I used to operate an IT company and worked for the government. Today, I consider myself a minimalist and a nomad, traveler, or vagabond. A refugee family's child who has been roaming without a base for over 6 years.
How did it come to this point, and why did I choose this path? These are questions that cannot be answered in a few words; they require an entire book. However, this book remains unwritten.
My existence began in ordinary fashion, much like everyone else's. My family sought refuge in my birth country, in search of a better life. Perhaps my fate can be traced back to the year 1763, specifically July 22nd. Alternatively, it may lie within the year without summer, in 1815. The exact details elude us, but what is certain is that my family fled, wandered, and eventually settled in a small town in southern Germany.
During that period, I did not yet have a place in anyone's thoughts or plans. However, as time went on and I entered this world, I enjoyed a privileged start and a blissful childhood. The only missing piece was acceptance as a true German among those around me. I lacked close friends and mostly stuck to our own community. I recall my grandmother taking me to gatherings of familiar faces from her own past, where I soaked in countless stories. It was a distinct world in which I grew up, encompassing everything from food and language to culture. These experiences inevitably shaped the person I am today.
In the past, I possessed everything – a house, a car, and no unfulfilled desires. My life was complete, as I had all that I needed. However, certain pivotal moments transformed me into a minimalist, now without a permanent residence, presently seated on a wooden sofa in Africa.
I have journeyed to over 35 countries, traversing deserts and mountains, swimming in various seas. Throughout these adventures, I have lived out of a bag, without a fixed abode. This lifestyle was never part of my original plan; my envisioned life involved a house, a car, and a comfortable income. The only element missing was a wife and children, completing the life I had envisioned. In short, circumstances steered me towards a nomadic existence and a minimalist lifestyle.
My first encounter with a sense of trouble occurred early in my existence. It happened in 1995 when an individual contacted a government agency, falsely claiming that I was involved in espionage. As a result, my government launched an investigation and discovered that my family had sought refuge from our enemy nation. This revelation ignited a bout of German paranoia, leading to my unfortunate predicament. I was ushered into a room where I endured physical abuse, accompanied by a constant interrogation focused on my affiliations and objectives. Eventually, they discovered that this accusation was nothing more than an anonymous lie, which proved to be utterly embarrassing for them. In order to secure my release, I begrudgingly signed a document stating that I had been treated fairly.
During that period, I was employed by the government and served in the military, making this situation particularly hazardous for me. Although the investigation ultimately revealed my innocence, the trust between us had been shattered. Consequently, I embarked on a journey to establish my own IT business alongside my current job, hoping to safeguard my future.
This incident was not the only instance in which I faced baseless allegations. Over the years, numerous crimes were anonymously attributed to me, yet each investigation consistently exonerated me. The security department in Germany faced a series of embarrassing situations due to my case.
At the present moment, I prefer not to delve deeper into these matters. I simply wish to convey that, in the end, my dog met a tragic fate, my belongings were stolen, and I found myself unjustly accused of yet another crime. Once this was resolved and brought before a judge in the city of Waiblingen, I was essentially forced out of the country.
It is important to note that the actions of this judge were illegal, but due to their status, no consequences were bestowed upon them. While starting anew might have been a feasible option, the prospect no longer felt appealing, as I had grown weary of constantly beginning from scratch. Consequently, I decided against embarking on another fresh start. This decision became the foundation of the nomadic lifestyle I currently lead, relying solely on a bag to sustain my existence instead of seeking a new home and purchasing everything again.
I became aware of this Blog through my registration on Nostr. A subscriber of mine kindly informed me about the Hive Blog and provided assistance in setting it up. I extend my deepest gratitude to @offgridlife for his help. Additionally, I would like to express my thanks to
@lovesniper and
@chillwithshanna for their thoughtful message reminding me to introduce myself.