Last night, sitting alone on the Kangaroo Point cliffs, thinking about life, I was struck by an almost irresistible urge to radically alter mine. Sitting there above the city, seeing it spread out before me, I could hear the call of its streets clearly. I wanted to become a part of it, a part of the living texture of the metropolis (such as it is). I wanted to make the city my home...not just the space between four bland walls on a quiet street nearby.
I wanted to live, not IN the city, but OF it. I sat there, smiling, and mentally developed a plan that would allow me to become a part of my city.
Firstly I would sell the majority of my possessions (my computer setup, furniture etc) and invest the money in more practical belongings (a knapsack, a sleeping bag etc). I'd set myself up with a Post Office box and a storage locker on my uni campus. I'd have all my mail redirected. I'd switch my phone to a prepaid plan rather than a debited one. I'd cancel all my unnecessary subscriptions/payments, including SG. I'd keep my bank account open, for the sole reason that my government study allowance gets paid into it. I'd keep my wallet and cards for ID purposes and for access to these funds. Basically I'd trim my life back the absolute essentials for functional existence.
Then I'd hit the streets. I'd live perfectly free, without the need to even give up my studies. I'd wander through the city, sleeping in sheltered spots (my uni campus is riddled with them). I'd have all I needed to continue to live a fruitful, social and productive life. I'd have an income (thankyou Austudy) and access to free computers, internet and power (thankyou QUT). I'd be able to purchase toiletries and other items and store them in my locker. I could eat well enough from any supermarket (I once fed myself for a week on $5 by eating nothing but deli meats, bread rolls and apples). I'd have unlimited access to fresh drinking water (public fountains are everywhere!). Public transport can get you practically anywhere for next to nothing, provided you don't mind a bit of a walk, now and then. Shower facilities are readily available for a few dollars at public pools and laundromats are cheap if you travel light.
Basically, there's no reason I couldn't do it. Hell, like everything in today's world, it's been done already.
Imagine the experiences, the personal growth and the unique perspectives that would come of this lifestyle. I am totally in love with the idea.
And I hate myself for not having the courage to do it. Or at least, not to do it alone. If I could find just one person brave enough to do it with me, I'd go for it.
Any takers?
I wanted to live, not IN the city, but OF it. I sat there, smiling, and mentally developed a plan that would allow me to become a part of my city.
Firstly I would sell the majority of my possessions (my computer setup, furniture etc) and invest the money in more practical belongings (a knapsack, a sleeping bag etc). I'd set myself up with a Post Office box and a storage locker on my uni campus. I'd have all my mail redirected. I'd switch my phone to a prepaid plan rather than a debited one. I'd cancel all my unnecessary subscriptions/payments, including SG. I'd keep my bank account open, for the sole reason that my government study allowance gets paid into it. I'd keep my wallet and cards for ID purposes and for access to these funds. Basically I'd trim my life back the absolute essentials for functional existence.
Then I'd hit the streets. I'd live perfectly free, without the need to even give up my studies. I'd wander through the city, sleeping in sheltered spots (my uni campus is riddled with them). I'd have all I needed to continue to live a fruitful, social and productive life. I'd have an income (thankyou Austudy) and access to free computers, internet and power (thankyou QUT). I'd be able to purchase toiletries and other items and store them in my locker. I could eat well enough from any supermarket (I once fed myself for a week on $5 by eating nothing but deli meats, bread rolls and apples). I'd have unlimited access to fresh drinking water (public fountains are everywhere!). Public transport can get you practically anywhere for next to nothing, provided you don't mind a bit of a walk, now and then. Shower facilities are readily available for a few dollars at public pools and laundromats are cheap if you travel light.
Basically, there's no reason I couldn't do it. Hell, like everything in today's world, it's been done already.
Imagine the experiences, the personal growth and the unique perspectives that would come of this lifestyle. I am totally in love with the idea.
And I hate myself for not having the courage to do it. Or at least, not to do it alone. If I could find just one person brave enough to do it with me, I'd go for it.
Any takers?
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He did it in a bit more hardcore way though.
Like Trace and Greg, I think it should be documented.
Pippa raises an interesting point as to your safety and a good plan to ensure your friends/family can locate you if needed.
The things we do to experience life... I'd join you for a week, but that is all. I'm comfortable with my home a million miles from anywhere, my room filled with paints, canvas's and assorted works, my access to learning (internet), my car that enables me to go to far away places public transport can't take me and the creature comforts that make things happier.
Talk soon I hope.