The Traveller

Dedicated to Izzy, Claire, Maria, Slava, Priscilla, Justus and Catarina,

Inspired by my dearest couch surfers.


Izzy, my first surfer once told us the amazing experience of her Kiwi employer while we were picnicking at Brighton Beach.
Her employer was able to live without any money in his pocket while he was backpacking.
In fact he was working hard and travelling smart at the same time.
Anything is possible as long as we are willing to work hard.


I admire Priscilla's bravery, as she is a real survivor.
 It was interesting to know that she is close to one of her couch surfing host and actually travels with them in New Zealand.
The father of this family is a journalist and the whole family travel all around the globe.
Surprisingly all the children were born in different countries.
What a gypsy lifestyle! Priscilla told me she wants to live like a gypsy as well!


We met Tanit and Jordi in Japan.
They said precious items actually bring burden, if we never own them we never have to worry about their safety!
To be able to live freely without worrying about our precious items is one of the happiest things on earth. Their approach has leave a deep impact in my life.
When we were travelling in Japan, we were rushing to cover as many places as we can and took as many photos as possible -- to keep the memories tangible.
On the other hand, Tanit and Jordi were having a fun and just relax while travelling.
Thanks to them, I have learn to take everything easy, always look around and enjoy my surrounding, instead of busy shooting everything with my cameras.
Learning to let go will conquer the biggest fear in our lives.


The best thing of travelling is to share wonderful and interesting stories with family and new found friends. It's not about showing off how many countries one has been to, it's sharing!
Just like when Catarina told us there is an Onion Festival in Switzerland every November and baked us a onion cake, we were so grateful to learn about it this way!


We see European backpackers everywhere and I really salute them for their independent personalities.
They worked very hard since they were in their teens and saved all up for travelling.
On the contrary, most Asian are very family dependent and most of us are unwilling to get out from our comfort zone.


So... to step out of my comfort zone look and like a gypsy, I am planning to do a dreadlocks like Priscilla's and Justus's!