Meet my Expat Dad

I have a lot of influences that started my passion for traveling at a young age. Part of it was growing up in a mixed household, another part of it was that my parents were expats living all over the world.  Today I share my story about my Expat Dad who is currently living in the Philippines.

Meet my dad, he has traveled all over the world starting at a young age. He joined the military right after he graduated from high school and since then has been somewhat of a wandering nomad.  Sure most of his traveling background has come from serving in the military for 21 years, but that is what fueled his passion for travel. Here are some of his tips for living overseas and some of his favorite places to travel to.

Expat Dad

How old were you when you first traveled?  Where was it? What do you remember the most about that trip?

Approximately 8-years old. My first location was New York City and I remember spending quality time with my dad, mom, brothers and, sister

What inspired you to travel?

Joined the military to see the world.

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How many countries have you lived in? Where have you lived in?  

6. Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines and, Denmark.

What do you love most about living in the Philippines?

Peace and quite with no pollution like you would expect in the U.S.; beautiful scenery  (to include mountains, thundering waterfalls and, open seas); cheap and, clean food, such as lots of rice, fresh fruit and vegetables, and, an amount of abundant of seafood; being able to travel to other Far Eastern Countries at a fraction as to what it would cost if residing in the U.S., Europe or elsewhere.

Where was your favorite place to live in and why?

South Korea; happily married to The Love of My Life – my S. Korean-American Spouse.

What tips do you have for people who have never lived abroad?

Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  In other words, don’t assume that your wallet in your back pocket is safe, when you should move it to a “front pocket” as you never know who might come up from behind you while you are on a bus or electric train and, use a razor blade, which will allow your wallet to neatly drop out of your pocket into the thieve’s hands.  Additionally, with women, hold tightly on your purse or wear a money bag around your waist for easy access.

What country is next on your bucket list?

Thailand.

What is your most memorable travel experience so far and why?  

Visiting Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes with my S. Korean-American Spouse and daughter.  I always loved to visit places of nature and, S. Korea has more than enough to see and do.  However, Northern Japan is very scenic as well, with numerous volcanoes and, both indoor/outdoor hot springs where a bather can feel quite comfortable shedding their clothes and, sitting stark naked with your spouse and, others in a natural setting, soaking in very warm water while snow is falling around you.

What is your favorite city and country? Why?  

Seoul, South Korea.  So much to see and do palaces, museums, mountaintop cable car rides, with cheap transportation and, easy to follow maps on how to get from one place to another.  Numerous eateries that cater to those that enjoy Korean, Japanese, Chinese, European and, Western (American) style food.  Day and Night River cruises on the Han River that runs through Seoul.  Five Star Hotels or, Korean Onsens, where a guest can sleep on a silk blanket on a heated floor.

What is one destination that didn’t meet your expectations? Why?

 Washington, D.C. Filthy overly crowded streets.  Very similar to what you might find in Asian Countries such as the Philippines and, Thailand.

What is your greatest personal accomplishment?

Serving my country in the U.S. Air Force for slightly more than 20-years.

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