This is a response to my last blog post, which asked “To Remote or Not to Remote?” I admit; I did struggle with this decision. The thought of completely escaping my current life was so seductive. The thought of leaving all the things and people I love was so unnerving. I rode the roller coaster from very positive to “No way, Jose”, often in the same day, and landed on a compromise.
So… Am I going to live, work, and travel with group of total strangers spending each month in a different foreign country? YES. Am I going to do it for one full year? NO…because I don’t have to. The first group I contacted, Remote Year, keeping with its name, only offered a year-long adventure. That was too big a leap for me. As I looked around, I found other similar groups with a variety of options. I chose Pangea196 because I can commit for just four months with the option to continue. I can have my cake and eat it, too!
My plan is to spend January-April 2018 in South America: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Valparaiso, Chile; Lima, Peru; and Medellin, Colombia. All exciting cities with time zones close to ours and only one language to try to learn. I will continue with my website work 20 +/- hours a week, supporting my customers remotely. And the rest of the time…who knows? I expect a lot of dancing — tango, salsa, and even swing — beaches, museums, mercados, parks, botanical gardens, vineyards, Incan treasures, new friends, and daily challenges.
I also expect to transition from yoga teacher to yoga student. I hope to explore the yoga studios in each city, take classes, and see how/if their yoga culture differs. Is it as commercial and fashion-focused? Do they promote the physical or the spiritual aspects? Do they have as many novelty offerings (in chairs, on paddle boards, on a trapeze, with your children or goats)? Is the age and gender demographic similar? Do they use the Sanskrit names?
I truly look forward to busting out of my too-comfortable rut, just throwing everything into the air and seeing where it lands. In exchange for this opportunity, I am leaving my support network of partner, family, friends. I am giving up my sweet little house, my garden, my bed, my kitchen. I am relinquishing my personal privacy to share living and work space with “players to be named later”. Follow me (or not) as I inch along this unknown path and deal with all the upcoming decisions and adjustments. First up, is Duolingo for an online Spanish prep course and tango lessons. ¡Hasta luego!
accidental goddess 
That sounds exciting. Yes, do it while you still are able. Good luck with learning the language. I tried Italian several years ago. Wasn’t easy. This Sept we are heading to China. I know my two important words, bathroom and wine. Good to go.
Me, too: baño y vino! Yes, learning a new language gets harder as you age, when (often) you can’t think of the word you want in English. That said, I wonder if it will be harder to learn Spanish or live with a bunch of 30-year olds for 4 months. ¿Yo soy una mujer loca? Posiblemente, sí.
Good for you! What a great way to learn something new, get out of your comfort zone and find adventure. I will be with you in spirt and on Skype if you wish.
Thanks. I might be a Skype expert by the time it’s over.
You are an inspiration, Mary Lou. I look forward to hearing about your escapades.
And you are a true friend, supporting me in all aspects of my life.
So you are taking the LEAP? I could tell that you were working toward that commitment the last time we were together. We will be blazing that trail in November and December cruising along the coast of Brazil and up the Amazon River for 25 days. I guess we are all getting antsy for adventure while we can!
Yes, I am leaping into it. An Amazon trip? How EXCITING! With all the comforts, food, and amenities of a cruise ship….with the company of someone you know and love. That sounds sweet on every level. Talk soon?