As 2010 turned into 2011, I did a post on my travel plans for 2011. It looks like that is still pretty much the plan for the year, but there is going to be a slight change in the next month.
First, an update on the recent weeks. I got to Lebanon about a month ago and spent two great weeks there. Then a quick week in Syria and now I am a wonderful week-long guided tour of Jordan, sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board. The problem? Hardly any time to write.
In the coming weeks, expect 6-7 posts on Lebanon and another 2-3 on Syria and then another 6-7 on Jordan. I have tons of material, and just need to get down to it. Which leads to my slight travel plan change.
no shirts, no shoes, no bikes, no camels
I was going to go to Dahab, Egypt after Jordan to get my scuba dive master certification. I am still going there, but I think I’m going to make a stop or two north of there first at some small beach towns that people have been telling me about, such as Basata. A little OnTheBeach Holiday should never be off the table, right?
The bigger change in plan is that I don’t think I am going to try for my dive master here. I really need to get a lot of writing done and that would suck up most of my time for a month, given how out of shape and tired I would be. I will still do a good bit of diving — and if you need to know why, here is a photo explanation… and also some video… but priority number one has to be to knock out 20 or so posts here and also get some preparation and writing done for the Ultimate Train Challenge and a couple other writing projects I have in my head.
So stay patient — I’ll be getting up lots of Middle East stuff soon. In the meantime, go log in on the Ultimate Train Challenge forum and give us some feedback on crazy things we need to do on that month’s quest.
Can’t wait to read all the Middle East stuff! And I think your slight change of plan sounds like a good idea. You don’t want to completely burn yourself out.
I really love this part of the world. So much history staring you in the face everywhere you turn.
Looking forward to hearing all about Jordan – enjoy the beach!
my Jordan trip has been a whirlwind. Tons to write about and am doing do now. Thanks, Matt.
I love being by the ocean. The only way to go. Enjoy mistah!
thanks, girl. Where ya gunna be in 2011? Any chance of us being on the same continent?
Sounds like a good idea to rest and recuperate. Looking forward to hearing all your stories! š
a little beach time, with good wifi for work (and beer and cigars) always strikes me as good for “recuperation.” š
I’m sorry to hear you are not going to take the dive master, as daughter of a professional diver and absolute lover of any diving and swimming experience, I’m pretty sure your master is just postponed š
Although your writing plans are very exciting, you’ve inspired me too to get more writing done!
No worries. Just postponed. Might end up doing it in Thailand at the end of the year, with a good friend of mine that is hopefully moving there and just got her instructor certification.
Is it wrong that I’m salivating over all your upcoming Middle East content? Can’t wait to ready about Syria and Lebanon!
Syria is one of my favorites and Lebanon was really interesting. Had a great time and am writing them up now.
Man, enjoy Lebanon. It holds some of the most beautiful women in the world in my opinion š
True. So true. Amazingly beautiful.
I fell in love with Dahab a little over a year ago. A surprise treat? Great food… Enjoy your writing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, strange-bird-and-camel sighting!
you have hit on about everything I am going to try to manage to do there. Well, those plus beer and cigars š
Would love to dive in that part of the world!
some of the best I have done yet. Can’t wait.
Oh I am so holding you to 6-7 posts š no seriously cannot wait to hear about your Middle East adventures.
I am writing now!
Im following closely your adventures over there because I will be there soon & wanna know all the scoop. I know for sure I am visiting Dahab, but if small beach towns are around I would love to visit them too.
there are plenty of little areas in that part of the world worth visiting. I would just avoid Sharm — way big and way touristy.
Dahab is a great choice for getting work done. I doubt you will ever be more than 10 ft away from a wifi connection. Or a cat.
LOL, I had forgotten about the cats. So true. Was just making a note to myself about the lack of dogs in the Middle East, compared to the number of cats.
Sounds like a good plan, Michae! I’m actually considering sort of the same thing – been invited back to Koh Mak Island in Thailand for a month in September and it sounds like the perfect opportunity to finish that book I was working on three years ago and set aside “briefly” to work on my blog.
Ahhhhh, the book. Another project I need to get off my ass and get started. Darn it. Good luck on your projects — the beach sounds like a great idea.
Its always ok to make some adjustments to plans as needed. Of you have a site to run so you need to have some time to actually do the writing as well. Sounds like there is a lot planned for 2011
2011 has been pretty exciting so far and I think the best stuff is yet to come. Thanks for reading and following the blog.
A beach detour in the Middle East sounds just right after weeks of busyness. š
a beach detour in the Dahab area sounds right anytime in my book, but especially after work!
Sounds like an exciting few weeks, look forward to hearing about the Middle East – Im visiting next year so need to draw up my to do list!
I think it is pretty damn impressive to have a travel plan for 2012 already. Well done!
Diving in the red sea is on the top of my bucket list – many say its one of the most beautiful places on earth (and I must check this out, cause I really thought that was Fernando de Noronha…). I’m looking forward to reading about Syria and Lebanon!
I’ve done it once before and it is truly spectacular. Looking forward to another dozen or two dives next month!
Jordan should be interesting. I haven’t been there yet but am going soon. Now, if I can manage to go on a week-long guided tour sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board. Or anyone. That must have been nice š
Can’t wait to hear more about your Middle Eastern adventures! Looking forward to the Jordan pics especially. Sounds like your year is off to a great start š
This post has answered a question I just left on another post! Catching up slowly on blogs… Good luck with pumping out the posts!
No worries — sorry my tweeting has been a bit confusing about when and where I’ve been lately.
Enjoyed the read.
Basata and Dahab are simple amazing!!!
Specially Basata!! its like a place that has been left out and never moved forward after the first century haha!!
Last time I’ve been there was 2 years ago, summer 2009, You’ll find the photos on facebook.
Looking forward to meeting you in Egypt! and enjoy your time on the beach! š
Looking forward to it also — thanks so much for following. Hoping that the Basata thing works out.
Ah! Writing on the beach. Let’s hope the beach has an internet connection — or did you check?
That sounds like a great idea. Although I try to read on the beach a lot along with getting the fresh air never thought of writing a book.
I need some beach time also… and LOTS more writing. Must get to work.