be a vagabond

Well, I’ve been contemplating on backpacking Europe for years now. I never considered it seriously enough to start saving money or create an itinerary though. I always knew more or less the places that I want to visit (western and eastern europe). Now I’m faced with a decision to make. I’ve lost my job as a financial yuppie working with investment banks and the likes. I like what I do but I always seem to be looking out the window wondering what could be waiting for me out there. I don’t want to see another 20 years go by without having done this trip. I know it’s a big world out there and at age 26 I know how the world works. I’ve been to europe before as a ‘tourist’. This time I want to be liberated from consumer society (I know it sounds impossible but keep reading). I’m just tired of it all! Living in North America (I was born in Uruguay) is a life of luxury, comfort and ROUTINE. I’m a bohemian spirit. I’ve always wanted to be free of society’s ties and crazy run-around. I’m certain now is my chance. I don’t want to start another job because I know I’ll fall into the same routine all over and only to be disappointed again while looking out the window (wanting to jump ahhh!!!). One problem though (if it is at all a problem): I don’t have any money, literally. I turned in the keys to my apartment last week and moved back into my parents house until I can purchase the ticket and fly to europe. But I’m optimistic! Now wait, let me make one thing clear: I know that it would be better to travel with money versus no money. Of course, if you ask me, I’ll tell you: “I wish I could travel with thousands in my account so I can roam Europe aimlessly and worry-free”. But there is also freedom and adventure in starting from scratch. I love hiking and walking, and will try hitch-hiking (yes, you read correctly). I don’t have much to lose and I’m a very positive person. I’ve family in Spain and a friend in Switzerland. I’m also part of the couchsurfing.com project. So, I won’t be completely at large or alone. I’m hoping to work ‘under the table’ when I can and I’m taking my harmonica with me. I’ll probably leave the guitar at my aunt’s house in Spain while I’m out and about. I put my car on sale and will have the plain fair soon. With whatever money is left over I’m buying my gear, backpack, boots, one man tent, sleeping bag etc… So, I won’t have more than a few hundred bucks to take with me really. I’m not worried but would like to receive some feedback. I’ve been reading a lot on the web. I’ve found pretty helpful and insightful articles on budget travel and I know April through September is the best time to travel europe (so as to avoid the winter). I’ve read critical/cynical and encouraging/motivational articles alike. I don’t want to tickle my ears or hear only what I like to hear. I know that vagabonding is tough especially in Europe where EVERYTHING from food to hostels is expensive. I say “vagabonding” as opposed to “backpacking” because backpackers usually have money, eurail passes, flights, laptops, etc… I trust my harmonica and/or guitar will help me make a few bucks here and there (at least enough to buy cheap grub in the supermarkets and find accommodation at hostels). See what I mean? I’ve been educating myself. But nothing speaks like experience. And this IS a first-time thing for me. I’ve never been so far away from friends and family, completely alone. It has it’s pro’s and cons. What I want is some feedback (positive and negative). A big concern I guess is: will people actually fill my cap with coins after hearing my little tunes? Also, I’m considering WWoof.com which is basically, trading farm work for food and a temporary roof. I heard about these short archaeology courses, available at random universities throughout Europe. You get to join traveling archaeologists all around europe. They say it’s a great way to get around and make a few bucks. But I can’t apply for a student visa right now cause I don’t have the money. I already went to the Spanish consulate and it seems like a possibly long process, but I’m thinking of leaving within weeks. Air fare to europe is at it’s lowest/cheapest right now. I don’t want to waste any more time. I want to get started already. Hey, I’ll admit it: I’ve been in tough situations before where I’ve had to sleep in my car even. No biggie! But this is the great unknown, it’s a different story. I’d like to visit Asia and the Middle-East as well. So, it’s not all about Europe. I want to absorb new languages, cultures and customs. I know I’ll meet new people at hostels and I’m very social but choosy and careful about who I hang out with (romance is welcome). Please don’t tell me to be patient and save a little money or wait till next year. It’s not gonna happen and it’s gonna happen now or never baby!! :P O.k. That’s all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any comments, remarks, constructive criticism, and/or tips you might have for this aspiring vagabond who is willing to go against all odds!!!

looking SOOO good as of right now. this is something i NEED to do.

I want to allow my life to be shaped by chance.

I’ve been labled this multiple times in my life, and I like it. I don’t know why it’s true about me, but it is. I don’t know how I do it, but I demonstrate it in everything, it’s just part of my essence and I enjoy it. =)

five months ago i posted that if i didn’t make it into a hong kong university, i would become a vagabond. i applied to four universities, and got rejected by three. the fourth one not only accepted me into their school, but into their exclusive global business programme. so now i am all set! the whole vagabond idea is just not going to happen now, my life has taken a different course.

this inkling has been on my mind for over a year now. but im adding this goal because im reading a book called “vagabonding” about “the art of long-term world travel.” i haven’t learned anything profound from it, rather, its reaffirmed and put into words many feelings i have, such as the importance of living in the moment free of possessions, etc. for those of you who may know me, im far from this. im a planner, i have many possessions and conduct myself with self-restraint that would be uncharacteristic of a free spirit.

so basically, ive decided this: if i make it into a hong kong university, great. ill live the next few years as a well-to-do world traveller in a metropolis. i’ll still try to live simply, but ill be working towards career goals and i won’t be wandering around aimlessly. but if i happen to not make it into any of those schools, im going to “make lemonade” and become a vagabond, perhaps making some money teaching english overseas. i wouldn’t be doing it for the money, as i have enough money to bum around for a very, very long time. rather, id do it for the purpose of feeling like ive earned my right to travel around, so i don’t feel like some lucky heir who drifts about aimlessly in a world of comfort. so whether its long term, maybe after hong kong, or if its short term, as in this summer, i want to do this.

it’s really my highest aspiration.

consolidated long term goals. Will still achieve vagabond status. I am sure of it. :D

About being a vagabond…
Pro: You don’t have to worry about a morgage.
Con: You don’t have a house.
Pro: People walking by you give you stuff.
Con: It might be something dead\rotting.
Pro: You get to sleep in your own filth.
Con: You get to sleep in your own filth.
Toughie…

by Neal Stephenson. Actually, it’s the second in a series of 3 – The System of the World. I’m on The Confusion. We continue to follow Jack Shaftoe, L’Emmerdeur, The King of the Vagabonds, on his journey. I’ve almost always wanted to be a nomad, a traveler, a vagabond. I want to live with people in their habitat and learn their ways and try to forget my own for a while. I’m in France, and that’s one step, but this is still a western, Christian country. I need to REALLY be a vagabond. At least, I want to. My inspiration/guidance will come from Vagabonding. Good book. First thing is to get rid of my stuff and just go. Can’t do that for at least another year since I’m going to go to school in Paris… but Vagabonding is all just related to journeying, right? So this will be my umpteenth step in the journey. Now I have ever so many billions to go. :)