My travels in the 2000s
Focus on Asia and Africa – 41 countries visited
At the turn of the century I was finishing my second Big Tour – around Asia. Digital cameras were starting to replace their analog predecessors; world wide web and e-mails were replacing paper written sources and communication.
My focus in this decade were Asia and Africa, which I was exploring during the long overland Big Asian Tour (1999-2000) and Big African Tour (2004-2005).
It was in 2009, when I made a list of visited country for the first time and I started to explore new countries more systematically. I realized that my original interest in a particular culture, area, or landmark has expanded into a more comprehensive desire in discovering captivating aspects of the unknown world.
From backpacking to business travelling
After years of backpacking a new kind of travelling appeared in my life – business travelling. Throughout my professional career, I have had numerous opportunities to travel internationally for business purposes. While I was generally familiar with most of the countries I visited for work, the notable exceptions were Equatorial Guinea and El Salvador.
During business traveling, my style significantly differs from that of a backpacker. I typically reside in luxury hotels located in prime areas of major cities, dine at high-end restaurants, and utilize taxis or private vehicles for transportation. The trips are usually short, primarily centered around business meetings and executive meal gatherings, during which substantial amounts of gourmet food and premium beverages are consumed. Initially my dress code was very formal; however, over the years it has gradually shifted to more casual.
It is quite difficult, if not nearly impossible, to merge professional obligations with sightseeing, particularly in the manner I enjoy. I have experienced only a limited number of business trips where I was able to remain after meetings to explore the area. El Salvador is an example of this. I left my suits, ties and polished shoes in a hotel. I packed my rucksack, boarded a local bus and headed towards the countryside.
Countries visited in 2000s – 41
