Traveling as we do, and not as if we are on vacation, allows us to experience traveling more intimately. We visit communities, not just destinations, and become temporary locals. With all the change, one learns the art of adaptation. Every time we move into a new place it’s not about just seeing the sights and eating good food. We do not consider ourselves on vacation, and must figure out where things are in our neighborhood and in the home(s) we live in. That’s something you probably hadn’t considered, but with each home we encounter different internet connections, beds and pillows, appliances, toilets, showers, light switches, kitchen setups, and more. Sometimes, when we first move in, I find myself simply standing in one spot trying to remember which direction to go for what! But oddly enough, when setting up in our temporary homes, we have fallen into a routine, of sorts. There’s usually a period of adjustment, but it doesn’t take us long to settle in and adapt.
You might be wondering if we miss having a home to come back to? The answer to that would be - absolutely, not! While that may be surprising to you, it’s not to us at all. We were more than ready to downsize stuff and the lives we had established; and quite frankly, it’s a relief to have that behind us. We may not know where our beds are going to be down the road, but that’s okay with us. And you should also know, we get antsy after a time depending where we are and what we are doing. In other words, we’re ready to leave and move on down the road when the time comes.
We’ve been asked if not knowing so many things about our daily lives, and traveling to so many places, is scary in any way? Again, absolutely, not! There's a certain sense of freedom in the lives we are living now, and we wouldn’t put ourselves in harm’s way, but if something happens, then we will deal with it. We travel with a heightened awareness, but not with fear. Fear would not work with this lifestyle. What we are experiencing with all this adapting is unlike most people will ever know. We love getting to know communities and the people, and the sights come as a bonus for us. We are grateful for this new lifestyle and the experiences. We are embracing adaptation and all that it may have to offer.
Michelle
Swiss smile photo courtesy of DaMClarks
