World travelers, location independent, 3rd culture kids... it sounds very glamorous to those who think going to the seaside is a big deal or who rarely travel outside of their own country. And make no mistake, it IS a big deal to be Living the Dream. Social media is littered with posts of so-called Digital Nomads working poolside, beach-side and under the shade of a palm tree.
Yesterday I had the privilege to be sitting, dripping sweat in 100F+ heat in a huge queue at the Thai consulate here in Vientiane, the capital city of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos. I was sitting on the ground as there were too many people for chairs, and in front of me I saw this:
The owner of those well-traveled boots looked a little tired. Mind you, we all were. Despite arriving at around 8am after the over-night schlep from North-Western Thailand, I drew THIS in the 'lucky' queue lottery:
So why put up with immigration queues like this to get the bit of paper and the stamp that enable me to Live the Dream?
Cos this morning I was walking along the mighty Mekong River in bright sunshine with the communist flags flying, people smiling and the breeze coming on off the water, in search of a great cup of Lao coffee. And a sweet looking maybe French or Eastern Eurpoean obviously-well-traveled middle-aged man gave me a thumbs up at my "But First, Yoga" singlet, and also a dazzling smile. I smiled back and turned to watch him as he passed, ONLY TO SEE THOSE SAME BOOTS!!
Sitting in immigration and looking at ground level, I had only seen the cracked soles and the queues. This morning I was looking up and felt the freedom - am still feeling the freedom as I work quietly in the lobby of my hotel and await my driver. I am returning to my life in Northern Thailand richer for having seen those boots, and the smile this morning that came with them. Because it was the radiant, glowing smile of another Free Being, living with his choices and happy in that place. Radiating that happiness to whomever crossed his path. This morning I was the lucky one.
No selfie or happy snap with him, cos I like to walk and see the world digitally-free a lot of the time. But share the image of his boots and the beautiful feeling of freedom to inspire you to travel and break the mold.
Gratitude for my global life, and applying great Lao coffee as I contemplate the queue again to collect my new visa this afternoon.