Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Out Of Boxes And Backpacks

Is how we intend to live from this day on. Until when? We have not thought about it yet. Our destinations? Unknown. What I can tell you though is that we have just stepped on the land down under this morning. Australia is where this epic family vagabonding begins.

Why a nomadic lifestyle?

We've been called silly, crazy, immature and irresponsible. And people positively assume (probably betting on it) that we will not have a good life, however they define such term. But nothing and no one could ever hold us down.

When we tied the knot, I knew that I have found the right partner to "settle around" with. Both of us were craving for a nomadic lifestyle because we cannot simply stay put knowing that there's a kaleidoscope world out there waiting for us!

Our whole life narrowed down to 60 kilos check in luggage + 14 kilos hand carry. And memory cards. Heaps of them.

Before we met, we were pretty much a couple of wandering souls already. We crossed paths in U.A.E. (we left our respective home countries to work and travel overseas), quit our jobs after 6 months of dating and backpacked around South East Asia together. We got hitched the same year, and got a baby on the way just after the honeymoon.

I don't wanna bore you with the details, but as you can see, these snippets of our history prove that traveling is not only a part of our life... It is our life. And I couldn't imagine living any other way.

And no, we're not a couple of high rollers globetrotting first class. We may even be in the same salary bracket (that can't make anyone rich) as you. Thing is we don't spend our money on dining out (except street food!), shopping, mortgage and other commodities that aren't described as basic. We'd rather buy flights on sale. That's just how we roll.

You might be wondering why we chose pricey Australia as our first stop (and why in the middle of winter!). Actually, we will be attending my hubby's graduation in July. To maximize the trip (we only paid $170 each for the flight because of a seat sale, Clark-KL-Gold Coast), we scheduled visits to a few of its famous destinations in Queensland and New South Wales. Nothing too adventurous however for the baby.

Where to next? We only booked one-way tickets, so we're free to fly to whatever country we like after our shindig here, as long as we could afford it (and as long as it ain't complicated for me to apply for a visa). Or maybe, we'll just head back to the Philippines forthwith to live in different provinces. So our baby Luna will be introduced to all the local cuisines/delicacies, grow to be multi-dialectal and have buddies nationwide.

The world offers so much possibilities and we are out to "explore, dream and discover". I gotta buckle up, this is going to be one wild ride!

PS Do you collect postcards? If you do, send us your address! We will be sending a postcard to one reader each month.

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77 comments:

Admin/Author said...
July 6, 2011 at 8:52 PM

...and why not? go where your heart desires!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 6, 2011 at 8:56 PM

And so I shall :)

Kate said...
July 6, 2011 at 9:41 PM

I love your life! Thank you for sharing it with all of us :)

Aleah said...
July 6, 2011 at 9:45 PM

Cute naman ng traveling buddy nyo. The beauty of growing up in these times is that she will have your blog to go back to when she's older! (Which reminds me I have yet to send her a note! Waah!)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 6, 2011 at 9:45 PM

Thanks Kate :) We may not have much possessions, but we got loads of awesome stories to tell!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 6, 2011 at 9:48 PM

Aleah, and that is one brilliant purpose of this blog! Will wait for your note, then will tell Luna to send you a postcard someday!

SunnyToast said...
July 6, 2011 at 9:50 PM

I wish I could have your life...ka inggit!

nina said...
July 6, 2011 at 10:01 PM

Congrats on taking the leap, Gay! Not everyone is as brave as you and Sherv to follow your passion. I hope I'll bump into you guys on the road someday :D

*mOmOt KuYiT* said...
July 6, 2011 at 10:21 PM

wishing you and your fam all the best in your travels gay, mukhang madami akong aabangang malulupit na istorya mo ah. you have been an inspiration! tnx tnx! :)

Pack up and Drift said...
July 6, 2011 at 11:38 PM

nomadic lifestyle.. correct, others call it crazy.

and I am inspired by this post..

lifeisacelebration said...
July 7, 2011 at 12:26 AM

Hi Gay. You lead a very exciting life. The more you can do without, the more rewarding. I remember following the blog of another blogger I know, who met another blogger, got married, had a baby, continued to travel like you, and now a bit more "settled down" taking up their post grad studies. Saw the babies (2!) growing up through their blogs. So be sure to post Luna's pics!

Eileen/PossiblyPinay said...
July 7, 2011 at 5:52 AM

i wish i could get up and go again. ive discovered the nomadic lifestyle once but had to give it up.

one day, ill get back on my feet and get back on the road with my Happy Meal.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:25 AM

SunnyT, probably you would in the future :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:26 AM

Nina, hope we bump into you as well!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:28 AM

Pack Up and Drift, di nila alam... marami tayong "crazy!"

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:30 AM

Tita Lili, that sounds like a very exciting love story! Will do post lots and lots Luna's photos :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:30 AM

Eileen, I am sure you could and would! Hope we get to travel with our babies together someday!

flipnomad said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:36 AM

from being the pinay travel junkie to a nomadic mom and wife... just awesome transformation gay :-) enjoy life... :-) regards to luna and sherv

Earl (Suroy Pilipinas) said...
July 7, 2011 at 6:48 AM

The family that travels together, stays together! More adventures to come Gay!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 7:10 AM

Enjoy life to Flip, my friend. Cheers to living the dream!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 7:11 AM

"The family that travels together, stays together!" - Love this Earl! Thank you :)

Josiah said...
July 7, 2011 at 8:34 AM

"people positively assume that we will not have a good life" - it's weird how other people define a good life for others. Have fun Gaye and family. You have the life most people wanted. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 9:32 AM

That is so true, Josiah!

byaheng barok said...
July 7, 2011 at 9:55 AM

wow! i'm envious! way to go... luna is so fortunate to have you as parents! good luck to all three of you! funny, i send postcards to friends too whenever i'm abroad. nobody does them anymore. i just don't want to lose the tradition. there's high school guy in india who looked at me as if im from outer space explaining to him how fun it is to send potcards. he said, "why not scan the postcard and send it thru email? that's faster." hahaha! again, good luck to all of you! have fun exploring the world, luna!

sometimes Kim sometimes Mj said...
July 7, 2011 at 10:35 AM

Ohh we're so jealous! That is zeelife! Wish we could up and leave too, living out of boxes wandering around is THE good life. Inggit lang yon Gay as they don't have the courage and strength to do what you guys do. Safe and fun travels!

Ohh wait, one way ticket lang? Buti napayagan ka sa immigration natin?

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 11:04 AM

Thanks Audrey! I always send postcards to Luna, to our address in Manila when we travel. So she could start early with her collection (granting she'd be interested).

Ang high tech talaga ni Mr. Indian! Email na lang lahat... Haha.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 11:06 AM

Kim/Mj I got an Oz temporary residence visa. Payag sila sa immigration as long as I show a ticket na dun ako tutungo (we did a connecting flight in KL).

johanna's journey! said...
July 7, 2011 at 11:14 AM

hi gay! that is what you called life! :) .. seeing all aspect .. expounding and discovering more of the best parts of life which can only be found outside the box ;) .. have a great trip!

liza said...
July 7, 2011 at 11:38 AM

I love postcards, pwede tau mag private swap? :) thanks gay, kahit message kita sa Fb. pls :)

Nathalie said...
July 7, 2011 at 11:44 AM

safe travels you guys! for sure its gonna be a wild ride. sooo inggit..

would love some postcard. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 12:22 PM

Will definitely have a great trip Johx! Thanks for dropping by!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 12:23 PM

Sure Liza! Send me a PM :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 12:24 PM

Nathalie, will contact you through FB as well for the postcard!

Edmar del Castillo Guquib said...
July 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM

=> Follow your heart girl. It is what makes us happy in the long run. Keep posting!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM

Thanks Ed!

And to everyone, thanks again for the encouraging words!

tina said...
July 7, 2011 at 9:54 PM

Have a safe trip Gay and fam! Take care always, will be following your journey :D

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 7, 2011 at 10:01 PM

Awesome Tina :)

Micamyx|Senyorita said...
July 7, 2011 at 10:37 PM

I collect postcards! Weee please to send one :D

Ramona Andresa said...
July 8, 2011 at 1:27 AM

So you're in Australia right now. WOW. Mark Twain's quote is my life mantra, in everything -travels, decisions, love, everything. You're so inspiring PTJ, we'll be following you in your journey!

ps. gusto din namin ng postcards. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 8, 2011 at 6:17 AM

Mica, sent you a PM on FB :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 8, 2011 at 6:18 AM

Thanks Ramona Andresa for following us in our adventures. Sent you a PM too on FB.

Tripper10 said...
July 8, 2011 at 11:39 AM

Nomadic lifestyle?
Kung saan ka Masaya ma'am, Suportahan taka... :)

Cute ni Luna ..:)

ayan said...
July 8, 2011 at 12:16 PM

got to have someone like you guys as my parents in my next lifetime... hehe... lucky lucy

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 8, 2011 at 12:39 PM

Salamt sa suporta Tripper!

Rome Dylan said...
July 11, 2011 at 4:41 PM

Very inspiring experience you've got there! I'm hoping to meet my other wandering soul in one of my travels too.

As early as now, Luna will get a taste of what it's like to be a nomad, wandering around the world.

Hope to meet you soon.

From:
Wandering Dylan (a wannabe nomad)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 11, 2011 at 4:59 PM

Same here, Dylan! Hope to meet you soon. Hopefully during one of our trips :)

Rome Dylan said...
July 11, 2011 at 5:09 PM

By the way, how can I avail of your postcards? Would love to receive one from you guys.

Where can I send my address privately? hehehe

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 11, 2011 at 5:21 PM

Sure! Send it to gaye.emami@yahoo.com :)

adventurousfeet said...
July 13, 2011 at 8:28 PM

it's love on the road!! Enjoy! And i know you, you'll be fine and happy with your travel - nomadic style. :) send me one too, gusto ko may autograph ni luna hehe.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 13, 2011 at 8:30 PM

Hey Ca... It's love and bliss on the road! Will send you a PM on FB :)

tengturista said...
July 13, 2011 at 11:33 PM

Your story is such an inspiration to travel and discover the world. i wish to do that someday. rock on gay! \m/ send me some postcards! ill keep it in my cam bag everytime i travel. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 14, 2011 at 7:53 AM

Aww... Send me your address then. Will message you on FB.

Jovial Wanderer said...
July 17, 2011 at 8:48 PM

Ngayon ko lang to nalaman!!! hehe..share ko nga din.. Glad you are living your passion bff :) Actually, nakita ko lang to sa post ni Gabe..hahaha!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 17, 2011 at 9:24 PM

Haha! Thanks Tin :)

Unknown said...
July 18, 2011 at 1:27 PM

Ideal family living, less essentials but more on awesome traveling experiences.

ian said...
July 18, 2011 at 7:44 PM

sarap gawing pelikula nitong post mo.... or maybe a series =).... touched me... this is how i want to live too =) ingat po lagi!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 18, 2011 at 7:48 PM

Aww... thanks Ian! Gawin muna nating book. Haha!

Unknown said...
July 18, 2011 at 8:15 PM

Nice how you're in touch with us. How could have I missed this post?

Just wanna wish you guys the best of luck on the many miles you will travel. Cheers! :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 18, 2011 at 8:23 PM

Haha! Lloydy, I've been bombarding my blog with late posts the past couple of weeks, that's prolly why.

Relentless Karla said...
September 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM

Ako na si late reaction! Hehehe I'm happy for you guys. Inspiring post gurl. Makes me want to travel more! You're living the life most people only dream of! Safe travels to you, Luna & Sherv. Hope our paths will cross again. Australia is definitely on our list next year for sure salisi na naman tayo but who knows! =)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
September 23, 2011 at 10:53 AM

Aww... thanks Karla! And thanks for following our adventures. Hope to travel with you someday!

Relentless Karla said...
September 23, 2011 at 11:11 AM

Hope to travel with you someday too. Tara lets to Brazil! =)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
September 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM

Lesgow! Carnival next year :)

AJ said...
September 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM

Whoa! I wish my partner and I had the same chutzpa. And we don't even have a kid! Hats off to you and hubby and baby Luna. Envy much!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
September 25, 2011 at 1:29 PM

Thanks AJ! Hihi.

Anonymous said...
October 30, 2011 at 1:36 AM

Do you still send postcards? I don't collect them but it would be awesome to get one from wherever-your-feet-leads-you. Hats off to you and the hubby!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
October 30, 2011 at 5:15 AM

Yes I do! Send me your address :)

Anonymous said...
November 16, 2011 at 10:55 AM

This sounds awesome! Kudos to you, your hubby and little bundle of joy. I hope I get to find a partner who has the same amount of wanderlust as I do. :) P.S. your little girl looks absolutely adorable! :3

-littlegirlgoesplaces.wordpress :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
November 16, 2011 at 11:19 AM

Aww... thanks :)

The Sunset Goddess said...
November 17, 2011 at 10:26 AM

ahhh, you are living THE life! This my fantasy---to just leave everything behind and travel. But as of now, that's just it, a fantasy. So i'm wondering, how do you finance this lifestyle since you're not tied down with work/a job? That's really the million dollar question for me! :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
November 17, 2011 at 1:42 PM

The hubby and I both work online. Hubby does programming while I write articles. I'm also an occasional virtual assistant :)

Kat M. said...
November 22, 2011 at 5:27 PM

Damn. You guys are awesome! :D This takes courage and dedication to a whole new level. Pretty little Luna is a very lucky girl. She'll have more stories to tell by the time she's 18 than some people will ever have in their entire lifetime.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
November 23, 2011 at 1:50 AM

Thank Kat! 'Til now I still can't believe that we're finally doing this whole shebang :)

Unknown said...
December 20, 2011 at 9:08 PM

Love it! Carpe diem my friend. =)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
December 21, 2011 at 12:48 AM

Thanks Tin :)

Badet said...
January 2, 2012 at 2:01 PM

I love this spontaneity!

betty lopez said...
January 14, 2012 at 9:24 AM

Travelling is really great but with a baby???
I would do it when I am single and young or after the kids have grown up.
When the kids are teeners even if u want them to go with u theyd rather stay home. So why now?

At your age,u should be building a nest egg. When u have saved a bit then go to where your feet brings u.

You still have a long time to pursue your dreams of travelling, your age is just the right age to toil ,after your 30s it would be hard for u to secure a good job.

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