09/10/02

Welcome, My Fellow Travelers!

For those of you who know me, yes, I AM HOME!

For those of you getting to know me for the first time, welcome!

After traveling for nearly 16 months, spending a good portion of my savings (well, the ones IRS knows about anyway), and having had numerous adventures later, I have finally completed my trip around the world (See Big Trip of 2001-02) and is now back to the comfort of his own home (No more bed bugs, YES!). 

What an amazing trip this has been!  While I can't say I have done it all, I am fortunate enough to have experienced many things: From dodging bullets while kayaking in Nepal; to climbing Mt. Everest and nearly gotten myself killed; to riding in Red Crescent ambulances with wounded Palestinians and being chased by an Israeli tank, to visiting front-line Kashmir during the height of Indo-Pakistani conflict, to learning to ride horses in the desert next to the Great Pyramids; and to many others.  These are experiences that I will never forget.  What is even more unforgettable, however, are the people and friendships I have met and formed along the way.   Thank you for making this trip as incredible and educational as it was.  I am forever in your debt.  Also, a special thanks go to my parents, if it weren't for them, I'd never be as fortunate as I am.  

So, go ahead and start your own exploration.  I hope my stories will both educate and inspire you to do some traveling of your own.  And when you do, please do share your stories with me.  Thank you.

Michael Lu
Schaumburg, IL
USA
1/1/03