HI Debra, thanks for commenting! Very interesting to hear about your vagabonding past (come to think of it, it makes a lot of sense that you used to be a traveler) ! Seems like you have stayed in amazing places! I’ve moved countless times and it seems I’m still at it. I think I cut the groove so deep when I started off with traveling that it’s embedded in my cycle to the extent that its inescapable, but the initial reasons why I set off were the deep catalysts in the first place. I’m glad you enjoyed the read – this was one of my very first articles on my blog (I sent the newsletter while testing it and it included the first two posts for some reason). I actually miss writing these kind of articles that deal with the philosophy of travel. Since I got into the Mayan mythology and culture (including the calendars and prophecy) I’ve been so preoccupied with it all that my other travel writing has to an extent suffered as a result. But I guess we also transition in what interests as we go along. I have quite a few tales I can still tell about travel experiences and may still get around to that one day – hopefully!

In lak’ech,
Jacques

Yes, I sometimes wonder if it’s a spiritual calling or in the genes or maybe both? – that’s the tricky part. (for example, if its in my genes, why not in my brother’s?)

“to assume the risk in exchange for the great value gained” “those who simply can’t compass that there IS value there at all.”

That’s exactly it. There seem to be different value systems. For some the value of life experiences are much higher than any comfort zones or material things (the latter can always be recreated later, but we only have so much time to get the experiences in)

“…but it seems to me that while the challenge is quite different, it speaks to the same hunger.”

Great analogy – whether we climb a mountain in our own backyard or go trekking 10 thousand miles away (or backpack the world relentlessly) it’s just our own personal manifestation of that hunger TO GO.

I looked into Craig Childs and found his home page. Very interesting (person) – will see if I can get hold of his books locally. Thank you Hayden.

great thought!

haven’t seen the film, but was in line to get the book when it came out and wasn’t dissappointed. Amazing book!

I wonder if there isn’t a selection of genes that pushes an individual to travel, just as did nomads and explorers of old. Or, a short generation or ten ago, to ‘take to the sea.’

A hunger for the stimulation of change. There are many who do not understand the thirst that leads to mountain climbing, to trekking, to exploring. Sometimes it seems to me that there are parallel worlds – those who confidently assume the risk in exchange for the great value gained, and those who simply can’t compass that there IS value there at all.

Perhaps I’m mistaken to combine your variety of movement through the world with mountain climbing, but it seems to me that while the challenge is quite different, it speaks to the same hunger.

If your not familiar w/ Craig Childs’ books, you may be interested…?

In terms of being destitute, down-and-out or homeless and relying on hand-outs & the goodwill of others to survive – that of course is something different because the choice aspect has been removed. From my experience there’s almost always a “story behind the story” (often tragic). Very few of us would choose such a lifestyle. People might become emotionally or psychologically scarred or damaged (in the way of depression for example), or in other ways affected such as through drug or alcohol abuse, or worse and become unable to uplift themselves as their lives spiral out of control. Yet, many make it back from the abyss and are stronger for it. (But its a high price to pay to grow stronger)

Your average non-affluent person – (working class or even middle class, but in debt) who lives a moderate lifestyle is often only a few (lost) pay checks away from being destitute him/or herself – if their income should be threatened. Scary thought, but it all depends on which safety nets are available in the form of family support, personal savings, social benefits and so on. When several or all support systems fail, more vulnerable members in society might be catapulted out of reality as they know it. Not everyone is equipped for such events. I suppose its the uncertainty, of whether we’d make it or not in such times of crises, which holds us back from choosing to test ‘our intrinsic ability to thrive and survive’ as you said. Yet, in some cases it could be the best thing to happen to a person – to be challenged – to have his/her foundations shaken a little bit…

There is a positive side to this, because (as you’ve also said), survival is genetically coded in us humans and will see us through. Except if its not meant to be. There’s no doubt that survival can bring a sense of confidence and contentment – the knowledge that you can and will indeed make it on your own. And when you become good at survival, you might become excellent at thriving under the right conditions…
😉

Most of us never test ourselves in circumstances that deeply challenge our intrinsic ability to thrive and survive.

PS: Glad you like “the look” – yes, it’s similar to Blogger’s “Scribe” template, but I like the large font and clean feeling of this one. – It took a bit of getting used to, but I’m happy so far 🙂
J.J.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I was feeling so depressed.. and stressed. I really hate moving in winter! Well.. I’m going to try to keep up blogging anyway so you will find new stuff to read. 😉

Take care
Mich