Perfect timing for this piece. I’m fussy but becoming less so. That being said, I’ve only been on the road for five months so still kind of fussy. Looking forward to being increasingly less fussy. Life is better when one’s not fussing. 🤪
I love reading your posts: always uplifting and life-affirming. To me, travelling is the whole point of being in this world---to see as much of it as we can...failing that, I happily live vicariously through your fabulously detailed and thoughtful observations of life every where else but here. 🙏🌹
Likewise: what a lovely acknowledgement to wake up to. I find that the older I get (will be 70 later this year) that not only do I prefer kindness, but, I actually *need* it. You do a fabulous service, Michael, by your example of seeking adventure! I love it and can't wait to see where you and Brent end up next! Safe travels! 🌹
You have confirmed my biggest challenge with traveling with grace. Lousy beds! I've already decided if I am in a place for a month or longer I will have to purchase a cushy bed topper and down pillows. I currently sleep with 8 down pillows and have an outrageously expensive mattress. I am a bargain shopper but this is one area I simply have not compromised for many years. I am a light sleeper who has a huge problem shutting down my mind. I also have degenerative disc disease and pinched nerves. I will have to add these comfort necessities into my travel budget. Here's to hoping I'll be able to obtain the "medications" that enable me to sleep about 5-6 hrs a night."
I also keep a well stocked kitchen. We are currently eating items from our pantry and only purchasing fresh food as we prepare to sell or lease our home in preparation for our desired long term, slow travel lifestyle.
Your posts are so inspiring. I love that you tell it like it is but also recognize that loosing some of the fussiness is good for you. I truly hope that we will meet in person one day. I just adore you both.
Thanks, Melodie. The idea of being inspiring is about as good as it gets!
I also struggle with insomnia but I can honestly say it isn't any worse since becoming nomadic. So there's that at least!
Funny you should mention a bed topper. Our current bed is a little too firm for me. So I'm using the duvet as a pillow topper! And it's working pretty well!
Interesting article. I noticed some similar things my recent 3 month trip to Medellin Colombia. I was going with the flow way more than I usually do. Things that used to bother me just rolled off my shoulders.
Personally this only lasts for so long though. Last year I decided to return to the USA after living in Mexico City for 6 years. I moved back because everything was getting to me in Mexico and I wasn't going with the flow. I needed something familiar. Now that I'm based in my home country and slow traveling part of the year I feel I've found the perfect combination.
You and I were born of the same mold. What I loved about this piece is that you showed me a glimpse of how to make it work, and over the years you've learned to accept and 'this too shall pass' mindset is now second nature. There's hope for me yet... but I will say it does help when you wakeup and in a different place and it really did pass... my situation is currently at a standstill resembling groundhog day, but I did find a brightly lit lap pool with black lines and an arc trainer that is magical. Fun read!
Oh, I know the joy of a lap pool with black lines! Like so many things, I never thought about those before. But once you go without them and then get them again, you don't take them for granted!
I relate to this so strongly! An 8 month stint of nomading in Eastern Europe last year taught me I'm much more adaptable and flexible than I ever imagined. We too suffered many terrible beds, mosquitos, and hot and crappy gyms! But it was all so worth it for the places we got to discover. And it turned out none of the things that were important to me at home (my special pillow, my specific food brands) really even mattered. It's definitely a great way to gain some perspective! Thanks as always for your fun and interesting take on travel.
I have been traveling for 10 months and I can relate to everything you just said in this piece. I LOVE Trader Joe’s but know I can live without it. My standards are wayyyy different now. More appreciation for all of the luxury I have or come across. I miss drying clothes in a dryer yet at the same time love the smell of fresh air dried clothing. The beds and mosquitos get to me too!
Welcome to the Travel Club! It is fascinating how our standards change. As for the drying of clothes, so true! But I really only miss dryers now when staying in a climate where I have to dry stuff indoors. If I can put it outside, all is good!
But don't get me started on some of these insanely complicated washers with the instructions ALL IN GERMAN OR SWISS AND THAT I CAN'T READ!!!
Yesss. Or figuring out the ovens. The struggle is real. I seem to have struggles with the keys abroad and being able to open the doors on the first try 😂 and thank god for gps bc some places I can’t find a single street sign.
Living in China had this effect on me. Especially twenty years ago when things were really different…you learn to endure a little misery, lol. And after I learned to endure it and spent time around Americans again, I was surprised at how little people could endure. It really does change your perspective!
Oh, wow, that must've been a fascinating experience! I imagine the culture shock of going back to America must've been intense.
As for what Americans can endure when I read the news and see half the issues roiling the country, I think "Man, if you guys had to deal with real problems you'd completely fall apart."
Love this post. Also, on a "random side story" note, there was an old radio show that would come on in Egypt when my mom was little about a girl who wanted to marry the Dandorma seller, but her dad wants her to marry an older rich guy. I never heard it myself but my mom used to sing it to us when we were little.
What a wonderful illustration of how much travelling and living abroad open our world to new perspectives! What seemed crucial back home transforms in a new setting. 😊
Hi Brent ad Michael. We are currently in Waikoloa beach, Hawaii to enjoy 3 months of scuba diving, farmers markets, excellent pool, beach and fun. The farmers markets Wednesday and Saturday are excellent and fun. The freezer is full of Hawaii local grass feed beef for our carnivore journey. The rodeo is 4th of July always a blast. We like to watch a 10 year old rope calf, jump off horse and tie calf. The teenage riders are awesome !
We have stayed at this condo 2 bedroom & 2 bath many times. The owner wrote in April upset because a leak was found in 2nd bathroom. The leak was repaired and lower walls replaced. The 2nd bathroom and 2nd bedroom were waiting tile. The owner assumed we would want to cancel. I said looks like another month is available in August . We are not picky and want to extend our stay to 3 months. Also this summer we do not have guests. So master bedroom & master bathroom are fine. He said let me calculate the rates. Net result was smiles all around.
The weather is excellent 80F/70F, partly cloudy and warm/clear ocean. We start scuba diving Fridays and Tuesdays with our favorite dive operator Blue Wilderness. The Zodiac boat is fast and comfortable. The dive tank / rig is placed in water. We slip into ocean and put on rig. End of dive slip out of rig and crew lifts the 50 pounds. Great enter / exit method to avoid divers lifting. Now at 70 & 68 we enjoy experienced & helpful guides.
Michael, I must admit in Malta the plastic "dryer" and low towel supply darn near got us thrown out of condo. My wife could not believe I just apologized for my email to owner. We finally found towels to buy in the city and told guests bring a towel. I am Libra and wife is Aries LOL.
I loved this post, Michael, but I believe the key is "long-term" or "slomadic" travel which allows you to immerse yourself in a destination and adapt to its kinks and quirks. I recently shared a post called Why does wonder turn to expectation in which I share how sometimes we take our expectations along with us when we really should be focused on the wonders of the environment around us without comparing to what we are used to.
I laughed while reading this article because it's very true. Especially if you are a fan of ancient civilizations and history, you soon discover that not to be fussy after an 8 hours bus ride across the desert😂
Perfect timing for this piece. I’m fussy but becoming less so. That being said, I’ve only been on the road for five months so still kind of fussy. Looking forward to being increasingly less fussy. Life is better when one’s not fussing. 🤪
Sure, but if one is being fussy about not being less fussy, are they really becoming less fussy? 🤪
Seriously, though, glad the timing was so good for you!
Fair point. It appears I have a lot of work to do.
And just like that you have achieved nirvana. Okay, not nirvana. But less fussiness!
I love reading your posts: always uplifting and life-affirming. To me, travelling is the whole point of being in this world---to see as much of it as we can...failing that, I happily live vicariously through your fabulously detailed and thoughtful observations of life every where else but here. 🙏🌹
Thank you so much, Maria! What a lovely comment to wake up to.
Likewise: what a lovely acknowledgement to wake up to. I find that the older I get (will be 70 later this year) that not only do I prefer kindness, but, I actually *need* it. You do a fabulous service, Michael, by your example of seeking adventure! I love it and can't wait to see where you and Brent end up next! Safe travels! 🌹
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You have confirmed my biggest challenge with traveling with grace. Lousy beds! I've already decided if I am in a place for a month or longer I will have to purchase a cushy bed topper and down pillows. I currently sleep with 8 down pillows and have an outrageously expensive mattress. I am a bargain shopper but this is one area I simply have not compromised for many years. I am a light sleeper who has a huge problem shutting down my mind. I also have degenerative disc disease and pinched nerves. I will have to add these comfort necessities into my travel budget. Here's to hoping I'll be able to obtain the "medications" that enable me to sleep about 5-6 hrs a night."
I also keep a well stocked kitchen. We are currently eating items from our pantry and only purchasing fresh food as we prepare to sell or lease our home in preparation for our desired long term, slow travel lifestyle.
Your posts are so inspiring. I love that you tell it like it is but also recognize that loosing some of the fussiness is good for you. I truly hope that we will meet in person one day. I just adore you both.
Thanks, Melodie. The idea of being inspiring is about as good as it gets!
I also struggle with insomnia but I can honestly say it isn't any worse since becoming nomadic. So there's that at least!
Funny you should mention a bed topper. Our current bed is a little too firm for me. So I'm using the duvet as a pillow topper! And it's working pretty well!
Interesting article. I noticed some similar things my recent 3 month trip to Medellin Colombia. I was going with the flow way more than I usually do. Things that used to bother me just rolled off my shoulders.
Personally this only lasts for so long though. Last year I decided to return to the USA after living in Mexico City for 6 years. I moved back because everything was getting to me in Mexico and I wasn't going with the flow. I needed something familiar. Now that I'm based in my home country and slow traveling part of the year I feel I've found the perfect combination.
Glad you found what works best for you!
I have learnt not to be too fussy too as travel has taught me to be more flexible
🥰🥰🥰
You and I were born of the same mold. What I loved about this piece is that you showed me a glimpse of how to make it work, and over the years you've learned to accept and 'this too shall pass' mindset is now second nature. There's hope for me yet... but I will say it does help when you wakeup and in a different place and it really did pass... my situation is currently at a standstill resembling groundhog day, but I did find a brightly lit lap pool with black lines and an arc trainer that is magical. Fun read!
Oh, I know the joy of a lap pool with black lines! Like so many things, I never thought about those before. But once you go without them and then get them again, you don't take them for granted!
I relate to this so strongly! An 8 month stint of nomading in Eastern Europe last year taught me I'm much more adaptable and flexible than I ever imagined. We too suffered many terrible beds, mosquitos, and hot and crappy gyms! But it was all so worth it for the places we got to discover. And it turned out none of the things that were important to me at home (my special pillow, my specific food brands) really even mattered. It's definitely a great way to gain some perspective! Thanks as always for your fun and interesting take on travel.
Thanks for the kind comments, Kiri. And glad you find the lifestyle worth it too!
I have been traveling for 10 months and I can relate to everything you just said in this piece. I LOVE Trader Joe’s but know I can live without it. My standards are wayyyy different now. More appreciation for all of the luxury I have or come across. I miss drying clothes in a dryer yet at the same time love the smell of fresh air dried clothing. The beds and mosquitos get to me too!
Welcome to the Travel Club! It is fascinating how our standards change. As for the drying of clothes, so true! But I really only miss dryers now when staying in a climate where I have to dry stuff indoors. If I can put it outside, all is good!
But don't get me started on some of these insanely complicated washers with the instructions ALL IN GERMAN OR SWISS AND THAT I CAN'T READ!!!
Yesss. Or figuring out the ovens. The struggle is real. I seem to have struggles with the keys abroad and being able to open the doors on the first try 😂 and thank god for gps bc some places I can’t find a single street sign.
If you mean the induction stoves, oh, lord, I hate them with the passion of a thousand suns!
Living in China had this effect on me. Especially twenty years ago when things were really different…you learn to endure a little misery, lol. And after I learned to endure it and spent time around Americans again, I was surprised at how little people could endure. It really does change your perspective!
Oh, wow, that must've been a fascinating experience! I imagine the culture shock of going back to America must've been intense.
As for what Americans can endure when I read the news and see half the issues roiling the country, I think "Man, if you guys had to deal with real problems you'd completely fall apart."
Love this post. Also, on a "random side story" note, there was an old radio show that would come on in Egypt when my mom was little about a girl who wanted to marry the Dandorma seller, but her dad wants her to marry an older rich guy. I never heard it myself but my mom used to sing it to us when we were little.
What a nice memory!
100% agree! Nomading definitely made me less fussy, and I'm trying super hard to not fall back into bad habits now that I'm back 😬
I think Yoda had something to say about that... LOL
What a wonderful illustration of how much travelling and living abroad open our world to new perspectives! What seemed crucial back home transforms in a new setting. 😊
Thanks!
Hi Brent ad Michael. We are currently in Waikoloa beach, Hawaii to enjoy 3 months of scuba diving, farmers markets, excellent pool, beach and fun. The farmers markets Wednesday and Saturday are excellent and fun. The freezer is full of Hawaii local grass feed beef for our carnivore journey. The rodeo is 4th of July always a blast. We like to watch a 10 year old rope calf, jump off horse and tie calf. The teenage riders are awesome !
We have stayed at this condo 2 bedroom & 2 bath many times. The owner wrote in April upset because a leak was found in 2nd bathroom. The leak was repaired and lower walls replaced. The 2nd bathroom and 2nd bedroom were waiting tile. The owner assumed we would want to cancel. I said looks like another month is available in August . We are not picky and want to extend our stay to 3 months. Also this summer we do not have guests. So master bedroom & master bathroom are fine. He said let me calculate the rates. Net result was smiles all around.
The weather is excellent 80F/70F, partly cloudy and warm/clear ocean. We start scuba diving Fridays and Tuesdays with our favorite dive operator Blue Wilderness. The Zodiac boat is fast and comfortable. The dive tank / rig is placed in water. We slip into ocean and put on rig. End of dive slip out of rig and crew lifts the 50 pounds. Great enter / exit method to avoid divers lifting. Now at 70 & 68 we enjoy experienced & helpful guides.
Michael, I must admit in Malta the plastic "dryer" and low towel supply darn near got us thrown out of condo. My wife could not believe I just apologized for my email to owner. We finally found towels to buy in the city and told guests bring a towel. I am Libra and wife is Aries LOL.
Keep Smiling and safe travels.
Glad it worked out for everyone! Safe travels to you as well!
I loved this post, Michael, but I believe the key is "long-term" or "slomadic" travel which allows you to immerse yourself in a destination and adapt to its kinks and quirks. I recently shared a post called Why does wonder turn to expectation in which I share how sometimes we take our expectations along with us when we really should be focused on the wonders of the environment around us without comparing to what we are used to.
https://alwayscare.substack.com/p/why-does-wonder-turn-to-expectation
I did read that piece and I loved this quote: When gratitude becomes an expectation, we can lose a sense of perspective.
100% true!
I laughed while reading this article because it's very true. Especially if you are a fan of ancient civilizations and history, you soon discover that not to be fussy after an 8 hours bus ride across the desert😂
Or you stop to use the toilet in rural Thailand and see how a poor Thai family lives. That'll knock the fussiness right out of you.
I've had that "pleasure"😅
Bravo!
Thanks!