right / various modes of transportation used during world travel (dolphin added for idyllic effect)
From a rational perspective, all the pieces fit. I had recently considered changing jobs to pursue new challenges. I wasn’t tied down to anyone or anything. I’d bought an apartment but the full mortgage wouldn’t kick in until September 2011 allowing me to rent it out for a tidy profit. And when the company I worked for was sold I received an unexpected bonus that pushed it all over the brink. But even if that set of circumstances was pretty unique, the main reason for going was very simple: because I could, so I would. It’s the sense of adventure that makes this trip worthwhile, not knowing from day to day where I’ll end up, who I’ll meet, what
‘It’s the sense of adventure that makes this trip worthwhile, not knowing from day to day where I’ll end up, who I’ll meet, what I’ll do.’
...on a budget
I’ll do. And I’ve come to appreciate that the larger the challenge of traveling, the greater the reward. Don’t think about it, just go
It’s one thing to fulfill the dream you’ve always had, but it’s
and do it. Problems only appear big before you set about resolv-
another to fulfill the one you never knew about. I’ve been
ing them. Without knowing it at the time, it’s in that exact same
lucky enough to do this, and it’s a year I will always carry close
spirit that I decided to do this trip in the beginning.
to me. And definitely something to reminisce about over the course of the next cold, wet Dutch winter.
In Peru I saw a slogan on a hostel’s wall that read ‘Backpacking: a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget’. It’s rung true this entire time. You don’t need a lot of money to travel. You also don’t need a lot of time. And you don’t need to be looking to find yourself, either. The only thing you need is the openness to explore, to accept that there will be setbacks, hairy moments, frustrations, and then to not let those distract you from all the amazing things that are happening around and with you.
Arjan Ackerman (’04) followed his graduation with a MSc in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam. From 2007 until 2010 he worked as a media co-ordinator and then as an internet project manager for Tommy Hilfiger. From July 2010 until May 2011 he was engaged in a round the world trip.
UCAA | Post ’11
09