One Man, Three Countries, Five Cities, 9 Flights, 18 Days, and 12,000 Miles...

This is the story of growth through reconnection and rediscovery during the longest journey of my life.

My “Why”

The primary objective of this journey was clear: to visit my aging godparents. We first connected when they lived in Singapore and attended Unitarian-Universalist fellowship together. A decade ago, I promised to visit them in New Orleans, where they retired.

Life, however, got in the way. It took an urgent message from my godfather, sharing that my godmother had been warded in the intensive care unit (ICU), to push me into action. It was a reminder of how fleeting time can be and how excuses about money, time, and resources lose meaning when it comes to relationships that matter.

This trip was my promise fulfilled.

My “What”

This journey wasn’t just about visiting — it was about immersing myself in lifestyles and interests that resonate with me.

In New Orleans, I embraced its vibrant culture and history. I attended a live jazz band performance, visited Congo Square, and explored St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street.

As a gay man, reconnecting with LGBTQ+ history was deeply personal. In New York City, I visited the Stonewall Inn, and in San Francisco, I explored the GLBT Historical Society Museum and iconic gayborhoods like the Castro District. The gay bars I visited were more than venues — they were living spaces of history and community.

My love for nature, history, culture, and the arts shaped other parts of the trip. From Audubon Nature Institute and City Park in New Orleans to Mardi Gras World, The Met, Alcatraz, and San Francisco's Chinatown and Little Italy, every experience brought inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the world around me.

My “How”

This trip was a balance between practicality and indulgence. I flew business class for the first time, which was a transformative experience. From priority security clearance to flat-bed comfort, it made the long-haul flights more manageable, reducing jetlag and enhancing the overall journey.

I chose to travel solo to allow for flexibility and personal growth. Despite potential challenges, this decision gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace and reconnect with a friend during my final stop in San Francisco.

Reflection

Not everything went smoothly — travel is as much about challenges and resilience as it is about discovery.

Mistakes, like forgetting to book stopover accommodations in Tokyo, Newark, and Jakarta, taught me to adapt on the fly. Stressful moments like almost missing my ferry to Alcatraz and arriving at the wrong hotel at 1am after 17 hours of flying really tested my resilience.

Despite being sick and unwell, I pushed myself during my last night in New York and San Francisco to soak in the nightlife.

Cultural differences were another lesson in patience. Service speeds varied, public amenities weren’t always accessible, and navigating subway systems with luggage made me appreciate Singapore’s efficiency.

I also realized how much I missed my cats. Home truly is where the heart is, and my shopping trips often ended with cat-related purchases. Meeting a fellow cat lover in SF reminded me how these connections shape my identity.

Last Word

This trip was about reconnection — with my godparents, with old promises, and with myself. It was also about rediscovery — of places like Tokyo and San Francisco, and of who I am beyond a 40-year-old gay cat-dad.

Travel has a way of broadening perspectives and deepening self-awareness. This journey was not just about miles traveled but the steps I took toward understanding what truly matters: self-care, relationships, and the joy of pursuing passions.

#reflection #travel #blogging #growth