Sole Sister Spotlight: Wander 2 Nowhere with Noel
Tuesday, December 10, 2013When did you start a travel lifestyle? What inspired you to take that big leap?
I left Malaysia in 2004 when I was 30 years old. I had a budding corporate career as a trainer for a 5 star international hotel but I wasn’t happy. I felt like a robot just going through routine day in and day out. I was looking for more. I was looking for freedom. And it was then that I was reading Paulo Coelho’s book ‘The Alchemist’. The message I got from it was “when you follow your destiny, the universe conspires to help you.” Another quote that inspired me to travel was “life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away”. Ever since I was a kid, I had dreamed about traveling the world so I decided to quit my job, to sell of everything and leave. I’ve never looked back since. And indeed the universe has helped me through all these 10 years of life on the road.
I am the black sheep of the family. Whenever I call home they would ask when am I coming home. And when I am home, they would ask when am I going to settle down. It’s not easy for them to understand or accept what I do, especially for an Asian family. We are conditioned to land a secured job, save for the future, strive for success, etc. I’ve talked to my family a few times about it but I know it’s difficult for them to comprehend, so I am not forcing the issue as long as they respect my decision.
Like all parents, mine are constantly worried about me, my safety, my future, etc. Once, I was in the wilderness of Patagonia and didn’t realize that it was Chinese New Year and didn’t call home. My mother couldn’t sleep for few nights. And when I finally called home I was chastised by my father. My parents never directly support my lifestyle, but they have never pressured me to stop. And for that I am extremely grateful.
Has there ever been a place that you have gotten close to calling "home"?
Yes. I lived in Madrid, Spain for almost 3 years and I felt very much at home there. I had a group of close friends and I loved the Spanish way of life. But I wasn’t ready to settle down and the call of adventure was too strong to resist. So I packed up my backpack and went to South America.
What are some major risks you've had to undergo in order to keep moving?
When I moved to Spain, I had about 70 euros in my bank account. I had no job and I didn’t know anyone in the city. It was quite unnerving. But I was determined to make it work. I was lucky I met someone who let me crash on his couch (that was before couchsurfing) and I had no problem finding a job. I was almost robbed a few times and actually gotten robbed twice in Colombia. But in none was my life ever in danger. I had also lived in 2 countries illegally. I knew the risk involved when I made the decision and was prepared to be deported if I was caught. It made for a juicy story to tell friends and grandchildren (if I ever have some). But I was very lucky and was never caught. I did have to bribe an immigration officer to give me an exit stamp though.
Hell yeah! It was when I was robbed at knife point by a gang member in a comuna/favela (shanty town) in Colombia. I had gone there for a friend’s birthday party and stayed the night, since it wasn’t safe to leave the area after sun down. So the next day while most of my friends were nursing their hangover, I decided to go home by myself. The metro station was about 400 meters away and it was morning so I wasn’t worry. Just as I was about to reach the station, a tough-looking guy came up to me, took out a switchblade and then proceeded to do a body search on me. I was really scared at that moment. There were people passing by and some even looked out from their windows. I asked for help but no one batted an eye lid. After what seemed like eternity, he put away the switchblade and let me go. He didn’t even take my money or my cell phone. I was relieved but shaken. Later I found out from my friend that because of gang related territorial fight; gang members were suspicious when they see new faces in their neighborhood.
I find work along the way. Whenever my saving runs low or I like a place enough to stay for a period of time, I would look for job and work for a few months, or even a few years. I started doing temporary jobs in cafes and restaurants, and then I started to teach English when I lived in Spain. And when Chinese became popular I also taught Chinese. I’ve work in hostels, sometimes in exchange for free stay. I’ve also done translation and interpretation jobs. Now I am slowly getting into writing.
A friend and I have started a small group tour. Our trips aim to bridge the gap between independent travel and group travel. This means a small group and no tour buses and boring lectures. We will be using public transports and eating where the locals eat. Our pace of travel will be slower allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the place and culture. On top of that, we have years of independent travel experience and will be sharing some of our tricks of the trade with you. Come join us http://wander2nowhere.com/tours/.
When I was traveling in South America I met many young people, who wanted to travel but didn’t have money, so they made bracelets and necklaces, performed in the streets and did whatever they could to make money. I was very intrigued by their lives. They really live their life without a safety net: they eat what they earn for that day. They don’t make a lot of money so they travel slowly, usually staying in a place a month or so to make enough money to get to the next town. I was attracted by how they really live in the present. So when I met some of these young people in Cartagena, Colombia I decided to be one of them. I didn’t know how to make any handicrafts, the only thing I could do was make origami and write names in Chinese. So I bought some colored paper and pen and started my life as a vagabond. In the afternoon I would set up my ‘stall’ outside the university and many students were intrigued by what I did. I wrote their names in Chinese and made bookmarks, and I made complicated origami of stars, cubes, etc. for sell. I even gave some origami lessons to a few interested students. In the evening I would set up at the touristy areas. It was fun and exciting.
It was also a lesson on humanity. There was camaraderie among the artists, on days when someone didn't make a sale, those who did would buy him/her a meal. Or when police came to chase us away, we would help each other pack so their stuff would not be confiscated. We helped and looked out for each other. I was also subject to look of disdain on a daily basis from the well-to-do locals and tourists. When I greeted them they would look down on me with an expression of indifference, and sometimes, of disgust. It taught me humility and I learned that generosity is giving no matter how little you have. It was one of the most enriching experiences I've had.
What kind of skills or know how would you consider necessary for someone who is thinking of long term travel?
I benefited a lot from my language skill, I could speak a few languages when I started traveling and I could pick a language up quite easily. This has helped me a lot to meet people and have a more in depth experience of the places I visit. When you speak to the locals in their language you shrink the divide and create a connection. Traveling is not just about seeing sights and having a great time, the essence of traveling is about connection; your connections with the place and the people. Being able to speak the local language will also help you to find job much more easily.
I think the most important thing about long term travel is to be flexible and open. Things sometimes don’t go according to plan but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have great experience. Some of my most memorable experiences came from some spontaneous decision. For example, when I went to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago (St. James’ way) I still had 4 months left on my UK’s working holiday visa. But when I finished the pilgrimage I felt that I wanted to live in Spain, so I decided to stay. And I never regretted it as I totally enjoyed my 3 years living in Spain.
And always ALWAYS live in the present!
Noel Lau was born and raised in a small town in East Malaysia (on the Borneo Island). He grew up in quite a traditionally Asian family. Eschewing family expectation he left a thriving corporate career behind and started his wandering life. Noel travels slowly, prefer to take time to know a country through its culture and people rather than just a temporary visitor. 10 years and more than 50 countries later, he continues to carry his backpack, treading through beaten and unbeaten path in the name of experiencing the amazing feeling that only travel could bring: being alive. Noel blogs about his travel at wander2nowhere.com.
Want more? Read other features on Sole Sister Spotlight.
Do you know of travelers who conquer the world one country at a time? We would love to interview them for Sole Sister Spotlight. Please send us an email at solesisters (dot) weare(at)gmail(dot)com. We look forward to your suggestions!
Looking for others who make travel happen,
Sole Sister Lois
Looking for others who make travel happen,
Sole Sister Lois
Get a FREE copy of the Sole Sister Guide to Planning an Epic Trip by subscribing to our newsletter. You can also hang out with us online on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
3 sole trails
What a great inspiration this guy is!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy we have met him in KL Yolanda! Such a remarkable traveler!
ReplyDeleteCool interview! I was one of those lucky ones to run into Noel by chance back in 2005...and we've been friends ever since!
ReplyDelete