There is something inexplicably liberating about the open road, the feeling of the wind against your face as you venture into the unknown. It is a sentiment that has driven me throughout my life—a constant thirst for discovery, a desire to peel away the layers of the world and delve deep into its mysteries.
Inspired by the profound works of literary giants such as Jack Kerouac, Henry David Thoreau, and Hermann Hesse, I embarked on a personal journey that has taken me across more than a hundred countries on all continents.
In this brief memoir, I want to put together a humble take on the philosophy of the modern traveler—a philosophy rooted in backpacking, reading, and embracing life’s hedonistic pleasures.
Kerouac: On The Road
Like Kerouac’s restless soul in “On the Road,” I found solace in the rhythm of the highway, in the pursuit of new horizons. The act of travel became a form of meditation, an escape from the monotony of routine.
With a simple daypack strapped to my shoulders, I traveled the world, seeking connections with new people and distant places. Each destination served as a blank canvas that allowed me to create new experiences and memories, weaving together the threads of cultures and histories.
Thoreau: Walden
Yet, in the midst of constant movement, I discovered the wisdom of Thoreau’s “Walden.” The allure of simplicity, of stripping away the unnecessary trappings of life, resonated deeply within me. In the tranquil corners of nature, I found solace and inspiration.
From the towering mountains of the Himalayas to the serene beaches of Southeast Asia, I sought refuge in the simplicity of existence. My humble tent and tattered journal became my sanctuary, providing a haven to reflect and reconnect with the essence of being.
Hesse: Siddharta
As my journey unfolded, I encountered the spiritual insights of Hesse’s “Siddhartha.” Through the eyes of the eponymous character, I learned the power of introspection and self-discovery. I embraced the concept of impermanence, recognizing that each destination was merely a transient stop on the path of life. The world became my teacher, and I became its eternal student. From ancient temples to bustling marketplaces, I absorbed the lessons whispered by the whispers of the wind and the stories told by locals.
Thanks to my intellectual heroes above, I crafted a philosophy of travel that celebrated the paradox of mundane and fleeting experiences. I indulged in the hedonistic pleasures that life offered—sampling exotic cuisines, sipping local brews, and dancing under starlit skies. I became obsessed with the sensory symphony that unfolded before me, savoring the vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents wherever I’d be sleeping that night.
Closing The Circle
But my hedonism was never without a sense of responsibility. With each journey, I recognized the privilege of exploration and the need for mindful engagement with the world. I sought to minimize my impact, supporting local economies, and engaging in sustainable practices. Travel, to me, became a means of connecting with the world and its people, my distant ‘family’.
The key lies in exploration, simplicity, and self-discovery. As I reflect upon my countless adventures, my heart swells with gratitude for the experiences I accumulated and the souls I have encountered along the way.
It’s thanks to Kerouac, Thoreau, and Hesse that I became a nomadic philosopher—a seeker of knowledge, a lover of life, and a wanderer of the world.
It’s Your Turn
Do you yearn for adventure? Then I implore you to embrace the call of the open road.
Allow yourself to be swept away by the unknown. Relinquish control and surrender to the serendipity of the journey. In doing so, you may just uncover the hidden depths of your own soul and the universal truths that bind us all. You’ll thank me later.