Vagabonding Case Study: Rhoni Speed

On June 19th, 2015
BootsnAll

unnamed

Rhoni Speed of Living Our Life

Age:  51

Hometown: Ottawa

Quote: “When there is a will, there is a way

How long were you on the road?

18 months and going

Where did you go? 

Bali, Thailand, Siem Reap Cambodia, New York, Peru, Easter Island, Galapagos, France, United Kingdom

What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey? 

I am a holistic nutritionist, herbalist, raw food chef – location independent and a military veteran.

Did you work or volunteer on the road? 

Yes I do work on the road but have not volunteered in an official capacity yet.

Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite? 

That is hard, we like Siem Reap, Bangkok, Peru, Galapagos and UK

Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging? 

Easter Island and France have been our most challenging so far due to food allergies that we have.

Which travel gear proved most useful?  Least useful?

Our bivy bags have been the most useful in Cusco during the winter when it gets cold and there were no heaters in our apartment. We have not experienced least useful yet.

What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle? 

The opportunity to experience how other people eat – we are foodies, the different music, the history.  We love meeting new people and experiencing their customs.

What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle?

The challenges are finding enough variety of food for a growing boy who has allergies making his diet vegan gluten free.  Sacrifices are not something we have seriously felt yet.

What lessons did you learn on the road? 

We have learned that we can find food anywhere, that we need to just go and enjoy.

How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip?

Embracing it more, getting rid of more stuff but accepting what we do need. That we do not have to fit any mold.  Remembering that there is not a rush to see everything as this is not a time limit vacation.

If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be?

Trust in our ability and take less, not we have a lot but I know now that we could still be lighter

Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure?

My advice is ignore the news as it only focuses on the bad and know that there is far more good out there than in North America.  Trust in your ability and do not worry so much about the kids.  In this respect I do believe they can adapt only because they will always have you as their stability and routine. Traveling teaches far more in social behavior.

When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey?

Our long term journey has not ended.  If my son has his way we will be journeying for 10 more years.  He has now taken to history with help from reading so now we must travel to Greece, Rome etc to solidify what he has read.

Read more about Rhoni on her blog, Living Our Life, or follow her on Facebook.

Are you a Vagabonding reader planning, in the middle of, or returning from a journey? Would you like your travel blog or website to be featured on Vagabonding Case Studies? If so, drop us a line at casestudies@vagabonding.net and tell us a little about yourself.

Image: Andi Campbell-Jones (flickr)