I’ve been doing this van dwelling thing for almost a month now and here’s what I’ve learned:
- Your home is never going to be as tidy as you want it to be.
- It will smell.
- You will smell.
- You have to make an executive decision between mosquitoes and sweating in your sleep–in other words: window open or window closed.
- You get to sleep somewhere new each night, without moving your bed.
- A 2.2 liter diesel doesn’t hill well.
- Your most basic needs can occupy a full day.
- Prepare not to shower often, unless you are willing to pay for it.
- It’s O.K. to sleep in the same clothes you wore that day, then wear them again the next.
- No matter how wild your hair and beard look in the morning, no one in public really seems to care.
- In the bedding game, the thicker the better.
- Charge EVERYTHING before going off the grid.
- Be open to random strangers approaching you (really, your home) and trying to peddle drugs, buy cigarettes, see what your van looks like inside, or borrow a light.
- Be open to baby wipe showers.
- The city (Auckland) brings out the worst in you.
- Hand rolling cigarettes is a legitimate hobby.
- Life goes on without the internet.
- Far fewer people actually seem interested from back home.
- Don’t inflate your air mattress during the day, then expect to sleep soundly at night. Especially on the beach.
- McDonalds is still shit for food, but who can argue with four hours of free internet and people watching?
- If there is one thing the Navy taught you that applies now: Secure all gear. Trust me, the combination of learning to drive a manual van, stiff suspension, back roads, and that untethered bag chair, do not make for a fun drive.
- It’s a lonely experience, at times. No matter how bad you want to, leave past relationships in the past and realize this is all part of the process.
- Talking to yourself and laughing at your own jokes is not a sign of losing it.
- When in NZ, barefoot is more fashionable at times than shoes.
- Kingfisher “Strong” beer, water, and instant coffee will keep you going.
- Science (Google) has taught us that just because you eat Swiss cheese three times a day for a week straight doesn’t mean it gets to be the scapegoat for YOU smelling like Swiss cheese. (Gross I know. It’s the new deodorant.)
- Contrary to automatic thoughts as a result of 12 years of military conditioning; you do not need to have a plan for every second of your time.
Loving your blog! XOX
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Hi Drew! Wow, what an incredible journey and journal. I for one miss you as I’m sure others do as well. When will you check into a hotel and endulge in the finer things like a hot shower and cushy bed? Take some pics of your travels and as usual be safe.
Love Dad
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