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| La Casa de Señora Paris |
A half a century of crisscrossing the globe has brought me to the point where I feel I may have something to offer to those who want to leave all that is familiar behind and embark on a journey into the unknown. Some may fear what lies ahead, what with all the economic and political uncertainties on the horizon. To others this may be the incentive to go out and experience the world as it is today, before opportunities to do so evaporate.
There was a wise old woman of nobility from Prussia who I met in Pátzcuaro, Mexico in 1994. She too had lived an adventurous life on many continents, having served as the young trophy bride to an important diplomat when she was in her early teens. During many hours of conversations with Señora Paris, as she was known, I came to know her very well. Hours were spent on benches in the Plaza Grande or in her mansion on Ahumada in conversation with her, soaking up some anecdotes of a time gone by, civilization lost, and a way of life gone forever, where she would travel the world with a dozen servants and a quantity of steamer trunks, affording her the luxuries she was accustomed to.
There were two phrases she instilled on those around her. During our conversations she stated flatly, that “You can never go back, Baby”, and the more important “Never make plans, Baby. Never make plans!”
The latter of course I had learned very early on, when I tried to book a very structured trip island hopping through the Caribbean, ending up in Barbados before flying to Europe on one of those ultra cheap flights to Luxembourg. I spent hours with my travel agent in St Croix VI, creating a multi island itinerary, booking hotels and flights, only to end up ignoring it all, and flying Leeward Island Air Transport directly to Barbados and on to Europe. So much for making plans, Baby! It was a lesson that has stayed with me to this day. I travel spontaneously. If I like where I am, I will stay until I get motivated to go on to the next destination calling me. And wherever I am, I will network with people who are travelers, not tourists, travelers. Sharing information with kindred souls about the unknown is the very best way to experience the planet.
Guide books can give you a good idea of what there is to see and do and what to expect, but you have to create your own adventure. Step through the portal that is marked with a question mark, and enter with an open mind. My main ambitions in life are to die broke, having spent all my resources traveling, and when the time comes, I don’t want to lie on my deathbed coughing and wheezing with my last breath: “This was not my beautiful life!” Rather I would like to have a moment to reflect on what an amazing journey it has been.
One of the most important aspects of successfully navigating the wonders of the world is to not travel like Señora Paris did. Leave the steamers trunks behind. Minimalism is what is not just called for, but is an absolute requirement in today’s world. Travel as lightly as possible. Do not bring four pairs of jeans when two are actually almost too much. Don’t get bogged down by physical possessions following you around. If you acquire “stuff” along the way, try to ship it to friends or family, or better yet, don’t buy it. That really cool teapot that looked so great in the medina of Marrakech will look just as good in some else’s household. Be aware that at some point, your suitcase or backpack may part company with you, so while traveling, wear your most precious possessions or carry them, taking care to not put irreplaceable items into your checked baggage.
When it comes to making plans or itineraries, don’t make arrangements which will penalize you financially for not fulfilling them. Be spontaneous and keep an open mind about new things to do or see. If you wake up and see that it is Tuesday, so you must be in Belgium, then you are a tourist and not a nomadic traveler. If however you wake up, have no idea where the hell you are or what day it is, you are likely to be on the right track to self fulfillment as a nomad.
Jamie ‘The Nomad’ Douglas
San Rafael, Mendoza
photo by Jamie ‘The Nomad’ Douglas
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I encourage you to write to me, jamie@expatdailynews.com with any questions or suggestions you may have, and if necessary, we can establish a voice communication via Skype. Disclaimer: I am not in any travel related business. My advice is based on my own experiences, and is free of charge. (Donations accepted). It is always my pleasure to act as a beneficial counselor to those who are seekers of the next adventure.
Jamie Douglas is an Adventurer, Writer and Photographer with an amazing array of Nikon equipment, and a lifetime of experience traveling and documenting. To contact him for assignments, email: jamie.douglas [at] yahoo.com
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If you liked this article please click the +1 button and let others know where to find our great content
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