Once upon a time
I led an ordinary American life.
I worked three jobs yet always sought after more.
I lived in a beautiful apartment, filled with treasures I collected over the years, where I threw elaborate dinners, cocktail parties, and barbecues for the people I love.
I ran errands on weekends, shopped entirely too much, and agreed to obligations I had no desire to fulfill.
I thought about exercise often, but just couldn’t get my body to cooperate.
I dined in trendy restaurants, wore stilettos nearly every day, attended art openings, and drank cocktails I could hardly pronounce the names of.
I clung to relationships long past their expiration dates, channeled excessive energy into things I could not control, looked to others to fulfill my needs, and fought a constant battle with my own anxiety.
Then, one day, I ran away.
to a life where I opened coconuts on rocks in the jungle when I got thirsty
modeling my favorite characters on Lost… my only exposure to jungle living
where I rinsed dead mosquitoes off my “clean” dishes with a concerning lack of disgust
where my body produced enough sweat to fill a bathtub… if only I had one
where I found myself caught in tropical rainstorms on a typical Saturday night
I learned the hard way to not wear white
where my modes of transportation included my feet and legs or the occasional rusty bike
which on more than one occasion left me stranded with a flat tire
where my only bedmates were an incessant cockroach if I were lucky
millions of biting ants if I were less so
where trying to be chic was either a futile attempt – many, many environmental conditions working against me
or completely misunderstood – a day-glow tank with a beer brand logo would suffice
Somehow, in that life I found contentment.
Since then, I have held my breath through fourteen flights, silently bargaining with God during each bout of turbulence
taken more cold showers than I care to remember
navigated my way through three continents, eight countries, and countless cities
sold every belonging that wouldn’t fit in my backpack
and, most foreign of all, survived without reliable Internet or wireless communication.
Today, I write to you from a café with WiFi that comes and goes like a deadbeat Dad.
Reggae surrounds me but is conquered by the indie rock released through my headphones.
I gaze into the jungle as motorcycles, jeeps, and bikes precariously balancing newborn babies on their handlebars whizz by.
Dogs run wild in the street weaving through traffic unfazed.
This isn’t just any jungle, any road, any café.
This is the hideaway where my journey began.
The café that offered me solace, tofu, and reliable Internet in the enchanting but flawed town of Playa Chiquita in Puerto Viejo Talamanca, where I spent two months living in the jungle with my best friend.
Where, for the first time in my life, I felt present, centered, and at peace.
Now
after descending into limestone caves in the Yucatan
snorkeling among sharks, manatees, and water eels in Belize
flying through trees five hundred feet above ground in Costa Rica
lazing on beaches in the Caribbean
dancing to Reggae in the streets of London
stuffing myself on tapas in Barcelona
scaling sandstone cliffs in the Algarve
sleeping under the stars in the Sahara desert
and haggling with merchants in the souks of Morocco
I am back in the jungle with a new challenge:
To sustain a life where snorkeling, yoga, and dance parties comprise the daily itinerary, travel is adventurous and often, and my passion and ambition as a designer flourishes.
Sound possible? I hope so.
This is a forum to share my journey in finding balance between my two seemingly incongruous sides: the intensely driven designer and the adventure seeking beach bum and to offer my readers adventurous, practical, dreamy travel advice and inspiration.
Come along for the ride?
Bravo, my beautiful and brilliant friend. Bravo. I’m so happy to have been a part of the journey 🙂
Bunny, the journey could not have been as life changing without you. I love you!
I am a long time fan of Andie and Can you stay for dinner and I cannot wait to see your adventures here!
Thanks Tracy! I will try to keep it up 🙂
What a great thing for you to share! I’ve vicariously enjoyed some of your trips through Andie’s posts. Now I can follow your new adventures through your website. I appreciate your dedication and passion in chasing your dream to do all the things that so many of us wish we could do; but something holds us back like finances, time, or just a fear of trying something foreign and new. God speed, and safe journey!!! Ü
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate all of the support!
I am enthralled! Please continue…
Very proud lady – the blog is as fabulous as you. Missing you! xx
Thanks Swatee! So inspired by you and your amazing travels/organization. xoxo hope to reunite soon. India?
Oh my…a piece of my heart was left in Playa Chiquita several years ago. I miss it so! When Andy first mentioned on her blog about traveling to Costa Rica, I immediately emailed her and waxed ever so poetic about my beloved Costa Rica and Playa Chiquita in particular (and Maxi’s – omg the delicious food at Maxi’s). There is nothing so enthralling and empowering as launching the heft of your pack onto your back and experiencing the heck out of life. I do believe I recognize a kindred spirit and I eagerly await hearing about your adventures! 🙂
Thank you Crystal! Glad to hear you love PV as much as I do 🙂
Woman, keep it coming, can’t believe you haven’t been writing forever with lines like “wifi that comes and goes like a deadbeat dad” – love it! The life you envision is possible, keep living it now! xo
Julia, thanks for always being an inspiration to me 🙂
Camille, errr, this is a bit awkward…but will you marry me?
Haha, thank you I’m honored <3
You write very well, I’m impressed! The cafe is a great place to write as well.
Thanks for taking a look John 🙂
This sounds like an incredible adventure. I also moved overseas after falling head over heels with the place while on what should have been a short vacation. Your entries are inspiring me to sort through the hundreds of untouched photos and write more of it down before I start forgetting!
Love the blog so far and am looking forward to reading more!
Thanks Abiella. LOVE your gorgeous photos!!
You are living the life I wish I could….
Paulette, I am so fortunate to be free of responsibilities, be born in a 1st world country, etc etc etc and I know it’s more difficult for some than others. However, I encourage you to do everything you can to live exactly the life you want to live. Much love and encouragement 🙂
American Girl wow I’m impress that you chose to live a peaceful and simply life. I’m originally from the Island of Guam (in the Marianas, a U.S. territory). I was born and raised there but left my beautiful tropical island in the late 1970’s. If I could do it all over again I would have never left and hoping to have taken over my Grandparents ranch home on the island. I love nature and definitely coconuts and exotic tropical island dishes. I would be content and happy living in a shack or coconut hut on a remote island ;-). I hope someday to travel the world like you. Thank you for sharing your awesome travels, adventures and world life experiences.
Thank you Lynda! What a lovely comment. It is amazing how much happier, more content, and free we can feel with less stuff. Humans want and need to be close to nature. Good luck and I hope you follow your travel dreams 🙂
Wow…I did not know all the things
you can make with conconuts!
I live in Maui….
I like adventure too!
Keep traveling!
Aloha and Mahalo,
Mike
Thanks Mike! I would love to go to Maui one day and eat all the coconuts there 😉
What an inspiration you are. The last 3 years, I have been growing balls to quit everything, sell everything and pack everything in duffel bag and embark in unplanned adventures to one or many of the destinations you epically depicted. Despite being a 33 yr old man, 185 lbs, 6 feet 2 inches tall, recently broke my ulna bone pimp slapping a dude in the face, an abundant amount of testosterone, with all due respect, my balls are not nearly the size as yours. Please take this as the biggest compliment from a stranger. As I speak to you, I see 30 cubicles to my right, 10 to my left with what look like humans inside them or at least they used to be?? Hard to tell…
I decided to book my ticket to Costa Rica for 10 days following your instructions to the letter in hopes this will spur the growth of you know what.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to post these beautiful pictures and sobering words. I have to go now – I have to help one of these talking heads push a button on the keyboard.
Yas, I think this may be my favorite comment I’ve ever received on the blog. Where are you headed in Costa Rica? Whatever happens, wherever you go, embrace these words: PURA VIDA and trust me, that will change your life. There is nothing more ballsy than SURRENDER. Take that to heart my friend. Best of luck to you in this journey 🙂 xoxo
I’m flattered Camille! Well after reading your blog, I feet I don’t have much choice in regards to where to go. I think it’s pretty safe to say that I trust your judgement and go with Puerto Viejo. After all somebody has to watch over your little piece of paradise in your absence. I’ll probably stay outside of town though. My mind needs some tranquility and serenity. I will probably hit the town for a night out when FOMO kicks in. It’s just a matter of time. Feel better and get back on your feet… literally 🙂 Pura Vida
Yes, yes stay outside of town in the magical jungle, get some reiki from Kristin at Om Yoga, walk down the beach for miles and miles and see what happens to you!! Oh and please go and visit my friends Ilario and Sianny at La Pecora Nera for the best Italian food anywhere 🙂
Your blog is incredible. I sat down at my desk over an hour ago hungry with sleep still in my eyes and I can’t get away even to feed myself because I just want to read more.
I’m at the point in my life that you were at 23, did a quick trip to Cambodia & Thailand December 16th to Jan 7th visiting a number of places I just read about on your blog only a week or so after you posted them. We may have even crossed paths. The short trip made me realize how badly I needed to escape and 3 weeks is just too short. Now back in San Francisco I’m in the process of selling all my stuff and preparing for my big adventure.
Reading your blog both inspires me, you are a talented writer! Thanks for creating this. I love it.
I have one personal question, perhaps you want to answer it, perhaps not. I’m curious to know what you have spent $ the last 2 years of your life? I’m trying to imagine the length I can stay abroad with the money I have saved. While everyone’s mileage may vary I don’t have the faintest clue.
Thanks again for your writing, maybe our paths will cross? I’ll be in SEA in November after Nepal/Tibet then work my way towards Bali / Australia / New Zealand. It seems like that is the direction you are going.
-Cameron
Wow, thanks Cameron what nice compliments!!!
So, how much have I spent. On average $20-30 per day not including flights. Some places I definitely could have done cheaper, but I splurged on yoga or health food or was traveling with friends who weren’t on as a tight of a budget. You save a lot traveling with others though, because many places don’t have backpacker hostels, I’m sure you experienced this on your trip as well. Typically on your own you’ll pay about $10 per night in accomodation, and food can be as cheap as $1 or closer to $7 depending on where you decide to eat. I don’t drink much which is a HUGE expense in Southeast Asia, Bali in particular. I found Bali in general to be a lot more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia. Likely because there is lots TO spend your money on. I’ve heard the Thai islands are quite pricey, but I haven’t been there yet. Mainland Thailand was so cheap. Good luck Cameron and let me know how it all goes. xoxo!
A brave adventurous soul . . . . . .
Thank you so much 🙂
This post makes me laugh! You looked much different (bright eyed and bushy tailed? Naive possibly?) a couple of years ago. It’s how I feel I look now! A yesterday I ran into a backpacker who sat by me on my ride over and he exclaimed how different I looked. It’s fun to see this post and compare to what you’re writing now, evolving over your travels and years.
Thanks Kelsey 🙂 I hope you are loving every moment being in Playa Chiquita. You’re right, I have changed in so many ways and I feel such a sense of nostalgia looking back on my first trip to Puerto Viejo. Soak it up, it goes fast and if you’re lucky you’ll never be the same again. Watch out, the South Caribbean can cast a strong spell 😉
You are so brave and unconventional! I love it!! keep following your heart and writing about your adventures!!
Thank you so much, so kind of you!
This is an excellent blog! I am truly inspired. Thank you.
Thank you so much Nicole! 🙂
I enjoyed your article in elephant and that led me to your delightful blog. At 52, I think I’m getting on a bit to pack my bags and travel the world. Still the youthful traveller inside me delighted in your beautiful photographs. I love what you’re doing, I think it’s a great way to go and wish you all the best in your travels. Go girl 🙂
Thank you so much Fran what nice compliments! And hey, you are NEVER too old to do anything that you want to do 🙂 xo
I just discovered your blog today and have to compliment you on what an excellent blog it is. I love the layout of your blog. How did you find the layout? I was with wordpress for my first blog but it was limiting. I love photography as well and would like to find a layout to take advantage of posting photos.
I see you were just on Ko Lanta. Did you make it to Ko Jum or Ko Ngai? We were there in January and loved those islands too. Heading back to Costa Rica in January and going to check out Samara for a week. Any things not to miss there? Keep writing and posting photos please. Great job!
Hi Noella,
I had just the same reaction to this beautiful blog as you did! And asked myself the same questions too. Would love to share your experience of trying to create your own beautiful blog. This American Girl is just a delight isn’t it?
Hi Noella, thank you so much! The layout is my own design, I have a design background so I’m fortunate in that regard. I do use WordPress but I’m self hosted so I can fully customize. If you go to themeforest.com you can find lots and lots of beautiful themes already designed for you, and cheap.
I didn’t make it to the smaller islands near Koh Lanta… next time. I may be in Thailand again next year and there are lots more islands I plan to visit. I have a few tips for Samara here, but I didn’t spend a ton of time there: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2013/03/08/playa-samara-costa-rica/
How I wish I can do the same. I have a question though. Where do you get all the money to travel?
You totally can! I earn income through freelance writing and I’ve met plenty of travelers and bloggers who earn an income on the road. I wrote this piece on funding long term travel which hopefully will inspire you to consider your options: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2013/01/11/how-to-fund-long-term-travel/
This can’t be the same Camille I hired as a college intern! What an amazing and brave adventure you’ve undertaken. BRAVA!!
Dianne!! How did you find me?? 2.5 years on the road and going strong! Hope all is well with you 🙂
I really appreciate the combination of enthusiasm and humility with which you write. I look forward to reading more!
Thank you what a flattering comment 🙂
I LOVE this story, mainly because I see so much of myself in it. I love this (awfully overused) Fight Club quote: “The things you own end up owning you.” I’m glad you were able to let go and… well, let go.
Awesome quote, overused or otherwise 😉 Nice to hear that you’re part of the nomad clan chica!
your story is exciting and inspiring.
but the better thing is your expressions are artistic and sincere at the same.
right now i am sitting in my office, reading your articles and seeing photos.. i ve completely lost my motivation to work.
shame on you 🙂
Haha, thanks and sorry for the distraction… now go book a plane ticket 😉
I love this post. Your journey is so inspirational.
Thank you so much 🙂
It’s uncoditionally sad to me after reading your story that I could only afford to dream of such a life when I close my eyes.
Sid, I don’t know you or your life or your situation but I feel you and I love you. Keep dreaming. I believe in you.
Who the fuck is paying for your bullshit? Do you even work for a living?
I live on less than 20K per year and I pay for it all through my freelance writing work. Doing this is easy, it’s about changing your attitude. You might consider changing your attitude.
Hey,
Met you on Twitter…. Great blog!
Are you traveling solo?
Liz
Thanks Liz! Yes I typically travel solo 🙂
Hi Camille, I just discovered your blog and I am thrilled: it’s gorgeous, I love your pics and your tone! I’m gonna stick around for a while! 🙂 Best,
Anne
Aww thank you so much Anne! Nice to have you here 🙂
Feel the same way …..and Costa Rica change my life …will go back soon
Hello from Canada Camille:)
I just discovered your blog and after reading this post, have huge crocodile tears in my eyes as your story is very inspiring.
Since returning from an amazing week in Mexico, I have been experiencing post-vacation blues which has led to a TON of soul searching. I have decided that working at my extremely stressful job and purchasing a condo is NOT where my heart is at. My current life is stable and predictable, but I am craving adventure!!! So, I will be taking the necessary steps to leave Canada and begin travelling the world. I am a 31 year old female who will be backpacking for the first time which is scary yet unbelievably liberating!!! I regret not taking this plunge in my 20’s so now it is time to do so!
Thank you for sharing your stories:)
Thank you for your heartfelt comment Kyla. Follow your heart, trust in the universe, and embrace the adventure 🙂 I have tears in my eyes with excitement for you!!
Woohoo!! Adventurers rock!!
I got goosebumps reading this! So beautifully written :’)
Thank you so so much!! 🙂
Oh wow, amazing story and awesome photos! 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
I love your writing, so inspirational! Thank you!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Great story and great-looking site. Very inspiring!
Thank you Rob 🙂
Love reading people’s story, thanks for sharing yours!
Thank you 🙂 xo
Hello American Girl! I chanced upon this website researching sea crossings across the Darien Gap…for a motorcycle world tour I will start 14 years from now. Yes, 14 years…because I have 2 kids to put through college first!
Anyway…your story is inspirational, and I will be following your adventure from now on. Hats off to you for chasing a dream…without a dream we are nothing, and what better dream than to see the world!
Be careful ou there, and good luck! I’m cheering for ya!
Aw thank you so much! And you know, perhaps there’s a way you can do it sooner than you think 😉
This I understand – this is American dream 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you for reading!! 🙂
Good for you!! Again, GOOD FOR YOU!!
After coming back this morning from two months of living in the dirt and surf in Nicaragua, it feels so odd to be concerned with “real American life” and the pace and trivialities of it.
I took my blanket off of the United Airlines flight as it was colder on a layover and all I had on was a t-shirt. When I got home I went to toss the blanket out and thought, “This is a a really good blanket, I could probably use this for something.” Nicaragua has already taught me something about appreciating what you have.
Congratulations on your amazing website, and never ending adventure. This truly is the human experience dream!
Thank you so much 🙂 I love your story and I couldn’t relate more. Wishing you an easeful transition and a lifelong wanderlust 😉
I love your story. I wish I could do the same. But I’m scared… and I don’t know how to overcome this feeling
Thank you July. I understand how you’re feeling. Here’s my best advice: do one thing every day that feels a little bit scary, but not overwhelming. Play with your edge in what feels like a safe environment. This is one of the ways that yoga changed my life, being able to come to the mat, in a safe place, and play with postures that scare me. If I could survive those, I wondered what else I could do.
Wow! What an awesome life you’ve made for yourself! You should visit Ecuador! US citizen myself, we sold everything and just picked up and moved to Ecuador 2 years ago and we absolutely love it, I know you would too! Surprisingly there’s a lot of expats/gringos and so much to see. The beautiful beaches in Galapagos where you can swim w/turtles and sea lions. Banos (the gates to the Amazon) is gorgeous for hiking the jungles, canyoning, etc Hike the Tungurahua volcano and Quilotoa is a must see! I could go on. lol I really liked your house sitting advice. We’re going to look into that! Thanks!
Thank you so much 🙂 Yes I have been thinking about Ecuador for a long time! Where are you based?? I’ve heard good things about Montanita…
We’re about 2 hours north of Montanita in a town called Manta. It’s one of the biggest coastal cities in Ec. I’ve been to Montanita a couple of times. If you’re a traveler, Montanita is always on the list when visiting. Canoa as well,I call it the “mini Montanita”. Good luck!
Thanks I have been planning to go Montanita for a long time 🙂
Hi Camille…I stumbled across your blog through a friends FB post and I must say that I am an instant fan.. I got the travel bug in my late thirties and now I am finding my adventures are just getting longer and longer.. My life is a little in reverse… Did the kid thing early in life and now they are all grown up so travelling has been a great new addition. Kudos to you for not only living your life the way you want, but for sharing the journey with everyone. Peace ~ Love ~ Gratitude.
Thank you so much Frank! Peace love and gratitude to you!! 🙂
Very inspiring blog , loved the write up , travelling the world , explore the hidden places of earth is my dream
Just a straight simple question how do you make a living out of it?
Thank you so much 🙂 I have a whole post answering that question, you can read it here: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/06/08/how-i-afford-a-life-of-constant-travel-and-you-can-too/
Wow. How have I not stumbled across your blog until now? My boyfriend and I quit our corporate American (i.e. soul sucking) jobs a year ago and have been traveling ever since. We are actually just about to move to either Mexico or Central America and Costa Rica is at the top of our list. I’d love to pick your brain on how you found an apartment and if CR is pet friendly (my adventure dog is coming along this time)! Mind if I reach out to you via email?? xx Shelly
Hi Shelly that’s awesome! First and foremost, I recommend you get a copy of my ebook The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica, which has all of my insights on Costa Rica right there in it: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/ultimate-guide-costa-rica/
As far as finding an apartment, I recommend checking out some of the FB forum groups in the particular town you plan to relocate to, Craigslist can also be a good resource. Vacation booking sites will often have overpriced offers in my experience. It’s also possible to just figure it out when you show up. Everywhere I’ve been in Costa Rica is dog friendly, but do be aware of different diseases that go around and some dogs can get aggressive. For pet stuff, that’s about all I can help with as I don’t know much since I’m not a pet owner.
If you still have questions drop me a line on my Contact page 🙂 https://www.thisamericangirl.com/contact-me/
love it. you are inspiring 🙂
Thank you so much Kate! 🙂
After ready how your story began, I can’t fathom how my life is just so similar to yours- well before you began your amazing journey. To be quite honest with you, I just left you a comment on you IG and maybe I’ll seem like a stoker haha but to be quite honest with you, I just can’t stop admiring how courageous a young women can be. Here I am thinking: “maybe I should just do it- but gosh, I have to plan everything and research a lot and make sure I have a plan b just in case and blah blah blah” I immediately text my little brother (who lives in Spain at the moment) and share my thoughts with him and this is what he had to say: “Johanna, I think you should set goals. Don’t plan out every detail. Uncertainty is what makes life enjoyable, it’s was truly marks a journey of success in my opinion. Detailed planning , leads to having plan b , c, d which distracts you from your main goal, plan A. Inclusively, it leads you to be overly cautious. Which can be dangerous. If you do something like this, you will surely be studying. Studying people, culture, and most importantly yourself”-
WOW! He couldn’t be more right.
If I can ask you- how and what made you just go for it?
Thanks for taking the time to read this comment 🙂
I have an upcoming trip to Bali this August- I know this trip with definitely make me reflect on things. This is actually my fifth trip this year and to quite honest with you it’s getting very expensive haha
Hope to hear from you!
Hey Johanna thanks so much! I did reply to you on Instagram as well 🙂 I pretty much started out like you, traveling a lot, spending a lot of my savings, trying to figure out how I could make it more sustainable. Eventually, I did figure it out because I had too (ran out of money, lol!) Check out my whole story here: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/06/03/why-i-left-my-fancy-city-life-to-become-a-globetrotting-gypsy/
Sounds great
I just got back from 3 weeks in Europe and pretty much didn’t want to come home. While I was gone, I was informed by my employer that mine was one of 62 jobs that were eliminated during a “restructuring”. Now I have a wide open future in front of me, too 🙂
The universe making space for you to live the life you really want. 🙂
Hi! I have found your blog by mistake, if I can say it, but I am feeling so gooood that I found it! I read your postings every time I want to escape from my job activities and I admire your courage and your spirit of adventure. It’s amazing how a simple decision can change your life! Thank you for sharing with us all these fantastic places! All the best! I am from Romania…you should visit Romania too 😉
Awww thank you Alina I’m so happy to hear that <3
How do all you adventurers afford it?
Life of Riley
Hey John, check out this post 🙂
https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/06/08/how-i-afford-a-life-of-constant-travel-and-you-can-too/
This is so well written. I love it. Thank you for being inspiring.
You’re welcome xoxo
Camille, I’m currently 36, have a steady job that allows me to travel, and own my own house. I’ve thought incessantly about just dropping everything experiencing all that the world has to offer. How did you do it? Do you support yourself solely on your writing? Any idea how someone who loves to travel, eats and cooks anything at least once, and scuba dives as much as possible, can make a decent living all while hopping around the world? I truly want to know how you did it and how you make it work.
Hey David! Sign up for my newsletter, I send out a few different articles in the Welcome Email that answer these very questions 🙂 xoxo
Hey David, sign up for my newsletter, you will instantly receive info answering all of these questions for signing up 🙂 Then you’ll stay up to do date on all of the new info I post xoxo
Ooh I’ve just stumbled across your blog and your bio is very beautifully written!!! 🙂
Thank you so much darling xoxox
SO happy for you!!!! 😀
Thank you sweetie!
Heey Camille, amazing story! I wonder do you work while you travel, or do yo save up when you are home and then you go? (I am traveling now for over a year and I work online as a copywriter/ seo-writer)
Hey love! I have a whole article on how I fund my life of travel here 🙂
https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/06/08/how-i-afford-a-life-of-constant-travel-and-you-can-too/
Dear Camille, Hi! After reading your blog posts I feel as if I have found a friend and a guide to find the path of my life. I am very inspired by your posts. I too want to travel the world and feel the awesomeness of it. I have one question to you though, it may be a stupid one, however, I just want to ask how much the age factor matters to start travelling (I am not very old though ;P). Also I want to thank you for sharing your experiences. Right now I am a bit scared to leave everything behind, but I hope I get over this fear soon and start my journey towards new life.
Thanks and lots of love
Snehal
Thank you so very much, I am so happy to hear that. You know, I can’t speak from direct personal experience, but I have met many people who are as old as 70 traveling the world on their own. I recommend doing some research on google, I’m sure that plenty of them have travel blogs! Anyway, I believe that everything is possible, and you can absolutely do it if it’s what your heart desires <3
Wow! You’re such a beautiful person! Beautiful in the way you write and just beautiful as a woman with a beautiful body. I found this website by chance and am totally keeping it, haha! I wish you all the best of luck on your journey to your inner self:*
Thank you so much sweetheart that is very very very kind! I wish you all of the best too my love xoxo
Loved your pieces on Asia. As I live in Singapore I travel a bit more in Asia.
I found your articles useful and informative and helpful.
Tks girl.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Carl
Sure thing, thanks Carl!
hi camille, just wanted to say that i love your blog. i’m in costa rica in feb/march and your articles have been the most helpful of any i’ve read! great job x
Thank you so much dearest! xx
Hi Camille,
I was very interested by your post. Although I am still very young, I can understand your feelings. Not everyone finds happiness or purpose in the same things in life and there is nothing wrong with exploring internally or externally to find one’s purpose. I am so inspired by your journey and that feeling of being “centered”. Being a student I have to think about my future and what I want to do with myself and although I am aware I need to be successful and make money, I want to be in love with my life. I’ve seen and heard cases of people who wake up every morning hating what their day will consist of. I want to find my purpose and my joys in life so that I can wake up every morning and want to go to work. I want to wake up and be happy with everything I have. Life can really suck sometimes and I want to make sure I do everything in my power to make it suck a little less. Your post was very motivating and beautiful to read. Thank you for sharing. Was it hard for you to pick up and go? Or did it feel right at the moment to just leave and run away?
-Isabel
Hey sweetie, life can be the most enchanting magical adventure ever with not one single ounce of “suck”. You deserve to follow your heart and live exactly the way that makes you feel alive. You may want to read this post of mine: https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/06/03/why-i-left-my-fancy-city-life-to-become-a-globetrotting-gypsy/
Your journey sounds so similar to mine yet I am starting a little late! I just left Puerto Viejo yesterday and can’t wait to get back…. I fell in love with Costa Rica! I love your blog!
Thanks so much sweetie, no such thing as late, all happens in perfect timing 😉
How do I find the peace within from the life I lead?….. I ask myself this and some variation of this everyday since I decided to blow up my life, release the materialistic, and go with what comes. I am happy to know I am not alone in this lonely world that I travel alone. Finding someone to share it with seems to be a foregone conclusion. I am at peace with myself just not the rest of the world.
Thank you for your insite.
“If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.” – Lao Tzu
<3 Peace and love to you brother xx
I hope I can find that peace from within. I just haven’t found it yet. I know what to do just not how to do it…
Camille, this blog speaks to a fire inside of me that has been burning since I was 12. I’ve always been different then the rest of my family and you are living my fantasy. I only hope one day I can find the courage to make it happen (on a smaller scale now that I’m a single mom). I ache for journeys like these. After working service jobs for over ten years if feels like it’s killed my soul. You’re teaching me what my soul longs for to become healed and whole. Thank you!
Christina thank you thank you for your comment. I truly hope that you find the journey that takes you wide open. I’m honored to help you in any way I can xx
I am very seriously thinking about doing this. I have been thinking about it for awhile but today I have realized I need to stop thinking and start doing. I have no idea how to even begin. I wish you could be my mentor but I know I need to make this my journey. Maybe we will run into each other in a cafe in Europe or a beach in Costa Rica.
Hey Bri, thanks for your sweet message, and YES this is your journey to take. I’m in the process of writing my first book with all of my guidance, like a best friend, for changing your life through travel. Should be out January 2017 xox
Hi Camille,
I’m a fan of your Blog Post and retired Author living in Puerto Viejo. Could you please contact me at; max@over50startingover.net?
Pura Vida! – Max
Camille,
I read your site and discovered that you are relocated here.
I am in Puerto Viejo planning on living here. I would like to meet you sometime if you are in town.
I have been in the transformation community about 8 years. The site above is mine and I teach meditation, play the bowls and ran Zen Reformation for a couple of years. Maybe teach here some – I don’t know.
Look forward to meeting you,
Parker
Hi, I live in Pavones, Costa Rica and have for several years…came upon your blog and it is very cool.
wondering if you went back to the states?
My boyfriend and I are from the states..
just saying, keep up to good work
Thank you so much!! Never went back, just for visits 🙂 I love Pavones! I did my YTT there. Stay up to date with me on Facebook and Instagram. I just left Costa Rica for Thailand. I always love connecting with other Costa Rica lovers <3
Reading this and seeing your pictures makes me want to leave for the tropics right now! Where I live it is cold and raining most of the year and it gets pretty depressing at times. We need the sun!
Thank you so much. Yes, you’re right, the sunshine and the elements of nature are so healing for the body, mind, and soul.
Heya!
Just came across your site, and immediately ditched the work I’m supposed to be working diligently on, to read one of your posts. And then another. And then another. And then…
Great writing, wonderful stories and insights…and very brave!
Hope where you are and what you are doing is proving wonderful and worthwhile. Oh, and fun, too!
Ah thank you so much! Wishing you wonder wherever you are too <3 xoxo
I would like to say that I truly admire what you’re doing, In fact a little jealous. I also like to say that you are my new role model, and Idol. I told my mom by April next year I should have just enough money to do what you’re doing. Also I have to ask if it’s not too personal how much money should I save to do this I’m a 24 yr old woman living in Denver Colorado. I am at a loss at what to do or how to start this adventure but I know I am gonna look to you as if you were spiritual advisor to do metaphorically speaking. Any advice to an amateur?
Sincerely SW
Hi Stephanie thank you so much for your kind message, I’m inspired by you! This a big deal and you are brave. Are you already signed up for my mailing list? I have some resources I send out to my subscribers as soon as they sign up. As far as how much money, what is your plan? It totally depends. There are lots of ways to travel without needing money, through work trade especially, so it all depends where you want to go and how you want to live. Specifically, what would be helpful? I’ll try to put together something to make it all seem more tangible. Sending you love and please stay in touch.
Beautiful!!!
Thankful to have found you this Saturday morning.
Thankful you found me too 🙂
Hi I may be coming to work in Costa Rica, just wanted to know more about living there coming from South Africa. Can you email me?
Hey Mark, I’ve got some more info here:
https://www.thisamericangirl.com/2015/09/04/move-to-costa-rica/
May your journey be filled with magic!
Stumbled across your site while at a friend’s beach house in NC, contemplating a return to Roatan, Honduras; I had heard about some absolutely stunning (and less crowded) places in Nicaragua, so decided to do a random search, and up your “don’t come to little corn island” came. Intrigued, I clicked on it. As an amateur writer and master island dreamer, your writing style of pulling someone through an emotional “photo journey” of your tour there was almost blissful! Not only was I “there” while telling of the story, my heart longs (as it does weekly) to return to some island life! Kudos to you, taking a leap to follow your passion, and thank you for bringing me along!
Safe travels,
Bill
Thank you so much Bill, what a kind compliment! May you find the paradise you’re searching for 🙂 <3
Hello
I think it might be my turn to get off the wheel of life and start living !
My kids are grown up, I’m single, self employed.
Sounds like you are ready for the next adventure. Celebrating you sister!
So glad I found your wonderful rewarding blog!
It has inspired me! Life is short and we miss so much.
I love, love, love all of your pages (or called blogs). Never have read anything better!
So, so, so glad you are here. No doubt you have inspired and helped many.
Keep writing! Love you.
thanks.
Carol
Awwww thank you Carol!! You are such a beautiful woman <3 I love you too!
Just when I think I’ve got all the inspiration I can get, and I’m pretty sure that what I want won’t work for me and that it’s only a life others can have that I have to just read about- I’ll come read something on your site and feel a whole new inspiration that renews this feeling of “I can do this!”
Keep up the wonderful work, and I love the new look to the site.
Hola Camille – I’ve followed your journey and blog the past 5 years. You’ve entertained and inspired. It’s been refreshing to see your metamorphosis and am excited to learn more about your new projects. I’m heading to PV in a few weeks, don’t suppose I’ll see you there? Lost track of your treks that past few months. Would love to run into the ocean with you some day; until our paths cross – Peace! Staci (puravidaquest blog)