Choosing the Nomadic Lifestyle

The Nomad

By definition being nomadic is "of, relating to, or characteristic of nomads" and/or "roaming about from place to place aimlessly, frequently, or without a fixed pattern of movement."  I wouldn't necessarily choose the words "aimlessly, or without a fixed pattern of movement" to describe my lifestyle.  As I would choose a phrase a little something more on the lines of "living where ever my heart desires." 

About a year ago, I decided to sell all of my personal belongings, give up my apartment aka my home, and chose to live a life traveling.  This sounds like something unimaginable or crazy to some of you, like a pipe-dream for others, and/or like an unattainable, unrealistic goal to the majority of you.  As for me... I made it my reality.  I became a Nomad, as some call it. 

This was a lot easier than it might seem.  However, don't get me wrong.  It was and still is in a sense one of the hardest things I've ever done.  To actually become homeless--kind of.  Am I actually homeless?  No.  I just make my home where ever I might be at the moment.  This could be in someone's home, a tent, a hostel, a van, or even renting my own studio for a month or two. 

Can anyone do this?  Yes.  Is it for everyone... No.

There are so many things I never thought would be so difficult before I ventured on this lifestyle.  Like--having to ask your friends if you can stay with them, or crash on their couch from time to time.  This is still one of the hardest things for me to do.  I usually don't have any trouble or difficulty, but I'm constantly deeply dependent on others for opening up their homes to me.  Which is extremely hard being an independent, yet open-minded female.  Yet, I've gotten really good at asking others for help and I'm extremely... EXTREMELY... Grateful!

I would not be able to live this lifestyle without the help and generosity of others.  Speaking of that, I've met some absolutely incredible people along the way.  This being one of the rewards living a nomadic lifestyle.  Beautiful people with beautiful souls.  People that inspire you to follow your dreams.  People that are so sweet, kind, and caring that I would do anything for.  Reminding us that there is so much love and kindness in this world if we allow ourselves open in receiving it.  That being said, I sign off for the day.  Besos y abrazos from one nomadic girl's heart to yours. 

Arriving to Mexico City

Day 1

I arrived for the first time in Mexico City at 12:30pm on New Years Eve, 2013... the day before my 37th birthday.  I was traveling by myself, a single female embarking on a new adventure.  I was nervous, excited, scared, and happy!  I had so much adrenaline going through me, I had no Idea what to do with it.  This was not the 1st time I've traveled alone, but it was all new experiences for me none the less.  I was going to one of the biggest cities in the world by myself, and I couldn't help being a little nervous, no matter how prepared I was.  I had to be on my toes and boy was I tired.  I flew a red-eye flight, from Seatac at 10pm the night before, layover in Atlanta, GA, landing in Mexico City at noon the next day.  Needless to say, I was lacking sleep upon arrival to this amazing, a bit intimidating international hub.

This trip was different for me.  "Why" you may ask, because  I was traveling as a student enrolled in two separate independent studies.  It was winter quarter and I did NOT want to be in Seattle.  So I did what any smart student should do... I studied abroad.  However, I was not studying abroad through any of the schools resources.  I researched other ways to find out how I could achieve a similar experience on my budget.  Studying abroad with the school was way too expensive for me, and so were a lot of the volunteer programs I found on the internet.  I couldn't understand why I should pay to volunteer.  Doesn't that take away the whole idea of "volunteering?"  In reality, we end up paying a lot of fees that go towards setting up the experience for multiple students or volunteers.  Which makes sense, if we don't want to take the time doing it ourselves.  However,  I figured I can, and should be able to do do this on my own.  So that's exactly what I did.  Hasta luego Seattle!

I decided to book a hostel prior to arriving in DF, since it was New Years, and I had no idea how busy things would be.  The hostel was located right behind the cathedral in the Zocalo, main square.  I highly recommend this hostel!  The staff was super friendly, helpful, and welcoming.

So I'm not only a female traveling solo, going to school at an age about 15 years older than the average student, but also, I'm staying at hostels for the first time in my life.  I've stayed at similar places in Asia, but I was with a buddy, and we shared rooms vs. dorms with bunk-beds.  Really... I'm 36, staying at a hostel in Mexico City for my 37th birthday, and on New Years??  What the hell am I thinking!  Haha... One might thing I'm having a mid-life crisis, but No Way is that the case.  If you know me, I love connection, traveling, and making shit happen.

Anyways, I arrived to one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world; safe and ready to celebrate!  VIVE MEXICO!!