Are you a backpacker?
BY PHILL FELTHAM
The life of the backpacker (Alain Chartrand).
Wordnet describes a backpacker as a hiker who carries a backpack. Kind of simple but doesn’t really truly define what TWW thinks a backpacker is.
A backpacker sometimes plans for their journey but doesn’t usually bring enough clothes for the duration of their trip. Some backpackers like to leave their destination to fate–even their duration abroad is a mystery.
A backpacker won’t leave home without their Lonely Planet or Fodors guide. In fact, they feel naked without it. Also a backpacker doesn’t mind the cold, cramped and often very unprivate conditions of a hostel. Many backpackers favor this opportunity to meet others who have similar interests–they may even travel together for a bit, but ultimately, they’ll go they’re own seperate roads, maybe never seeing the other again.
Some backpackers treat the packing process as an exact science. If you poke your head into a European cafe or an Internet cafe, you might find travelers sipping coffee or writing of their travels to their loved ones. When there is not a lot of money to go around, some backpackers might be so bold to teach a little English or ply their trade in exchange for a night’s sleep. A park bench might not be so threatening either, especially to the really brave backpacker.
Backpackers come in all different shapes, sizes and speak all kinds of different languages. Their country count is plenty and their travel stories are priceless. This issue is dedicated to all veteran and would-be backpackers. Thank you for the inspiration and the stories. They never fall on deaf ears. iT!
WANDERWORD
The obvious on words you already know
PASSPORT— NOT passing a wine bottle or harbour. Right-of-passage. Passbook with mug shot in case accused of a crime. Stamps date and destination to remember who, when and where you are. PASSPORT ensures travel security unless venturing in a foreign nation who hates your country or whose bandits need your country’s ID.– Lynda Allison, The Write-Up Writers
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