The End!

My personal Journey!

Travelling and studying in Asia was an experience I will never forget. The last couple of weeks/months went by so quickly and I enjoyed every second of the time spend. Studying in Bali has been very relaxing. The minor I followed is called Entrepreneurship. The basics of entrepreneurship and different kind of tools of how to start a business were described in the minor. From a young age on I always knew what I wanted to start my own business. As a driven little boy I always wanted to make money. My first word was then also not ‘’Mama’’ or ‘’Papa’’. No the first word I chosen for was ‘’Centjes’’. Which is a Dutch word related to money. Quite funny right. Years went by and I always screamed that I wanted to have my own restaurant later where I would be the Chef of the place. Times changed, my biggest aim is not to make money anymore but to make connections with people and places. Next to that, I do not want to start my own restaurant anymore. What kind of business I do want to start, I keep as a secret. But, I do know I want to inspire people and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Under findings
Following your dreams is never easy. Long-term goals can be then as well very challenging. While it is more difficult to reach and it is easier to give up on them when they don’t work out as fast as you wanted. Therefore, I believe to have short-term goals is way more beneficial and gives much more fulfillment. Short-term goals are easier to reach and eventually all those short-term goals will lead you to your eventual life goal. You just have to ask yourself ‘’what makes your heart sing’’? As Steve jobs once described in a presentation for Apple. By answering this question you can create your short-term goals and this will principal to your long-term goal.

Travels!
What made my heart sing in Asia was the beautiful nature that I have seen. Indonesia has the most beautiful beaches, waterfalls and the mountains are mesmerizing. The temples of Thailand are so luxurious and breath-taking. The lagoons, white sands and light blue waters of the Philippines are spectacular. These images and memories I made will no-one take away. My advice for everyone is when you feel the urge to travel. Don’t be afraid, just do it!

People!
Exploring new cultures and to meet new people is what the journey gives a real extra added value. To see where and how people live, what they eat and where they believe in brightens your perspective of the world. The Asian culture differs extremely of our ‘’western’’ culture. First of all, religion is very important. In many western countries religion is very present as well. However, living in the Netherlands for all my life seeing so many different religions and their beliefs was a big change for me. Whether in The Philippines Christianity is the biggest religion, Thailand the Buddhist religion is the main religion or in Indonesia Muslim is the leading one, religion connects. Unfortunately, it leads as well to many conflicts. To speak with people and talk about their daily habits and beliefs has change my view of the world. In my opinion, we lack of understanding and perspective of the world. Which resolves in these conflicts. The Asian people where extremely hospitable and sweet. I met the most humble and beautiful people during my travel. Next to that, the friends I made from different kind of countries are given some amazing new holiday addresses as well. Can’t wait to travel to them as well in the future.

Animals!
The condition of the animals were shocking for me. The stray dogs and cats look horrible throughout whole Asia. Something which is getting me to the heart. While I am a huge animal lover. I can’t wait to see my dogs again and I am very happy that where I am coming from the animals are in good conditions and taking good care off. Next to that, tourism is destroying many things as well. The elephant sanctuaries are used for tourism purposes. People even ride on the elephants in Thailand as a ‘’fun day trip’’. Moreover, the elephants are treated by some sanctuaries badly. The Whale sharks in Oslob, the Philippines are being fed. Therefore, they lose their natural ability to search for food themselves. The tourist are dying to see the whale sharks and many tour operators provide te whale shark tour. Unfortunately, there is not being looked at what the best is for the animal. Hopefully we can create more awareness and provide better living circumstances for these animals. Because, they are so amazing!

Conclusions!
To conclude, I could write a whole book about my journey. The nature, the people and not to forget the FOOD! However, what I concluded is that we as next generation have to make a difference to sustain the world. Seeing and understanding different perspectives of people gives a better understanding of the crazy BUT beautiful world we are living in. Sharing your experiences makes travelling the most fun. Therefore, I also can conclude that I am very lucky that I have someone where I can share my next travels with. Hopefully the rest of my life.

CHEERS!