When traveling, we at the @gardenofeden rise to the challenge of continuing to hold true to our values in honoring the earth and mankind. Our favorite way to engage is to be open to whatever opportunity presents itself, as simply, efficiently, inexpensively, and sustainably as possible.
Living true to our values, life tends to blossom!!
Be it food,
sleeping arrangements,
mode of transportation
or other particulars,
we love to utilize available resources, including harvesting food and water
instead of eating at restaurants and from supermarkets;
couch surfing, camping, or staying with a friend (new or old)
instead of staying in hotels or boarding establishments.
We prefer to walk, bike or share a ride, or even using local metros and public transportation,
instead of taking taxis or other expensive rides.
We choose these more economical and less wasteful options for many reasons....
we use fewer resources,
create less waste,
meet new people and make new friends,
have great enjoyment of nature, fresh air and sunshine,
get exercise,
get healthier and strengthen our bodies,
get to know more intimately the local people and culture,
receive surprising experiences,
spend way less money,
remove much of our support of big business and mega corporations,
and help others along the way.
These are realities that are already present in our everyday life. We choose this way as our overall experience, then life becomes richer in every way, while we help to protect our planet, and invest in serving others instead of just ourselves.
We have been in Europe a month. Our first 5-6 days were dedicated to Steemfest, and therefore revolved around the decadent realities provided through this epic event.
Since then, 4 of us have been traveling together through Portugal and Spain. We are constantly weighing our options to see what fits best into our criteria and is most in alignment with our values, before making our decisions.
I made a recent post about our sustainable food harvesting while on the road, to share the possibilities of eating healthy and fresh, as well as inexpensively and sustainably, especially while away from home.
Now here's a bit about what our accommodations looked like on this extended journey:
We have slept in
4 airports - (LA, Moscow, Barcelona, and Lisboa)
4 airplanes
1 bus station (Baracelona)
2 buses
1 community
3 hostels
2 hotels
5 homes (Ricardo, @heidtravelsi, Mark, Pablo, and with the Matinata family),
2x on the ground at hot springs
on a rock vortex,
and even 2-3 nights in a car!
Last night we slept on a cushy mattress with some friends in Miami, after having several free, uncomfortable global airport slumber sessions. Thank goodness our bodies are resilient and capable, and that we have embraced our entire adventure which has become rich and juicy with experience.
I have been incredibly touched, especially by those who have opened their homes to a group of us, basically strangers. 4 people can be difficult for many to take in, but they have done it anyway.
We have been blessed by those who have fed us, given us shelter and exchanged memorable experiences.
Staying with locals is some of my very most favorite part of the trip, as we get to make real human connection with the culture and the hearts of its people.
We have activated our Uber Dank High Vibe Cuisine vortex to share in return,
gifting fresh hand-harvested herbs, fruit and vegetables,
as well as sharing massages, medicinal jewelry,
herbal remedies, and being catalysts for exploring new perspectives.
Really being with the people has given us opportunity to promote Steemit, the new economy, holistic living, sustainable realities, new paradigm parenting and relationships, the beauty of community, and more inspiration for activation of a global community we are presently calling "Eden 2.0" - or perhaps "SteemCastle". (If you're interested in community, leave me a comment below!)
We have learned much this past month and our community of family has grown ever stronger.
We have forged some deep friendships and connections that are priceless,
much of which was facilitated by our choosing the most most sustainable option in the moment .