What’s in a name?
That’s what I am curious about. And I will also explain to you why I chose The Solivagant Writer. If you’ve read my About Me page, then you are well on your way to understanding. But there’s always a caveat or nuance to it. So here it goes.
“Solivagant” is an obscure word that describes someone who is a solitary wanderer. Something I feel relates to who i am as a person. I enjoy time spent alone, whether that is hiking or reading or writing. Who doesn’t?
Hopeless Wanderer by the band Mumford & Sons is one of my all-time favorite songs.
I am of the philosophy that it’s needed. That the more time you invest in yourself, the happier you’ll be.
But I am, first and foremost, a storyteller. Being a storyteller means blending my love of writing and photography. Both mediums are creative outlets I use to help with my anxiety and branch out.
Sustainable Travel & Fashion
I’ve been reading blogs like World Threads Traveler by Cait Bagby on sustainable fashion and eco-friendly trends to consider. I also hope, even dream, of traveling more frequently throughout Europe. Recently I have heard of the Slow Travel Movement, which by one definition means, “[it] is not so much a particular mode of transportation as it is a mindset. Rather than attempting to squeeze as many sights or cities as possible into each trip, the slow traveler takes the time to explore each destination thoroughly and to experience the local culture.”
For most of my travel experiences, it’s been like a whirlwind, including a three-month long odyssey exploring most of Europe in 2014. But things change in five years, and what I want to experience, and how, has too. There is more value in local, slow, and sustainable travel.
Besides that, I have been considered the fashionista within my family. But I never really considered the high costs of fast fashion. And I’ll admit, I have a lot of work to achieve the goal of a sustainable wardrobe. But like everything I do, I try to put my heart and soul into it.
Personal Writings
This blog has, and will, feature my personal writings. That includes personal essays, short stories (perhaps), and a selection of my poetry.
It is a personal blog, isn’t it?
This is what will showcase the most vulnerable side of me. And maybe I am brave to do so. I don’t know. Maybe I have to be able to write something and to tell a story, however short or however long.
Environmental and History Education
And lastly, I want to be able to educate my readers on the environment and history. Wherever this blog leads me, I want you to know it is important that we care about our environment and our history. I spent several years concurrently studying both in college, and sometimes I will still find time to read a fascinating book on history or the environment, or both.
March 17, 2019 at 6:30 pm
I loved this!! I am indebted to you for receiving the great word “Solivagant” from you! I’m so happy to have found your blog and am following you and looking forward to more wonderful writing and insights!!
Please come visit me??
Chuck
xoxoxo
March 17, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Thank you so much! I will try to write more frequently, both new poems and insights from my travels, etc.
March 18, 2019 at 12:45 am
Such an interested blog title. I really love your post. So I started following it. I hope you will also check my latest updates very soon. Keep sharing. Always welcome dear WordPress friend.
March 18, 2019 at 4:48 am
Thanks…I’ll try to keep up with reading on the travel section on your website.
March 18, 2019 at 4:50 am
Thanks.
March 18, 2019 at 5:23 pm
I always wondered what the name meant lol! Thanks for enlightenning us.
Being also a traveler and enjoying a solitary style life much of the time I could relate. In my case I choose to live several years in various countries (mainly Europe and south east Asia) to really absorb the culture. I never lost the sense of childlike wonder at the imesense diversity of this world. I hope you find your travels likewise life enriching.
March 18, 2019 at 5:41 pm
I definitely imagine having a base in Northern Europe and then gradually exploring throughout the region. It’s so important to delve into the culture more slowly. I still have to figure out a way to travel at least a little more, but not full time. Slow but steady.
March 21, 2019 at 9:28 am
One suggestion is by teaching English. This works particularly well in the far east for example. You just go to a country and if you want to stay go around the many cram schools (small schools giving after school classes) and offer your services. Nowadays you generally need a degree of some sort or TEFL (TEFL is quick and easy to get) You can also teach English in some parts of Europe but this would not be quite as easy to find nor be as lucrative as the far east where 15-20 hours a week can be ample to live on with lots of time off to explore. Visas can be a problem as small schools may not be able to offer one but you can often get multiple entry business or student visas.
April 5, 2019 at 5:11 pm
Solivagant: great word!
We do not travel alone, but most would say we have been advocates for slow travel for the last 19 years — and still determined to travel even more “slowly.”
April 5, 2019 at 5:23 pm
There are times I probably won’t choose to travel alone, but I do choose a lot of solitary activities. Thank you for sharing!