Some people probably don’t realize one of the gifts of blogging is the people you will meet on the journey. That’s why when one of those “gifts” sent me an email a few weeks ago telling me they would be in town this week, I responded immediately. Yes we could figure out how to do a physically distant “safe” lunch—but I had a condition. Would they also do a live interview with Thom and me? Of course doing a live interview outdoors is tricky enough. Then throw in the restrictions of a pandemic, other people, and swarms of gardeners and you never know what you will end up creating. However, when you are willing to take a chance with your blog, your vlog and life itself, great things can and do happen. Thanks to Michelle and Jedd Chang from IntentionalTravelers.com for a great interview. And a special thanks to Thom for managing to film and edit another complicated Vlog for us all despite the challenges!
It’s very nice to “meet” Michelle and Jedd here on your blog/vlog, Kathy. Kindred spirits! 🙂 I think it’s the best of two worlds: travel 50% of the time and live a comfortable, non-challenging life the other half of the year.
Hi Liesbet! While they aren’t quite as adventurous as you and Mark they do live their own rightsized version of a “life less ordinary” right? I think there are a number of you digital nomads that have found a lifestyle that works for you. And you all serve as inspiration for the rest of us. If you ever make it to our “neck of the woods again” we’ll have to interview your version. ~Kathy
What an interesting couple. I wish I knew people like this when I was 18 years old … but would I have taken their advice? Maybe.
Hi Tom! I suppose it is hard to say which of us would have “heard” their ideas when we were younger and then really acted on them. But I can’t help but feel that their model is a great one for those of us who value adventure! I like how they say they have traded stability and safety for flexibility and pursuit of adventure. That REALLY appeals to me and is a great reminder for all of us to make choices that fit us–yes rightsized! Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Great interview! I didn’t know of Michelle and Jedd so it was nice to meet them and learn of their website. Hopefully in the not too distant future, we can all do more intentional travel. I know we are ready!
Hi Janis! Thank you! And I’m very happy to introduce everyone to such a great couple who offer so much. If you go to their website you’ll see their reviews and suggestions for all sorts of destinations–and they also offer different travel options (for when the time comes.) We almost joined them when they did a tour in Vietnam but our dates didn’t line up. In the meantime, we are going to check out their “cooking class” and see another way they are bridging travel during COVID! ~Kathy
Great interview! What a charming couple. It is great seeing a young couple able to understand the value of travel.
Hi Haralee! Aren’t they great? They made the “interview” work because they are both so honest, open and generally gracious. How they have “rightsized” their entire life is a great example for us all. ~Kathy
Thanks for sharing and including us in your vlog!
PS For folks looking to travel-from-home, our other project for online cooking classes live from Tuscany is https://cookingintuscany.cc/club
🙂
Hi Michelle! You are so welcome. Thank YOU both for helping to ease some of the challenges involved and making this Vlog so interesting. I’m definitely going to check out your cooking club. I think it is wonderful how you are both staying flexible and looking for new ways to create during our current times. Isn’t that the true sign of creativity? It was a pleasure to spend several hours with you and we look forward to the next time our paths cross! ~Kathy
Great interview! I love learning how people are living their lives differently from the mainstream. I wish I had known about these options when I was younger. Long story short, my circumstances and upbringing made me seek the traditional path and the security it afforded. But if I had it to do over, who knows? Especially now, when people can literally work anywhere there is an internet connection.
Deb
Hi Deb! Yes aren’t they creative? And we loved how they have managed to make it work so well as a couple. As you said, if we’d had their courage and advice when we were younger our life would certainly be different. I am hoping a lot of younger people view this video and take their ideas to heart. ~Kathy
What an adorable and admirable couple! Them, too! 😉
I loved their gentle energy and their articulateness about their “way of doing life” (great phrase!). Since my husband and I are big fans of Slow Travel (though we had to travel faster in the old days of one-week vacations), I’ll definitely look up their website and book. Thanks, Kathy & Thom!
Hi Nancy! Yes aren’t they a great couple? We had fun making this video even though there were a number of challenges which you mostly don’t see. And their flexible and relaxed manner help to make it work well. As you say, their manner of traveling is definitely a “slow travel” way to do it. Their book is mainly a focus on “budget accommodations” but I still found it helpful because regardless of whether you CAN afford more, that’s not always the best way to go. Thanks for watching! ~Kathy