Letters Of A Gallivantress
Monday, June 24, 2024
Fellow Wanderer: New Zealand South Island Readings
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
The World Out There π₯
Dear Reader,
How I have missed you.
The streets of Crete, with its narrow streets and hazy charm.
I have been recollecting... We are almost 6 months into this crazy year and it feels so fast... But also like a whole lifetime... ✨
A friend of mine is going snowboarding in New Zealand soon.
It made me remembers my adventures of this exquisite land, which feels so far away πΏ
A time where I tapped into a whole other person that I didn't know existed, uncovering weird and wonderful shadows that would shape the weeks to follow π€
A time where I drove around in a little Suzuki Swift which I named Tay Tay... π
A time where I supplemented my nocturnal work life with road trips into the mountains, kayaking on unpopulated, pristine-clear waters, befriending expats, tourists and crazy horse ladies, surviving on countless sugar free monster drinks and 2 hours sleep...
πͺ»Climbing a mountain with a randomer from my hostel, impressing a bunch of Germans with the strange conversational skills I have maintained since high school, making friends with people who are also chucking themselves out of planes at 12,000ft, to then go on a road trip to one of the most breath taking places on earth, picking up incredibly tall hitch hikers...
The list goes on...
So the next post will be dedicated to recommendations in New Zealand, South island.
Though the north was lovely, I didn't spend as much time there and I had a friend show me around. NZ feels like one of those places where exploring solo really pays off, as it is so safe and so wondrous π
From the moment I set foot in the quirky little airport of Nelson (and in Auckland as well to an extent), I knew that the next few weeks would be a wonderful adventure. And they really were.
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Fellow Wanderer: Core and Connections
Hello Fellow Wanderer,
We have not spoken for some time. For those of you who are new, Fellow Wanderer is an extension of, err "wisdom" I have collected during my escapades, which I feel could be interesting or useful for those who wish to travel more, or who are considering a nomadic life ⭐
Core and Connections will look at two types of relationships: those who are your "core", the people who you know, trust and love, those who are generally not with you on your travels. Then we have "connections", which encompasses the weird and wonder connections you encounter on your journeys- we will cover this more in a later article.
Here's some background:
I grew up in the countryside as an only child (people who know me only a little, are now suddenly realising why I'm so extra). And no before you get the wrong idea, I didn't live in a mansion, eating from silver spoons and having epic house parties, it was not that sort of country living.
No.
I was playing with imaginary friends and creating a whole world of stories, as it's very lonely life.
Okay, you can put your violins away, my childhood was fine. In fact, what this quasi-solitude brought me is:
1. The ability to be alone without ever feeling scared or stressed
2. An innate and invaluable extroversion, despite being shy
3. The drive to nurture every and all meaningful friendships in my life
I have a core group of friends who are absolutely necessary to my mental wellbeing, my ability to travel without having constant existential crises, and to be able to return to the UK or Ireland without feeling so dark a pit in my stomach.
Now I'm lucky to have a lot of gems in my life- good people who "put up" with me and my endless bounds of energy, sporadic bursts of childlike humour and occasional slips from the "Yogini Path" when I lose my s**t at something that really does not require such a reaction.
As I left home as soon as I had finished school, and never looked back, I knew I needed to put more effort into those relationships than the other party, because I am the one who left. I decided to leave this relationship and galavant around the world, so if I wanted someone to be there for a hug upon my return, I needed to make a darn good effort.
So here are my lessons:
1. Ensure you have 3-5 people back home who generally know where you are at all times ⭐
Okay people reading this who are part of my core, will be howling with laughter, as I typically tell only one person at most where I am, let alone where I plan to be... This is excluding the obvious safety aspect, where someone should always know where you are in case of the worst.
Rather, this is for when you are feeling low or you crave some TLC, either because you're sick or maybe you haven't met anyone in a few days and you just miss basic human connection...
Whatever it is, have some people who know where you are. Maybe they will pray for you, if you're into that, or they will let you know a lucky number to think about, or maybe even astral project to come and see you!? I dunno how cool your core is?!?!
This allows you to feel a connection with that person, even at a distance.
2. Maintain regular contact with said core members ⭐
I have a very special person in my life. We have known each other for a very long time and we have been there for each other for many of life's challenges.
During COVID, we ended up falling into a routine involving monthly wine and cheese nights over Skype, which would last 4-5 hours... To the point where people in my work even knew when we would be next speaking.
This has extended (albeit slightly less often) during my travels. We always make time to speak. I don't need to make extra effort because I'm away, as the connection is so strong that we always remember to chat, and to share our stories. Even as I stop drinking and they stops eating cheese.
Another core member, I speak to every day. The conversation hasn't stopped in 10 years, and is likely to never stop. They have a completely different approach to travel, but happily receive all my photos and stories, in turn for me listening to all their crazy philosophical rants on society.
A third core member for me is someone with whom I speak at least weekly. Literally a "Happy Friday", which started in the respective states of misery in our former offices, where we both felt so awful that Friday and the promise of two days off, was the only respite to our constant mental suffering and feeling of oppression at the hands of senior management.
We message every single Friday, without fail. This simple act allows us to maintain a close friendship whilst neither of us have lived on the same land mass for a decade, and where we don't see each other sometimes more than annually.
There are some other members of my core, maybe they will also have a little synopsis going forward.
The point is, this regular contact seems small and perhaps even unnecessary when you read it. But travel is not always this social train ride of constant friendships and bonds.
The connections made abroad whilst travelling are very different.
Having some people to whom you can always turn is so important for allowing you a sense of normality, a sense of belonging and purpose.
Sometimes we are so stuck in our head, that we don't realise, someone on the other side of the world, living a totally different life, is feeling the exact same inadequacies, fears and pain as us.
Your core has to be people who help you to grow. Whether that's offering advice, perking up your confidence, or allowing you to open your heart and share things which you have always been afraid to speak.
People can truly surprise you in how they warmly receive your vulnerability. Allowing yourself this will help you so much when you travel.
3. It starts with you⭐
You have to trust yourself, your gut and your "self love" (yes I know this is becoming all hippy dippy, but hear me out, we're nearly done here).
Once you have that, you extend this to those closest (metaphorically), your core...
And having these aspects, well they will allow you to embark on the best adventures, spark new friendships and grow your social life, whilst always knowing you have a strong foundation, and an even stronger core.
And there we have it, Fellow Wanderer, my advice for maintaining a level of social competency as you tackle endless varieties of cultural differences, language barriers and conflicting ideologies, which all make up a huge part of the magical act of travelling and nomad-ing.
Make the effort. It will pay off ✨
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Specks of Dust
Dear Reader, how I have missed you...
Forgive me for the silence, it was spent in reflection of a most intriguing period of my life ✨
Returning to Europe was indeed a challenge for my heart, which I know now in part remains in Asia...
The warm greeting from those I love is a treasure many seek and do not receive... So I am grateful π€
As the dust settles, I am reminded in the most unexpected of ways that it doesn't matter where I am... This concept that I am so very different in some places...
I need only glance at my hands to remember a time where the sun radiated from every pore and speck of dust, controlled each sound and all that surrounded me π
That a missed bus can lead to a beautiful new acquaintance π§‘
And the connections who call to me from past and present, guide my way to meaning within the shadows π
My family, from an Uncle, dearly missed and treasured on the other side of the world, to my beautiful parents, and their unconditional love and kindness... Guiding me.
All the way to you, Dear Reader.
Connections.
As I walk along the warm, dusty streets of Chania, I admire the exquisite views of both the pier and the sea. I wonder to myself if my parents also looked upon such spectacular beauty when they met here, all those years ago.
Sweet souls in shops who don't try to sell me anything, but just ask me about my travels.
Soothing voices of the locals, carried in the breeze and filling the narrow streets, full of evil eyes, opals and wonder...
The timid, gentle knock of the waves upon the shore line... The warm street lamps softly stroking the blues of the water.
Indeed, my unexpected trip to Bulgaria was also a treat. With the most special connection of them all. And an incredible concert from Corey Taylor (yes folks, I like Slipknot)... The people there are so happy, and it's infectious π
Positive energy from these people, the protective blanket of natural wonders around me, allow me to embrace the coolness of the shade.
I am reminded that the path leads forward, no matter which way I look.
As does yours.
So come with me, Dear Reader, and let's find our gold within the dust π
Thursday, May 16, 2024
In Light of the Dark π
Dear Reader,
There's something in the air...
The scent of rain permeates the lingering smells of China Town's wondrous cuisine π
I hear the familiar sprinkles tapping on the roof... π§
The water has come to cleanse, once again, after my few weeks of healing in Vietnam and a vibrant storm in Cambodia. Grounding. Elevating.
The soft touch of the droplets landing on my skin takes me back to the realm of Shadows and Strangers π€
As the rain eases I hear the sounds of the streets around me, the glorious chaos of scooters, stalls, forever instilling an image of bright familiarity π΅
I miss the roughness of Cambodia's roads, the 5 person motorbikes and intriguing characters.
Angkor Wat, with it's deep spiritual power, was a pleasure to witness with the lovely Victoria from Kactus. Temples combined with trees. Spirits combined with dreams.
Of course the same Swedish girl, Amanda, who road with me from HCMC to Phnom Penh was on my sunrise tour ☀️
Of course the lady, Glene, on my bus to Siem Reap also just happened to pass by when I was leaving Cambodia... Another big hug π€
Yes.
The interconnectivity is powerful.
Arriving in Bangkok, after a longer journey than expected, and meeting a client with whom I've worked for 18 months, restored in me a sense of purpose to a role that is often challenging π
All the special connections I have made the last few months π
All the little pieces falling into place so that I can continue my journey πΎ
As I witness the storm cloud, lingering on the horizon, aware of the ominous presence within, I am reminded by a wise person that it is a cycle within which we find ourselves ☁️
My time in this part of the world seems to be drawing to a close. For some weeks at least. And I have no idea to when or where I will return.
As I lose myself in the music on my mat, I feel the waves hit me, I feel the sun hold me, the strength of the world in my veins πͺ·
I reflect.
And you Dear Reader, thank you for helping me embark on this journey... Stay tuned for what is to come π«Ά
Obscurity
✨Watching the waves wrestle the shore,
What strangeness unfolds to reach this moment.
The choice to learn anew,
A decision to delve further
The dark and the light
Colours become more
Too much temptation
Surrender to the spectacle
A dive into darkness
So I delve deep
I am lost
There is a haze of cloud in spite of the sun
The feeling of something out of place
A lingering sense of what is to come
As I step slowly towards the future
The gaze of a strange shadow penetrates
I wonder now, having seen the many faces of the shadow man, the warrior and stranger
What was the hand they played?
And was it that hand which held me
When the body left me to drown?
The sights are lava and frost
Supreme softness brings a welcome thrill
Settled by nature once again
All colours, so bright
And then it is black.
The blanket of obscurity foreshadows what is to come.
My eyes sting
As I feel the change of energy
I am glad of the pain
Whilst I seek meaning in the shade of reason
In the ascent I am supported, eager for the surface
Though it is no longer there
The shadows have reached us- all is black
In my blindness I do not notice the change in air
We make it aboard and the journey is rough
A weary smile, nervous laugh is all we share
As we shelter on the floor.
It is not enough
Deep down, I have already seen it
The lurches leftward are not the worst
It is coming
As I hear the shout from the front I know how this ends
And time stops
And time speeds up
The fall is so slow as the mind stretches
I do not feel the impact of my limp body hitting the side
The ocean takes me in one violent sweep.
The feeling of being crushed
I push upward for air, one second of respite
And I am plunged downward
Then it hits me.
I did not escape that night.
As the luminescence
of the creatures beneath,
does the moonlight continue
to shine past the shadows. ✨
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Off the Grid
Friday, May 3, 2024
Acceptance π
Dear Reader,
I come to you from a Vietnamese cafe in Phnom Penh.
Yes.
That darn egg coffee was calling me π₯ ☕
After not feeling so well the past two days, I decided I should do something other than lie down and plonk myself in the pool at the hostel. Yes, hostels in South East Asia have freaking pools... And this one is great π
So by "doing something", I mean I sat in the back of a tuktuk, and am now sitting in front of my sexy drink... I will pause writing as I drink it, so I can savor the taste.
The fact that this isn't a world wide phenomenon is baffling to me.
So yes, I accept that I was wrong about my initial feelings toward Vietnam, as I now miss it and appreciate it a lot more as a beautiful country, in hindsight π»π³
I also accept that I am sick, for the second time this year.
I hate being sick.
I can't exercise how I want, I sweat doing basic postures in yoga and I don't enjoy the taste of food. It sucks. Everyone hates it.
But I accept it.
I accept that I am a human, and my body is giving me time to build up a resistance to something, which will protect me in the future π«Ά
How incredible, that the human body will just fight off the parasites, all by itself... Or sometimes with the help of drugs and a f*** ton of honey and lemon π
Being in Cambodia is such an interesting experience. I feel myself observing people so much more than I have ever done. Secluded in my tuktuk, sitting outside for dinner watching the chaos on the main street... Passing the extreme poverty on the bus when I first arrived... And then being stunned by the number of Teslas in the capital.
Yes, Cambodia has a lot happening. Including some extreme prostitution, right at my door step.
Happily there are initiatives to help women out of these dire circumstances... Such as Daughters of Cambodia, which teach women crafts skills and sell the products... I bought some cute earrings as I was overwhelmed by how much the women are affected here.
I have unexpectedly met a couple of nice people in this strange city π but overall, I have mostly kept to myself, observing and taking time to care for my body. SO MUCH FRUIT.
Of course, something I do need to mention, is Choeng Ek Genocidal Centre.
Those of you who know anything about Cambodia will know that just 40 years ago, there was a horrific civil war and genocidal regime, led by the Khmer Rouge.
And those of you who know me well, know I could talk about historical politics for the rest of my life, but this is not what I want this blog to be. I will let you do your own research and form your own opinions πͺ·
What I will say, is that this memorial center is absolutely worth a visit. Its layout, commentary (most people get an audio guide or there's no real point to go), the exceptions and general takeaways are carefully considered and respectful.
At one point the narrator says "we never thought it would happen here, but it did".
The people here have accepted their dark path, but they will never forget. Nor should they.
Maybe this will make you think, Dear Reader... How close we are in some places in the world, and how much closer we are to this in other places, where the news isn't necessarily covering everything, where things seem fine. .. Just like they were here.
It's terrifying. But I accept that this happened and that this could happen anywhere and any point in time.
✨Let us enjoy our lives, full of as much love and freedom as we choose to allow ourselves ✨
If we all live this way, there's not much room for hating each other π€
Fellow Wanderer: New Zealand South Island Readings
Fellow Wanderer and Dear Reader, I bring you a hybrid entry. I'm not bluffing. I would like to share some recommendations for navigati...
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Dear Reader, There's something in the air... The scent of rain permeates the lingering smells of China Town's wondrous cuisine π ...
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Hello Dear Reader ❤️ I write to you with a fuller heart again, this time from Siem Reap. Yes. In this polluted and crazy Cambodia, with it&...
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Dear Reader, After travelling in some capacity for the past two years and working remotely now for over a year, I have realised that I have...