What’s That?

Not Mama, Dada, ball or doggy. My first words, documented by my mother in my baby book, were:

What’s that?

I like to blame my endless curiosity on that. It’s hardwired. My curiosity leads me to turn on PBS and watch shows on science and engineering or the brain for hours. It’s all so interesting. Why do we think like we do? How do we make choices? How does food or where we live make a difference in how we are in the world? My mind will whirl around with this stuff for hours!

Travel does the same thing for me. When I arrive in a new place, everything is new and fascinating. I got to take my first international trip to Scotland during high school. Castles, chips with vinegar in newspaper cones, traipsing through London with friends. Freedom to explore anything I wanted. How could it not leave a lasting impression?

This was my most recent trip to the library:

I’m not sure if it’s normal, but sometimes I read guidebooks for kicks. Though this time I mean business. I’ve been going back and forth for months about my next adventure – the Middle East or East Asia. I’m pretty sure East Asia is the winner this year.

When I was in Thailand my English language newspaper had a spectacular multiple page article about Bagan, Myanmar – which I brought home with me. Then the next month, my Nat Geo Traveler had a shout-out for the same place. Then I found out a friend was moving to Laos. They were all signs pointing me towards my 2013 adventure: Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. I have nothing scheduled or purchased. And I’m dreading the heat – Thailand was not pretty. But just google Bagan and look at the images, and you’ll see why I can’t stay away.