Backpacking Round the World Trip - A modern day "Hero's Journey" (Joseph Campbell)

<< crossposted on the 'Let's Get Real podcast' blog

Are you about to embark on a Round-the-World trip? Have you recently returned from an epic adventure and wondering what to do next? Do you have a yearning to travel, voyaging to foreign lands, exploring exotic cultures and meeting interesting people?

It's the classic template for 'The Hero's Journey' as elucidated by Joseph Campbell, found in myths around the world and mirrored in popular works such as 'Star Wars' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. Whilst our modern day travels might not have the magic of these mythical quests, what with our GPS, crowdsourced tips and online booking there remains the sense of wonder and discovery even if the roads are paved and well-trodden. Myself, I prefer traveling with as little foreknowledge of a place as possible, guided by my instincts rather than technology. Its my way of preserving some sense of adventure.

If you've read even a few travel blogs, you might be familiar with certain tropes. Posts addressing whether long-term Travelers are running away or towards something. Advice on how to free oneself from the shackles of debt or comfort. These themes recur because they are part of the human condition, torn between needing to branch out and being rooted with our comforts. A cycle that began at birth.

Comparing long-term travel and Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's journey"

Whilst our trips may not be as outlandish as those found in legend, to us they are still the stuff of fantasy. People often remark that the treasure at the end of the journey was finding themselves, for a lucky few they may have even snagged the Princess.

VIDEO: The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell (1987)

The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell (1987)
NARRATOR: (43m 30s) The 'Hero with a Thousand faces' was the synthesis of years of work. In his book, Campbell outlined the Hero's Journey he had seen repeated in cultures around the world. He saw the hero as a personification of a Culture's mythology. Traditionally the hero might be a warrior, the ideal of strength and courage. An explorer, a founder of civilisations. A philosopher, an adventurer of the mind. And in the modern world, Campbell would add the artist and the scientist to the pantheon of heroes but the journey is essentially the same - One shape shifting story of the vision quest that transforms the world.

Whether it is Odysseus, King Arthur or Luke Skywalker. The hero is the one who responds to the call to Adventure. The stories often open with the hero appearing restless, something is missing in life, there is a feeling of destiny. It is a time for separation, sometimes it takes a shock to make the final break from the past and gain the final courage to accept the call. But noone can go it alone, everyone needs a mentor to provide wisdom and magical power...

The descent to the underworld of adventure is often blocked by dangerous threshold guardians. They mark the point of no return. Beyond them is the region of the unknown, a dreamlike labyrinth of tests and trials. To pass his initiation, the hero must become a Dragonslayer - seize the treasure or rescue the Princess. But the decisive ordeal of the quest is when the hero confronts death, he is challenged to follow the wisdom of his heart....

Find some of my favorite Adventure posts below:
- Read more about the "Hero's Journey" (aka The Monomyth)
- Coming Home from a year abroad. Reverse Culture shock and beating the travel Blues: The Hurt Locker (2008)
- Find all my 'Movie' posts here

- Traveling life as a movie
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Adventure

Coming Home from a year abroad. Reverse Culture shock and beating the travel Blues: The Hurt Locker (2008)

The closing scenes of 'Hurt Locker' (2008) capturing the call to adventure and
adrenalin rush that beckons people back. Something travelers wrestle with also.

There's always a period of adjustment when coming home after a year abroad. Settling back into the grind of daily life you encounter people who don't even realise you were gone. Conversely those aware of your absence show little interest to what you did while you were away. Then you come to realise everyone's been living eventful lives (marriage, divorce, mortgages, promotions, kids). You just hadn't been paying attention. You needed your own experience and some time away to get the fresh perspective to see what's always been there.

The more you experience, the more you realise nothing is new - Its just new to you. I've started to have a new appreciation for the stories people tell, messages in movies resonate more.

If you ever get the blues after returning from an extended stay away from home. Don't feel so bad, its human to crave returning to environments where we felt invigorated even though we belong elsewhere. While you're dying to reenlist for your next adventure don't forget that there are others itching to getaway again with their backpacks also.

The Hurt Locker (2008) - Civilian life in the supermarket

The Hurt Locker (2008)
Staff Sergeant William James: [Speaking to his son] You love playing with that. You love playing with all your stuffed animals. You love your mommy, your daddy. You love your pyjamas. You love everything, don't ya? Yea. But you know what, buddy? As you get older... some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore. Like your Jack-in-a-box. Maybe you'll realise it's just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal. And the older you get, the fewer things you really love. And by the time you get to my age, maybe it's only one or two things. With me, I think it's one.

- Transcript: Travelers depression and feeling the pain
- Backpacking Round the World Trip - A modern day "Hero's Journey" (Joseph Campbell)
- When fireworks underwhelm: Returned Soldier Kyle Wilson and Comedian Pete Holmes "feel nothing"

Road Music: Songs to be happy to (Last time, First lines)

Its the final few moments before I head home after a year+ of travel. I've been humming these songs in my head, more specifically the opening lines as they capture my current homeward bound mood.

VIDEO: 'Juicy' by Notorious B.I.G.

"It was all a dream..."

I feel like I've lived a dream, the more I speak with others the more I've realised its human nature to build things up in your head. It might seem like a movie trope/travel cliche but it truly was a great year. During the course of my trip I learnt the gravity of being in the moment and that living is already the dream.

A Punk Rock title, a reference to Istanbul and my current catchphrase.
All the layers on one shirt.

I spotted this T-Shirt at an Istanbul Mens store. Not sure if they knew it was Punk Band (New Found Glory) merch, I think they were just stocking it because of the famed Turkish Video Game character "Bald Bull" of NES Classic 'Mike Tyson's Punch Out'.

A Zeitgeist photoshoot

On my last week in Europe, I found a photoshoot promo in the London NikeTown as part of the #MakeitCount campaign gearing up for their 2012 Olympics. I posed for a photo and was asked to write up a slogan for motivation. LL Cool J's iconic intro had been stuck in my head all week

VIDEO: 'Mama Said Knock You Out' by LL Cool J

"Don't call it a comeback..."

I started this blog during my 'Yes-Man year' leading up to my year of travel. All the great results from my trip I believe came as a result of the energy I adopted and grew into back home in Sydney. I like to think of it as "taking awesomeness on the road", I'm simply returning it to where it began - At home and within.

- Find the entire 'Road Music' Track listings here

Day 365: Life as a movie - Movie tropes and Travel cliches

Its been exactly one year since I left Sydney and embarked on this remarkable EuroTrip. I will write several posts to mark the occasion, perhaps some flashback humour.

They say when life is eventful or too good to be true, it can sometimes feel like you're in a movie. The last few days have me thinking just that.

We've all laughed at observational comedy, nodded after reading a poignant quote and gotten emotional at the movies. But sometimes we experience things in life that brings a new enlightenment. Things start making more sense and we we find a deeper resonance. Then you realise that what you thought you knew, you didn't truly know. Until now.

Below are some classic movie tropes that travelers might recognise:

Pulp Fiction (1994)
- "What's in the briefcase?"

"I believe everyone should experience travel because..."

1. Travelers often say they're on a journey to find themselves' - a search for adventure, the "perfect wave". A 'higher purpose', some direction and (gulp) the meaning of life. This is called a Macguffin.

-----------------------------------

The Matrix (1999)
- "After this, there is no turning back"

"That kind of stuff never happens at home"
2. Through travel we get to experience many new things, largely because we dare to pose the questions we might ordinarily be scared to in the comforts of home. You take the plunge - you'll try new foods, approach the girl or follow that stranger. You go down that Rabbit Hole.

-----------------------------------

Lost in Translation (2003)
- "I'm looking for, like, an accomplice"

"I found out what really matters"
3. After you've realised your dreams and overcome your fears. Now what? Some of the easier questions get answered but the harder stuff (refer to 1.) remains a mystery. It's a Riddle for the ages.

-----------------------------------

Total Recall (1990)

- "We call it the Ego Trip"

"I did so much stuff"
4. By the end of your trip you've amassed plenty of experiences and emotions over a concentrated time. Depending on the reliability of your documentation and the availability of running mates you may start to forget what happened. Disbelieve some of your crazier adventures and wonder, Was it a dream?

-----------------------------------

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

- "Home is behind, the world ahead..."

"Nothing's changed, none of my friends at home understand"
5. Your trip's over and now your home. Life returns to its normal pace and you find yourself slotting back into routine. You feel detached from your friends and find yourself chasing after travel ghosts. You start getting restless, plotting your next adventure. You realise you feel like a Stranger in a Familiar Land.

Mixtape: 'Loz in Translation' Sampler II (Turkey)

My original Mixtape Sampler was set in Spain, early into my trip. Its been a long time coming but I'm compelled to compile a new one for scenic Turkey.

1. A question answered with a quote
2. Other People' stories
3. Road Reading
4. Road Music
5. Road Movies
6. Spotted

1. A question answered with a quote

I'm happy now so I'm prepared. Bring on the pain whilst I'm ready for it

Has it defeated you?

----------------------------------------

2. Other People's stories:

VIDEO: Kurt Angle takes down Brian Kilmeade

KURT ANGLE: I never got to soak it in. I don't remember the Olympics. I don't remember the opening ceremonies. I don't remember enjoying the Olympic Village. I don't remmber winning the Gold Medal. I don't remembe-- All I remember is having a sense of relief.

I made it a job. I put a lot of pressure on myself. So much pressure that I lost a lot of sleep, a lot of weight. I lost 8 years of my life that I don't remember. This time around I want to soak it in, I want to enjoy the experience.

I'm a wrestling fan. Just like podcasting its one of the few habits I indulge in whilst on the road to keep me feeling connected to home and normalcy. This sentiment dovetails with my resolution to be more conscious and live in the moment. Its mindboggling to imagine that a seminal point in one's life, a moment that ultimately changed its course can be forgotten and leave behind little feeling.

----------------------------------------

3. Road reading:

Life
"Memory is Fiction"
- Keith Richards

This captivating biography was on the Hostel bookshelves, I've been reading it whilst soaking in the breathtaking Antalya vistas. This review from the New Yorker captures its spirit beautifully "it’s an entertaining, rambling monologue, a slurry romp through the life of a man who knew every pleasure, denied himself nothing, and never paid the price". Jeeeealous.

----------------------------------------

4. Road Music:

VIDEO: 'Hep Yaşın 19' by Mfö

I've been enjoying the guerilla aesthetic of the new school 'Black Eyed Peas' music videos. I'm a fan of the understated glamour that exudes from documentary style video clips. Whilst enjoying a Turkish Breakfast, I happened across this Turkish Rock video that mirrors BEP's 'Just Can't Get Enough'. Both videos capture the energy tempered by the melancholy that comes with being on the road

----------------------------------------

5. Road Movies

VIDEO: An Idea can transform the world - Inception Movie Trailer

I've been running into cyclists around Turkey, so far a Japanese man and a New Zealander both with long term missions spanning years. The New Zealander was cycling home to the Auckland after living in London for 10 years. He's aiming to be back by May 2013.

The Kiwi explained to me how on his second date with a prospective long-term partner, knowing he'd inevitably be embarking on this epic journey he conceded "I want to be honest with you - I have this idea..."

I laughed knowingly. I thought of 'Inception' (2010).

Update 2015:
Jeremy Scott incredibly finished his journey 2.5 years and 29 Countries later, publishing a book documenting his tale. Find it here - The Long Road From A Broken Heart

----------------------------------------

6. Spotted in: Antalya, Turkey
Ocak 11 2012. 9pm
In Sydney you can find them by the Downing Centre, Liverpool St. In London at the Trocadero underground level. In Antalya, Turkey you'll find your local BBoys at the arcade across from the Muratpaşa tram stop.

- Mixtape: 'Loz in Translation' Sampler (Spain)
- Mixtape: 'Loz in Translation' Sampler II (Turkey)

Trigger: Day 350 - What I'll miss most about traveling (Ego Tripping)

"Choose your own Adventurer"

Its day 350. Wow!
I find myself getting nostalgic already. In just over a month I'll be back on home soil. To be honest, I welcome it but I already find myself reminiscing on my many Ego-Trips.

I'll miss being a Venezian labourer
I'll miss being an American Vagabond
I'll miss being Brazilian Erasmus student
I'll miss being German Artist
I'll miss being German Sports student
I'll miss being nekkid in the mountains
I'll miss being a "rainy Lithuanian"
I'll miss being a Slovakian Adventurer
I'll miss being a touring English chap
I'll miss being Louis Theroux
I'll miss being upside down on a waterslide
I'll miss being a coffee enthusiast
I'll miss being Anne Frank
I'll miss being the "New Amim"
I'll miss being On a Boat
I'll miss being a Basketball scout
I'll miss being a poet
I'll miss being a scene kid

Day 300 - The LozinTransit map

Germany Day 1-17 (17)
Stays: Frankfurt, München, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Köln
Daytrips: Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberhausen

Italy Day 18-46 (28)
Stays: Milano, Firenze, Venezia, Roma

Spain Day 47-94 (47)
Stays: Barcelona, Callela, Valencia, Madrid, Sevilla, Córdoba, Malaga, Granada
Daytrips: Lloret Del Mar

Portugal Day 95-158 (63)
Stays: Lisboa, Sintra, Ericeira, Obidos, Coimbra, Porto
Daytrips: Leiria, Peniche, Mafra

Netherlands Day 159-197 (38)
Stays: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Denbosch, Tilburg, Rotterdam, Scheveningen
Daytrips: Harlem, Amersfoort, Delft

England Day 198-200 (3), 206-212 (7), 270-299 (30)
Stays: London - Arsenal, Fulham Broadway, Russell Square, Pimlico, Swiss Cottage, Queensway.
Bournemouth, Brighton, Birmingham, Nottingham,

Scotland (Day 201-205 (4)
Edinburgh

Lithuania Day 213-242 (29)
Stays: Vilnius, Panevėžys, Siauliai, Klaipeda, Kaunas

Latvia Day 243-257 (14)
Stays: Riga, Liepaja + Karosta Prison, Ventspils
Daytrips: Jurmala, Sigulda

Estonia Day 258-270 (14)
Stays: Tartu, Otepää, Tallinn, Karesaare, Muhu
Daytrips: Kaleste

Other 'Loz in Transit' maps:
- 30 Home Games: NBA Destinations
- 'Loz in Transit' Europe 2011 expanded map
- 'Loz in Transit' South America 2013 expanded map

Trigger: "A moment in time" Panevėžys, Lithuania (2011 m. Rugsėjo 7)

Soundtrack for the "A moment in time

'This is the moment' by David Hasselhoff (Jekyll & Hyde)
-----------------------------------

Its amazing what adventures can be unlocked just by striking up a conversation, for one night this Pauper was treated like a Prince. I also found that being "down to earth" is a state of mind and has nothing to do with how much is in your bank account.

The Lithuanian people have been incredibly hospitable, sometimes I wonder if I'm getting red carpet treatment because of the Basketball championships. As people have affirmed, its about providing a good energy which people will meet in return.

Find the other trigger days here:

- Trigger "Farewell in Unison" Sydney, Australia (June 22, 2013)
- Trigger: "One hell of a night" Rotterdam, Netherlands (Juli 26, 2011)
- Trigger: "A moment in time" Panevėžys, Lithuania (2011 m. Rugsėjo 7)

- Hair, There and Everywhere: Haircut days in Europe
- Trigger: Day 114 - An NBA day in Portugal
- Trigger: Day 244 - 8 months in review
- Find other Memento Triggers here

Louis Theroux, Couchsurfing and Holland

"You're kinda like a Louis Theroux"

- Dutch woman at a party my CS Host brought me along to

"You're like your own personal Couchsurfing site"

- American I've Campervan & Attic "surfed" with

These have been two of the most flattering compliments I've gotten whilst traveling. Funnily my maiden reference to my Couchsurfing profile declared, "Definitely a people person since he seems more interested in meeting the locals than the attractions". I mildy took offence the first time I read it. Then conceded that I do aspire to be more like a 'Louis Theroux' than a 'Rick Steve'.

Couchsurfing is arguably the most popular recurring subject in my travels. Many have endorsed it and some live by it. A friend and big CS advocate had a saying, "contempt prior to investigation". I was definitely guilty of this with Couchsurfing as I had played Devil's Advocate in all my discussions of it.

I was skeptical because through my travels I had been blessed with hospitality and wanted to continue to manufacture things organically. Staying with my brothers in Porto, meeting with friends of friends and finding new running mates along the way.

After realising the scarcity of hostels in parts of Holland (and the scarcity of funds in my bank account), I decided to get over my stubborness and give Couchsurfing a try. Needless to say it was a blast. In my earliest posts I spoke of "ego tripping" and my desire to join random parties as a fly-on-the-wall. Couchsurfing is the surest and quicket way to realise that.

With couchsurfing I've partied with Dutch Capoeira enthusiasts, Danced at the biggest Gay Festival with a gay woman and watched Comedy with a reviewer. It has been a real pleasure to be with open minded people who are willing to share their lives and experience.

I've realised Couchsurfing, is simply a utility. It does not create an open, inviting personality, it merely facilitates it. I've met some amazing people who have shown me great hospitality and we have enjoyed bouncing off each other's curiosity and positivity. These interactions were created by simply striking up conversations. On my return visit to Amsterdam, I've been lucky to experience another side of this amazing city. A more local and less worn perspective. I was able to spend nights in the East with a couple I met in an Utrecht hostel, they had swapped their NY apartment for one in Amsterdam. In the West, a kindly Dutchman allowed us to stay in his unfurnished, recently bought apartment after a brief chat on the street (he needed a light). Last but not least, we've enjoyed a night on a campsite on the outskirts of Amsterdam sleeping in a campervan with Germans befriended in Scheveningen.

With the help of Couchsurfing and otherwise, I've found the world to be more open than I could have ever imagined. Goude Leven!

Trigger: "One hell of a night" Rotterdam, Netherlands (Juli 26, 2011)

"How very nice and normal" - Rockwell Clothing

After a trip of a night jaunting around Rotterdam, we questioned whether this was an atypical evening. My running mates Du jour insisted that it was not standard and we were definitely in the company of some eccentric people.

Ken, a toothless Dutch-Kenyan assured us it was perfectly normal and asked, "Does it bother you? If it doesn't bother you then its probably normal". My friend wasn't fazed but wasn't convinced by the equation. Ken then pointed at the unattractive but enigmatic 50yr old with greased-back hair, donning a leather jacket and a Calvin and Hobbes "I'm the Best!" T-Shirt. "Tell me..." he began, "What do you think is normal for him?"

I realised the following morning, the distinction between finding something normal and it being natural.

It was one hell of a night! Interestingly it was exactly 11 months after a similarly noteworthy day in Sydney. As a first, I present a choice of two background theme songs to represent the two competing tones.

Soundtrack for the "Normal"
'Soundtrack 2 My Life' by KiD CuDi


Soundtrack for the "Natural"
'What a great night' by Hilltop Hoods
----------------------------------------------------

Find the other trigger days here:

- Trigger "Farewell in Unison" Sydney, Australia (June 22, 2013)
- Trigger: "One hell of a night" Rotterdam, Netherlands (Juli 26, 2011)
- Trigger: "A moment in time" Panevėžys, Lithuania (2011 m. Rugsėjo 7)

- Hair, There and Everywhere: Haircut days in Europe
- Trigger: Day 114 - An NBA day in Portugal
- Trigger: Day 244 - 8 months in review
- Find other Memento Triggers here

Road Movies: Total Recall; Venusville is Amsterdam

Paul Verhoeven (Taschen Film, 2005). Douglas Keesey, Paul Duncan

"We must acknowledge these dark things because the sooner we admit our capacity for evil. The less apt we are to destroy each other"

This last statement by Verhoeven can stand as his rationale for his realistic approach to sex and violence. For it is only through breaking through our idealistic lies about ourselves that we can understand who we truly are and how much better we could become.

Paul Verhoeven is an Amsterdam-born filmmaker. Best known for movies like Basic Instinct, Robocop and Total Recall. Total Recall (1990) because of its themes of memory has been a constant reference for my travel experience. Until some chance reading in a Denbosch Bibliotheek, I didn't realise Director Verhoeven was Dutch. Thus influenced by things I had been recently immersing myself with, the art of Jheronimus Bosch and the progressive lifestyle of Amsterdam.

Art imitating life: The power of Horizons

Day 134: On a moonlit night at a [Foz] beachside bar for a typical ERASMUS night, I'm sure we can relate to feeling alone in a crowded room. This was one of those evenings. Staring into the abyss that was the Atlantic ocean only amplified the feeling. The horizon makes you wonder about what's on the other side - Friends and family across the pond, how far from home you really are and the "meaning of it all".

This photo collection is by French artist Jacques Mataly, exhibited in Serpente Contemporary Art Gallery (Porto, Portugal)

Jacques Mataly - Ligne

The horizon is our limit.
Suddenly we contemplate our finitude and we know that beyond this line, it continues, amplifies, the immense stretches, chaos reigns as lord, the magnetic fields are developed, the background noise murmur, disorder thrives. Behind the horizon is infinite, all things, everything that we do not know, all that eludes us and upset us, all that we can not grasp in his hands embracing, watching, everything that our intelligence can not master and subdue, behind, right behind, opens up the territories of our ghosts, fears and beliefs.

Alain Monnier

The Greatest blog ever sold: Please pimp, promote, like and sponsor this blog!

'Sell Out' by Reel Big Fish

After a typically incoherent LozInTranslation conversation,
this became the humming anthem for our Portugese Road Trip.

---------------------------------------------------------

I don't know why I was being so coy the first time around.

Nike LunarRun in Lisboa

"And they're off!"

'Tudo Bom' Portugal-inspired custom ID: Nike LunarHaze+

On stage after winning the Lucky Draw for placing 76th

I came for the run. I stay for the afterparty

---------------------------------------------------------

"Aaawwww for me? This is the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me!"
I believe these are the second of three evolutions of my all-time fave shoe - Iverson's 'The Question'. I wish I was able to get Google to confirm it for me though.
Update: In actuality these were Reebok Emmitt Smith 'ES22'. A different sport altogether,

TG* to the rescure

The Sneakers, so close yet so far

Going Macgyver to get the kicks

Emmitt Smith 'ES22' Signature shoe by Reebok

Enshrined the shoe at a Sintra Wall facade