Reflections of a Nomad (currently in London)

March 31, 2023 In route to Manchester from London. The magic of the train, whizzing through the countryside in the rain. I’ve posted nine “Quarantine Chronicles” covering March-September 2020 of the lockdown and divorce, including living with my Lockdown Loretta, a bright spot during a turbulent time. Going to visit her today brings me such joy! Start here: https://secondchapternomad.blog/2023/02/21/quarantine-chronicles-part-1/

Also posted five “Tanzania Tales” and six “Zanzibar Dreams” from August/September 2020. Whilst most of my blog is in chronological order covering the past three years since I chucked everything into storage and hit the road, my Instagram is in real time, and occasionally like today I’ll reflect on this nomad life. Start here: https://secondchapternomad.blog/2023/02/17/tanzania-tales-part-1/ and here: https://secondchapternomad.blog/2023/03/22/zanzibar-dreams-part-1-meet-me-in-zanzibar/

A friend of mine said I’m really not a “nomad” because I’m not a “member of people having no permanent abode, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock”. Well, I have no permanent abode, and I’m searching for “greener grass” (haha) and perhaps my livestock are my suitcases at this point. Anyway, I’m a Modern Day Digital Nomad: Have computer, will write!

So a little reflection on three years of the nomad life:

Positives: Free spirited, not tied down, able to visit friends, family, colleagues around the world. Embracing spontaneity. Becoming a minimalist. Experiences over possessions. Truly living life. Making big effort to call/FaceTime/message friends and family to stay connected. Say yes. Be open to opportunities.

Struggles: Living out of suitcases for years. The constant Suitcase Shuffle as I call it (reels depicting this on my Insta). Receiving mail at my parents’ address like a university student. Health and fitness. Definitely gained weight during this time period. Taking advantage of any gym or physical activity when possible. Walk and walk. Though endless rain has slowed me down this winter. Splurge on the occasional spa or hair blowout to feel slightly more put together. Wardrobe very limited as have to lug everything about. Laundry! I’ve sat in laundromats, had it picked up and delivered, used friends’ and family’s. And oh the bliss like now when there’s a washing machine in my little flat! The joy of doing one’s own washing, the smell of the detergent wafting in the air. Simple pleasures.