I do have a backpack and I do spend months on the road. However, I’ve been doing that for 24 years, so I’m most definitely not taking a gap year, looking for the meaning of life or considering starting a tattoo business in Itacaré to “like, stay forever.” Even my hostel days are over—I’m afraid I might go full mom mode, “Clean up that dorm and do your fucking dishes!”
Most of the backpackers here weren’t born when I started backpacking.
Still, I’m younger than the handful of old hippie surfers who settled here in the 1970s and have been living in the same converted van ever since.
So who am I?
Well, apparently, I’m the “old wise woman.” A twenty-something backpacker told me she wanted to be like me “later” (timing yet to be confirmed). Another one asked me if it’s normal to miss home. A third admitted she can’t imagine her grandparents passing away and it keeps her up at night.
Ah. “Kids” ask me questions.
“Everybody gets older but not as fast as it seems,” I offered.
I know what it feels like. I’ve been there. I found answers and figured it out, sometimes—first-hand experience, lots of trial and error, I guess. Other stuff keeps me up at night these days. It’s not like I have all the answers, or else I’ll try to convince people we’re not managing the world and priorities very well.
“How can I keep on travelling?”
“Just do it. Tweak your life as much as you can, find what you love, work hard, find balance and make compromises.”
“My parents think I’m wasting my life, and they told me to come home.”
“A few of my relatives think I’m an irresponsible bum who never had a job,” I shrug. “You can have a career and be financially responsible even if you’re wearing shorts pretty much year-round and never go to a meeting.”
I’m telling you, I’m the old, wise woman.
I’m 42, twice the age of your average backpacker.
I love it.
For my birthday, I signed up for Itacaré’s classic “four beaches and a waterfall” hike day trip—swimming, hiking, and repeat for the entire day, basically my dream.
It was an awesome day. I strongly advise hanging out with a bunch of Brazilians for such activities—good energy, great atmosphere, fun conversations (I can actually speak Portuguese, hurrah!), and stunning places. It was absolutely perfect.
I’m sorry I’m spoiling the gorgeous landscape on so many pictures but fuck it, it’s my birthday and maybe one day, many years from now, I will be glad to see myself so happy at 42.
And now I’m going to sleep, not because I’m old but because I spent so much time in the water today that I’m like half-mermaid and I want to end the day with good dreams (chocolate cake before that!).
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“Just do it. Tweak your life as much as you can, find what you love, work hard, find balance and make compromises.” This is a great advice! That’s why i don’t want to stop travelling solo and with my kiddo and partner. So much of the world to see!
Joyeux anniversaire un tout petit peu en retard Juliette !
Happy 42.
La vie autour de nous est de plus en plus compliquée mais je trouve que plus le temps passe, plus elle est simple en moi. C’est l’avantage d’être the old wise backpacker I guess! (Même si je ne suis plus backpacker pour le moment )
Des bises
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Juliette!!!
“Just do it. Tweak your life as much as you can, find what you love, work hard, find balance and make compromises.” This is a great advice! That’s why i don’t want to stop travelling solo and with my kiddo and partner. So much of the world to see!
I admire your energy and your will to explore new places! We share travel stories again with a coffee in Ottawa this spring 😉
Yes it’s a date 🙂
Joyeux anniversaire un tout petit peu en retard Juliette !
Happy 42.
La vie autour de nous est de plus en plus compliquée mais je trouve que plus le temps passe, plus elle est simple en moi. C’est l’avantage d’être the old wise backpacker I guess! (Même si je ne suis plus backpacker pour le moment )
Des bises
Un peu pareil ici! C’est peut-être un chouia de… gasp… sagesse???
Your physical condition seems 24 to me! I mean, i get tired easily during trips let alone solo backpacking like you! Hahahaha
Anyway, Selamat Ulang Tahun, Zhu!
More places to go and share – so I also get a chance to see those places at the other side from where I live!!!
Oh, I get tired too. But there’s always coffee 😀