Seeking to discover the beauty of nature, savour different cuisine, sample vintages of wine and learn from various historic places. However, it is the exploring of life - the interaction with people - be it local or travellers, that is motivating me to go from place to place. I realised that the exploring of matters of the heart is as challenging and even more gratifying than any other experiences. That's what keeps me going the distance. I have a power-cord linked to many hearts..... Prior to travelling, I had spent 11 years in the Information Technology (IT) industry and before that, 6 years in the Singapore military service as a professional soldier. I did not like technology in the beginning, so after the military I wanted to join the tourism industry. I like travelling and prefer to deal with people. By sheer co-incidence, I entered the IT industry and I realised my other potential is that I welcome positive changes and in the technology field, it motivates me to change constantly and keep learning. [goto top of column 2] |
I did not have any prior skill and knowledge in the computer field so I spent 7 years working for a Singapore company where I had the chance to learn and travelled a little around South East Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA and part of Western Europe. Then I quit to join a start up company for a year in telecommunications. And the last 3 years, I worked for a USA company first as a Regional Marketing Manager and then as a Regional Channel Sales Manager, covering 11 Asian countries. When I finally quit my job, everybody said I was MAD. Many of my friends thought that was doomsday for me.... that I won't have a future.....that I will have a problem integrating with the mainstream when I return from my travels..... Honestly, I don't know as I have not gone back to work .... I am not even sure if I am going back to the IT industry. Only time will tell...... But for the time being.... I am enjoying my travels and continue to inspire and be inspired by who I meet, what I see, and every experience. I have discovered a passion for writing and have been writing and sending insights of my journey to all my friends around the world. I am even more thrilled and gratified that I have been able to connect with many locals and do my share to bring about some changes... and I hope I have. Oh, by the way, Tay is my family name and Lai-Hock is my name. But it's fine with me if you address me as Tay or Lai-Hock. Carpe Diem! |
the age of nearly 36, I quit a career that was considered good prospect,
to realise my long time dream - backpacking around the world. What started
as only a 6-month trip, has continued until now, 16 months and with no
end in sight, relying entirely on my savings. I have hopped from continent
to continent, starting in South Africa and then Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana,
Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal,
Germany, Amsterdam, Canada, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador
and now Peru. My plan is to continue moving around South America and later,
who knows? I may sail to Antarctica or New Zealand.... The world is my
oyster, I shall not want...