Signing Off…Temporarily?
August 13th, 2007 3:08 AM

It’s been a good run. Cheers!
Credit: Damir Spanic
About the worst thing a blogger can do to his site is to stop blogging. However, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m certain my page views will dwindle to nothing, but that’s the terrible consequence of my actions. I’ll turn off commenting in a few days, as I won’t be available to approve comments anyway, but I should continue to be accessible via email.
Over the next few months, I will be traveling extensively—mostly without a laptop and reliable internet connection—drinking in the world and becoming something of a born again Luddite. I’m afraid I’ll develop the shakes and start twitching uncontrollably, but in the interest of packing light, this is the hard decision I’ve made. The only electronic item I plan on carrying with me is my Leica M8 and a few accessories for all the pictures I plan on shooting. Additionally, I might pack a cell phone solely for emergencies, but that’s a lot of space that could probably be better used for an extra pair of underwear.
A lot of people ask me why I’m doing this, and I answer, “Why not?” You’re only young once, and I’m currently in a position where I can take some time to explore some of the world a bit. It’s not something I’ve made a priority until recently, which I regret, and I feel it’s unhealthy to live life plugging away at life without a break. Besides, I really haven’t seen much of this planet, and I’m trying to expand my parochial worldview.
A lot of people are also envious that I’m doing this, and to that, I answer, “You can do it, too!” “I can’t just leave my life behind for three months!” Sure you can. You’re just not giving yourself enough credit. Yeah, you might need to save some money first and convince your significant other that this is a good idea (and more importantly, convince yourself!), but you can do it!
Provided I’m still alive in November, I’ll reexamine working on Days That End in Y and will likely begin pursuing my business ideas in earnest. Until then, if you see a short Asian guy with a camera and a backpack who looks terribly lost, then buy him a drink and point him towards the nearest hostel. He’ll greatly appreciate it.
Keep on drinking well!
Cheers!