My 7 Links - A Quick Look at the Archives

Summit morning on Mt Kinabalu

I was recently (or months ago, but who's counting) nominated by Annie of Wayward Traveler and Dave of What's Dave Doing to take part in the "My 7 Links" project.  The brainchild of the fine folks @ Tripbase, it's a neat way to look back at what is coming close to two years here at Skinny Backpacker.

1. My Most Beautiful Post:  Underworld Live Redux

 

I'll be honest, I don't know what my most beautiful post is.  Maybe you can pick for me instead.  These days, I'm listening to a lot of Underworld, and I really like this photo I shot so let's go with that.

2. My Most Popular Post: Unreal Antarctica

My first collection of photos from the least inhabited continent on the planet, Unreal Antartica.  Who knew that pictures of ice, snow, and penguins pooing would be so popular?

Click to read more ...

Reptilian Peek-a-boo

A little wink.  I'm sure he would if he could (he can't, no eyelids).

Snapping photos from a distance, keeping as quiet as I can, while he waits for that one move that will have him frightened and running off.  Such is the game we play.

This time, I won.  I got this shot before he jetted off, maybe to check the sunrise.

Shot March 30th, 2010

Trip Anticipation & Happiness

This article is part of a new series called "The Travelers Mind" dealing with the psychology of travel with the goal of creating an ongoing discussion.  If you have any suggestions for future posts please feel free to leave a comment below. 

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia (Pulau Perhentian Kecil)

A study, published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, showed that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation. In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.

via Marginal Revolution & NY Times

Now, the type of long-term travel that many of us find ourselves in isn't the same as a week 'vacation' in the Bahamas.  As of this moment, I can only speak to the the time before departure, which for me was more stressful than anything.  Dealing with 2 major itinerary changes and the emotions of leaving was difficult to say the least.

How has your happiness level changed in the before / during / after phases of your long term travel? 

Does the stress that comes with travel in far away places, and the process of heading back home to 'regular life' seem to diminish some of the things you experienced along the way?

Photo of the Day - Water Lily

A water lily grows in a pond on an organic farm in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.  Read the story about my CouchSurfing experience with the owner of the farm and his family.

March 16th, 2010

Photo of the Day - Bat Exodus

The famous bat exodus in Mulu National Park, Sarawak.  Approximatly 3 million bats live in Deer Cave and leave near dusk by the thousands in long snake-like formations to feed on insects.

Mulu, and Deer Cave were featured in the popular documentary series Planet Earth.

April 22nd, 2010