The plane pulled up on the tarmac and everyone seemed relieved to finally disembark. And here I was, my first step on African soil. We took a shuttle to the terminal where we were processed through, having our prints and pictures taken. Once we got out our hosts were there to greet us. Matron Comfort and Sister Arcade awaited us and were eager to take us to Sacred Heart Hospital located in the Volta region. But first a drive through Accra, the capital with around two million people, to take in all the sights and sounds and get some good ol' culture shock pounded into us. There was definitely some sensory overload that went on. The streets bustled with traffic and human life as well as pleuthora of other creatures roaming about. People were shouting, laughing, ... read more

So it comes to an end. It'll be weird not living out of a bag anymore, or waking up in the morning and figuring out where to next. The ultimate display of freedom, a hell of a ride. Still I traveled for way longer than I could have anticipated and have no regrets. Some people say traveling will change you as a person, and no I'm definitely the same person but I do think I have broadened my horizons and have learnt and experienced much about other cultures. I also got to know myself better as a person and what my advantages and shortcomings are. I'm happy to say I surprised myself in certain ways, but need work in many others. Here are some stats I've compiled along the way, most are guesstimates... STATS Countries Visited: ... read more

Macau was originally a Portuguese colony as well as the first and last colony in the far east. It was handed back to China in 1999 but still remains autonomous in most ways. It's economy relies on tourism and in fact it's gambling sector now generates more money than Las Vegas. It is through and through a city built for entertainment with an interesting blend of Chinese and Colonial elements. Portuguese is an official language and is still found on all signs. Most residents can only speak Cantonese though and I had some trouble with even finding English speakers in some areas. I also found out it has the highest life expectancy in the world. The wheels landed down in the evening, it was my first time on a plane in over eight months (not counting ... read more

The Japanese say he/she who has not climbed Fuji is a fool but he/she who climbs it twice is an even bigger fool! I came through Nogoya and several other places on my way here, stopping at Shin Fuji station. Then I continued onwards to a base town called Gawaguchink. I was here to tackle Fuji and I'd be doing it during the night! At 3776 m, Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and considered it's holiest. It has a near perfect symmetrical cone shape to it and is one of the most famous symbols in all of Japan. Numerous people make the trek up each year, luckily I've come here during climbing season which is only July and August. Any other times are quite dangerous with fatalities to show it. Some people have ... read more

The former Imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto teems with history at every corner yet still maintains a grip on the cutting edge, like most Japanese cities these days. I arrived after spending the night on a bus. Although only early morning, the fact that Kyoto lies surrounded by hills traps the already unbearable heat even more. I gave Aaron a call, I contacted him on couchsurfing.com and he agreed to host me for my time in the city. He was originally from Vietnam but had been living in Japan for the past few years and spoke the language perfectly. He also enjoyed traveling around extensively when he could. He turned out to be a great host, providing me with loads of info, giving me food, and letting me use his washing machine. His place was small ... read more