Well, here is a travel blog and an introduction to my adventure and full-time travel life from across the world—David Leiter. I have traveled for the last 9 years experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and people that actually make our world rich and diverse. These days, I am usually home in Bali, Indonesia, where I spend this great time with my fantastic wife, Intan.
Travel first brought me to Iceland in 2016. I drove alone on a tiny budget-a rental car, and I slept in the back all month long, driving more than 7,000 kilometers around Iceland-exhausting-waiting for untold views of waterfalls and volcanoes and glaciers. In fact, my first video went viral with millions of views and a feature from BBC Travel. The flick to the big world opened up, and it’s been one heck of a journey ever since.
Since that first big adventure, I have been very fortunate to have traveled solo to more than 50 countries, all of which are somewhat unknown and out of the way. I’ve traveled all over Asia, Central America, and the Middle East, in search of culture and story-the landscapes that make each place unique.
The unpredictability that has tested the strength of character along the paths of travel has been nothing less than marvelous. Caught in the 7.0 magnitude Lombok earthquake in Indonesia in 2018-that was my worst situation yet. In 2019, I happened to be in Bangkok during a spate of bombings. I’ve seen too many scams, illnesses, car accidents, and unforeseen events-the typical travel event everyone will tell their story about.
But the challenges are far outweighed by the wonderful experiences that travel has offered me. Some of my journeys’ highlights are:
From the great heights of peaks, where yet exists the untouched beauty, to reach the base camp of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. Charging up an erupting volcano in Guatemala. A physical transformation that pits one against nature’s fury.
Treks on glaciers in Patagonia with an afterwards visit to the dreamlike Iguazu Falls in Argentina. Witnessing komodo dragons in the wild, getting close to them, and impacting their habitat.
Treehouse sleeping in Bali, which may well be one of the most laid-back and quiet places I’ve ever been to, and awed by the blue fire at Kawah Ijen in Java.
Considering local specialties: eating tarantulas and scorpions in Cambodia, followed by jumping into individual weird tastes of various regions.
Camel ride to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the most iconic travel dreams to be fulfilled on Earth.
Skydiving over the paradise beaches of Oahu, Hawaii: free-falling over crystal-clear waters is a thrill.
Visiting monuments of a lifetime, such as Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, Petra, Machu Picchu, and Himeji Castle; each of them possesses its captivating tale to narrate.
I went to 24 countries in record-short one year in 2018, and all on a shoestring. I traveled on a typical budget, spending not more than $30 daily on everything, including lodging and food. One would be surprised at the great possible experience when one knows how to travel well and makes the right experience priority.
Traveling has taught me that the world indeed is far more diverse than one would realize. Each nation has the very property of its own, and fantastic places can still surprise through secret wonders. Be it a calm town or a megacity, a desert or a rainforest, it has new things to offer.
These have ranged from happiness through mighty wonderment to deep thankfulness, as I have been privileged to meet many incredible people along the way, not only fellow travelers but locals who have taught me that the world is full of kindness, generosity, and shared suffering.
Though I have traveled much, I know there are countless places to see; so many billions of cultures, lives, and adventures are still on this hundred-thousand list, looking forward to my next great adventure. Not that I’ve seen it all, but it’s definitely in store for me.
I aim to reach out to those who travel through this blog, convincing people to try a little something different, get out there, and see the world through open eyes and the heart. Hopefully, these blogs can help plan your own journey, whether that ends up being found on some remote island or a cultural immersion of visits or adventure with adrenaline.
What I have learned is that it is not about a destination traveled to, but rather the people one comes in contact with, challenges faced, and the individualistic growth that happens along the way. It’s an otherwise chance of looking at the world, and at oneself, in strange ways.
Entonces, únete a mí en mi camino; descubramos juntos los misterios del mundo y llenemos las historias que hacen esta vida tan increíblemente rica. La aventura llama: ¡vamos a contestarla!