Seeking unique experiences away from tourist hubs and attractions has allowed me to discover exotic nature destinations, immerse myself in diverse cultures, savor local cuisines, and engage firsthand with people in different corners of the world.
During my teenage years, I embraced an adventurous lifestyle to the extreme. I reached altitudes of 5000 meters in the Andes, navigated the challenging terrain of the Bolivian Amazon jungle, and, at the age of 24, startled my newlywed spouse by camping on the infamous “death road” departing from the highest capital city, La Paz.
Now, as I travel, nomad, and work remotely globally, I maintain the same adventurous mentality. However, the dynamics have shifted with a family in tow – a wife and two teenagers. Together, we explore, experiencing new cultures, diverse foods, and navigating unfamiliar languages and customs.
Adventure encapsulates our journey. An experience that truly stretches us and removes us from our comfort zone involves renting an Airbnb and living as the locals do for a few weeks. This entails extensive walking, averaging a minimum of 6000 steps daily – a commendable feat for a 49-year-old.
We navigate local small buses, called Dolmuses, mastering the art of signaling stops without knowing the appropriate Turkish phrases. Jumping between buses, metros, and trains, we appreciate the patience of those we encounter along the way. Just yesterday, attempting to use one card for two people, we discovered it wasn’t allowed. Despite this, the driver let us proceed. Later, our card ran out of funds, but the metro attendant allowed us to pass, despite two family members being stuck on the other side.
At 49, overseeing two teens and a wife, venturing off the beaten path is not always defined as fun; sometimes, it’s a stressful day where we learn to love and accept each other, resembling lost little puppies in the middle of a metaphorical jungle, which for us, happens to be a sprawling city.
As I reflect today, I acknowledge that my spontaneous desire to explore the “real” world, away from tourist traps, takes a toll. Yes, it enriches our perspective and appreciation of different cultures and languages, but, at the end of the day, I can’t deny how weary it leaves me.
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