This is not a travel guide
…but a collection of insights and experiences from my trips. I’m not after the latest Instagram hotspots, and I’m not here to give you the travel tips you can find elsewhere. I only talk about what catches my attention and sometimes with some ‘how to’ details thrown in.
Move to spark your creativity,
ground yourself to bring your ideas to life.
Who Am I
A solo female exploring the world independently, one bus ride at a time
solo
I’m alone 95% of the time, not because I don’t like company, but because if I waited for someone to travel with, I would still be sitting on the couch of my university apartment. I travel alone because I don’t know anyone who shares my lifestyle, and those I met on the road who do are on their own travel paths. World nomads are like free electrons, crossing paths with others but rarely forming strong connections. I still hope this will change, but in the meantime, I focus on the perks: a faster decision-making process and increased awareness of my surroundings and the people I meet.
independent
I visit new places without pre-judgment or excessive planning, aiming to experience the culture “live”. I plan just enough to avoid stress and make sure I don’t miss out on important sights. I only join tours when no alternatives are available: finding my own way around is much more fun and rewarding.
I test local cultures, places, and homes like I would try on different outfits at a store. It’s all about how I feel in it, since the world is filtered through my perspective. However, as an aspiring true critic, I try to maintain objectivity, seeking the good behind every ugly thing and the bad within every good thing. Learning to love a challenging environment adds value to the experience and fosters a deeper connection with the place.
ultimate bus rider
I travel by public transit whenever I can and prefer local street food over fancy restaurants. Traveling economically isn’t about restriction; it’s about trade-offs. Every decision counts in making the trip last longer. I hate overspending on a five-star hotel room since I can’t enjoy it if I sleep through it. Instead, I alternate between various sleeping options, from dorms and camping to budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb rentals. Sometimes, I sleep on buses and trains, promising myself a better bed the next night. It’s all about finding the limits of your personal comfort. While saving money is important, the vibes of the place must also feel right–trust your intuition!
The trade-off method helps manage hardships. Saving on transportation costs, like opting for walking or taking the public buses, allows me to spend more on better meals (something other than ham and cheese empanadas). Using public transportation not only saves me money but also helps me experience the true nature of cities. To reduce my reliance on taxis, I plan my travels during daylight and don’t mind sleeping at airports if a flight leaves or lands at odd hours.
During my early residency years in Asia, I had time to explore the public transportation networks of cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, and Bangkok. I was amazed at the intricacy and reliability of the hidden world of transit systems in these megacities. I plan to do the same in all my future travels.
My Gear
For now, it’s just me and my phone. I like to go unnoticed, discreetly snapping photos whenever I stumble upon something interesting. I’ve traded the quality of my DSLR for the convenience of portability, though I do miss that big lens sometimes. Ironically, now that everyone uses their phones for photos, pulling out a real camera might actually fly under the radar.
On the Nomadic Lifestyle
A sedentary life follows a familiar script: buy a home, fill it with furniture and food, and get a steady job. It’s as grounded as it gets and most people find comfort and peace of mind in this lifestyle.
When it comes to a nomadic life, though, the rules aren’t as clear—it almost feels like something from the distant past. Modern sedentary isn’t made for everyone. For those with a certain mental wiring and a natural instinct to explore, staying put can drain their spirit.
But a nomadic life brings its own challenges: it’s physically and mentally demanding, leaves little time for reflection, and lacks the continuity needed to track the passage of time and see long-term projects come to completion.
One must go to the extremes to determine where the middle ground is—a place between staying put and perpetually wandering.
Urban Jungle Enthusiast
I naturally gravitate toward big, messy, sweaty metropolises. After all, I studied urban planning out of a fascination for urban sprawl, informal dwellings, and functional slums. I believe that beneath each sprawling metropolis lie informal currents shaping the urban experience. I love immersing myself in the ever-changing urban landscape, watching how the light, time of day, and shifting seasons alter the scene outside.
However, I also need quiet times in between—quaint villages, fresh air, cows and roosters— to reset my senses, like we need a glass of water between wine tastings.
What’s Done
I’ve traveled through most of China and India, East Asia, Australia and Tasmania, and across Europe from east to west. I’ve explored the former Yugoslavia, Turkey, and parts of Africa, as well as most of South America (Ecuador and Venezuela, I haven’t forgotten about you!).
What’s Next
Russia during the winter season, Israel during the peace season, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Arctic, South Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Moldova, Georgia, and all the ‘stan’ countries.
My new approach in photography
I will focus on my newfound interest: infrared black and white photography, making visible the invisible, adopting minimalism in an overly complex world drowning in information overload.
L’aventurier sillonne les mondes et dimensions inconnus poussé par un besoin insatiable d’accepter les missions les plus risquées, de relever des défis impossibles. Le goût pour le combat l’ont amené à affronter des adversaires étranges et terrifiants.