Travel Stories

How to survive a Bali quarantine

Most of my friends have spent their quarantine in either Los Angeles or New York. In other words, they’re either inhaling smoke from all the fires, witnessing violence on the streets, dodging or contracting the coronavirus, or deciding on the upcoming 2020 elections. During my Bali quarantine, I’m usually saving a bug in our pool, deciding what beach to visit, making a cup of fresh Kintamani coffee, ordering fresh veggies from a local farm, or trying to create work online.

Keep in mind, while I can follow the same media outlets as my fellow Americans do. I choose to ignore most of that noise. It’s a big distraction for me, and besides, I already sent in my ballot for the November election during my Bali quarantine.

And, while the Bali quarantine has its ups and downs too, I have to admit. I feel pretty lucky to be here. Every morning I wake up to a beautiful wife in the tropics, just a few miles from the Indian ocean surrounded by majestic cliffs and incredible surf.

But, something is missing. Yes, the scenery is breathtaking, the culture is vibrant, and the vibe is mellow, but most expats in Bali can agree that something is missing. That something is you. Bali thrives on visitors, expats, nomads, travelers, entrepreneurs, and businesses who come here. There can’t be magic without you. It’s too damn quiet here, and Bali simply needs you.

Bali quarantine has done its job, now go!

The coral reefs, animals, forests, and mountains have all had enough time to heal, it’s time for this pandemic to vanish, vamoose, get the ^%#@ outta here!, hasta la vista baby, you catch my drift, adios Corona.

Bali doesn’t have fires and violence raging across the country, nor does it have any political tension at the moment. However, we still wake up with similar realities as those in the USA face such as health risk, sanity, finances, and stress. We just have a better view and a better overall vibe. Although, I still seek some type of normality while I’m in my Bali quarantine mode such as watching an MLB, NBA, or NFL game. I feel good when I do. I also frequently call friends and family to say hello. But, most of the time, I continue to make this site better, finish my portfolio at geraldwinik.com or practice my writing.

self-isolate in Paradise — Contact Halo Bule

Oh my God! I’m stuck in paradise!…….cool!…..but wait.

Back in April 2020, my flight was canceled and it was impossible for me to find a way back to the USA for work. I thought, “well, at least I’m in paradise’. Back then, the USA had at least 17,000 confirmed cases then the following week, there were 54,000 confirmed cases. By June first USA had 1,837,170 confirmed cases and 106,195 deaths. By August 24th, 2020 there were 5.68 million confirmed cases and 176k deaths in the USA. Now, as of October 12th, 2020, there are 7.79M confirmed cases and 215K deaths. I’m not leaving my base here in Bali for any reason other than an occasional keep-my-sanity-beach-run.

My worst prediction came true back in the USA

Back in May, It was estimated that even if social distancing methods could reduce infection rates by 95%, 960,000 Americans would still need intensive care. They said there were only 180,000 ventilators in the U.S. and barely enough respiratory therapists and critical care staff to look after 100,000 estimated patients.

At that time, many Americans were still on the fence about social distancing, testing was not obtainable to everyone, and there weren’t enough masks to go around even if people weren’t wearing them, which they didn’t. Americans may have been able to avert the worst predictions about COVID-19, but they didn’t. This is another reason I stay here in Bali although Bali quarantine wasn’t much different when it came down to people getting infected.

Like I said back in March, and I will say it again. It will take all nations to end this pandemic. While one country seems to have everything under control, another country suddenly spikes again. The virus is a silent killer on its own course making its way through the world host by host, leaving only immune survivors.

When The Music’s Over

Will our world ever be the same again? Will Xenophobia be the cause of nations to divide? Which Conspiracy theory will resurface next? Who will we blame for all this? Should we point our fingers at the Chinese and their appetite for exotic animals? Italy for ignoring the social distance warnings? Or Donald Trump for not warning Americans soon enough?

How long will we stay on Bali quarantine

What will Bali be like when the government tells its nation it’s safe to go outside and play again? How long will it take for things to return to normal? Will Bali’s economy be able to bounce back without tourism? While Bali has stood the test of time against, natural disasters, and even terrorism, this is a lot different. With very few visitors coming here, a lot of businesses dependent on tourism will go bankrupt.

Staying possitive during Bali quarantine

It is a fact that there is a lack of testing, people still fail to keep a social distance, the recovered are still wheezing and gasping for air, there are collapsed economies everywhere, high unemployment rates and deaths continue to increase throughout the world. Even though the world has so many negative effects from the Coronavirus, there has to be some good coming out of this right?.

Some of the possitives a Bali quarantine can have are:

Governments will re-evaluate methodologies used to handle pandemics. Creating better methods to prevent future pandemics or epidemics.
Corporations may rethink their supply chains and start manufacturing locally as well.
The environment may recover, even if it’s only for a short while.
People and businesses will reduce their travel and rely more on technology.
Working from home will become the new norm, and employers may convert to this new system which will give everyone more enjoyment in their lives.
Anti-vaxers may reconsider their views.
People and establishments around the world will improve their personal hygiene. resulting in less spreading of colds and flus.
There will be a decrease in the world population not due to coronavirus deaths, but, people will actually think about the future of their kids.
Wild animal eateries will decline throughout the world.

If you need someone to talk to while on Bali quarantine or need help making sense of things, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you like this article about Bali quarantine here is another article about Indonesian Coffee

Experience Nyepi Day in Bali

Melasti Ritual

The beginning of Nyepi Day in Bali–Banjars throughout Bali make their way to the edges of beaches, rivers, and lakes near a Pura. Water, the source of life cleanses their village, earthly representations of their gods, and sacred objects from their temples. This is of course under the close watch of none other than, Batara Baruna, the lord of the sea, and three high priests. Ladies will carry Mapeeds on their heads and men will carry Pratima shrines on their shoulders.

Followed by a long line of villagers dressed in kebaya, sarongs, and udengs. The gamelan orchestra will play repeated rhythms until greeted by ancestral spirits at the edge of the ocean. Priests pray and chant their mantras. The sprinkling of “tirtha”, (crossing place) bridges the material and spiritual purification of manah, then sipped to be understood as “purification of wak (speech)”, and then sprinkled over the body symbolizing “purification of kaya (attitude and behavior)”.

OGOH OGOH Festival March 24th 2020

The Ngrupuk parade takes place in every village throughout Bali. Crowds watch giant menacing-looking dolls twist, turn, and shake to sounds of gameland instruments. Locals and Tourists watch the island’s youths or Banjar bear their creations proudly above their heads. Each Ogoh Ogoh symbolizing duels between demons and villagers, and warding off the Bhuta-Kala until they have left the island. In the end, the Ogoh Ogoh’s will be burned as a symbol of purification to all.

Nyepi day March 25th 2020

Ogoh-Ogoh’s burn through the night until the rising of the sun. The silent island awakes. On this day, Amati Geni prohibits the use of light, including fire or electricity. He forbids any travel in the sky or on the land, televisions, and radios are to be left alone, and all noise should be at a minimum. Nobody should work besides the pecalang or village militia who patrol the island ensuring that all respect Amati Geni’s Rules. All is still and we refrain from making any mark, action, or karma. This is about self- reflection and ridding yourself of any pollutants or distractions. All beings should continue to control their actions (karma) and overcome their inner demons every year.

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If you like this article, perhaps you would like to read another article here: Public Holidays In Bali

Train Ride Through Java

A little History

The railway in Indonesia is made up of 6,000 km (3,700 mi) of hot-rolled steel tracks with a rich history dating back to the Dutch colonial era. In fact, it was in 1840 when Colonel JHR Van der Wijk thought it would be a good idea to construct this railway network. His proposal suggested that the starting point would be from Jakarta to Badung with three stops in between, Surabaya, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta. His proposal to the Dutch East Indies government was accepted with a few changes, It would start in Semarang, Surakarta, and then Yogyakarta because they covered regions that were rich in sugar cane, coffee, tobacco, and lumber.

This map, made around 1938, is made of paper folded into 4 pieces and measures 60 cm X 23.5 cm. The face contains the Publisher of this map, namely Hotel Koningsplein, advertisements for shipping companies Scattered-America Line and Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen, and Bandoeng-Padalarang-Soekaboemi Train Fares. The back section contains a tourist map and the Java Island railroad. The map shows tourist attractions ranging from mountains, nature reserves, ports, lakes, plantations, and other objects.

Connecting Cities and People

The trains not only connect cities but people as well. Visitors and local commuters alike can enjoy the beautiful landscapes across Java while riding through crowded suburbs, villages, and farmland. And if you’re a people watcher, there are plenty of farmworkers, and the interesting people that get on and off the train.

Now, all main cities are connected to Java, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Probolingo (for Mt Bromo), and Banyuwangi (the ferry terminal for Bali). The trains run on narrow-gauge 3′ 6″ tracks, but plenty fast and usually on time. These trains are cheap, comfortable, air-conditioned, and a practical way to get around.

Personal Experience

My wife and I visited the family in Sidoarjo, East Java when we suddenly decided to get on a train to Jogjakarta, a roughly 6 hr ride. We bought tickets the night before directly from the train station. But unfortunately, their executive seats which recline were sold out due to locals booking out 30 to 60 days in advance. Next time we will book way in advance but, we were happy with their Bisnis (business) class seats which allowed us to sit together.

Our morning started off by taking a grab car to the station in Sidoarjo, E. Java after saying goodbye to my mother-in-law who lovingly packed us lunches and snacks for our 6hr train ride. We bought a few water bottles, granola bars, and face masks from the station’s convenience store before exchanging our tickets for boarding passes. While we waited for the train I took photographs and videos of people and trains passing through the station. Train stations never cease to lose their old charm, almost untouched by time.

The Sidoarjo station was immaculate and organized, the station master and his train men worked like clockwork. Watches were checked, whistles were blown and ready for the next train. Our train was punctual with 40 seconds to spare, time seemed to stand still people were motionless until the sound of screeching metal hitting metal stopped. That’s when things happened again whistle blew, doors slid open, stairs were provided for arrivals until given the clear for us to board. We didn’t realize that our train section was painted on the outside of the train so we ended up carrying our bags through the long narrow aisles passing through 20 gangways (corridor connection) before reaching the very last coach. Another lesson learned.

Luckily we traveled light, carrying only small backpacks and camera gear. Bisnis Klas was not too bad even with our upright school bus like seating. The air-conditioner worked, and we later learned that the seats could be swiveled around by pulling a latch found under the seat. You could then kick your feet up while gazing out the window at some of Indonesia’s most majestic landscapes. It’s truly a sight to see.

The highlight of my trip was sitting next to my wife without distractions while watching the farm life go by. Well almost without distractions if you count the man snoring next to us. (bring earplugs just in case) They do have on-board service employees who staff the coaches and tend to the needs of passengers. They offer an array of snacks, drinks, and even a pillow in a bag.

Surabaya Gubeng Station

From Sidoarjo station, our first stop was Gubeng Station which is East Javas largest station located in the center of Surabaya. The station is divided into two sections, the old building, and the new one. The new building is located on the west part, while the old one sits on the east side of the tracks. The new station is exclusively reserved for business and executive classes, while the old one only serves economy class. Gubeng station has a check-in service, boarding pass machine, and an electronic arrival and departure sign. Additionally, this station provides massage chairs, musical performances, and a good selection of local eateries and warungs. Keep in mind, there is not enough time to exit the train.

How to get there: Gubeng Station Street, Pacar Keling, Tambaksari, Surabaya City, East java, 60272

Train Schedule Surabaya – Yogyakarta

Train Name	Class	Price	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
Argo Wilis	Executive	Rp210.000	07:00	11:18	4h 18m
Sancaka	Economy/Executive	Rp105.000	07:30	12:45	5h 15m
Ranggajati	Business/Executive	Rp165.000	09:15	14:31	5h 16m
Turangga	Executive	Rp210.000	16:30	21:19	4h 49m
Bima	Executive	Rp240.000	17:00	21:46	4h 46m
Sancaka	Economy/Executive	Rp110.000	17:25	22:32	5h 7m
Mutiara Selatan	Business/Executive	Rp175.000	19:00	00:00	5h

Yogyakarta Station

This main station in Yogyakarta is better known as Tugu to the locals and is the biggest of the two stations in Yogyakarta.

Tugu Station is located in Pasar Kembang Street, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta, 55271. Adjacent to this place is the Malioboro Area both situated on the eastern and southern side of the tracks. After you exit the train, just follow the swarm of people and signs above you which will lead you to the front of the station. From there, the tourist areas are easily accessible by either walking or taking a pedicab, bike, horse carriage, or pedicab like us. For those who are interested in wandering a little farther, it is recommended to rent a motorbike or take a ride on the Transjogja bus.

Getting Your Tickets

PT Kereta Api – website (www.kereta-api.co.id) which introduced online booking in summer 2012. However, it’s only available to local Indonesians since it reportedly rejects most if not all non-Indonesian credit cards.

Tiket.com – All foreign credit cards accepted! www.tiket.com is a private agency that connects you to the Indonesian Railways system, thus allowing you to buy train tickets online. It’s available in English at the top rightside of your screen on www.tiket.com. They do charge a small ‘convenience fee’ of around £1 or $1.50. and you can book your seat 90 days in advance. After you book it, you’ll get an online confirmation that must be exchanged for an actual ticket at the station at least 1 hour prior to departure at the self-printing kiosk or cashier in front of your station.

There are three classes of coach: eks (executive) is the highest class with ac, reclining seats, and more legroom; Bisnis is the medium class, also comes with ac but not reclining seat and less spacious legroom; and Ekonomi or the economy class.

If you see different prices for the same train & class, these are simply different pricing levels, just choose the cheapest available.

The lettering (eg.: Eks (A) or Eks (J) refers to the placement of the coach (we missed this) on the whole train, not where the seat is. The earlier letter (eg. A as compared to J) is the most expensive and is furthest away from the locomotive head, so it’s safer and quieter. In this case, J will be the first coach after the locomotive head and A would be at least 3 coaches away from the head. You can still choose where you want to sit inside each coach.

Final Thought about Javanese Trains

Trains are cheap, practical, and the journey itself is among the most picturesque in SE Asia, allowing you to loop the main island of Java in relaxed comfort. It’s a really great way to see the countryside and its interconnected people who use the Javanese railway system. I personaly love trains, the sights, sounds, people that run them, people that board them, it’s a different world. Train systems around the world offer a unique experience while getting to see the many different regions of the country you are visiting. It’s almost like passing through an art museum at warp speed. For longer trips, I would reccomend that you book eksekutif class and avoid both bisnis and ekonomi classes as it can get extremely overcrowded. We were lucky that our coach was practicly empty during a week day.

If you liked this article click here for another balis-public-holidays

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A selfless photographer shoots for a cause

Finding selfless people in this world is very rare. For one, they don’t advertise themselves, and two, most people today only care about broadcasting banal information across social media with moments that validate their self-esteem– A kind of personal record-keeping system for storing mundane events becomes proof of their existence. But on a rare occasion, I came across a selfless photographer in Bali who regularly helps others through his camera lens.

Photography helps people to see
Berenice Abbott

Rudi Waisnawa

self·less photographerˈselfləs/ pho·tog·ra·pher | fə-ˈtä-grə-fər
adjective/noun
: one who practices unselfish photography especially: one who makes a business of taking photographs to help others before themselves.

1.Photography that captures the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own; unselfish.

Selflessness and photography links us with all humanity

About Rudy Waisnawa

Rudi Waisnawa was born in Singaraja, Bali where he developed a passion for journalism photography, human interest photography, traveling photography, and culture by 1998. Just two years later he began his career in commercial film production as location manager, fixer, line producer, and photographer in Bali. By 2013, he shot his first documentary. Today, he dedicates his photography to Suryani Institute for Mental Health shooting with a full arsenal of cameras and lenses, his favorite is the Canon DMark III with either his 24-70mm lens or 35mm lens.

In 2014 Rudy met Bali’s leading psychiatrist, Luh Ketut Suryani, founder and director of the Suryani Institute for Mental Health. Ever since they met, he has documented her activities with his camera to support her efforts in helping people with mental disorders in Bali. That same year his photographs and documentary films were exhibited at the Bentara Budaya Bali.

In 2015, his work was recorded as a photo book entitled “Pasung” and exhibited at the Raffles Hotel Gallery, Singapore. In October 2017 Rudi was invited to exhibit at the Anti Stigma International Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, and another exhibit at Die Erste Etage, Hamburg with an exhibition entitled “Approach”. The exhibition was sponsored by Franziska & Tim Cordts-Stiftung and opened by Mr. Singgih Yuwono who represented Indonesia’s consulate general in Hamburg. Rudi’s work has also attracted the attention of the public, helping people affected by leprosy in a village in Bali.

While Rudy is busy trying to educate the world about pasung, or a photographer in Bali, he’s also tending to the needs of the mentally ill. Rudy volunteers by cleaning patients’ rooms, bathing them, provided them with food, and giving his friends much needed human contact. Rudy is also a public speaker who loves traveling with his friends to communities throughout Bali.

Together they still continue to educate people on differences between reality, superstition, religious beliefs, and cultural differences. They also show people that with the right treatment or medication, their conditions can be controlled. Also, locking them in chains or Pasung is a thing of the past, a bad decision based on fear, superstition, religion, and cultural beliefs. In the end, most people are happy to see that Rudy’s friends are in fact not possessed by evil spirits.

A message at 2019 Ubud Readers and Writers Festival

Rudi Waisnawa was one of the speakers who attended the 2019 Ubud Readers and Writers Festival. He had a story to tell and those that listened sat in disbelief as he shared unimaginable acts of inhumanity. I had the pleaseure of meeting Rudy at the festival while I was struggling to become a freelance photographer in Bali. We exchanged very few words before I shared my views and interest in helping his cause. He was a very humble and soft spoken but you could tell he had a lot on his mind.

Later, a slideshow was projected onto a small screen, and in that instance, his listeners figured out that Rudi’s first choice of communication was through his camera lens. As Rudy’s images came to life on the screen, tears and emotions filled the room. After the room went silent, the only words you could hear were somehow heard through Rudy’s photographs. I can assure you that the message was received.

Understanding

Mental health issues are often misunderstood or ignored in Indonesia. Especially when there is a lack of information, misinformation, and superstition. As a result, families continue to chain up their loved ones for years out of desperation, fear, and loss of hope. The mentally ill are then abandoned, chained to the floor, or locked up in cages hidden from public view.

With just one mental Hospital on the island and only 30 beds reserved for the poor, families are forced to take action into their own hands. Also without funds, a chain and lock seem like a better option. But today, Rudi Waisnawa, Luh Ketut Suryani, and other volunteers continue to help the mentally ill. They all continue to travel from one village to the next using a holistic approach. A combination of modern psychiatry, anti-psychotic drugs, Balinese spiritualism, and lots of love.

Compassion

87a5376b 4d40 4068 b028 b176c198624d — Rudy Waisanawa, photographer in bali

9a4434e2 ed6a 4f2d 8b0d ce97da7e3819 — Rudy Waisanawa, photographer in bali

“Passung” by: Rudi Waisnawa

Passung is the Indonesian term for restraints or restrained. It’s also a word often used for shackles, animal cage, a shed, being locked in shackles, locked in a room, confined to a shed, or locked in an animal cage. Passung was banned in 1977 but still used anytime there is a mental disturbance in a community or village.
In the eyes of the village, they are protecting their loved ones and the individual. And without money to properly diagnose or treat the mentally disorderly, Indonesians will continue to use Passung, Shamans, and traditional healers as their popular choice of healthcare.

Rudy Waisnawa created “Pasung” a book made with love and empathy. He hopes to one day completely eliminate this inhumane practice. Rudi’s dream is that this book can help with the funding for this cause since he doesn’t have enough money to publish it himself. Rudi is offering anyone who wants to publish this book all the rights. You can use your own logo, name, choose a different layout, sell it, or simply donate it. As long as he can continue to help this cause in any way, he will be happy to work out a deal with you. If you would like to publish this book or donate to this cause, please email Rudy directly at [email protected].

Giving Back

Rudy feels he has an obligation to help these people due to the fact he has seen it with his own eyes and taken pictures of them. What kind of man would he be if he turned his back and did nothing? Especially when they were still sick and in pasung. Rudy helps by providing them the medical assistance they need through the Suryani Institute for Mental Health (SIMH) located in Denpasar until they can be released from pasung (shackling).

Once that happens, they still can’t work yet, so until they can, Rudy and SIMH continue to provide them with food, basic necessities, psychiatric treatment, education, social work, medical assistance, and a sense of purpose until they can become somewhat self-sufficient. Rudy and SIMH both share a dream, that one day these human beings will become physically and spiritually healthy and happy on the Island of Bali.

Join the cause

rudy 9 — Rudy Waisanawa, photographer in bali

The 2020 Pandemic was the hardest for Rudy because he couldn’t work either. Having spent all his savings and making zero income, it has been very difficult for him to help his mentally ill friends. He is asking everyone more than ever to help in any way during these turbulent times. If someone were to buy or publish the Passang book, he could then use that money to help everyone. Some of those in the Pasung book has fully recovered due to Rudy’s dedication to them. But, there are still many who need Rudy’s persistence, selflessness, and help. If not for Rudy, many of these men and women would be forgotten and left alone in shackles.

If you are interested in publishing his book, please contact him through email at [email protected], visit his website: http://www.rudiwaisnawa.com or follow him on social media: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Please support #BaliFREEfromChained.

If you liked my story about Rudy Waisanawa, photographer in Bali . Here is something else to read : Evolution of a Travel Junky

Bali’s Surf Culture 1930-2020

The Balinese Surf Culture has opened the door for many locals, while it provides income for a lot of families here, religion also plays a vital role. It begins when a Hindu baby is born, its spirits still belong to the divine and are taken care of 108 spirits. Babies are considered too holy to touch the earth and are kept in a clay playpen until they turn 3 months old. This is when they are introduced to the ocean (sometimes a river) for the first time. This introduction is just one of three ceremonies where the baby is honored after 105-210 days from birth.

The ceremony is kind of a coming into the world for the baby. It is believed that a new-born is the reincarnation of one of its ancestors. When a Hindu dies, the body is burned and once its soul leaves and the ashes are taken to the ocean where life first began, the spirit of the dead is then looked after by Baruna. The God of the Sea will take care of the spirit until all the ceremonies following the death are done. The Balinese people have always had a connection with the ocean.

The start of Balinese surf culture

The ocean is present throughout their entire life, from the beginning to the end. The Balinese respect the ocean, and most are even scared of it. Traditionally the ocean was a dangerous zone, mysterious and unknown. In between the birth and the death of every Balinese man, woman, or a child you will rarely see them swimming in the sea, let alone surfing. After all, this is where all the sea hosts, devils, and ogres live. So who was brave enough to ignore these beliefs and test the waters out first? An American Bule from Hollywood, California named Bob Koke

Arriving in the mid-1930s with a hand-carved Hawaiian surfboard in one arm and his wife in the other. They built a hotel on the once secluded beach of Kuta. But when the Japanese started to invade Bali in WWII Bob Koke bailed. Bob and his wife returned shortly after the war only to find the hotel they had built was gone and eventually sold their property in the 1950s. Fast forward 20 years later, surfers started to discover some of the best surfing spots in Bali.

As a direct result of the 1971 surf film ” Morning Of The Earth”. epic surf film directed by Albert Falzon

In this film, they never gave up the locations he filmed in Bali but were still somehow discovered soon after. Now, these beaches now are a zoo. as well as having a new breed of local Indonesian Surfers.

Marlon Gerber pro surfer making the best out of life in Bali

Marlon Gerber fosters his protégé nephew Varun Tanjung in the ways of Indonesian surfing. Varun has a choice, just as Marlon did. Varun follows his uncle of course.

The Indonesian government has not yet acknowledged surfing as a major sport or supported it in any way. But they’re fully aware of the impact it has on its communities, travel industry, and local economy. Today families in Indonesia know that surfing pays the bills, from winning competitions, sponsorships, and even giving Bule’s surf lessons. Local Surfers here dominate the Asian surfing world. There are even four major surf brands that host some of the largest surfing events in the world. Bob Koke would be stoked!

Want more articles about surfing? Check this out Guide To Surfing in BAli

The Evolution of a Travel Junkie

My name is Gerry and I’m a travel junky– I remember the first time I got high, my Dad bought me an original Big Wheel with helmet for my 5th birthday, remember those? It was bright orange and yellow with a small blue compartment between the back two wheels and hand brake. That’s where I kept all my really important stuff like Luke Skywalker, Chewy, Yoda, R2d2, and the rest of the gang.

After suiting up in my silver members only jacket, fingerless gloves, Blublockers and helmet, I felt like Evel Knievel. I immediately started to experiment by taking short trips around the block, thinking, “I’ll try it once or twice. I can always stop or run back home.

But once I started pedaling down the sidewalk, I found it nearly impossible to turn back. Not even halfway around the block, I felt scared and my heart was beating really fast, but I did it again the next day and the following day after that. It clung to me like an obsessed bee coming back to its nest. The rush of the trip and the feeling I got kept me coming back for more as if I were being deprived of air—that’s how traveling trapped me and I became a travel junky.

Traveling is a progressive disease, from crawling to walking, Big Wheels to automobiles, tricycles to motorcycles, and paper airplanes to commercial jets. You know the saying, “one is too many and a thousand is never enough”. But I couldn’t stop, I used any vessel I could get my hands on to explore more backyards, neighborhoods, cities, nature, and eventually countries. Yes, Travel quickly took control of my life and I was powerless.

Lost and Found

In the beginning, I’d make up irrelevant errands and tasks to hide my habit. I was always needing to walk the dog, go to a friends house, or some other trivial item. This gave me the chance to go somewhere and get a quick fix. But eventually, people caught on and became well aware of my frequent escapades.

Eventually, I hit rock bottom and ended up leaving home which in return became my greatest high ever. I went everywhere, sandy beaches and mountains, parks, camp sights, and all over town. I felt so free and alive. For years I’d pick a different ski resort to live in for the season. Vail, Lake Tahoe, Snow Bird , Park City, Mammoth, June, and even Big Bear. Working as a lift operator or snowboard instructor was fun and paid the bills but it still wasn’t enough for the amount of travel I had in mind.

The Perfect Alibi for a Travel Junky

That’s when I became a salesman, and moved all over the USA. It was the perfect alibi for any travel junky. But eventually, I ran out of places to go. So, naturally, I started to venture to destinations outside the USA.
It was a big world and it would take me a lifetime to see it all. I figured all I had to do was sell every once in a while to support my habit. Nothing would stop me.

Eventually, roaming the planet became a normal way of life, my friends and family looked at me like I was crazy. They wondered why I never settled down in one place. Some even gave up or disappeared from my life completely. Little did they know, travel was my probiotic– I continued to justify it by calling myself a nomad, a drifter, or even a gypsy as if it was in my blood or part of my DNA. I was a nomad for life! After all, it is said, “If you travel far enough, you’ll meet yourself’.

Ends of the Earth and Back

I am now migrating back and forth between two hemispheres still fueled by adrenaline. Living an abundant life while coincidentally ending up on the same beaches and shallow waters I had once dreamt about as a kid. Far from my birthplace, family, and familiar things. I have journeyed to the ends of the earth to meet myself. I found that still yet chaotic place where magic meets madness. Travel is my home, it’s where I can sit still long enough to feel free.

Here’s Another Story: self-isolate-in-paradise