"This moment made me arrive to the realization that the passion for traveling is age-independent and the possibility of traveling solo around the world in old age is not a theory."
Daniel, an 81-year-old Canadian Solo Backpacker
Daniel is his name. Beautiful name! I suddenly remember a Bible character named Daniel who kept his faith. He was a disciplined man, healthy in all aspects: physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.
Daniel is a Canadian solo backpacker. He has chosen to live this way. I met him in #BONTOC during a cultural celebration in town. I saw him seated in a corner with his video camera perched on a tripod. I approached him, we watched the cultural show and a conversation arising from two different generations filled the age gap. I have been hooked into his stories and our common interest has just cloistered us away from the crowd.
I asked him what is his secret of living a youthful life in his age. He told me he has successfully avoided cigar and alcohol in his younger years. I learned that in 1986, he has been in the same place. But that time was totally different. He told me that getting to Bontoc was a painful 12 hours of riding in a bus along a lonely dusty, mischievous and dreadful road from #BAGUIO to Bontoc. He then claimed that he was surprised with the massive change in development in this part of #CORDILLERA.
This moment made me arrive to the realization that the passion of traveling is age-independent and the possibility of traveling solo around the world in old age is not a theory. Daniel has just set an axiomatically perfect example.
Igorot old men: not the solo backpacker breed though
While [some member of] the younger generation spend their youthful years to partying (I am referring to the sinful way), engaging in vices and unhealthy lifestyle, Daniel has just clearly chosen his priority. He maintained a good health because he still want to do his passion even when he gets old.
Another old man, he is not a Canadian though
Igorot old men circle, not sure if I will wear that when I get old though
To Daniel, I don't know when we'll meet again, or I don't know if the second chance of meeting you would be possible. But if ever you stumble on this page, I just want to let you know sir that this post is my tribute to you for inspiring an ordinary young man like me (in contrast to your age) to become extraordinary, one day, someday. /end
Bontoc #TownExploration Series
Map showing the Location of #Bontoc
Click map to view latest articles covering Mountain Province
MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *PEOPLE*
[BONTOC] ► The Last Generation of Overt Igorots in the Cordilleras
_________________TEASER ▬ Each second counts, and each second that has passed means losing another second of their generation.
[BONTOC] ► Finding Shelter in Alab's Mt. Data: Happy Memories with Strangers
_________________TEASER ▬ By time, I may forget them, so, I have to write a story about that experience that I may still remember those precious memories...
[BONTOC] ► Cultural Experience with the Ammutan/Muyadan Tribe of Manabo
_________________TEASER ▬ There was a language barrier but the mere fact that I am witnessing a portion of their culture has made me think that...
[VIGAN] ► Meeting the Oldest Palaspas Weaver for Palm Sunday at 74 years old
_________________TEASER ▬ All I can see on the face of Lola Conchita is the sincerity in her craft—that she loves it so much in spite of her age.
[BANTAY] ► The Trike Toploader Kids of Sallacong
_________________TEASER ▬ I was following their way and even the sunset would signal that they have to take a rest for now, the sunrise will again come tomorrow giving them new strength, new hope...
[DAGUPAN] ► The Beki Faith Healer at A.B. Fernandez Avenue
_________________TEASER ▬ His goal now is to instill acceptance. On how he will receive acceptance in this society with set of rules and standards depends on the fruit of his actions.
[TINGLAYAN] ► Kin-ay: the First Kalinga Tattooed Woman I Met
_________________TEASER ▬ A person came close. He gently grabbed Kin-ay's arm and showed me her name. Wow! That was a lovely way of telling her name!
[TINGLAYAN] ► Fang-Od (Whang-Od): The Last Tribal Tattoo Artist of Kalinga
_________________TEASER ▬ She's ending the tradition not by her choice but by the call of our ever changing society.
I'd like top see myself never growing tired collecting experiences just like this 81-year-old man you met. We endeavor to do what makes us happy and traveling obviously is what keeps him going. And going.
ReplyDeleteYay this another great compilation Edmar! Miss bumping you site! Long time no comment ah! Keep on exploring and sharing your experience to us! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Nomadic Pinoy | Ang galing po niya no? Seems like traveling is his source of strength :) #superlolo
ReplyDeletelalalaPatricia | Hi Pat! Yes, I miss your space here, and I am too missing checking yours. Yeah, I sure will keep exploring and sharing, as long as I have the time, resources and strength - promise! ;)
ReplyDeleteTo be backpacking at 81 years old is really admirable. It just shows how people can be passionate with what they do.
ReplyDeleteFrand Ramon | So true, it becomes obvious and overt, the passion manifests before the naked eye :)
ReplyDeleteDaniel is such a strong and inspiring man. If I were on his age, I don't know if I can still hike and do all those activities.
ReplyDeleteTravelling is a passion...age doesn't matter with it. :) I hope I can experience hiking to and not the usual city-hopping. And I hope I can do it earlier on, though there's nothing bad about being 81 and hiking, just wanna experience it when my knees are still able. :)
ReplyDeleteRochkirstin Santos | Hehe... but actually, no one knows what might happen in the future. Who knows, you can be like him :)
ReplyDeleteMarie, shiny pearl | I second the motion, Marie :)
ReplyDelete