The Unspoken Realities Abroad
It’s that time of the year again. A plus one to my age a life re-evaluation on its way. I’m constantly reminding myself that the older I get, the more I understand that it’s okay to live a life others don’t understand.
With all the lockdown and social distancing going on around the world, it’s a special time for most of us. As for me, it gave me time to reflect on where I’ve been in the past and where I am today.
Few things: I’m not rich, I don’t have a million savings in my bank account. I’m self-sufficient, debt-free, and pretty fine myself. I have shelter, food to eat, and healthy. Let alone surrounded by family and friends that truly care about me. I have been constantly moving, cultivating my passion, dreams. Living the moment, as they say. People ask me how I managed to do it so I’m here to tell you. But you see, there’s always the good, bad, and the ugly.
In my 25+ years of existence and 3 years of being away, I think I’ve been on both ends of the human life spectrum. There was a time when I had almost everything: a good job, a condo, a car. And also, times of suffering and life next to nothing.
I slept on floors, hammock, cleaned rooms, volunteered in exchange for food and accommodation. I bartered food for music. Shared a meal.
I took advantage of whatever could be free. Hitch-hiked, couchsurfed, walked miles, talked to strangers, stayed at a local’s house, ate their food, and embraced their traditions.
I had multiple jobs. I went from being a barista to tour leader, English teacher, outdoor facilitator, kayak guide, receptionist. I did not have a stable career for a while. Often times I would say, I am a Barista, as I was and loved the most. I was lucky that some visa runs I had to do were sponsored by the company and I took it as an opportunity to travel to a new country.
I’ve had some bad decisions in my life and some pretty amazing ones too. I saved and live within my means. Although I dated and that’s another story, I live mostly in solitude. I don’t need an extravagant life.
I am now in the late twenties category. Friends and people my age are getting married and having a family. Meanwhile, I am here writing with my cup of coffee as my company.
With all the lockdown and social distancing going on around the world, it’s a special time for most of us. As for me, it gave me time to reflect on where I’ve been in the past and where I am today.
Few things: I’m not rich, I don’t have a million savings in my bank account. I’m self-sufficient, debt-free, and pretty fine myself. I have shelter, food to eat, and healthy. Let alone surrounded by family and friends that truly care about me. I have been constantly moving, cultivating my passion, dreams. Living the moment, as they say. People ask me how I managed to do it so I’m here to tell you. But you see, there’s always the good, bad, and the ugly.
In my 25+ years of existence and 3 years of being away, I think I’ve been on both ends of the human life spectrum. There was a time when I had almost everything: a good job, a condo, a car. And also, times of suffering and life next to nothing.
I slept on floors, hammock, cleaned rooms, volunteered in exchange for food and accommodation. I bartered food for music. Shared a meal.
I took advantage of whatever could be free. Hitch-hiked, couchsurfed, walked miles, talked to strangers, stayed at a local’s house, ate their food, and embraced their traditions.
I had multiple jobs. I went from being a barista to tour leader, English teacher, outdoor facilitator, kayak guide, receptionist. I did not have a stable career for a while. Often times I would say, I am a Barista, as I was and loved the most. I was lucky that some visa runs I had to do were sponsored by the company and I took it as an opportunity to travel to a new country.
I’ve had some bad decisions in my life and some pretty amazing ones too. I saved and live within my means. Although I dated and that’s another story, I live mostly in solitude. I don’t need an extravagant life.
I am now in the late twenties category. Friends and people my age are getting married and having a family. Meanwhile, I am here writing with my cup of coffee as my company.
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| Taiwan 2021 |
I’m always open to new experiences but if I manage to leave after the crisis, maybe I’d do it again. Or maybe not. It’s gonna be a new phase in my life and as I grow old, I know things will change and while I love traveling and my own idea of freedom, I do actually miss being stationary.
There’s a saying, “As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss most of your life.” So I live, let live, and just be. Because at the end of the day, I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and food to eat.
