So what are my plans?

It's almost 2 1/2 months from when I leave D.C. and roughly 3 until I board that plane for Thailand. It occurred to me that few people actually know what my plans are, so I'll try to give a rough explanation.

I should start out by saying that I'm really trying not to plan very much. I read something that seemed to describe exactly how I am approaching this trip...

"Preparation is not in knowing exactly where you are going but being able to get there none the less"

So, at this point, I know which countries and when but I am leaving it at that. I've been reading a lot about most of the places in the first half of the trip so I have a good idea what there is to do and can just wing it as effectively as possible.

So here is my itinerary (all of which is subject to change):
Jan. 28 - Mar. 4: Exploring Thailand with my friend Pat who is flying in a week after I am and staying for 3 weeks.
Mar. - April: the classic South East Asia circuit (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos) although I don't know if I will go clockwise or counterclockwise yet.
May: Myanmar (Burma) if the political climate is conducive to travel.
June 1 - June 15: Japan
June 15 - August 15: Exploring China ending with travel to Tibet and Kathmandu overland.
August 15 - September 15: Turkey
September 15 - ... : Eastern Europe? not really sure at this point.

And here is a handy map I made...


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Financially, I think I should be in great shape by the time I leave. I'm trying to put away $15,000 before I leave my job and I'm getting real close with a couple months left to go. All the research I have done has told me that that should be enough as long as I stay on budget (which shouldn't be tough since DC was the ultimate test of that). After buy medical insurance, vaccinations and some last minute gear, I hope to leave with ~$14,000 in my bank account.

So there you have it. Expect more detailed breakdowns of the logistics and exactly what I'm packing as this trip gets nearer.

I'm planning on spending the next few weeks freaking out because this trip is actually going to happen and I probably have no idea what I'm getting myself into.