Traveler Profile: Turner

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Screen name:

Turner

Age:

Gender:

Male

If you must know:

I'm single

Travel status:

Traveling soon

Hometown:

Dallas, Texas

Currently in:

Austin, Texas

Expert Japan

I lived in Japan for two years, teaching English in Hiroshima and working with a private Japanese company in Kagoshima. During that time I had the chance to travel extensively around the four main islands, visiting hot springs, sightseeing at the hot spots, and appreciating the culture.

Traveling Next:

Peru

Favorite places I've been:

Kurokawa Onsen, Japan
Kou Raya Yai, Thailand
Rotorua, New Zealand
Austin, Texas, USA

Places I want to go to:

Angkor Wat, cherry blossom festival in Okinawa, Mt. Everest, skiing in Hokkaido Japan, Hawaii, Maldives, Dunedin in New Zealand, the Outback in Australia, The Void in the Sahara (just the fringe), Mt. Kilimanjaro, running the original marathon in Greece, low Earth orbit with the private space industry, Iceland, Thailand, Egypt, Sweden, Easter Island

About me:

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, attended the University of Texas at Austin from 2001-2005. After college, I stayed in Austin for a year doing freelance work until I heard about an opportunity to travel to Japan.

Right now, I'm learning to make ends meet wherever I happen to reside, attending Couchsurfing gatherings, and spreading the word of independent travel to any willing ears... guess that would make me a vagabonding missionary. But I also divide between advising people on how best to come to the land of the rising sun, making day trips to interesting areas, honing my photography skills, and writing practical travel pieces for Matador.

I have a degree in aerospace engineering. I enjoy singing Phantom of the Opera (badly, I'm sure) when I'm wandering empty streets in a foreign country at night. I once went for 60 hours without sleep (and, consequently, slept for 26 hours after that). I've been the knight in shining armor, saved the maidens fair, and battled for my life. I've woken up at 4 AM to pull a bottom-dwelling fish with 200 feet of fishing line in Alaska. There's still so much more out there waiting.

Keep an open mind when you travel. Everyone has something unique to offer. Explore this world (and perhaps beyond) using all five senses.

Profile URL:

http://matadortravel.com/travel-community/turner

Read more about Turner

I'm fired up on:

Going the distance, skydiving, writing with passion designed to induce feelings rather than convey facts, Japanese hot springs, eating Mexican food while overlooking the sun setting over the Riverwalk in San Antonio

Tunes I rock out to:

Live Like You Were Dying, The Distance, Here I Go Again,

Travel style:

I usually travel based on mood, though almost always by myself; sometimes I enjoy going entirely rural and backpacking through the mountains, relying on nothing but my feet to take me around. On other occasions I feel like checking into an expensive hotel, and making short day trips with plenty of snacking opportunities. I'd consider my trademark to be sleepless sightseeing in Kyushu, Japan: taking the last train to Fukuoka, partying or karaoke all night with friends, then taking the first train to any number of cities, using the local hot springs, and coming out refreshed enough to continue the day.

Quote:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Sports I do:

marathon running, swimming, skydiving, hanggliding, bodysurfing, aquajogging, rock climbing, western horseback riding, weight lifting, cycling, Tai Chi

Favorite books:

Timeline by Michael Crichton, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Who I'd like to meet on my travels:

Anyone who can keep up with me

I want to make a difference by:

The only way I know how. Having an impact on this world isn't all about having your picture on the cover of magazines, or your voice heard by millions... it's about the people around you, and how you treat them. What you leave behind isn't as important as how you lived your life.

Languages spoken, other than English:

Japanese, Latin, a little French & Thai

I felt the most immersed in a foreign culture when:

I was packed into a Japanese train car in the middle of Tokyo's rush hour

Why I travel:

I know it's not possible for me to see every square cm of this world before I die, but in the meantime, I'm learning more about foreign cultures, eating things I never thought I would touch back in Texas, and finding myself changing with each experience.

Ideal place to watch the sunrise:

Kanahama Beach on Tanegashima island, Japan

Ideal place to watch the sunset:

Terayama Park overlooking a volcano and Kagoshima city, Japan

Before I die I'd like to:

Skydive over the Hawaiian islands, propose as the sun sets over Maldives, participate in an archeological dig in Egypt

Let's collaborate:

I'm a good writer, but I don't claim to be an expert in travel photography and reporting the kinds of experiences people want to hear; take a look at some of my work and offer me feedback where it's needed. I'm all for collaborating with people in similar positions around the world. In the meantime, I remain a freelance travel photographer, writer, and advisor, wherever I happen to reside.

My links:

www.keepingpaceinjapan.com (my blog)
www.flickr.com/photos/64521915@N00/sets (sample photos)

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Post New Comment

by lover.of.life | 2010/01/31

howdy!

i'll be teaching in japan with a private organization. not JET or JES... (teachintamura.com)

if you could move back to japan, would you?

by Rachael | 2010/01/17

Hi Turner,

Nice to meet you. I just found this website during my online search for info about Miyazaki and saw you are considered an expert on Japan. I will be moving to Miyakonojo in a week to teach kindergarten and realized I better start researching the area. :)

I have been to Japan as well as some other wonderful places, but this will be my first time living abroad.

Any advice you can send my way would be much appriciated.

Have a great day.

by nineroots | 2010/01/16

thanks. yes, i love the kenai. and you?

by Fibo | 2009/12/01

Yeah I think so, I already have a blog at the moment but I'll probably make a new one that's specific to travelling/teaching so my friends and family and etc can read it. I've heard great things about ECC, a coworker of mine worked with ECC for 6 years! As soon as I find out when/where I'm going I'll set up the new blog and put it on my profile.

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by Fibo | 2009/11/27

Hey how's it goin? That's awesome that you're in NZ, I'm dying to get there.
I'm really hoping to get a placement in Kyoto just because I'm more into the nature-y temple-y thing than the crazy frantic city thing, but you never know I might love Tokyo! At the moment my life is in the hands of ECC who have to find a spot for me, I'm sure I'll like where ever I end up though, fingers crossed :)

by Ms. Rogers | 2009/11/07

Hey Turner!
How are you? and how in the world did you end up in New Zealand?

by Bichar Neupane | 2009/10/21

Kedar Neupane
A professional travel councilor for three country (Nepal,Tibet& Bhutan)

cell- +977 9841397842
hello my friend how are you thease day?

by nz sojourner | 2009/09/19

hey there!

i would love to meet up if we get the chance. sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. what was so bad about it? i'm really hoping our first stop in kerikeri goes well. any tips?

cheers!
katie

by made_in_italy | 2009/09/17

Sweet, did you travel by yourself?

-Yours truly, Brooke

by AilynMarie | 2009/09/16

Whenever you decide to give Miami a visit, don't hesitate to contact me!

As for me, I think I'll be taking a trip to Key West in a few weeks. Even though I've been there many times, this trip will be special because I'm planning on going alone. I'll finally be able to see all of the history I have yet to discover. It's such a beautiful island.

How about you? What do you have planned next?

by AilynMarie | 2009/09/16

Hi! Just trying to make some new travel friends... Hope to keep in touch!

Ailyn

by made_in_italy | 2009/09/16

Definitely! i will keep you posted. where are you located as of right now?

-Yours truly, Brooke

by Chiica81 | 2009/09/15

No I haven't done that yet... I'm thinking of it though;-)
You recommend it? i see you have your own site... I have to check it out. How does it work?

Take care:-)

by Chiica81 | 2009/09/14

Really? :-) Would be awesome to meet up if you're in Peru at that time... We'll stay in touch:-)
And let me know when you know for sure:-)

Enjoy the rest of the week Turner!

by Chiica81 | 2009/09/14

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:-)

I just bought the tickets to Argentina!
Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!! Leaving January 6th.

Well, the girl I'm traveling with this time is a girl I've only been on a week trip with, and a bunch of weekend trips. But I think we will work out just fine. She's a perfect travel mate :-)

Now I'm booking a stay at an estancia... Can't wait to go riding the pampas:-)
So you prefer to go alone? I've never done it, but I can imagine it's nice... But I really love to share the experince with someone.
Wish you a great week :-)
Now I will start my countdown;-)

by sylia1284 | 2009/09/13

Hey there :)
I' ll be back in London in a few days but that doesn't count..So, the next destination is Istanbul for a wedding. What about you?

PS New Zealand is my dream destination..

by Chiica81 | 2009/09/10

Welll I do have a few weekend trips coming up now in Oct and November... London & Dublin in October, and actually back to Dublin at the end of November for a Paolo Nutin concert :-)
But me and the girl I'm trvelling with, will book our Argentina tickets next week and then we're going for 3-4 weeks in January.
Are you travelling alone?

by made_in_italy | 2009/09/10

Northland huh? my sister says it's beautiful there, how do you like it :) How long are you there for? we might actually be coming up in November! Yes, actually i think MY timing sucks. Love Texas, but..ready to get out! haha

-Yours truly, Brooke

by Chiica81 | 2009/09/09

Thanks :-)
Can't wait to discover Argentina & Uruguay. When are you off to Taiwan? Sounds exciting! For how long are you planning to travel this time?

I'll let you know when I'm going to New Zealand :-)

Take care!

by made_in_italy | 2009/09/03

have fun and be safe :) what do you plan on doing there? I am actually in texas heading to Spain next month around the 15th. Just relaxing & taking a break as of right now, ha!

-Yours truly, Brooke

by made_in_italy | 2009/08/25

Been anywhere recently?!

by Breezy B | 2009/07/22

Hey thanks :) I'll be teaching English to young kids at a school in central Taiwan for a year. It's a popular job and easy to find work with a Bachelor's Degree.

Incredible pictures you have up there, I can't believe that beach is in Japan! I guess every place in the world has its stereotypes and hidden gems...

by Adrenachrome | 2009/07/21

Yeah, it's pretty amazing to see such a primitive culture so well-preserved, especially in North America! If you get a chance definitely head to the Sierra Madres. A place unlike any other...

by AmyBridgit | 2009/07/14

Thanks for the welcome! I'm not sure yet where I'll be in Japan - the company I will be teaching for has campuses in various parts of the main island. Any recommendations? Or things I must do while there?

by TheDaysRjust... | 2009/07/13

Same here, I have the complete set as well. It's the heaviest thing ever lol, but so worth it. I used to have most of the individual books but I don't know where those went so I replaced them with the complete Calvin and Hobbes set.

Great to meet a fellow lover of the best comic ever written.

Stephen

by made_in_italy | 2009/05/26

I heard Phuket was nice =)

-Yours truly, Brooke

by made_in_italy | 2009/05/21

Intending on going to The Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Islands, and possibily Coral Island. I'm excited!!!! oh and not to mention, Bangkok

by made_in_italy | 2009/05/19

Yes sir! Well- I have a lot of family here, even more in Dallas, Texas so- hopefully that's where I'll be moving to next! How do you like Austin?

by Ms. Rogers | 2009/05/08

I will be home in almost exactly one month. So if you are passing through after the 10 of June let me know and maybe we can meet up for a coffee and shoot the breeze or something.

by Ms. Rogers | 2009/04/30

Ha! Why may I ask would you be going through Beaumont? I can't say I know many people who just pass through.
Actually, I won't be going home until the beginning of June. Just long enough to get settled at home and then "hopefully" I'm coming back here.
If you pass through again sometime after May let me know.

by Tim Patterson | 2009/04/25

Turner, I think you're personally responsible for half the traffic at Abroad. Just wanted to say doomo arigatou gozaimasu, osewa in natte imasu!

by T-Kron | 2009/03/31

Hey, your profile shows that you have travelled Thailand. I am about to graduate from college, and am looking to teach English abroad. Would you recommend going there to teach, and if so why? Thanks!

by Ryukyu Mike | 2009/03/07

Hi, Turner,
Sorry I took so long to reply; I'm a bit spastic with the mouse and keyboard! More later
Mike

by Insolent Minx (not verified) | 2009/01/07

Greece is amazing you should totally go. It was on my top 5 and might as well do it now while I'm young and have a bad azz camera. :)

by kikers | 2008/10/22

I'm having a difficult time deciding where to go next, but I think I'm going to Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania) and all over the South Pacific..then on to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and I would love to finish the trip with a trek in Nepal..What about you? Do you have any plans for your next trip?

by GregoryHubbs | 2008/08/11

Hello,

Thanks.

I am in NYC as a base these days working as the Web Editor for TransitionsAbroad.com.

Our upcoming webzine issue is on Asia with much material on ESL (itshould be out this week). Our previous webzine issue was on Mexico and Central America.

http://transitionsabroad.com/tazine/0807/index.shtml

Take care,

Gregory Hubbs
Web Content Editor
http://www.transitionsabroad.com

by novoarte | 2008/05/27

Can't wait to see the next piece. Glad you connected with Peter (ourmaninshanghai). Page views you can see on the Trips page. Check the "Today's Top Posts" and the number in parentheses is the number of page views.

by novoarte | 2008/05/27

Way to go, Turner: 15,000+ page views in a single day! Great work.

by jgbrandt | 2008/02/24

Thanks for the comment. It's one of the most unique experiences you can have, I think.

by Jay Martin | 2007/11/30

Thanks for the comment. That is something I have struggled with, as well.

by Adam | 2007/08/29

The beach in those two pics you've got up looks gorgeous- you should post some more..

by Tim Patterson | 2007/08/29

ようこそ、マタドルヘ！

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Gambling to Travel

By Turner | Location: New Zealand | 12/08/09 | Pics: 1

I know there have been numerous articles on the subject, and there's really no point in writing about this ex post facto, as the perception of the gambler is significantly different than the perception of the non-gambler, even if they happen to be the same person. Of course it seems ridiculous...

1 comment | Send to Friend |

Once A Traveler

By Turner | Location: New Zealand | 09/14/09 | Pics: 0

My new site, Once A Traveler is going through the hazing period for travel websites; I'm still adding followers on my new Twitter name, linking to fellow bloggers, and just writing about my time in New Zealand. Check it out; feedback is welcome.

3 comments | Send to Friend |

Eye of the Beholder

By Turner | Location: Thailand | 07/13/09 | Pics: 0

People spend so much time fantasizing over the pleasures of living abroad like waking up to palm trees and sandy beaches and enjoying conversations with locals on cultural differences that tend to provide moments of insight that they always forget about the little things. How to order exactly what...

3 comments | Send to Friend |

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