OliverTheWanderer

I've been working my way around the world for about 12 years now. The cost varies a bit, but it's still a fraction of what you would pay in a developed country.

Everything else is generally cheaper. For instance, today is my birthday (woo hoo) My lady friend and i went out for lunch, got massages, haircuts, movie, kumquat tea, dinner and booze for just under 70usd. I live in Malaysia. Last time I was in Thailand, I got a 2hr massage for 10usd. As for the majority of not so developed countries, Belize is about the only place outside of Japan that I've found to be crazy expensive and that's due to a super fucked up gov.

Sleeping wise, If you are doing hotels instead of longer term stuff, you can find decent places for maybe 20 - 40usd a night depending on the country. Except for Japan. It's fucking expensive. A hotel will run you around 70 a night. I currently have a place with the bay on one side and monkeys and jungle on the other for about 300usd a month. Bills amount to about 90usd (5mb dsl, power, water, gas).

For food, If you can cook you are better off some places, but if you are in asia, it's almost always cheaper to eat out. There are carts, stalls and holes in the wall with some of the most fantastic things ever. My fav buffet runs 2usd a person for a big fat plate of amazingness. At my fave indian place, you can get 5 main dishes drinks and naan for around 7usd. In Thailand, you can hit a rocking buffet for about .80usd. In Taiwan it's closer to 3usd. Taiwan also has all you can drink clubs for around 15usd.

All in all, If you are doing a reasonably priced accommodation, 800usd a month can easily get you by.

I've been traveling wandering around for 12isd years now. Maturing is a funny thing. When you're in your own country, you have people to compare yourself to. You know Cindy just got married and had a baby. Jane blah blah blah. When you leave that stops. It's something people who don't have a "home" have to deal with. You are always in a different culture, so you don't actually have norms to adhere to.

This gives people the ability to (usually) either become an alcoholic or a rather independent, interesting individual. This is mainly due to every person you meet being transient. Imagine not knowing anyone longer than 9 months. It's an odd thing.

As for life defining moments, you have some of those to begin with, but then you just have a life made up of crazy shit. Which, for the right type of person, is pretty fucking great. I've had a lady friend with me for 6ish years of my travels and i'd say 80% has been spectacular.

Sorry to answer this question when it's not my thing. It's just that this is my life and has been for a long time.

Thanks for doing this AmA.

I've always wondered if there was a way to use these types of fungus for pest control. Do you know of anyone in your field exploring this type of use?

I really know what you mean about the milestone thing. Right now 3 of my friends have just knocked out babies. A bunch have gotten married. But personally, all that seems so far away. I'm never at those weddings and I never hold those babies. So in the back of my head, it registers, but it's not tangible.

This is one of the greatest things about traveling for me. The lack of a social bubble/societal pressures. But, one does really need to find some other inspiration inspiration/driving force.

also, i never really thought about doing an ama because i never thought anyone would be interested. Maybe I will.

So this sounds like diabetes is super high there. Is that correct?