Impermanence

Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light - Dylan Thomas

Time. The certainty of its existence is undeniable; a law of physics that, at the present day, cannot be broken. Yet, the perception of time is something that can be altered and perceived differently by the individual. Backpackers have a unique outlook on this concept as they often go through their journey in a world where time seemingly stands still. The accumulation of memories grows with each passing day, yet there seems to be no expenditure of this precious resource. No longer needed is the notion of what day of the week it is. Weekend transitions seamlessly into weekday and vice versa. Any agenda that you may have can be accomplished in whatever timely manner you see fit. There are no deadlines. No time constraints. A complete polar opposite to the normal Monday to Friday 9-5 that average society participates in. Time seems infinite in the mind of a backpacker. It is when you reach the end of your trip that you come to comprehend that the time you had really was limited. Regardless of how long your journey may have been, there will come a time where that figurative chapter will come to a close. The ephemeral nature of the moments that you experienced will become unquestionably evident; fleeting just like time itself. Understandably, the sudden realization of detachment from this lifestyle can be depressing in the beginning and can prove difficult to address. But really it’s this distinction that makes it so special. The limited amount of time afforded to experience those things will make you appreciate it that much more. Understanding this concept will enhance your interactions with the people you meet along the way, whether it be the locals or fellow backpackers. Friendships will generate with a heightened sense of intensity. Conversations will flow with increased focus and engagement. Sunsets will be seen through a lens of gratitude. Sunrises will be welcomed with energy and vigor. You will laugh a little louder, hug a little longer and dream a little bolder. This all occurs because a thorough understanding of this concept is really a fight against impermanence and entropy; our attempt to extend this given moment to infinity. While it may be a futile attempt, our lives and experiences are forever enriched because of it.

Auditory Retreat

Music is the shorthand of emotion - Leo Tolstoy

If there was one piece of gear that most backpackers can’t live without, many would probably say it would be a portable music device. Ipods, cellphones, tablets. Anything that contains music that can be listened to on the go. I personally find it my most essential piece of gear when I go on any of my trips. Music, in my opinion, can greatly enhance the experience by setting the appropriate mood through sound. The auditory complement to the visuals is like having a fine wine match with an exquisite piece of steak. Sometimes it can be used to accentuate the excitement for the day's daily activities. Other times it provides a personal momentary reprieve, especially during times of fatigue or frustration. It really is a piece of gear that can appropriately be deemed as “essential”. Unfortunately, sometimes the overuse of such devices can actually take you out of being in the moment. There have been instances where I would spend the majority of the day exploring a new city listening to music only to realise at the end of the night that I don’t remember much of what I did that day. Lost in a land of daydreaming. Therefore, whenever I was aware of myself doing this, I would take off my headphones and make a conscious effort in paying attention to all the subtleties around me. I would listen to the buzz of people in the markets. The roar of the motorcycles and automobiles during rush hour traffic. Sizzling of vegetables and assorted meats at the street carts. Conversations flowing in a foreign language. The sounds of the surrounding environment are unique everywhere you go. This momentary digital auditory retreat can be a chance for self-reflection; a moving meditation. Listen to the orchestra of sound that a city, village or town has to offer. This is music in itself.

Modicum Of Mystery

If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail. - Heraclitus

Lonely Planet guides, travel blogs, backpacker forums. Today, more than ever, we have access to a wealth of information about any subject imaginable with travel being no exception. The ability to research popular tourist sights, unique daily activities and lists of top things to eat is accessible to anyone with a computer and wifi. If one was so driven, every single nuance of a destination can be distilled down to the minute details. Fully detailed itineraries are not uncommon even in the backpacking community. In contrast, there are others that go to a location not knowing what to expect. I personally tend to favour the latter approach. The spontaneity of travel, to be captured in its flow, is the essence on what draws me to heading out into the unknown. There is magic in going out for an evening stroll only to be surprisingly enveloped by a vast bamboo garden or stumble upon a set of ruins away from the beaten path. Many may be familiar with this feeling when visiting friends or family in a place that is new to them. Almost all the sights and experiences will come as a welcome surprise. There are certainly understandable advantages of having an itinerary. Anyone on a shorter trip would want to maximize the amount of time by being more efficient about routes to get to certain places. Time efficiency could also mean properly packing the right gear needed for certain scenarios. Additionally, certain travellers just need a certain level of planning for a sense of comfort and security. All of these are notable reasons. In reality, there is usually not a rigid dichotomy between the two approaches as most individuals tailor their trip to a level of balance they see fit.  This is not meant to discount the purpose of having a plan, but rather to have a balance between both styles of thought. Therefore, the focus of this entry is the deliberate intention of leaving a modicum of mystery in your travels. Exploration carries with it the possibility of surprise, wonder, and awe. All these ingredients serve to accentuate the meaning of adventure.