I am a nomad... and it's not about the van. I thought it was: but I was wrong. Truth be told, I was so convinced that living and traveling in a van defined me as a nomad, that I bought and sold 5 vans, in less than 5 years! I've tried just about every shape, size and layout. I've tried the top of the line Mercedes Revel 44e and the cheapest Ford Transit Connect. I promise you it's not about the van.
Okay -wait. I take that back... if your goal is to become Instagram famous, it might actually be about the van. And perhaps, if you're someone who simply loves to tinker or show off their build, it might also be about the van. But for a true nomadic heart, I stand by my statement: It's not about the van.
In thinking about nomadic tribes historically, they traveled in search of food, water, shelter, and favorable weather conditions. They didn't travel for fun. They weren't out seeking adventure. And the certainly had no concept of Instagram. Personally, I would argue that a traveler, or explorer, has a different personality than a nomad. People who travel tend to leave and come back. They are seeking adventure, fun, excitement, They enjoy exploring and crave new experiences. Yet, many are anxious to return home and share their adventures with friends. My sister is a traveler. She's been all over the US and abroad, yet she's lived in the same house, same town and held the same job for over 35 years.
I am a nomad. I've moved 28 times (and counting). I've lived in 5 vans and out of a backpack. I've had a half dozen successful careers and three advanced degrees in completely unrelated fields. I don't change jobs because I've failed, I change because I've learned all I can from an experience. It's as if the "land" starts to dry up and when it no longer nourishes me, I tend to move on.
I've come to believe that true nomads are "shapeshifters" If the land provides us with wood, we will build a shelter of logs. Likewise, when given sticks or grass, we build accordingly. The goal is to create shelter, not to express any particular architectural style. In other words, if you give me a cardboard box, I'll find a way to cook and sleep in it, because I am a nomad and it's not about the van.
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