'Year of wandering. Year without a home. Year of freedom'. * This is the motivation letter which was written by girl who was in 45 countries. I wish you a pleasant reading and I hope you`ll understand it`s content as well.
-We had a permanent home a year ago last time. In July 2011, we moved to the apartment, and all things have moved into the garage. Since we were in St. Petersburg several times. But things just moved to a different location - in the warehouse. We sometimes take something from there, but most have not already seen the year.
Project 45 countries started later - in November - and just in November we plan to cross the bar 45 countries. And choose a place of residence. With heart. Now "on our account" for 32 countries in Asia and Europe.
Why do we need it?
Many people think that we are crazy. For someone availability of housing - a mandatory attribute of success and stability. And then our life is like a mental disorder. But we are all a little different. While we all dream of a home more - but that's another dream. With an understanding of why we need a house.
Our parents also twisted his finger to his temple, experienced during each trip (then we just stopped reporting when and where to fly, and has called upon). They even said that if it comes out of 5 - it is great. And it's time we would have the roots to grow and live somewhere in one place.
Of course, a permanent place has a lot of advantages. There is where to put on the shelves souvenirs and cream, is where to hang dresses and where new curtains to choose from. And come back in the pleasant kind of "your space."
But we have had own reasons for such life.
I understand that the material component of life is very important. But sometimes it seems that all is overrated. A person feels miserable without some things without an apartment, without a car. At the same time he has the hands, feet, family, a chance to live.
Everything is created in such way that most of the work is done for the money. Not for the sake of pleasure and fulfillment. And in order to earn on an apartment, on the car, on food, on the garden ... .. And the cost of the coveted apartments at times more than the average earnings of a person. Then take the mortgage - which guarantee work without vacation the next forty years.
Life in the city is very expensive. And not only in terms of money. Expensive apartments, cork, gardens, schools, a lot of unnecessary things, expensive cars, a rare vacation or out of town for two weeks at sea - in the best case. Disease, strife, work, stress, crisis, health problems, a rare chat with family, lack of time and effort ....
This version of events I do not like. Absolutely. I do not like the idea that the four walls should definitely be part of my happiness. And what do they have to be in the realm of concrete and opportunities. We might have to buy an apartment - a small, but his own. Only as long as this idea is not warm. I do not want to live in the city.
I know about rapidly developing environmental settlements. But while I am not ready personally to such diametrically opposite decision. Tempting options of Downshifting are also not for me. While it is recognized that in Asia for the same money you can live better and nicer (winter again, no).
We have not still clearly understand where we would like to live. When you live a long time in one place - you get used to. You used to the good and bad things. It seems that the right way to live like everybody else.
Once we lived in Irkutsk. We were dreaming about moving, but we did not dare. It seemed right to build a house here, buy an apartment ... But fate then "kicked out" of our hometown. And we learned that crises can become a major point of fracture and growth.
We did not want to stay in St. Petersburg for a long time - gradually planned to find another place where we`ll already want to build a house. But a year has passed. Two ... And all settled, there were people, projects .... And now think about the house near St. Petersburg. But is this really what we want?
And this year - it was some hurricane. Early to summarize - we passed a little more than half way. And yet - consciousness is so changed that in one article does not say everything. This can take a very long time to think - there is a lot of opportunities and occasions. But the interim results of years of wandering I want to draw. More - for yourself.
What has changed?
32 countries - it is really a lot. And most importantly, that they were all different. Even those that are close and speak the same language. Portugal and Spain, Germany and France, China and Hong Kong. The Czech Republic and Austria. Singapore and Malaysia. Thailand and Cambodia. Different cultures, different religions - and their absence. Different attitude to life, family, work. Hardworking and lazy Spaniards Lankans. Glorifying the names of God Balinese and Chinese faith in communism. Large family of Italians and Russians ... small family.
To digest it takes a long time. Awareness come every day, and more - the more of them.
Сash income increased by several times. It's weird and interesting. When we left, we were preparing for the fact that the income will change in the smaller side. In fact, many customers prefer my husband the personal touch. And the project, which has been the subject of several years - gone. But it turned out differently. It turned out that the journey - is that really a big difference not only world, but also a financial ceiling. In a big way. And it turns out to exercise more planned, and funds for this are.
There was an understanding of where and how we want to live. If before I understood that neither the city nor in the village I have no place. But now I see some third alternative choice. Your house, inside which you can create all that you want. Little Austria or Little Italy. Just to start with, to live differently - to start with his family and his home. And yes, I do not want to live in the city. Absolutely. I do not have enough of nature sounds and high levels, I can not sleep. The close to the ground. The opportunity to get out of his house in the garden - it gives strength. It inspires and inspires.
International wardrobe. Almost every country I had to dress. Or some enhancement (from Belgium, for example, the bag :)) And it's so cool - wearing a dress like plunge into some stories related to a particular country. Putting on a sari, I see again the streets of Sri Lanka. Balinese simple home dresses remind me of rich green and the birds singing. French dresses return an atmosphere of elegance and beauty. Italian - memories of home ...
Year without winter. To be honest, a little winter and spring we had. Three weeks of September, three weeks of December, three weeks of May - we spent in Russia. Petersburg, Moscow, Penza and Irkutsk. But these were small gaps, which we can easily worried, thinking about what lies ahead. Of course, the summer - it's great. Everyone loves it. Husband weaned completely from jeans, children not in any put on running shoes and warm jackets.
Although now we miss a little change of seasons. There is something exciting to see how nature repeatedly updated. This fact and the wheel of life, too.
Year disease-free. It's strange, but we almost did without disease. Although usually in St. Petersburg for the year we can be 3-5 calls a week each. Yes, there were a couple of times a cold, children potemperaturili twice - one night each. But on the whole body is much healthier and more stable - that is good news. After rooting something nobody likes. Especially if the kids are sick. Our little son for two and a half years was for the first time with a temperature week ago. It's so strange after so many senior transferred infections and colds.
Year of activity. Sometimes it seems to me that this has been going on for many years - so many events happening every day. We have done a lot of things, dreamed, how hands did not reach, that seemed unreal.
And the book paper is about to appear, and already several sites work and benefits people, and so many people and cities have gone through our hearts. And as you sit on the bike in the evening, put the back of the child and went for a walk - so once more thought and effort appears.
Year holiday from megacities
Almost the whole year, we live in the wilderness. Different villages in different countries. House in a small village in Shri Lanka with a monkey behind the fence. Tuscan farmhouse, which is more than two hundred years, on the mountain, away from the city noise. Austrian house on the green hills among the cows and the smell of manure. Thai house below the resort town where cars come in for one hour. Sicilian house on the outskirts of a small town. The hotel is in the north of Bali, which gets a rare tourist. Spanish bungalow away from the tourist. Singapore. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Milan, Rome, Ho Chi Minh City, Moscow ... And this contrast helps to understand that in these conditions it is impossible to live. Survive - yes. Exist - yes. But to live - no. Can be adapted to find an outlet in the cottage. But it's still not the same as sleeping on the ground, breathing fresh air. Listen to the birds and cicadas. A break from the hustle and bustle ...
9. Friends around the world
Not in every country, but we have people who want to see us again. Friends, acquaintances, just close-minded. In Sri Lanka, Bali, Sicily, Milan, Tuscany, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Penza, Kiev, Cambodia, France, Irkutsk ... .. It's even more fun - when you want to return not somewhere, and to whom -That. Meet again and talk ....
With many of them we talk goodbye with tears in his eyes. The last goodbye in Tuscany lasted about twenty minutes with constant arms and trying to leave. I barely restrained so as not to burst into tears right there.
What we saw
Well - or rather decent - you can live anywhere
Even in a poor Cambodia, there are those who are engaged in business - for example, paint a picture of Angkor Wat with and sell them to tourists. And there are those who simply beg for alms or trying to deceive.
Decent life - is not necessarily a big house and three cars. For me it is an opportunity to give people light and warmth and live in abundance. And the concept of wealth each have their own.
We have seen poor people in rich countries opportunities. And saw people living in abundance, where the standard of living is low. And saw the poor in spirit with rich atmosphere. And the rich inner world with external simplicity and austerity. But there are those who are rich inside and live in abundance. If you look at such a lot of people in each country. And it's inspiring!
Increased level of happiness is not the money, but on spirituality
In Bali, for example, people are poorer than China. But much happier, it just radiates from their eyes. Germans richer Italians, but dealing with the latter, energizing. So sliding down with Tuscan house, said goodbye to the owners of twenty minutes. And I almost cried with cordiality simple villagers.
It seems that the rich countries should be happy. But it is a myth. Happiness is not because of money and pensions. It is within the people. As far as they know how to love and serve - to others and to God. My experience of 32 countries confirms this. And the annual rankings of the index of happiness again and again reinforce this experience. That the happiest people live on a remote island. Even where electricity is not everywhere. And the United States and Russia are always at the end of the list. By the way, did you know that the whole world thinks our country is very rich? Happy if our residents who twice forcibly renounced his religion in favor of something else?
There are rules and there Humanity - and there is a balance
Germany - Land of rules. As China. Put the stroller to fold at the airport - fold. So what that 2 am and it is sleeping child. Those are the rules.
There are countries with a human face. For example, Italy. Where even the buckle on the plane crying baby will not. Or be allowed to hold hands - even if it is more than two years - during takeoff.
Terms of Service - that's good. Countries without rules often do not develop - they did not seem to rely on. But in my opinion, should be considered at the same time and people. They're not just one, are required to comply someone's rights. They are people. But to find such a balance is very difficult - but to this worthwhile endeavor.
Everywhere there is something good, so you can learn
I am writing from around the notes on the local women. And deliberately only write about the good. Because what's the point of writing a bad thing? To assert themselves, that we are the best? Or to calm down and do not change?
When I see how other countries have kept all the traditions that we ruthlessly destroyed, - I see the direction for change. It is impossible to grow a tree without roots. History and tradition - is a powerful source of strength and growth. And if we have lost so much - why not take something from those who managed to save it?
Why not learn from the Balinese girls building relationships with God? Why not take the example Taek, who are always watching for its cleanliness and neatness? Why not follow the example of chastity malaziek? Why not remember the Italian house, decorated with so much love and taste? Or elegance of French women, caring for loved ones at the Ukrainians, the adoption of his body at the Spanish girls?
And of course, keep the features of the original Russian women - the inner strength and a big heart, the ability to house and beauty. After all, our women in travel learn more.
Newspapers and TV lie
My opinion about Asia has developed from newspapers and TV. But it turned out that it is quite different. Not shocking, a poor and dirty. A spiritual, pure and simple.
I'm not talking about the natural disasters that describe our media. Not once this news did not coincide with reality in those countries where we were.
People are different. Everywhere.
No "Asians" no "Europeans". There are different people with their traditions and mentality
That was very surprising to me. That moved across the border, you immediately find yourself in a completely different place with other people. Even if they live within a few hundred meters apart. Even visually immediately clear that things have changed. And the landscape, both at home and people.
Luxembourg. Beaufort.
Country house begins with each person, not the state.
At any point, you can create a little paradise. And it also encourages neighbors to change. Perhaps it is because the world is changing and. When we infect other examples. And if we create every little piece of heaven in his home and in the workplace - will unfold gradually, and the rest. We're waiting for someone to do it for us. But in reality - our country begins with us. Our souls and homes. And our city, and our world.
You can live here and now!
Our favorite photographer told us about Portugal and its people. The country is poor, poor Spain. But somehow - even in comparison with Spain is cleaner and more beautiful. And all because people live in the present.
They have no opportunity now to build a new beautiful house - they do not expect a miracle. They paint and clean up what is already there. Make of all this candy. With the soul. Suggest the beauty around the existing house - even if it is old and small. Can not change the window - again - the color of the frame. Hang curtains others. Grow flowers on the windowsill.
I do not know about you, but I often find myself on the eternal "tomorrow". That's when it will be your home, then you can buy the curtains and there, and the beauty of bridging. And so like and do not need. And for me it's a unique experience - do not wait for something incredible - a large sum of money for repairs or a new car. And here and now to take care of what we already have. Be thankful for it. And they make great now.
We always take yourself and look through the prism of their
It's really so - in each country can be "on guard" - and then be sure that something will happen. And you can relax - and everything will happen by itself. Even if no one understands your language, no roaming, no friends. Even if it is a dangerous country or in it a high crime rate.
I will tell you a little secret. We never ever lock the housing. Nor when we are inside, or when leaving. Just come to trust in the world in this regard.
We always see only the reflection of ourselves and our fears. Their "sins" and their problems. And everywhere we carry with them yourself. Travel - no way to escape from reality. Rather, a chance to step aside self-knowledge. You can use it, but you can - no ...
I realized ...
I realized that I want to live in nature. Since productivity is improved significantly. I want to write, write. For this purpose there is time and opportunity. And most importantly - the energy and inspiration
I'm much more tired with children in St. Petersburg than in a rented house. Even if there where we are, it's cold or not civilization. The fact that children have the space and fresh air - does the job.
And I want my children to see a different world, a different life - and made their choices on their own. Based on her.
I am sorry if my translation is somewhere wrong. This text was taken from VK.
Yours,
Sandra :)
Hello my dearest reader :)
