traveling as a “lifestyle”
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I am not surprised by this kind of reaction. Those nasty commenters wish they could experience the freedom of travelling. Even though my last travel was a long time ago, I remember that kind of feeling.
A Canadian author named Geneviève Guevremont wrote a novel abut a perpetually travelling man during the 2nd World War, its english title is Outlander. I have seen the movie that was made out of it a few years ago, although I don’t know if a version with english subtitles exists. This story, although old, portrays the clash between a traveller and the residents of the village where he chose to stay for a while.
Agreed with Elsa. It’s easier to dismiss and discard than wonder about your own opportunities that you never dared to take.
Elsa,
Going to have to look that up! Thanks for it.
Weird that the envy would come out as dismissing a self-sufficient traveler as a “bum”.
Still not to the freedom part. Getting settled in and adjusting things accordingly. But I expect to be very free in another month or two. As with everything, it takes me a lot of running and flapping my arms to get off the ground.
Thais,
Wonder if that’s the basis for some women’s attitude toward sex workers?
XX
In real life while traveling I’ve never met these travel-negative people who commented. Probably because they kept at a safe distance.
What I’ve met are lots of other travelers, with the same mindset as myself.
I’ve also met curious local people who were interested in a chat with a stranger.
I’ve met many local people who offered their help because they could see that I needed it or because I asked.
For me traveling is about improvising, using the opportunities that are there. And it’s a lot about cooperating with the people you meet, getting in tune with them.
About giving and taking. Giving to one person and receiving from another.
CU
Jay,
Thought this was funny “In real life while traveling I’ve never met these travel-negative people who commented. Probably because they kept at a safe distance”. Very true!
Sounds good to me. I have much to look forward to,
XX
Most of our ancestors were nomads. We are actually better suited for it than most would acknowledge. The negative comments are from people who are terribly insecure and will one day be found huddling in a closet, unable to move.
A good friend of mine, a psychiatrist, told me years ago to go to work (or any other habitual trip) by different routes if possible. If you go the same way all the time to the same places, you will begin to narrow yourself until you are trapped in a single room.
This is really interesting to me because I’m contemplating travelling (as a companion) as a lifestyle – which I think you’re doing for a while, Amanda? Sorry, haven’t read much of your stuff, but I did a Google search on me and found I was mentioned in your blog – I’m flattered, couldn’t find the mention though.
Anyhow back to the point – staying in good hotels and getting deals can actually be cheaper than paying for an apartment right now, and gives you the flexiblity to just leave when you’re bored. I like it! The only drawback for me is not being able to cook – I do like to have my own pure, healthy food.
Hope your travels are going well in Europe Amanda, I saw you’re in Kensington and thinking you might get bored soon. Well yes, Kensington or anywhere can get boring without the right company – another little challenge of living on the road!
Best,
Tamara G. x
Harold,
Yes! I can testify to simply breaking out of the routine of going to the same places is good.
As for “one day be found huddling in a closet, unable to move” I’m just laughing.
XX
Tamara,
Yes, I’m working as I’m traveling. I thought that was really clear but may’ve been buried in some prior posts.
I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned you on the blog but have you commented here before? I think so and that would get you linked.
Good hotels can be had everywhere cheap right now, though my next move will be back to a flat. I think it honestly depends on the locale you’re in and the whole situation. No one-size-fits-all solution — I can see that already.
My impending boredom has a number of factors, some of which are my own personal quirks, and some of which is the current work situation. This will change also as I change locales and experiment with different kinds of work.
XX
i m agrre with amada book as he is saying that Thought this was funny “In real life while traveling I’ve never met these travel-negative people who commented. Probably because they kept at a safe distance”. Very true!
Not to overgeneralize the person, but I think her point of view has nothing to do with traveling and everything to do with lack of personality.
Traveling is not a way to find out who you really are, it is only a way to help shape it.
Ahhh, traveling as a lifestyle. I miss it! I watched the film Revolutionary Road last night, and it made me very pleased that I did all the traveling I did while I could. I only wish I had discovered escorting back then! I did freelance along the way, quite happily, but I imagine I would have had a lot more fun (if that is possible) if I had known about this!
I do empathize with the commenter who said that oncehe returned home after traveling for so long he found that he had nothing in common with anyone except other travelers, and thus he went away again. I found that very much the case when I returned from my traveling over several years. I found most people back here in my US life really boring, and they couldn’t connect with me on hardly anything. One thing, however, helped me, and that was meeting people here from all the countries I had been to. I had lots in common with them!
Traveling expands the mind to dimensions you never before thought possible. And once you fnd a groove, and you WILL find a groove, you won’t be bored anymore.
There is a great social network site out now that wasn’t around when I was traveling. It is WAYN, or Where Are You Now. It is a way to keeep up with all of the cool folks you meet while traveling, and meet other like-minded folks along the way. Of course, facebook is similar, and you should take advantage of it!
You might also like “Tales of a Female Nomad” by Rita Golden Gelman.
http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/book.html
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Female-Nomad-Living-Large/dp/0609809547
“When Rita Golden Gelman traveled to Mexico during a two-month separation from her husband, she hoped to satisfy an old craving for adventure and, in the process, rejuvenate herself and her marriage. Little did she know it was the beginning of a new life, not just as a divorcée, but as a nomad of the world. Since 1986, Gelman has had no permanent address and no possessions except those she can carry. She travels without a plan, guided by instinct, serendipitous opportunities, and a remarkable ability to connect with people. At first her family and friends accused her of running away, but Gelman knew she had embarked on a journey of self-discovery and a way of life that is inspiring and enviable.”
Holly,
Thanks for your insights and for the WAYN link! I’ll check it out.
Carrie,
Nice to see you here. Sounds like a VERY interesting book about an unusual life.
XX
Dear Amanda. Long time no speak my dear. I hope you are having fun in England’s green and pleasant land. I speak both Northern and Southern so if you need anything translated let me know.
xx
I finally have my blog up so hope you get to pop over and say hi.
James
James,
Finally ready to show the world your charms? Wonderful!
Unfortunately, the translations I need are at the moment. But I will let you know if any Northern phrases catch my ear — assuming I can even tell what the words are.
I can only imagine I sound the same to them.
XX
I think it is wonderful Amanda that you are in a business that you can travel and see the world. You can earn plus you make your own hours. So you also have the freedom to enjoy your leisure time while traveling. Good for you!
Chris,
That’s the idea. Not many jobs can do this.
XX
That is how I want to spend my life but money is always problem
Sljiva,
Best solution: work as you travel. I’m not the expert at this as I’ve already made many mistakes but it can be done…as that article and the comments show (and I’m learning too!).
XX