A Real Backpacker

Backpacker is a name that encompasses many long-term budget travelers. Anyone can stuff their belongings in a backpack, catch a flight, stay in a hostel, and then call themselves backpackers. So how can we define a real backpacker?

A real backpacker views the world differently then most people. They understand the true value of time and know not to waste it doing something they don’t love. They do not fear the consequences of chasing dreams because they know that the worst regret would be not to have chased them at all. A real backpacker prefers experiences, learning, friends, and dreams above money, things, acceptance and stability.        

A real backpacker packs light taking only things that are with great purpose. Naturally, they don’t require much stuff to be comfortable and happy. They can quickly make themselves at home in new environments creating new friends, family, and comforts with the sheer force of their positive energies.

            

A real backpacker travels long-term because they enjoy travel as a lifestyle.

They can’t imagine rushing through 5 countries in 1 month because they know there is much more to see that doesn’t arise at first glance.

            

A real backpacker doesn’t travel on a budget because they are cheap or poor, but rather because they understand the opportunity cost of the alternative. Cheaper accommodation means more money spent on activities outside the bedroom. It means an atmosphere with like-minded travelers. It means learning how to be comfortable with the bare essentials. A real backpacker knows how to bargain because they have patience and they are smart. They do not rush into decisions especially big decisions. Many times there are alternative options, sometimes cheaper and better just around the corner. They explore all options before choosing the best one.

            

A real backpacker knows how to travel cheap. In fact if a real backer wants to they can travel spending almost nothing. They know they can hitch hike to get almost anywhere for free, they can couch surf to find free accommodation, and they can work away for free housing and food. Real backpackers are smart and make conscious decisions about how they allocate their resources.

            

Real backpackers are observers: they watch the locals and the tourists. They learn from the culture and expertise of the locals. They learn from the mistakes of the tourists. Observing the locals reveals the best places and the correct prices.  

            

A real backpacker is an adventurer and usually a risk taker. When confronted with an adventure they will almost always say yes. They are spontaneous. They are not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. In fact they get pleasure from stretching their comfort zone wide. They are not afraid to get dirty or have an awkward moment. They are not shy. They are outgoing.

            

A real backpacker is almost never lazy. They will choose to walk instead of take a taxi not just to save money, but also to learn their way around a new city.

They understand the value and utility of patience. They are resourceful and are always thinking outside the box. Things that annoy and aggravate most people become simple challenges for real backpackers.

            

A real backpacker lives in the moment appreciating life itself and all the minute details as well as the obvious gifts. Real backpackers are unique and humble. Even real backpackers have a lot to learn from each other and everyone else.

Dreams on a night bus

I had some weird dreams during the bumpy ride in the night bus to Sapa:

The field was alive and peaceful with lots of animals. There were especially many dogs and lions. A dog was just lying down relaxing by a hill when a lion casually strolled up to the dog looking almost as if to say something nice. Then the lion began mauling at the neck of the dog. You could see in the dogs eyes that it wanted to survive but it knew that it was over. The biting and pulling of flesh was so gruesome and the dream ended there waking up in the dark bus only a couple hours after falling asleep.

I fell back to sleep.

I was poking around a field looking for something on the ground. I was with a few friends who were scattered about 20 meters away. We were all in a good mood, maybe we were playing some sort of game. I found a piece of metal and didn't think any of it. As I was walking away from what I had found my mind connected that it might have been a mine. Just as this thought went through my mind it happened. The sound was so loud that I only heard it for a split second. The rest was like a loud silence. I couldn't feel my body, but I knew I was hurt. My vision pointed upward and slightly to the side. I knew what happened. I had detonated a mine. I couldn't move or feel my body. At first I thought I might be ok since I couldn't feel any source of pain. But I knew something was horribly wrong. I wanted to lift my head to see what was wrong with my body but I couldn't. I started yelling to Levi and my other friends with really rational words, like I was trying to walk them through what they should do. Levi! Call 911. You! get over here and tell me what's wrong with me. Try to stop any bleeding. I realized that no words were coming out of my mouth. Actually I'm not sure if I just couldn't hear myself because of my defended ears or if my numb face couldn't tell if it was moving but I knew I just had to depend on my friends to save my life. If it was over, then there was nothing I could do about it. I was scared. I had hope but I knew even if I survived my life would never be the same. My eyes opened facing the window of the night bus to Sapa. It was light out and we had come to a stop. I was so relieved to be awake and know that was not reality. I didn't know my mind was capable of creating such a situation especially since I have no idea what it would be like to step on a mine, but it seemed real.

Does anyone interpret dreams? Feel free to comment. 

Improving the World to Make a Better Picture

          My friend Kelsey who is a free-lance photographer was explaining to me shooting in RAW. She said that the file is much larger because it contains so much more information. It picks up all of the different shades of the color spectrum in-between the main colors. I have had a lot of time to think philosophy and many times I try to come to a conclusion using solid colors like black and white, but I get frustrated because I can’t come to any solid answers. I have decided in order to come up with the answers and become wiser I must begin to shoot in RAW. Kelsey also told me that sometimes the picture can look worse when shot in RAW and that you have to know how to edit it to make it look nice. I feel this is a good metaphor for life. Although its more simple and easier to move through life seeing in black and white, it is important to see all the shades of the color spectrum and although this can get ugly you have to accept that as reality and work hard to improve/edit the reality around you. I believe that before you try to change the world and make it better you have to see and have a deep understanding of what the underlying problems are and then you can begin to search for a real solution and put your energy into the most efficient direction. I feel like I am still a baby learning and growing in the massive sea of knowledge flowing through the universe. 

What is traveling to me?

Traveling to me is freedom. The ability to do and see whatever you want. It means chasing your dreams. It's learning and experiencing by placing yourself outside of your comfort zone and trying new things. Traveling is what life looks like when there is no "have to", only "want to". Traveling is not settling for what you already know, but searching for more. Traveling is new perspective. It means chasing life experiences instead of money and possessions. It means making friends you might never have met at home. It is discovery of the world and oneself. It means adventure, fun, and so much more.