My name is Qiu Ye, a 30-year-old traveler hailing from Guangdong, China. Prior to setting off on my journey, I held the role of a business operations supervisor in a state-owned enterprise. Despite the promising career, I found myself weary of the monotonous routine. I made the decision to resign and explore the world, venturing through 16 countries along the way.
I discovered solace in the simplicity and kindness of the people in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I fell in love with the leisurely and romantic atmosphere of Bruges, Belgium, and marveled at the splendid culture of ancient Egypt. Throughout my travels, I earned three diving certificates in Dahab, Egypt, and engaged in intellectual battles with local Egyptian merchants.
However, what truly challenged my perceptions were the garbage city and the city of the dead in Egypt.
The garbage city was a place filled with flies, foul odors, and stifling air. Yet, it was home to many Egyptians who earned their livelihood by recycling and sorting garbage. On the contrary, the city of the dead was a place of eerie silence and mystery. Affluent locals had transformed burial sites into elaborate houses, which eventually became shelters for the less fortunate. Here, the living coexisted harmoniously with the deceased under the same roof, bridging the realms of the living and the dead.
I was born in a seaside village in Jieyang, Guangdong, a place where mirages on the horizon were a common sight, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. My family moved to Shenzhen when I was young, making it my second home.
My grandparents continued to reside in our ancestral village, where I spent my summer vacations helping them with farming, watching traditional operas, and enjoying the serenity of starlit nights. The peaceful atmosphere sharply contrasted with the profound impact of my grandmother's passing.
My grandmother, once lively and healthy despite her age, was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, causing her immense pain and suffering. Witnessing her agony, I felt utterly helpless, prompting me to seek solace in prayers at the village temple. After more than a year of battling illness, she passed away, leaving me contemplating the fragility of life at the tender age of 17.
At that moment, a strong desire emerged within me: to experience and appreciate the wonders of the world, enriching my memories and life experiences in the limited time we have. Life is short; I wanted to make the most out of it.
During my childhood, I was captivated by travel shows featuring destinations worldwide. The hosts exploring markets in Prague, releasing balloons in Tokyo during New Year's Eve, and hiking in the primal forests of Africa fascinated my imagination. The seed of a passion for travel was planted in my heart.
In elementary school, when asked about my dream, I replied that I wanted to be a tour guide because it would allow me to travel everywhere. In high school, I watched a Thai youth movie called "Summer Holidays," sparking my fascination with Thailand. In 2015, with money saved from part-time jobs during university, I seized the opportunity presented by the nationwide craze for the movie "Lost in Thailand" and traveled to Thailand.
I explored Chiang Mai and a small island, falling in love with the city's tranquility and simplicity.
After graduating from university, I worked for a state-owned enterprise for six years, rising to the position of a business operations supervisor. Despite the stability, I found myself dissatisfied. The routine and predictability of life felt stifling. At a company annual meeting, when asked to share the happiest moment of the year, I realized that I couldn't recall a particular event that brought me genuine joy or excitement. I felt a deep sense of melancholy.
Living in a stable yet unfulfilling manner, merely existing and breathing, was not what I desired. My inner voice screamed, "I need to change."
The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the unpredictable nature of life, reinforcing my determination to cherish life and pursue my passions. Many Chinese people spend their entire lives in a cycle: studying hard in school, working tirelessly in their careers, and eventually growing old. It feels like being wound up and mechanically propelled forward, devoid of self-awareness. Many live their lives without truly knowing themselves, toiling tirelessly without a moment's respite.
I wanted to live my life for myself. I yearned for a different direction, a different world, and a different experience. Thus, I named my plan the "pre-retirement plan." I aimed to experience life without assignments, exams, work-related group messages, or deadlines, cherishing the retirement lifestyle before reaching retirement age.
My travels were spontaneous, characterized by a sense of freedom and adventure. I traveled wherever my heart desired, booking tickets one day and departing the next. For this recent journey, I made minimal preparations, only obtaining SIM cards for South Korea and Thailand. I embraced the "go with the flow" approach, savoring each moment.
During this adventure, I immersed myself in the nomadic lifestyle. When I found a place I loved, I stayed longer, exploring its every corner. I revisited Chiang Mai and rented a house for two months, fully immersing myself in the local way of life. I visited temples, explored various themed markets, frequented unique coffee shops, went jungle trekking, and ventured into remote mountain villages on a motorcycle.
I experimented with new activities, broadening my horizons and challenging my limits. In Chiang Mai, I challenged myself by riding a motorcycle for 50 kilometers to explore remote mountain villages. While this might be routine for experienced riders, it marked a significant personal achievement for me.
Before my journey, I had the opportunity to witness the genuine kindness and simplicity of the people in Chiang Mai. The locals' sincerity and hospitality left a lasting impression on me. This experience contrasted starkly with the challenges I encountered in Egypt.
Egypt, a country of breathtaking landscapes and ancient civilization, posed both beauty and challenges during my travels. In addition to the iconic pyramids, Egypt's hieroglyphics and sculptures captivated me. The lifelike sculptures displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo evoked a sense of awe, making me wonder if they would come to life like characters in "Night at the Museum" after nightfall.
The Egyptian hieroglyphics were vivid and engaging, even without interpretation. The bird-shaped characters, small figures with raised hands, bottles, and water basins carved on the walls of Luxor's Valley of the Kings and temples were like scenes from a static film, depicting the legends of ancient Egypt. Although I couldn't decipher their meanings precisely, I could feel the vitality and essence of ancient Egyptian civilization, inspiring a desire to learn their language.
Despite Egypt's enchanting allure, it was also the most mentally exhausting and emotionally conflicting country I had ever visited. Dealing with disputes or deception was common in Egypt, especially in the pyramid areas of Luxor and Cairo. However, reporting incidents to the police proved effective in resolving conflicts.
Egypt's cost of living ranks as the second lowest in the world, but haggling is prevalent, from street vendors and convenience stores to hotel restaurants. Each transaction involves intense negotiations and strategic battles, often requiring wit and resilience. Without vigilance, one might end up paying several times the actual price. In Luxor, my negotiation skills were put to the test when I bargained for a local tour, realizing
that haggling was a national sport and a vital skill for travelers.
The challenges extended beyond negotiating prices. My encounter with a corrupt police officer in Aswan, Egypt, left a bitter taste. I experienced firsthand the frustration of navigating legal issues and the complexities of dealing with dishonest individuals. The incident tested my patience and determination to stand my ground, teaching me valuable life lessons.
Despite the difficulties, Egypt's beauty and history cast a spell on me, urging me to explore further. In Dahab, a coastal town with stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs, I obtained three diving certificates, experiencing the underwater world's wonders. Diving alongside colorful fish and encountering playful dolphins left me in awe, appreciating the Earth's natural beauty.
Throughout my journey, I met various people, each leaving a mark on my soul. I encountered a group of young Egyptians in Dahab, engaging in intellectual battles with local merchants and forging meaningful connections. These interactions provided glimpses into the local way of life, fostering a deeper understanding of their culture.
However, the most profound experiences were the moments of self-reflection amid the challenges and beauty. In Egypt, I confronted my limitations and fears, pushing my boundaries to overcome obstacles. Each hurdle became a stepping stone, enabling personal growth and resilience.
My travels through Egypt and other countries have shaped my perspective on life. I learned that challenges are an inevitable part of any journey, but they also offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Embracing the beauty of the world and confronting its challenges has enriched my understanding of humanity and deepened my appreciation for the diverse cultures that coexist on this planet.
As I continue my journey, I carry the lessons and memories of Egypt with me. The country's dichotomy of beauty and challenges serves as a reminder that life's richness lies in embracing both the light and the shadows. Through my adventures, I hope to inspire others to explore the world, confront their fears, and embrace the transformative power of travel.
This is my story, a testament to the beauty and challenges of the world, and a celebration of the human spirit's resilience and capacity for growth. May my journey inspire others to embark on their own adventures, discovering the wonders of the world and the depths of their souls.