I’ve dated this entry October 6: the day I started my new full-time job. Essentially, the day that I turned the page on the next chapter of my journey.

The last few months were an enjoyable - and necessary - transition to figuring out what the next chapter of life would look like. I had the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, reflect on what I’d learned during my travel adventure and decide where I wanted to “land” on the flip side of the journey. That included a careful job search.

I knew after my time on the ship that I wanted to keep being a man who sought adventure; but I also wanted to advance my career and plant a few solid roots [which is obviously hard to do when you’re traveling all over the place].

So, after exploring my options, I’ve ‘landed’ and am now turning the page. For this chapter, I’ll be advancing my career and laying down new roots in my hometown as Communications Coordinator for United Way of London & Middlesex. I’m helping to tell the story of how generosity enables United Way to create real, lasting change in people’s lives. My role oversees external communication including media relations, publications, advertising and marketing, and online communications. It’s pushing my thinking and expanding my abilities: exactly the challenge I was looking for.

I’m phasing away a bit from freelance work as I wrap up a few current projects, with the aim of focusing on my career and laying my new foundation.

The thirst for exploring life’s adventures will always be a part of me: travel and new excitement will always be a part of my quest. But I’m learning how to keep that quest alive while staying somewhat grounded, too.

Well, the time came at long last: I’ve completed the circular journey around the world. I returned to Canada on June 14th.

After four months aboard Crystal Serenity as Assistant Editor of Guest Publications for the 2008 World Cruise, plus an extra month backpacking Europe… I have now been to a total of 36 countries in my life – if you count the Vatican City (and before this trip I had only been to 5!)

The last month has simply been a whirlwind of readjusting to “land-based” life. After unpacking, visiting friends and recharging, I am now checking out the job scene and finding out where the next chapter of life will take me. Certainly, I’ve satisfied a lifetime’s worth of adventure in the last half-year… so currently something like that is not in the cards again (at least not right now - never say never!). Going away and living the dream makes coming back rather pleasant, calm and enjoyable. And, actually, exciting!

I am also working hard on finishing off my blog and online photo album of the adventure. It documents the nature of the journey - with tonnes of photos to show it all.

In sum, it’s really great to be back… and please continue to read the blog to get the feel for what the adventure was like. Otherwise, if I get bombarded with “How was the trip,” questions, I will be forced to sit you through a three day week-long photo show!

Here’s a few FAQs to further reduce the number of “how was the trip?” questions:

1) What was your favorite place?
A: I learned that it wasn’t so much where or what… but, rather, the overall experience of it and the atmosphere. That’s what leads to memories. My favorite place was Rome, and that’s because of the complete atmosphere. I saw many great sites around the world, but Rome… it was the complete package. The whole city is atmosphere. People playing accordion on the subway; going to a restaurant near the Vatican and it’s filled with priest and nuns. Yeah, authentic! I loved it… as you’ll see from the photos when I post them on my blog site.

2) What are you going to do now?
A: No idea, really. I half-dreamed that I would get hired by a billionaire or marry someone on the ship… but lucky breaks don’t happen every day (getting on the ship was a lucky break already!). So now, I’m going to go for a job that’s a great fit, and make the best of it. Wherever it ends up being.

Now, go visit my travel blog!

“And there was much rejoicing.”
[twirls finger in the air]: yaay.

It’s truly nice to come back from traveling around the world and learn you’ve received an award.

Late last year, I had the opportunity of working with London grassroots charity “Bethanys Hope Foundation” on the redevelopment and publication of their Annual Newsletter. You can view the newsletter here, and you can read more about this meaningful charity and the work I did for them in my previous update.

I am very proud that this work was recognized with a 2008 IABC London Virtuoso Award of Merit in the Publications Category. Virtuoso is an annual competition, where a jury of seasoned communication professionals judge communication project entries.

It’s certainly terrific to be recognized by the communication community. Moreso for work representing an organization that means something to you.