a question for hippies..and spiritual travelers.. this title sounds so lame but i dunno what to write here lol

Idefinitelyrecommendtravelling, and do it now while your still young.

One thing i have learned is everything always works out, when your broke, unsure or wondering whats next the rightopportunitywill present itself.

I met a girl who has been hitch hiking all over the place. We met in new zealand and i know she has been from west to east coast of canada/US and is now somewhere in europe. Im not sure how she does it, i have been hoping for a chance to ask her myself haha.

a good place to start would be to check out WWOOFing. its a way to travel around and meet people who need help on their farms, gardens or whatever (just jump and the site and check it out) and you can help them out foraccommodationand usually meals as well. just type in wwoof and the country it will come up.

couchsurfing.org is awesome too. its a great way to meet people when you are travelling and a place to sleep.

I would alsorecommendnot having to much of a plan. just go with the flow and what feels right!

updated by @katietheladi: 07/23/15 05:05:52PM

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@yahoo.com. Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

I used to backpack across the U.S. and most people who do it panhandle, I don't recommend she do the same in India. The dynamics are much different then northern America or Europe.

katietheladi said:

Idefinitelyrecommendtravelling, and do it now while your still young.

One thing i have learned is everything always works out, when your broke, unsure or wondering whats next the rightopportunitywill present itself.

I met a girl who has been hitch hiking all over the place. We met in new zealand and i know she has been from west to east coast of canada/US and is now somewhere in europe. Im not sure how she does it, i have been hoping for a chance to ask her myself haha.

a good place to start would be to check out WWOOFing. its a way to travel around and meet people who need help on their farms, gardens or whatever (just jump and the site and check it out) and you can help them out foraccommodationand usually meals as well. just type in wwoof and the country it will come up.

couchsurfing.org is awesome too. its a great way to meet people when you are travelling and a place to sleep.

I would alsorecommendnot having to much of a plan. just go with the flow and what feels right!

hi katie ! thanks for telling me about wwoofing seems pretty interesting ! yeah i wanna start traveling as soon as i can but i really wanna make sure i know what i'm doing..hope u have a wonderful day/ evening

katietheladi said:

Idefinitelyrecommendtravelling, and do it now while your still young.

One thing i have learned is everything always works out, when your broke, unsure or wondering whats next the rightopportunitywill present itself.

I met a girl who has been hitch hiking all over the place. We met in new zealand and i know she has been from west to east coast of canada/US and is now somewhere in europe. Im not sure how she does it, i have been hoping for a chance to ask her myself haha.

a good place to start would be to check out WWOOFing. its a way to travel around and meet people who need help on their farms, gardens or whatever (just jump and the site and check it out) and you can help them out foraccommodationand usually meals as well. just type in wwoof and the country it will come up.

couchsurfing.org is awesome too. its a great way to meet people when you are travelling and a place to sleep.

I would alsorecommendnot having to much of a plan. just go with the flow and what feels right!

thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

Hey there,

I'll be all over the country and will be flying into Chennai. I'll be in Tiruvannamalai (about 4 hr away from Madras) for a few mo., then I'll head to an ashram in Kerala, afterward I'll head north (since it will be getting very hot) to Dharamsala and then to Nepal and I'm sure I'll make my way to a few other places in between and thing will most likely get mixed around as I find my flow. You're more then welcome to join us in any of these places.

I don't know much about the certification and if it provides gainful employment. I would research it. Last time I was in India (a few mo. ago) my friends boy friend went to visit Goa and ended up working as a massage therapist there (massages here and there) and then ended up getting offered a job to work there. There is something special about India that I've never found anywhere else and that is that life takes you and you don't have to push hard to find your way, doors open up when you're open to it. If I were you I would put together some money not too much just enough to travel around for a few mo. (taking trains, eating cheap, staying in ashrams) and see how you like it, if you love it then after a few mo. you should have your footing enough to know what is out there or if you want to pursue some training then to travel. I say get your feet wet a little, then you would have a better idea of what works for you and what doesn't. FYI as you set off on your adventure you will find a lot of people to travel with along the way and opportunities too. I know its intimidating and the first step is a daring one, but you'll be okay. Oh someone suggested couch surfer, I think in India its a hit and miss thing, you may get someone good or a rapist the chances are about even. With so many ashrams and non-profits needing help I think you'll be okay.

christina bird said:

thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

Oh yeah, by the way if you travel south its a bit if a softer and easier place to get around as a woman. I hear Dharamsala is too.

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'll be all over the country and will be flying into Chennai. I'll be in Tiruvannamalai (about 4 hr away from Madras) for a few mo., then I'll head to an ashram in Kerala, afterward I'll head north (since it will be getting very hot) to Dharamsala and then to Nepal and I'm sure I'll make my way to a few other places in between and thing will most likely get mixed around as I find my flow. You're more then welcome to join us in any of these places.

I don't know much about the certification and if it provides gainful employment. I would research it. Last time I was in India (a few mo. ago) my friends boy friend went to visit Goa and ended up working as a massage therapist there (massages here and there) and then ended up getting offered a job to work there. There is something special about India that I've never found anywhere else and that is that life takes you and you don't have to push hard to find your way, doors open up when you're open to it. If I were you I would put together some money not too much just enough to travel around for a few mo. (taking trains, eating cheap, staying in ashrams) and see how you like it, if you love it then after a few mo. you should have your footing enough to know what is out there or if you want to pursue some training then to travel. I say get your feet wet a little, then you would have a better idea of what works for you and what doesn't. FYI as you set off on your adventure you will find a lot of people to travel with along the way and opportunities too. I know its intimidating and the first step is a daring one, but you'll be okay. Oh someone suggested couch surfer, I think in India its a hit and miss thing, you may get someone good or a rapist the chances are about even. With so many ashrams and non-profits needing help I think you'll be okay.

christina bird said:

thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

sounds like a good plan ! im from south india was born in kanyakumari in tamil nadu:D are u heading to the sivananda ashram ? i've always wanted to live in an ashram or something like that even before i began going to college i had this phase when i couldnt think of anything i wanted to do other than live a spiritual life and meet other spiritual ppl from all over the world and all walks of life ! i'd love to join you if i can

dharamsala seems like such a wonderful place ! is there a facebook profile or any album online of ur time spent in these places ??

ok i'll try look out for stuff on couchsurfer but yeah as u said safety is a huge issue and i've had a quite a few bad experiences living in a safe environment with my parents already.. so before i set out safety will be a top concern for me in fact its the only thing thats holding me back from dreaming too much before i get enough info..

thank you so much for taking time to tell me so much it really means a lot to me <3 lots of love to you

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'll be all over the country and will be flying into Chennai. I'll be in Tiruvannamalai (about 4 hr away from Madras) for a few mo., then I'll head to an ashram in Kerala, afterward I'll head north (since it will be getting very hot) to Dharamsala and then to Nepal and I'm sure I'll make my way to a few other places in between and thing will most likely get mixed around as I find my flow. You're more then welcome to join us in any of these places.

I don't know much about the certification and if it provides gainful employment. I would research it. Last time I was in India (a few mo. ago) my friends boy friend went to visit Goa and ended up working as a massage therapist there (massages here and there) and then ended up getting offered a job to work there. There is something special about India that I've never found anywhere else and that is that life takes you and you don't have to push hard to find your way, doors open up when you're open to it. If I were you I would put together some money not too much just enough to travel around for a few mo. (taking trains, eating cheap, staying in ashrams) and see how you like it, if you love it then after a few mo. you should have your footing enough to know what is out there or if you want to pursue some training then to travel. I say get your feet wet a little, then you would have a better idea of what works for you and what doesn't. FYI as you set off on your adventure you will find a lot of people to travel with along the way and opportunities too. I know its intimidating and the first step is a daring one, but you'll be okay. Oh someone suggested couch surfer, I think in India its a hit and miss thing, you may get someone good or a rapist the chances are about even. With so many ashrams and non-profits needing help I think you'll be okay.

christina bird said:

thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

Hey there,

are you on facebook? You can add me and I'll message you from there instead of continuing on this thread. Also you can get to know me better and see pic.s of me in India (although there aren't many) and even check out my photography page that is loaded with pics from India. You can find me through my email id @ iamphoto@yahoo.com or the name listed here (its my spiritual name, my birth name is Windy.) Look forward to communicating with you more. Oh also we can figure out a time to skype if you'd like too.

Simran

christina bird said:

sounds like a good plan ! im from south india was born in kanyakumari in tamil nadu:D are u heading to the sivananda ashram ? i've always wanted to live in an ashram or something like that even before i began going to college i had this phase when i couldnt think of anything i wanted to do other than live a spiritual life and meet other spiritual ppl from all over the world and all walks of life ! i'd love to join you if i can

dharamsala seems like such a wonderful place ! is there a facebook profile or any album online of ur time spent in these places ??

ok i'll try look out for stuff on couchsurfer but yeah as u said safety is a huge issue and i've had a quite a few bad experiences living in a safe environment with my parents already.. so before i set out safety will be a top concern for me in fact its the only thing thats holding me back from dreaming too much before i get enough info..

thank you so much for taking time to tell me so much it really means a lot to me <3 lots of love to you

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'll be all over the country and will be flying into Chennai. I'll be in Tiruvannamalai (about 4 hr away from Madras) for a few mo., then I'll head to an ashram in Kerala, afterward I'll head north (since it will be getting very hot) to Dharamsala and then to Nepal and I'm sure I'll make my way to a few other places in between and thing will most likely get mixed around as I find my flow. You're more then welcome to join us in any of these places.

I don't know much about the certification and if it provides gainful employment. I would research it. Last time I was in India (a few mo. ago) my friends boy friend went to visit Goa and ended up working as a massage therapist there (massages here and there) and then ended up getting offered a job to work there. There is something special about India that I've never found anywhere else and that is that life takes you and you don't have to push hard to find your way, doors open up when you're open to it. If I were you I would put together some money not too much just enough to travel around for a few mo. (taking trains, eating cheap, staying in ashrams) and see how you like it, if you love it then after a few mo. you should have your footing enough to know what is out there or if you want to pursue some training then to travel. I say get your feet wet a little, then you would have a better idea of what works for you and what doesn't. FYI as you set off on your adventure you will find a lot of people to travel with along the way and opportunities too. I know its intimidating and the first step is a daring one, but you'll be okay. Oh someone suggested couch surfer, I think in India its a hit and miss thing, you may get someone good or a rapist the chances are about even. With so many ashrams and non-profits needing help I think you'll be okay.

christina bird said:

thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3

Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:

Hey there,

I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.

hiiiii thank u for sharing those words with me ! its so nice that u've worked in different countries and yeah i agree with u its so true that the real journey is into urself and im so glad that u are on that journey n knowing that inspires me to do the same.. i wish u every happiness too and lotttttttts of love and peace

Noodle-Doo said:

Hi Christina Like lots of other people, I love your description of yourself and your dreams. Despite being from a different country, can really relate to what you say.

I've never travelled in the hippy way, but have had a lot of different jobs, some in different countries. All the new experiences and meeting different people is totally mind expanding. But I've discovered that the real journey is into myself. I always thought that I'd become happy if I went to this place, did that job, got a girlfriend or whatever. And none of it worked, it became a way of running away. I've only started to build contentment through developing my own philosophy, by finding out my own moral code and living by it. Reading, travelling, thinking, meeting new people and getting to know how they live and see the world has been a really important part of that.

Wishing you every happiness, wherever life takes you.