The year 1998 buzzed with talk of the impending "Y2K bug," a looming threat that was said to crash computers worldwide as the calendar flipped to 2000. Amid the noise, an idea struck me—why not experience the final days of the century consciously? I resolved to live this unique era with intention, documenting my thoughts and experiences daily, and compiling them into a personal annual record.

It seemed like a solid plan, but as 1999 arrived, I found myself floundering. January came and went in a blur, with no concrete progress. One week led to the next, and before I knew it, the calendar had marched into the third week of January. I felt stuck—uninspired and weighed down by the lack of direction. It was a frustrating start to what was supposed to be a monumental year.

In an effort to break the mental block, I decided to cheat a little. Using the excuse of tidying up the paperwork from December 1998, I put together a travelogue. It wasn’t quite what I had envisioned for my grand year-long adventure, but it filled the gap for the third week of January, sparing it from becoming yet another void.

Initially, my plan was a grand one—52 weeks of travel and adventure. But as I began, I realized I wasn’t quite ready to dive in. Looking back at the final month of 1998, I had managed seven outings, including two significant trips to Penang and Southern Thailand. For this travelogue, I picked highlights from a closer trip to Pasir Penampang, as well as a few photos from Songkhla and Krabi in Thailand.

This trip is very special. My traveling companions were Uncle Paul and Charles. Also the first trip they were doing an overland trip[ by car. This rickerty bridge in Vietnam would be hailed as"The Monkey Bridge"

Meaning Princess Ao Nang beach. Popular stop over as well beach area for all visitor. Very secluded reachable only by boat No by-stander or causal beach comers In the mid 1990s favorite beach for topless sunbathing too.

This one is my favorite signboad. First in English it tells that I am driving in Thailand. Public transport would never make stop over for picture. Second It has name like Krabi that most foreigners can associate with. Finally from my early days of driving in Thailand the 4 digit road name, this is a provincial country road.

The most beautiful Waterfakll in Trang very easy access and also near to town. By 1999, could see that the place was reserved for locals. All signage in English was taken down. Meaning only reachable for those who knows the local geography well

The food here was average also with contemporary prices. What is special about this joint, the dining area offered a panoramic view of the entire river, the view of the whole Melawati Hill with its Lighthouse, Very attractive indeed. For out of town visitors, this undoubtedly is the most ideal spot to be in

I spent a lot of time traveling Have not made much pictures at home. My dream Project building a Cacutus Garden in tropical Malaysia. Bought myself plenty of books. Spent lots of time doing close up shots. This is a valuable Panoramic shot I treasured and mrks the closing of 1998

Completing that page was a huge relief. I hadn’t realized how much stress I’d been carrying, trying to force a plan into existence. This small win gave me some breathing room and renewed energy. Soon, I was back to my usual self—ready to embark on spontaneous adventures with little to no planning. It reminded me of my own potential and how, under pressure, my mind sometimes needs to hit the reset button.

I knew this travelogue wasn’t in sync with my original vision, but it served a crucial purpose. It broke through the mental fog, reignited my creativity, and gave my ambitious plan the kickstart it needed. More importantly, it got me moving—turning an overwhelming beginning into an opportunity to embrace the unexpected.

  With  Will Would Wanderer