TRAVEL INTERVIEW WITH TODD WASSEL OF TODD'S WANDERINGS

travel interview- Todd Wassell- Todds' Wanderings

Witty Todd Wassel of Todd’s

Wanderings has a lot in common with… me, as it turns out. We both lived in Japan for several years, speak Japanese, studied aikido, and immersed ourselves in Japanese culture. We’ve also both been living/traveling overseas for 12 years. As if that’s not enough, we’ve both just written hiking guide books! Who would’ve known we’d later meet on the internet at a travel blogger’s group, Travel Blog Challenge, which, incidentally, Todd set up and directs. (Thanks Todd!)

In the meantime, during 12 years of overseas living, Todd has immersed himself in many other unusual and interesting countries. In today’s interview, Todd gives us in-depth ex-pat’s views on living in foreign countries, his favorite travel moments and hikes, and great tips for pursuing happiness, travel and your passions.

Q1. You first went to Japan for a study abroad program through university. Did you already have a strong interest in Japan? Or did you end up in Japan more randomly, such as it just happened to be a study abroad destination offered through your school?

Wow, you are looking for a long story right from the beginning  I had an interest in Japan back from studying Karate in high school and dabbling in Buddhism. But I didn’t become hooked until I decided to take Japanese in University. I tried Spanish first but couldn’t quite get a handle on it. Somehow I found Japanese easier. I planned to go to Japan on my school’s trip but it was canceled at the last minute due to lack of interest. Another student and I arranged another school privately and headed off. It was my first time on an airplane, first time abroad, and first time realizing the best things in life are the ones you create for yourself.

Q2. You ended up moving in/out of Japan and living/working there for nearly 6 years (with some ‘escapes’ and intermissions). Was that more because you really loved Japan or because that was your best place to make a living/find work?

At first I stayed because I was in love with living abroad and exploring the hidden corners of Japan. Then I stayed because of a girl, I returned because of aikido, stayed because of a girl again, and kept repeating this cycle over and over again. I fell in love with Japan during this time and consider it my second home. But I did make the choice to leave after 5 years living and working there as my life was stalled and I wasn’t getting closer to my ideal life.

Todd-Wassel-in-a-hidden-Temple-Gotto-on-Shikoku

Q3. So, what do you think about living in Japan? What did you like about it? What did you dislike?

Any time you have a chance to live and immerse yourself in another culture it is a wonderful experience. I’d say that about anywhere and not just Japan…well you might want to hold off on Somalia for a few more years. In terms of Japan, I loved the hospitality of the people, traditions and culture, the subtly of the language and the nature. On the other hand I hated how long it took to be accepted into Japanese society as an equal. If you want to just experience Japan superficially it is a great place, but if you want to be treated as an equal you have accept all the cultural obligations that entails. Most people want the acceptance without understanding the responsibilities required.

Q4. Do you think you’d ever want to live there permanently? Why or why not?

I left Japan in 2004 with no intention of moving back. The funny thing about life is you never know what will happen. Turns out I ended up meeting my Japanese wife in Timor Leste and this has since tied me to Japan closer than my normal travels ever would have. We now have a son and I think it would be good for him to live in Japan for a bit as well. But permanently? I can’t say I have yet to find a place I could comfortably say I would live for the rest of my life. I think my soul is a bit too restless for that. But 6 months in South East Asia, 3 months in Japan and 3 months in the US sounds like heaven 

Todd in Timor

Q5. You’ve lived/worked in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Kosovo. Why do you like living/working overseas so much? Why is it preferable to living/working in the US?

I don’t think it is an overseas vs the US issue. I enjoy living in exciting places that are on the cusp of real change. There is something intoxicating about living in a place as history takes shape and being a part of it. I’d say I’m addicted to developing countries over the US and more “developed” countries. There tend to be more flexible rules, greater opportunity for adventures, the prices are cheaper and you can have a higher quality of life. Yes, I just said you can have a higher quality of life in Timor Leste than the US  You tell me how you spend $30,000/year in the US and then I will blow your mind with what is possible in Timor Leste and surrounding Indonesia.

Q6. Please tell us briefly the best and worst (if any) aspects of living/working in each of those places.

Thailand:

Best: Street food, beaches, and jungle fun

Worst: the depressing state of the sex industry (no, not the cost you sicko)

Sri Lanka:

Best: Huge variety of climates and cultures for such a small island

Worst: The way Tamils and Muslims are treated the majority

Timor Leste:

Best: the amazing scuba diving. If you are looking for unspoiled coral this is the place to visit

Worst: high prices due to import taxes. A large Bintang beer can cost 3 dollars!

Kosovo:

Best: Access to the rest of Europe and the Balkans, low cost of living, amazing back country hiking

Worst: Pollution. Whoever decided to put an old communist era coal power plant 1 mile away from the current capital must have had too much rakia (local brandy that is like Italian grappa).

Todd diving in East Timor

Q7. Do you think you’ll ever return to the US to live / work / retire? Why or why not?

Honestly, I have no idea  I’m working towards a lifestyle that will allow me to work from anywhere in the world. I would love to spend a few months a year in the US and would be happy to work there if I found an interesting job. But as with most decisions in my life I’m happy to take things one day at a time and take advantage of the opportunities I have now. Also, besides myself I have to consider my wife’s work (she is in the same UN/development business as me) and my son might get a vote or two once he is speaking more than he is pooping.

Q8. I know you’ll hate this question. Sorry ahead of time, but what are 3 of your favorite places in the world and why?

I don’t have favorites. But I’ll humor you and give you 3 of my favorite moments:

Waking up to the most beautiful blood red sunset I have ever experiences while staying on an island in Lake Titicaca in Peru.
Walking the 900 mile, 88 Buddhist Temple Pilgrimage on Shikoku Japan and meeting some of the friendliest people you will ever meet in your life live on that island. Yes, and I’m writing a book on this journey now (and yes, that link is the blatant self promotion section).
Kicking back in a British era tea plantation in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Nothing is better than relaxing on a porch overlooking an amazing drop off to the jungle plains below.

Q9. Are there any places/countries you really don’t like/ hate / never want to visit again / wouldn’t recommend to others? If so, where and what’s the turn off?

I’d rather not use my 2.3 seconds of Internet fame to be negative. Besides, any place that I don’t like I’m sure a million other people will love.

Todd hiking in Dragash HDR

Q10. I’ve noticed that amidst your travels you particularly enjoy hiking. Could you please tell us 3 of your favorite hikes in the world and what makes them special.

Inca Trail Peru- hiking the ancient paths through amazing mountains passing ruined temples is anyboy’s dream come true.
88 Temple Pilgrimage on Shikoku Japan. There are very few adventure left in the world and this is one of them. Walking 900 miles and dropping out of society for a month or two really helps clear your head and realize what is truly important in life.
Dragash, Kosovo. Seeing how I just wrote the first hiking guide to the region, how could I fail to mention this hidden gem of the Cold War. Sandwiched between the Albanian Alps and the Macedonia’s Mavrovo national park the scenery as well as the people are definitely worth the visit.

Q11. Does your wife share your love of traveling and hiking? Does she usually travel with you? hike with you? or is that something you do on your own? (I haven’t seen you mention her in your hiking trips, nor many travels)

My wife has been traveling and living abroad longer than I have! She makes appearances every once in awhile on my blog with her delicious recipes. But in general I write my stories with only myself involved. I don’t mind exposing myself to ridicule and scorn but it is surprising how many people don’t want their entire lives plastered all over the Internet. While we travel quite a bit together by moving from country to country we factor into each other’s side travels about 50% of the time.

Married to me, she has grown to love hiking, although I do tend to head out into the mountains without her more than with. Just circumstance rather than a set rule.

Riding donkey in Jordan

Q12. On Todd’s Wanderings you offer a lot of great advice about traveling, pursuing goals, how to manage world travels and so on, under ‘Lifestyle Strategies’. Is that all stuff you’ve just learned on your own through experience or have you learned strategies and skills from mentors/books/education? Which of your articles (2-3) would you recommend readers to get started with learning such strategies?

The Lifestyle Strategies section is based on my own experiences. Most of it is just me trying to distill what I have learned through experience out in the world into smaller bits of advice. Looking back over the past 12 years on the road I have come to realize that we can be anything we want if we just work hard enough. No mentors were involved, other than other travelers sharing stories over beer, and no books or education (maybe I should put something out!).

If you are looking to get started I would have a look at:

How I Paid for 12 years of Continuous Travel– This will show you in detail that it’s possible to live this type of life. Once you are convinced then head over to The Happiness Chart to see if you really want to be happy (and do the work necessary).

If you want to be happy then head over to 5 Steps to World Travel and Getting Paid to Do What you Love. And finally check out the 3 Strategies that have helped me to succeed in traveling the world.

mobbed by sheep

Finally, my last bit of advice is not to take any piece of advice too seriously (ironic right?). I have this compulsion that forces me not to accept anything but an ideal happy life. Lot’s of people tried to talk me out of this with “sound” advice about settling down, getting a “good” job and hammering down that white picket fence to keep the dog in. My brand of lifestyle advice is not necessarily for everyone. But if you can’t sit still and won’t compromise with your happiness then it might be for you.

————————————————————————————-

Thanks so much Todd for your in-depth views on living overseas and favorite travel / hiking spots.

To our readers:

What do you think about Todd’s experiences living abroad?

Have you lived overseas? If so, are your experiences similar or different from Todd’s?

If not, which country would you like to live in?

Do you share Todd’s love of hiking? If so, what are your favorite hiking spots in the world?

Pitch in, leave your comments, give us your views! Thanks for stopping by.

Follow Todd’s travels, adventures, hikes, and advice:

Todd’sWanderings
Twitter @ToddWassel
Facebook: ToddsWanderings