I’d like to share some insight about a Facebook memory I recently came across.

The memory reminds me that every change in our lives has the potential to create a crisis.

A “crisis” can range anywhere from a minor nuisance to an earth shattering upheaval.

Thankfully, this particular crisis was simply a minor conundrum.

Some Quick Context

At the time of this Facebook post, I’d spent most of the summer living off-the-grid along the Oregon coast.

— Tidbit: Much of my first 2 1/2 years of van life were spent living off-the-grid.

One of my favorite spectator sports is People Watching… because a gal who can’t participate in public events has to come up with alternatives!

During one of my People Watching events, I experienced a minor, somewhat amusing identity crisis. I’m sure this sort of crisis is normal for anyone who lives full-time in their cozy little home on wheels,

August 10, 2017

Here’s a screenshot of the Facebook post – typos and all…

In August 2017, I was not quite 2 years in to living full- time in my van.

I had the initial, jarring, moving into a van adjustment under my belt but… almost 2 years later… there came a time when I wasn’t sure where I fit in.

I know… I know… I don’t fit into the kingdom of normalcy anyway. I’m very accustomed to not fitting in but I still have stepping stones to cross and mountains to conquer!

What sticks out about this Facebook memory is… I realized I was neither a Local nor a Tourist.

Local vs Tourist

You would think everyone you meet is either a Local or a Tourist of some sort. But for those like me… that’s not the case.

To an extent, we become part of the locale – but we can’t identify ourselves as a true Local.

To an extent, we enjoy seeing the sites – but we can’t identify ourselves as a true Tourist.

So Where Do We Fit In?

I’m fairly good at distinguishing a Local from a Tourist.

I’m also pretty good at identifying those of us who are neither.

Those of us who are neither tend to silently blend in. We have a Chameleon-like ability to become Local-like, Tourist-like or go un-noticed altogether.

The Local’s and Tourist’s have difficulty identifying us yet we, ourselves, have a telepathic-like gift for finding and connecting with each other without uttering a word.

So who are we?!

We are… the Nomad’s.

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Odd-n-Ends

The photo at the top is Bella (my van) in the parking lot behind the tall grass at Arch Rock – located within the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor along the Oregon coast.

See other posts about my time in Oregon.

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