In Shanti Lodge – my home base during this long trip – I enjoyed good Thai food, nice people, excellent music and the always-existing relaxed atmosphere. The last few days I ran errands, applied for a visa at the embassy of Myanmar and bought tickets for my flight to that country (unfortunately I cannot enter or leave Myanmar by land).

The past 158 days were fantastic. I visited countries I never traveled in before. I saw breathtaking scenery. Made treks and journeys, which were beautiful, interesting and full with adventure. I met many interesting – and dull – local and western people.

A question people frequently asked me was; "How is it to travel alone for such a long time and in third world countries?"

Actually I enjoy traveling on my own. It gives me a lot of freedom and flexibility. I can do whatever I want and go wherever I want. During the last months I learned a lot, not only from what I saw but also from myself. Traveling alone can sometimes be very confrontational. Yes, there were moments that I felt alone but at the same time I realized that I hardly was alone. Almost everywhere I met people (many were solo-travelers themselves) so the moments that I had dinner by myself or traveled alone were sparse. I also discovered that a feeling of loneliness had – in my situation – more to do with a desire for something or somebody that was familiar to me. Like a family member, a good friend or a good Dutch dish. So far – knock on wood – I only suffered mild diarrhea twice (for only half a day) and was able to stay out of trouble. Despite the fact that I enjoy traveling in Asian countries, I also had moments that I was just sick and tired of dealing with corrupt officials, stupid and obnoxious street-vendors/touts/taxi drivers, disgusting beds/bathrooms/restaurants and long/uncomfortable journeys. However, soon after dealing with these discomforts they became reasons for laughter (in most cases). Important is the fact that I am very fortunate to be able to do this, to make a trip of a lifetime!