2011 – A Year of Learning Part II

Here’s the 2nd Part of A Year of Learning. This is a compilation of the realizations and learning of our fellow Nomads interviewed by Flip for the Meet the Nomads section.

“That people are the best thing about a place, not the monuments and sights – it really hit us a few years ago when we were working non-stop on magazine stories and flying into places to interview and photograph people and learning about what they do, and not doing many sights at all.” Lara Dunston of Gran Turismo

“Our biggest realization is that this is a small planet. We have made friends in just about every corner of the globe. People are people. They care for their families. They try to make it, and improve the world around them.” – Mike and Luci of 1000 Fights

“That everyone can do it. Rich, poor, young and old. Even people with disability! There’s no stopping a person’s need to see beyond his homeland and wonder about the places he’s never been.” – Lois Yasay of We Are Sole Sisters

“It is so difficult to live alone and people need to help each other. In some places, it is even difficult to get drinking water completely by oneself.” – Keiichi Iwasaki of Feel the Earth

“It’s a bit of a cliche but something that rings so true. There are good and bad people the world over, from all countries and all cultures. The positive aspect is the good far out weigh the bad, and the amazing generosity I’ve received over the years from complete strangers still astounds me.” – Jason Webb of Digidrift

“That people are so very different all over the world.” – David Hogan Jr of Malaysia Asia

“That we are all similar deep down. These are the things that really matter and these are the only things we should be focusing on when connecting with and understanding people. The differences, such as how we dress, speak or what we believe are just minute details that make us colourful and should be celebrated rather than feared.” – Caz and Craig Makepeace of YTravelBlog

“You MUST have PATIENCE. I used to be very impatient. Now that I have been traveling 3.5 months that has changed. I now am okay with things not going how they should. I’ve learned it’s part of life and everything will most likely work out in the end.” – Jaime Davila of Breakaway Backpacker

“That this is a legit lifestyle! I’ve done more in country travel in the Philippines than anywhere else. I often feel less traveled than most travelers because I’ve only been to Taiwan and India outside of the US, where I grew up, and Canada. Because of this, I definitely prefer “slow travel”, living in and experiencing different cultures and using travel as a lifestyle; realizing this CAN be a lifestyle and as long as you live minimalist, can actually end up being cheaper than the daily grinds of normal society! I love it, and I’m still slowly trying to build my mobile empire!” – Janet Brent of Solitary Panda

“That as much as we are different, we’re all the same. I’ve randomly met a lot of people and while we all grew up in different environment and situation, when stripped down, we all have similar concerns regarding finding love, happiness, dreams, money…” – Lilliane Cobiao of Wanderlass

“Travel has opened up an entire new realm of possibilities in terms of what I feel is possible for myself and others. Travel has taught me to think outside of the box and to realize that life is undeniably brief & time is the most valuable commodity I have left in my life. I realize that I don’t ‘have’ to be doing anything in particular with my life and that the popular opinion of others is not necessarily the path I ought to be following. Most importantly, I’ve come to realize that travel is a passion that can be shared by others of all age groups from diverse backgrounds. I’ve often met mature travellers who seem to be enjoying themselves as much – if not more- than the younger crowd.” – Samuel Jeffery Nomadic Samuel

“One, that we are all the same regardless of nationality (same fears, same aspirations, same things that make us happy). Two, I am much stronger than I thought I could be. And lastly, that I like being a solo traveler. It can be exhausting but at the end of the day I savor the freedom of being able to travel on my own terms.” – Grace Cecilio of Pinay on the Move

“From all my travels to over 50 countries, I have realized how similar we all really are. We may look different, speak different languages, practice different religions but at the core, we’re all human. I absolutely love the experiences where you can connect with someone who is so different from yourself.” – Kristina Wegscheider of Do it while your Young

“That I’m more independent than I thought I was. That I don’t need to rely on others for validation. That the only monsters out there are the ones I make. And that deep-fried crickets do not taste good.” – Raymond Walsh of Man on the Lam

“When Pete and I made the decision to sell everything and travel indefinitely, we had a lot to sell. We had a big house full of nice things accumulated over the years – stuff we thought that we needed in order to be happy. It wasn’t until we started traveling with only our backpacks that we realized how little we actually do need, and how much happier we are for having ditched our previous consumeristic lifestyle. I am quite happy with my 65 litres of space – the thought of having any more than that actually makes me quite nervous.” – Dalene Heck of Hecktic Travels

“That we are all basically the same. We love our families, want to take care of them and our friends, and will do anything to give our kids a better life than we have.” – Todd Wassel of Todd’s Wanderings

“That the world is not a scary place. Media often paints the wrong picture of a country and its people, choosing to focus on whatever makes the best headline. Traveling has allowed me to see the world through my own eyes, which has often changed my perception of countries I originally thought were too scary or dangerous.” – Nicole Wears of Traveling Canucks

“Other than to enjoy each day as if it is your last, I think the biggest realization that I have got out of traveling is finding out what I don’t want from life. I know that I will never be able to return to the lifestyle that I once had. The thought of sitting behind a desk crunching numbers kinda makes me a little nauseous now.” – Pete Heck of Hecktic Travels

“I am lucky to be born and raised in the Philippines. I am lucky that I live in a country which requires all students to study in English and although considered as a third world country, I am rich with good family values and I am free to say and do what I want. Travelling also made me less judgmental as a person. I also respect differences in terms of beliefs and preferences.” – Mica Rodriguez of Senyorita

“People are the same everywhere. We may be separated by language and culture, but we have the same hopes, dreams, and goals wherever we live. I also have realized that people are basically good. Eighty to ninety-five percent of the population, no matter where you go, consists of good people willing to help and fun to meet.” – Ted Nelson of Traveling Ted TV

“Traveling has helped me discover that I am stronger than I thought. I survived a terrible previous relationship and through travel I realize if I can survive that, then I can sleep on a bus for 20 hours or not bathe for 2 days. It won’t kill me. I can do anything I set my mind to.” – Mica Ivealis of Kaypacha Travels

“The world is mostly full of kind, generous, caring and wonderful people.” – Talon Windwalker of 1Dad1Kid

“Travelling opens the mind, develops tolerance and lessens pride and prejudices.” – Claire Raborar of Lakwatsera de Primera

“If you have a desire to travel, there is always a way. Most places I’ve been are so much more accessible for travelers than I ever thought. Certainly you can spend as much as you want on travel, but with just a little bit of research and planning, you can travel safely independently to so much of the world. You’re only limited by your imagination.” – Jeff Jung of Career Break Secrets

“How to be independent. I believe that we have to be independent to be happy. I have to know myself before I get to know anything else. Before looking for someone or something to make me happy, I have to know what could make me happy. People are naturally comfortable with a passive lifestyle. It is so simple. But it is also possible that people who have not much experience in life might be stuck in a vicious circle. Traveling taught me that. In my first backpacking trip, it was the first time that I was totally on my own. Only I can save myself, and if I failed, it was my responsibility. It’s so simple and I’ve realized that on the road.” – Juno Kim of Runaway Juno

“We aren’t that different from each other. Everyone wants the same thing: to love and be loved.” – Roy Abraham of Cruisesurfingz

“That there are so many places in the country that are off the tourist radar just waiting to be explored.” – Kara Santos of Travel Up

“Two things:

First, travel made me a better person – it broadened my mind set, challenged my understanding of the world and taught me to be flexible. At the same time, I realised that people, despite coming from different backgrounds, always something in common. I remember sitting in a hostel room with people from five different nationalities, and we were all talking about Mexican telenovelas. How cool was that?!

Second, that we are lucky that we can now travel easily and cheaply. You don’t have to be rich to see the world. I grew up thinking that you need to have a lot of money in order to travel and that nice hotel, dinner at restaurants and arranged itineraries are a must for any trip. While you still need money to go and fly, there are many ways to travel frugally while still getting the best experiences.” – Jerick Parrone of 25 travels

Hope you learned a thing or two from our featured travellers. “Till next year!