He describes, “If you think back on the events in your life, one typically remembers the pictures of that event as opposed to the actual events. I just love the idea of capturing those moments and the emotions of the people.”
Christian made the decision to finally take the plunge and take this adventure across the globe after the untimely and tragic deaths of both a very close friend and his younger brother who was only 29 yrs old.
As a means to work through his grief and also to give meaning to his own precious life, Christian thought, “…this is really about living the life vicarious. I don't want to be 80 and look back and realize I did nothing. People think taking a year off is such a big deal, unthinkable. I think working for 40 years straight is unthinkable.”
He gave two months notice at his job as a unit manager of a human resource outsourcing and consulting firm, sold off many of his belongings, and began planning this trip.
Christian explains his motivation for such an incredible journey. “I love the idea of waking up, not knowing who you are going to meet, what you're going to see, or where you'll end up…I don't know who said it but I heard a quote once that was something to the effect of ‘after a long day of adventure, I took the long way home in hopes of finding another.”
On September 29, Christian will begin his journey. First in Austin, Texas, then south to Ecuador, he will spend 111 days exploring and traversing South America. In January he will fly over to South Africa where he will slowly travel up north across eastern Africa, onward up through the Middle East, eastward across Asia, through India, China, perhaps even Japan, finding his way to New Zealand and Australia, then eventually home to Newport Beach, in time for the holidays in 2007.
Christian only purchased three plane tickets: one to Austin, one from Texas to Ecuador, and one from Brazil to South Africa, leaving his itinerary free and open to go wherever the road may take him. In his words, “Travel is freedom …and it's inspiration.”
Article comments
1 - A.L. Harper
Wow! A fabulous photographer, a great writer and an angle of mercy. You are truly a renaissance woman. I miss you by the way.
2 - chantal
Thanks Andrea!....I miss you too!! but it looks like we BOTH have been quite busy ;)
3 - The Marquise
Lovely idea, and something I've tried to do as much as possible myself when I travel. However, doing it on vacation versus doing it as a lifestyle are two very different things. How refreshing it is to see someone still 'going for it'. I wish him all the luck and I will be following along, and have plenty of good tips for Australia and New Zealand.
4 - Jet in Columbus
Looked forward to this sincy ou told me about it in the car. you'd make a great teacher on the subject.
Jet
5 - chantal
thanks Jet :)
6 - Howard Dratch
Chantal. The man has the right idea and a good eye. I, long ago, dumped the job (psychiatric social work) for photography and loved it. I didn't take this kind of plunge into world travel and, now, wish I had.
It shows yet again that you should do what you have to do and what feels right and is fulfilling. Not to follow dreams is to make sure they won't be caught.
7 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, September 18th.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor
8 - Kerly
Chantal, nice story. I like it. I realized just some 20 minutes ago that Christian had visited my blog and he was pretty generous with his comments. Cool.
I really hope that only good things happen to him during that trip.
9 - Jet in Columbus
Wednesday November 15th is Chantal's birthday!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!