Digital Nomads: Stephen traveling, writing & portraying the world
After the post from Travel Bloggers to Digitals Nomads, how to make a living while traveling, we decided to let you enjoy some interviews to real digital nomads, who left all behind them to travel the world and experience a new way of living! Today is the day of Stephen Lioy, so enjoy his interview!
Who is Stephen and what’s his life like?
I’m from the US but left in 2008 to move to China to teach English. Since then I’ve traveled quite a bit and eventually decided to stay for a while in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan to explore the culture a little more and learn Russian, as well as to get out into the amazing mountains that make up much of the country. I spend much of my time writing and marketing photography, but in free moments try to learn more about the traditional nomadic culture here or go trekking and camping to see more of the natural scenery of the country.
Do you consider yourself a digital nomad? If so what made you decide to begin a nomadic life?
I definitely like the term ‘digital nomad’ as it emphasizes that freedom to move to a new place on a whim but also allows for more time in the destinations that really strike a personal chord. While I was living in China I had expected to move back to the US to start law school, but while traveling after I left my job there decided that being rooted in one place would never leave enough time to experience the rest of the world so I began to look for ways to earn money remotely in order to be able to keep traveling but also create an income to support it.
How long have you been travelling and where have you been?
I traveled a bit around China and South East Asia while I lived in that area, and then since I left China in early 2010 have visited much of Asia, a bit if Europe, and a few places in the Middle East.
What are some of your favourite off the beaten track destinations?
Kyrgyzstan has obviously been one of my favorite destinations, and more broadly most of Central Asia is really interesting for independent travelers. Outside of this region, I’ve really enjoyed both Vienna and Istanbul and find myself returning to them occasionally. They may not be as ‘off the beaten’ track, but they both appeal to me as a traveler and a photographer.
Tell us something about your experience in the United Arab Emirates, one of the emerging travel destinations!
The United Arab Emirates is a really interesting place, as there are so many cultures represented in a comparatively small area. It isn’t unusual at all in Dubai to meet Americans, Filipinos, Sri Lankans, and Kenyans all in the course of one afternoon! Last time I was there I was working as a photographer for a tour company so I got to spend quite a lot of time doing really touristy stuff like Desert Safaris and boat rides through the Dubai Marina, but I also enjoy just wandering through the area and seeing how people from such diverse backgrounds manage to coexist in close proximity.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of travel?
The craziest thing I’ve done? If you ask people I know back in the US, the craziest would be a short trip to Afghanistan a few years ago to see what it was really like outside of the media we’re so constantly bombarded with. Perhaps more personally shocking would be some of the foods I’ve eaten, though. If it isn’t poisonous or endangered, I try to make a point or trying whatever foods I come across in new places. This has lead to some interesting experiences but also makes for a great way to bond with folks from a country I’m new to!
How are you able to afford to travel? Do you make money from your blog or from freelance work?
I’ve only recently started to really try to make money off of my travel blog MonkBoughtLunch, but I do a bit of freelance writing and photography as well as work as a tour guide. I also run websites about Hiking in Asia and The Wakhan Corridor that bring in a bit of money through affiliate income, so trying to balance all of these while still traveling can get quite hectic.
You take amazing photos during your travels. How do you get such wonderful shots?
I really enjoy photography – as an act in itself before even considering the financial side of it. I think one of the keys for me is determination. I’ve gotten into some really unusual spots to get an angle ‘just right’ for a photo, and a lot of people aren’t willing to put that sort of effort into taking photos. I’ve also always tried to make connections with the people I’m photographing, and all of my favorite portraits reflect this. Taking the time to talk to somebody and learn a little bit about them really impacts the way I then want to photograph them, and of course it builds up a sort of trust and comfort that makes it a little better from their perspective as well.
Do you have any advice for people considering long term traveling?
The best advice is really just to travel slow and try the street food. Like every other traveler (well, or at least American travelers?) my first big trip was a full-on sprint through European cities. While we saw a lot, we didn’t really understand anything about the places we were in. Spending more time in each place allows a more thorough understanding of what makes it interesting and different, and of course being familiar with a city helps keep costs down too. Plus I’m convinced street food is one of the ways straight to the heart of a culture. What sort of comfort food do people look for? What do they grab when they’re on the move and want a quick bite? This can tell you so much about a place, and makes a great way to meet locals as well!
Where are you heading to next? Do you think you’ll ever settle down in one place?
I expect to spend much of this year in Central Asia still, though I do have trips to Istanbul and the Netherlands later this year and am considering a short trip to India too. For the moment, though, I’m focusing on learning to ski and improving my Russian in Bishkek.
About the Author
Francy Hi! My name is Francesca I love travelling, getting in touch with new lifestyles, new ways of thinking and most of all always discovering news places around the world! I like reading travel books and magazines, art and food. These are my passions that I try to share with you.
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