Once A Traveler. And what will I be talking about?

Japan? Of course – I’m a big fan of Japanese food, hot springs, and teaching English abroad.

New Zealand? On the agenda; in fact, by the time you read this post, I should already be living and working at Vimutti Buddhist Monastery, just south of Auckland.

Running? Naturally. I’ve finished two marathons (Austin and Boston), but my goal is to run one on all seven continents. Would have gone out for the Tokyo Marathon with a goal time of 2:55 if I hadn’t broken my wrist in Kagoshima.

Taiwan may be in my future beginning in 2010, but I’m open to all sorts of possibilities; the time I have spent back in the states has taught me I don’t think I can live over there for an extended period: life is too fast, things are too loud, people are too shallow (well, for the most part), and the food… is delicious… and incredibly fattening.

So begins a new chapter with Once A Traveler. All my experiences abroad or at home and thinking of the open road are at your fingertips. Just as John L Parker, Jr. said: Once a runner, always a runner. Well, once a traveler…