We love flying. Our vision to fly a small, private airplane around the world began to develop about 5 years ago. It was a combination of things that fueled our dream.
I was reaching my mid 50's and life had begun to take on much more meaning than just “my job”; which had occupied virtually every waking moment of my life for nearly 40 years. I began to think more about the rest of my life and the rest of the world. The people who inhabit our planet. The cultures that exist beyond our own limited horizons. The fact that we had not seen many places on earth. We wanted to visit many, but never had the time…….
My wife, Vajee Misakawan, (nickname Lec) encouraged me to buy our first plane and ownership brought with it new challenges, learning and adventures. Flying became more than the proverbial “$100 cross country lunch”. We soon realized that our plane brought us true freedom, flexibility and it was really a vehicle to open up new opportunities for exploration. We bought that airplane and it was one of the best decisions we ever made; it has returned to us so much pleasure and freedom which would never have been possible as a renter.
Through our flying club – Thai Flying Club – Bangphra , Thailand we met several “Earthrounder's”. (Earthrounder's is an informal group of aviator's who have completed or are engaged in ‘Round the World' flights in private airplanes or helicopters.) As they passed through Bangphra from time to time, we made a point of being at the airport, meeting them, listening and learning from their experiences. These encounters were very motivating for Lec and I. We began channeling our minds on doing the same. If they could do it; so could we. That became our mindset and the wheels for our trip had started in motion.
I wish I could say we are doing this Around the World trip for a noble cause, for a wonderful charity or to raise needed funds for research. Many Earthrounder's have aligned their trips with such goals and have made significant contributions while living out their aviation dreams. In our case, we do not have a major benefactor. However, we hope to carry a message of inspiration to those who dream but do not act; to spread cultural knowledge (particularly Thailand 's culture) to those who cannot see beyond their concrete city walls and we hope to make friends across international boundaries awakening more to the fact that we share one world. We should be friends, good neighbors and respect one another's beliefs, human rights, property and freedom.
While we live in Thailand , and would have loved to start the trip from “home”, the logistics and costs associated with relocating the new airplane to Thailand , just for the departure, were prohibitive. So we will start and finish the trip in the United States . In May 2007 we will leave from the San Francisco area following Lec's son's graduation from the University of San Francisco . It will take us to 54 cities in 31 countries over the following 9 months. Our project, and our web site, is dedicated to sharing the great opportunity that we have, to fly around the world, with all who are interested.
A project like this brings many unforeseen and unexpected challenges and setbacks. There is a tremendous amount to learn and to prepare before setting out. Our site will not focus much on the technical aspects of such a flight. There are plenty of excellent websites containing everything you need to know. Instead, we want to “share” our living experience in words and pictures with you. However, if you would like information about the planning side feel free drop me a note. If I can help you I would be very pleased to do so or I can direct you to one of the many who have helped me..
We hope you enjoy this website and we will do our best to keep it updated, informative and exciting. You are encouraged to write us a note with any suggestions, corrections or ideas that you feel would be of interest or benefit to the project.
