DISQUS

When I joined Twitter, never did I realize it would become such a powerful tool in 'covering' global news.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..7 Delicious Thai Dishes</abbr>

It's been great reading about your experiences on the road. I'm looking forward to keep reading your updates - whether you fly to Asia or Africa, or somewhere else.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Photo of the Week: Brighton Beach</abbr>

Like Erin I'd also love to visit Lake Nicaragua. I can understand that you waved your kayak paddle in the air. I'd probably have done the same thing!

BTW, sorry for not participating in National Travel Writing Month in April. Hopefully next time!

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Tokyo x 3</abbr>

When it comes to traveling, you're really an inspiration!

Hilarious!!

What would we do without Twitter? It can surely be an invaluable source when it comes to news.

Too bad about the circumstances in Thailand, though.

Totally agree with Adriana that some joys are better when shared and, like you said, you might not be as social but there are so many others advantages with traveling as a couple.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Photo of the Week: Panoramic View of Florence</abbr>

Thanks for a great post, Derek. I especially agree with "if you stay in a hostel don't work there" because, as you say, you'll often have a lot of people around you and it's easy to get distracted. Better to find a nearby café with wi-fi or an internet café.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Spanish Slang</abbr>

Catching your first wave is one of the best feelings in the world. So far I've only tested surfing for a few hours in Lanzarote, but would love to give it a go in Costa Rica as well.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Spanish Slang</abbr>

"On the road, it’s impossible not to run into someone kicking ass in some unexpected way." So true!

Was gonna ask the same thing as sumdumsurfer, is this real-time?

I read about what happened in Shibam in the paper this morning and came to think about your Yemen travel plans. Good to hear everything turned out well in the end!

This sounds like a blissful way to spend your birthday.

Happy belated birthday!

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..101 Holiday Ideas</abbr>

Before today I hadn't read your blog in about two weeks. Feels good to be back 'cause I've missed reading your posts.

The Carnival in Las Tablas does sound intense. No more than 3 hours sleep per night 5 days in a row; I wouldn't get by with that either.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Koh Lipe: A Slice of Paradise in Thailand</abbr>

This looks/sounds like a fun night indeed.

And I totally agree with Chris about the video.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Koh Lipe: A Slice of Paradise in Thailand</abbr>

I completely understand the choice of traveling solo. In the long run, I believe you will learn a lot more by traveling on your own. You don't have anyone else to depend on and are automatically forced to take more responsibility and 'reach out' to other travelers to make new friends as opposed to being alone on the time. When you travel solo for the first time, the whole situation can feel unfamiliar and a bit uncomfortable but after a few weeks on the road, you'll probably have gotten used to it - even come to love it.

Even though traveling solo is fun and a great experience, I can imagine that it's not quite like traveling with your soulmate - like Carrie mentioned above.

<abbr>Erica Johansson´s last blog post..Facing Your Fears</abbr>

@Tanya, Good point about being pushed into things you fear. If you're on your own, there might be a risk you'll bail out since 'no one is watching'. But when you're in a group, you automatically become even more motivated to meet the challenge.

Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad to hear you all agree that facing your fears is the only way to go!

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Facing Your Fears</abbr>

Hilarious. The best list about Gringos I've read so far, and I like the photo of your host mom. She looks so friendly!

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Win Dido’s New Album Safe Trip Home in tripwolf’s Photo Contest</abbr>

Well said, Christine. Happy New Year and I hope you'll realize the goals you've set out to accomplish in 2009. I agree about the importance of listing goals that make you happy. If something doesn't motivate and inspire me, it's off the list!

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!</abbr>

Great to hear that you're making progress - even though it's frustrating. I felt the same during my first months as an aupair in France a few years ago. Also saw the Motorcycle Diaries, in French with French subtext, and didn't realize a lot of things until I saw the English version later on. But those times of struggle to understand and make yourself understood are all worth it in the end.

It's so easy to forget though. As Mara said, returning can be frustrating when you realize that your language skills aren't what they used to be. That's why it's important to speak, or at least hear, the language on a regular basis once you've left a certain country. I think a good idea is to keep reading books (or blogs) and watching films without English subtext in the language you've studied.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!</abbr>

What an adventure! Doing things on a whim is much more fun and exciting than planning every single step of a certain trip.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Goreng Pisang: A Street Hawker Delight in Penang, Malaysia</abbr>

What a beautiful banner! A friend of mine was in Caye Caulker a few years ago. She loved it there and almost didn't want to leave.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Blogs With Beautiful Photographs</abbr>

I'm also more of the latter.

I like what Julie wrote "...if I just live it, then it feels right– it feels like the best of all worlds."

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Blogs With Beautiful Photographs</abbr>

Must add, I LOVE variety so am pretty sure I would enjoy all travel styles. How, where, when, why and with who I travel will likely change depending on the phase in my life.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Photo of the Week: Beach Life in Colombia</abbr>

Spanish classes in each country as you go - great idea! I'm looking forward to read about your experiences on the road.

<abbr>Erica´s last blog post..Photo of the Week: Beach Life in Colombia</abbr>

I joined Dopplr several months ago, but didn't start using it until today and put up a small badge on my blog.

Just had a look at your badge, which is far longer than mine. Will be interesting to read your blog posts from all these destinations!