What It Takes To Be A Digital Nomad

 

8 Lessons I learnt from Camping

In order to appreciate the finer things in life, you have to experience the not so finer things in life. When I started Donnasmélange, I would randomly share my travel experiences, most of them were based in hotels. If I was camping it would be glamping. To be honest, I haven’t been a fan of camping. Mainly due to my past experiences as a child. If I were camping when I was older it was glamping.

 I love having my own bed, space and the freedom to eat or cook if need be.

An unexpected incident forced me to try camping. I was reluctant at first but I got so much out of it. Writing on lifestyle is great but I realized if I do not go back to the basics, how would I fully appreciate and explain my experiences to others. If I had not tried something out of my comfort zone? I was lucky enough to get a tent from an acquaintance, I had my suitcase and I was ready to camp.

1.     Know How To Pitch a Tent

If you do not own a camping car then this is for you. The tent instructions seemed straight forward but the diagram reminded me of my primary school books where you could not make head or tail of the instructions were saying. I was unprepared. It was scorching hot. I probably looked like a deer in headlights a kind Slovenian couple visiting helped pitch the tent. I actually later realized it was a three bedroomed tent. It was too big! Next time I will definitely get one that you can throw and pitch in seconds. Pitching this tent seemed to take forever.

2.     Community

Camping is a community of its own. People did stare at me trying to pitch our tent but once one couple stepped in, another was there trying to help us. Kindness goes a long way and greeting people never cost anything.

3.      Weather

The days were scorching hot, that it was almost impossible to spend time in the tent during the day. The nights however were uncomfortably cold. If it wasn’t for IKEA near-by I would have probably gotten sick. I also learnt to take in the good weather and go swimming or adventures during the day. Letting the day pass by without doing something productive, seemed like a waste.

4.     Appreciation

Going camping on a whim allowed me to appreciate the little things I took for granted. Having a pillow, a blanket and of course a roof to protect me from cold weather. Having electrical plugs on the wall to plug my electronics. A fridge, the power of a cold glass of water is severely underestimated on a hot day. Certain things in life we take for granted—others are dreaming about. I appreciated the people who worked there and the little things they did to ensure people feel comfortable camping.

5.     Nature

I managed to reconnect with nature. I do love to take long walks and sit outside. My interaction is sometimes passive. It had been a long time since I just spend time outside to gaze at the stars. Watch the sunset and feel the full force of moonlight. The fresh cool air and the stillness. Natures aromas and seeing it’s glory in the morning. Lone walks and experiencing a place where time feels like it stands still but at the crack of dawn there is action again. The importance of time and being in the moment was more intense while camping.

6.     Be Prepared

As I was camping on a whim, I had underestimated the things that I needed. On the other hand I did not need much. Just a great attitude.

7.     Moments

When I am in hotels and I have activities to do, moments pass me by. The eating hours are set—unless you order room service. The programs and activities are set. With camping you decide when you want to eat and what activity is conducive for you. I found that having a flexible timetable appealed to me. I was able to experience having my meals whole heartedly. Whether it was at a restaurant or I decided to make me something from the ingredients I got from the super market. Something light and simple.

8 Nomad life

I call myself a digital nomad. Camping really made me realize that I can adapt to any situation. People do not understand when I say suitcase life. It is a life of minimalism where all your belongings fit in one suitcase. I do indulge on certain things but it is more functional as I start thinking of the next destination and ticket that I want to buy. Experiencing a country in its true essence, is worth a lifetime of memories and stories. Being a nomad means being prepared for change like the seasons. You won’t stay in a place where the watering hole is dry. So you go on looking for one.

What lessons have you learnt from travelling out of your comfort zone?