Backpacking on waiter savings - possible?
- Frederik Herholdt
- Mar 29, 2018
- 4 min read
I came across a facebook post by one of my school friends during last week, what he posted has moved me. Following his facebook I knew about his travels during last year, I envied his destinations, but never really knew to what extent he went to get there: Riis, my friend, traveled with a one way ticket, wanting to see where his journey takes him.
The saying goes, "Traveling. It leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller." Taking that and my friend's post about his ventures into consideration, I cannot help but to question what "to travel" really entails, and what makes you worthy of the title, "Traveler".
One year ago, on 22 March 2017, Riis Lemmer left South Africa to start a "solo backpacking adventure". He initially planned the trip to last about 10 months before packing what he had and returning. He funded his trip by waitering in a restaurant and working on a wine farm. Riis had nearly no expenses since he lived with his parents and occasionally rode his bicycle to work. Riis thought that, since he doesn't have a job, girlfriend, kids, or student debt, he was in the perfect time of his life pack and go without any worries of leaving responsibilities behind.
Riis's first stop was the city of Rome where he spent a couple of days before flying to Lisbon. From Lisbon he traveled by means of hitchhiking. He traveled along the west and south coast of Portugal, and then crossed the border to Spain where he then continued to hitchhike to his next stop, Barcelona. He spent about one and a half months in Europe, Riis says it was a pleasant and rather "safe-ish" introduction to the free camping, hitchhiking and more low-budget lifestyle that he enjoys. Riis certainly has experienced the best that this lifestyle has to offer, the most valuable thing he takes from it is the experience. He has slept in a cave, in a firefighters station, in a vacant building, camped on the beach, cowboy camped under a bush next to the highway and in an open grass field in Geres National Park with some he friends made. He is also used Couchsurfing from time to time.
His next destination after Barcelona was Quito, Riis flew from Barcelona to Quito to start his South American adventure. Riis planned to travel south from Quito, to eventually arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "Well, it's been 10 months since I got to the continent and the only other country I have been to is Colombia, which has got a special place in my heart!"
"I have had so many incredible (and some unpleasant) experiences and adventures, met some of the most amazing people and have learnt more in this past year than any year I was in school (not that I paid much attention in class anyways). The pictures I occasionally upload onto Facebook are nothing compared to the stories I have, which I might write about in a travel blog one day."
Riis is currently volunteering on an organic farm close to the town of Apuela, in Imbabura, Ecuador. He was planning to head back to Columbia at the end of April when is Ecuadorian visa expired, unfortunately he was robbed of his belongings whilst walking on the beach between the coastal towns of Same and Tonchigue. Riis was left with the clothes on his back.
"So I am excited about what the next year holds. I might have to stay in Ecuador for 6 months to wait for a new passport, or maybe I will head back to South Africa...in any case, I will be happy with whatever the Lord decides is right for me."
Update: Riis has sorted out his documents, and can now continue his adventures.
I asked Riis a few questions, since I am completely in awe of his journey:
Leaving SA were you excited about the adventure, and what was the main thing you had in mind for your journey?
A: I was, I had been thinking about this trip for a couple years, and was excited for it to finally begin. The main thing I had in mind was to visit Patagonia in Chile/Argentina to do some hiking. I haven't visited the area yet, and at the snail's pace I am moving through the continent, it might be years before I get there.
Did your savings help you through the hurdles you encountered on the trip, and how long did your savings last you?
A: To date they have, and I should be able to travel for a couple more years if I occasionally volunteer and continue to travel inexpensively (~$5/day).
During difficult times, what kept you going? What was the thing in the back of your mind that helped you not to lose hope?
A: The faith that it will all work out.
Did you keep contact with family back in SA?
A: Of course!
If you are planning to start a travel blog, when are you planning to do so?
A: I'm working on it :)
Posted 29 March 2018 | Frederik Herholdt
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