And then some. It’s been 2 years…

It’s been 2 years. I had only planned to leave for a few months. Because that’s all the time you need to write a book. Right?

I soon realised that ‘the creative process’ can take a bit longer than one expects. Well, quadruple that, and then some. The book I started out writing I still haven’t yet finished. I’ve published a different book though, one I randomly thought of in the middle of a hot sweaty night in a mosquito ridden bungalow.

It took me a year from this sweaty idea to publishing. One of the reasons it took so long was learning the process of self publishing. And getting my documents to work in different printable and online formats (insert any expletive you like here and it will fit). It took inordinate amounts of time. And then some.

And then some has become a theme of the past few years. Passion, and then some, still drives why I do what I do everyday. Building community and connections with people. Learning about different cultures, what drives people to do what they do, my personal self-development and following my writing inspirations, and then some, fills my days.

I never planned to stay in what is now my first ‘stop’, Koh Phangan, Thailand, for six months. I honestly thought maybe three or four months, tops. The lifestyle, writing, learning, connecting with really interesting people and self-reflection expanded out in the tropical sunset. Oh, and delicious swims in aqua waters and a sunset-sea massage every other day. Hard life. Hard to walk away from.

Towards the end of my time in Thailand I realised I needed longer to finish writing my book, which had turned into 3 books at that stage. I was always curious about Nepal and heard so many good reports. I thought I would continue with my books and also do some volunteer work. I booked my ticket. Two weeks later the first of the massively destructive earthquakes hit Kathmandu, killing about 9000 people and injuring around 22,000 people.

Foreigners fled Nepal and visitors aborted their travel plans. Everyone I spoke to said it was too dangerous. I still felt drawn to go. I thought I could help in some way. I was in Myanmar when the second major earthquake hit. I still thought it would be okay.

I was the only woman in the plane from Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu. One of two white people. The rest of the plane was filled with anxious looking Nepali men (many Nepalese people work in other Asian countries for better wages than at home). Kathmandu and the devastation transfixed me. I experienced many of the severe aftershocks (300 aftershocks in 100 days).

I ended up spending 5 months in Nepal. I volunteered for two amazing NGO / community organisations.
It was an incredible time and experience. I made amazing friendships and connected with some truly incredible humans. But I didn’t write a single word on any of my books. I was completely consumed with my volunteer work and my community there.

Part way through my time in Kathmandu I had an amazing opportunity to cat-sit in Doha, Qatar for a few weeks.  Upon arrival, the shock of the intense heat, the grand malls, having my own driver, the stark contrasts between the cultures of foreigners and locals, and not being able to leave the air-conditioned apartment until after dark (and even then it was still unbearably hot and humid), led me to a more inner journey time and catching up on my work for Nepal.

I could see myself spending years in Nepal. I really connected deeply to the place, peoples, communities and food (yes I believe in the strong connection and power of food). But I knew that I wouldn’t be fulfilling my mission to write my books. So I accepted to pet sit a griffon, three cats and nine chickens in wine country, Southern France for three months.

These three months in Southern France I was essentially alone 24/7 (the complete opposite of life in Nepal). I finished the first draft of my now published book. I planned six more books. I decided to do my first ever three day water fast over the Christmas period, as a comment on the consumerist nature of the festivity. If you want to see the hilarious fasting in action, check out my Youtube vids.

Then some wonderful friends offered for me to come and stay in Morocco for three months. I’d never been. I jumped at the chance. I spent the majority of this time learning and being frustrated at self publishing, and re-doing my website. Thinking about my next step, I was pulled back to spend a month in one of my favourite cities in the world: Istanbul. I still can’t put into words my love of this city.

I launched my first book in Istanbul. I then spent a month in another fav European city: Barcelona and the subsequent two months pet sitting in Switzerland, Germany and visiting friends in Amsterdam and Warsaw. But it was a bit of a rush. I like to set up in a place for a while, get into a routine to write and live. So I decided to investigate living in a new location in Morocco, that I had never been to before.

And I’m so glad I did. I’ve spent the last two months enjoying this incredible seaside location with a stunning old town in perfect temperatures. I’m progressing with my books and soon to launch a podcast. I’ve started seeing coaching clients and I’m working on a business plan for a friend’s company (I almost forgot how much I like business planning! :))).

I didn’t envisage any of this. It’s been over 2 years now. I feel just so damn lucky. I’ve made amazing friendships with people all over the world, I’ve had romantic flings, I’ve spent days crying over a few of  said romantic flings, I tasted incredible foods, I’ve experienced incredibly contrasting cultures, religions, practices and ways of life, I’ve connected, I’ve had many moments of self-indulgent time, and I’ve worried about having enough money to continue my mission.

Speaking of which, the million dollar question that everyone asks me: how do I do it financially? I only set off with about $10,000. That’s because I had recently come back from two and a bit years of travel. I thought that that would last me for about  3 or 4 months or more in Thailand. It lasted for 6 months. I was fortunate that my car sold in Australia, so I had another $7000. Then fortuitously I got tax returns for 2 separate tax years a little while later.

I live incredibly simply. A lot of my accommodation has been free through volunteering and pet sitting. I don’t buy souvenirs (photos and the connections I make are more than enough for me). I only buy new clothes when the old ones have really worn out (by this I mean I have hand sewn up holes several times before it’s not possible anymore). I live with a backpack and front pack of possessions. The vast majority of the last 5 years I’ve lived out of this one backpack. In terms of possessions, I have about 10 boxes of stuff in a shed in Oz. I have come to realise I don’t need much to be incredibly happy.

I’ve spent at least one year of the last two years hand washing my clothes (in Thailand and Nepal and in other places where I haven’t had a washing machine). I cook in a kitchen whenever I can, not only to save money, but I’m a great cook and mostly vegan (and in some places it’s hard to get 100% vegan food) and it’s also a way to connect with people when you can cook for them.

I do all this for a higher purpose. To extend my travel time as much as possible so that I can complete my books and change the world. Yes. I’ve always had grand visions. And I’ve given up on the idea that my grand visions will ever change.

Physically I don’t have much. I’m not planning for retirement (because I have too many passions for that, and then some). I’m not needing a standard life or possessions or societal privileges to make me happy. I’ve been happily not partnered for seven years (I’ve never been married). I happily don’t need children (I’ve never had the urge that some women get and I’m well past my mid 30s!). I don’t have any back ups or a traditional family home to stay or resources in Oz (but I’m fortunate to be blessed with amazing friends). So in essence, I’m happily alone, without stuff and penniless.

Despite all this, I am privileged. I was born in Australia. I have a great education. I have great work experiences. My passport enables me to travel to most places around the globe. I speak English. I can communicate with people all over the world. I am white (I had no idea how much privilege is bestowed on this colour skin since I started travelling. The privilege I am afforded everywhere because I’m white saddens me, especially seeing the difference others around me are treated). I deeply knew about this privilege from working with disadvantaged communities in Australia and on state diversity policies, but to experience as a traveller in poorer countries, is a whole other level). All of this makes me very lucky indeed and has also enabled me to develop the skills and talents I have.

And I am rich. Rich in love, friendship and connection. I could not be more grateful for the amazing experiences I’ve had over the past five years (really, my whole life). I could not be more grateful for the amazing people I continue to connect with and grow with. The love I feel for my friends, places and my experiences is beyond words. This makes the huge risks I continue to take all worth it.

I have many dreams. I love being able to continue to work away at them and live in remarkable places on this incredible planet of ours. I love connecting with people and helping them achieve their dreams. I will continue to take the big risks I do for my visions of a world filled with self empowered people who love and connect deeply, who aren’t afraid of ‘the other’, who take risks to be happy, and who know that authenticity, communication and peace is the only way.

Thank you for being a part of my adventure. I’m looking forward to the next instalments, whatever they may be. And then some.