We are a Northwest bred couple who are in search for a non traditional lifestyle with a thirst for adventure. Our plan is to explore, discover, live and experience a different part of the world from our soon to be mobile four wheel magic machine. We are going to see what normally would be inaccessible or challenging to see due to logistics and financial restrictions. We hope to gain a new perspective from our eclectic living conditions and appreciation for simplicity.
Pre-Van Life:
Will was attempting to juggle 4 jobs and eventually found a temporary position recruiting and marketing for an international program at a local college. Ratha worked as a nanny raising two young children, a job she had only planned to be in while she finished her Masters in Teaching. Three and a half years later with the family, she has not stepped into the classroom since she graduated. Our life in Washington consisted of weekend explorations and spending times with friends and family. We both feel very fortunate that we have built a life in Washington that’s worth returning to and provides an amazing home base.
Intentional living:
“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ― Christopher McCandless
Quitting our jobs, selling our belongings and traveling around in a van for a year can seem a bit scary. Change and the unknown can be very daunting. When we broke the news of our plan to our friends and family, we received a mostly overwhelmingly positive response, though it was not without it’s skeptics.
In order to prepare financially for this trip, sacrifices were certainly made. We declined a number of dinners, weekend getaways and happy hour invitations. Things have been a bit more simple, we sold many things (Ratha the most by far) and saved most of our income. Ratha worked many extra hours and Will numerous jobs and living frugally just so we can make this happen. We are not against traditional dwelling and the 9-5 lifestyle. While we know this way of living isn’t for everyone, we found our inspiration through others and were motivated to try it ourselves. We want to inspire others to embrace simplicity and change, and love the life you live.
Vantastic Voyage 