Living on a shoestring budget
Lately, I’ve been following the exploits of a man that travels on a “shoestring” budget. That is, he has figured out that the rails go pretty much everywhere, and most of them still have trains. Freight, mind you. The comfort level is below par, for anyone that thinks that the Orient Express was the way to go.
You see, with anything as mechanical as a freight car, there has to be space for the mechanicals. Makes sense. And given that extra metal is heavy, most of the time there’s a place to wedge yourself in (out of the wind and rain), while you wait for the next destination. The videos are nothing more than a tribute to the tough and stubborn. What they call being a hobo.
I’m not going to ever do this. No trains around here, and no urge to travel as a stowaway. But, it’s fun to watch. To imagine. To say a heartfelt thankyou for my own good fortunes.
I’ve also been following the day-to-day of an old college buddy, who finished his working days by flying down to Mexico… and staying. He has an apartment, a new dog, an off-the-cuff approach to daily life. I assume he now speaks a third language; seems like a practical skill. Anyhow, he has proven that life can take a new direction, if only you’re willing. I don’t see myself hawking condos, but it’s good to know that the possibility exists. Ditto for all the other ingenious ways that people keep fed (and fit). Picture me, doing the samba on a southern shoreline.
