All my future trips will be done on mountain bikes. I can never go back to other forms of transportation. It's just so much more rewarding for me. When I came back in 1996, I thought the most I would spend in Canada would be 2 years. Well, shit happens and I am still here. I almost had enough to leave at the end of 2000. But I put all my money into the stock market at the time of the big crash in March of 2000. Needless to say, I am flat broke again. My revised plan would be to leave in the summer of 2001.
I had considered riding from my hometown of Edmonton and ride all the way to the Southern tip of South America. After some reasearch, I rejected that idea. Brazil and Argentina comprised of almost 2/3 of South America. And both countries are too expensive for my budget.
My next choice would be Africa. The Dark Continent had always intriqued me. And I would love to visit some of my South Africa friends. Once again, it also turn out to be quite expensive.
Where does that leaves me? Back to Asia again. I had quite a bit of experience in this region, most countries are quite cheap. I used to spend less than $8.00 CDN a day in India. And that includes food, accomodation, etc.... I most likely would fly to either Hong Kong or Bangkok, depending which flight is cheaper. Then I would decide where to go from there. I do not like to plan. I would research the places that interest me, once I get there then I would choose which way to go.
But this plan is not set in stone yet. If I can find a cheaper alternative, I would take it. I do not have as much leeway as my last trip. I had quite a bit of money last time. I am not doing as well this time.
So if anyone out there has a better idea, please let me know. I don't do industrialized countries, I find them to be too boring. I want to see things that I havn't seen before. I want to experience different cultures(good or bad). I want to taste different food. Ya, I love to eat. Lastly, I do not want to go places where I would find lots of package tourist. I just do not understand it. You are being told when to eat, when to have fun and when to to leave everyday. No thanks, man!