...but it's beginning to come together.
I think it started because my job. Like many others in Calgary, is in jeopardy because of low oil prices. I'm luckier than many other people because I still have a job, but it looks like I only have full time work until the end of July. I needed to formulate a plan to ride out the downturn. I needed to go somewhere cheap.
My first thought was Cambodia or Vietnam. My uncle really likes to visit that part of the world, and his enthusiasm, pictures and stories made South-east Asia a strong contender. I could rent a one bedroom apartment with WiFi and cable in a secure building for under $300US. This is cheap. I was excited about the prospect.
I needed to rent out my two bedroom condo in the south of Calgary first. I didn't think selling it was a good idea, as there is a flood of properties on the market, and my building is having some renovations done (because it was built by shysters in 2008) and renovations wouldn't be finished for a couple of years. Where was I going to live between renting out my apartment and leaving the country? I didn't want to couch surf. I didn't fancy the idea of moving back in with Mum and Dad. I was chatting with a friend about this, and she offered up her 1979 camper van for me to stay in for a few weeks. That's when I started thinking...maybe I should get my own van.
If I buy an old camper van, I can live in it for a couple of months before I leave, and then instead of going to South-east Asia, I could drive the van south, and hopefully go and explore Central America.
I'm pretty excited about the prospect of living in a van for a while. I'll have to simplify my life, and jettison a lot of "stuff" to make it work. There are going to be times where it's going to be uncomfortable, and annoying, and maybe even a bit scary, but I think I'll be a better person because of the experience.
I know this type of adventure wouldn't be for everybody, and while a few people may be interested in following along with my adventures, I'm mainly writing this blog for myself, as a journal of the experience. That being said, it seems to be logical for me to address these entries to you, the possibly non-existent reader. Together we will have a great adventure! (even if you're just the electronic version of an imaginary friend)
Time to roll.
