The Professional Hobo reveals all…..(picture above is taken from my Hollywood days….literally)
This post was originally published in 2016. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.
Since publishing my first Vlog entry (Stairway to Freedom) last month, I’ve been inundated (in a good way) with ideas for what to talk about in upcoming episodes of this video series. Discussing loneliness on the road, and how to get past the typical roadblocks we tend to put in the way of our lifestyle desires. What it’s like to travel solo as a female, and what really happened in Peru. My favourite destinations, and my definition of home. And more!
But I thought I’d start with some basics: fun and curious facts about The Professional Hobo that you probably didn’t know.
For example, did you know that Nora Dunn isn’t actually (really) my name?
Or that I have a ridiculously musical history?
That I raced motorcycles?
How about that my ultimate inspiration to travel full-time was born when I toured China with a ballet?
Did you know I was in a Hollywood movie?
Or that I started an International NGO quite by accident after I started traveling full-time?
I won’t let the cat out of the bag too much. Click on the video below to learn 22 random and curious facts about me, at least a few of which will surely come as a surprise to you.
Can’t see the video here? Click here to watch on YouTube!
Yes!
I know what you mean about the ‘favorite country/destination’ question! haha. I dislike it too, but also am always curious how other people answer the same question. 😉
Tiffany,
LOL – Glad I’m not the only one!
As a scuba instructor, the variation I always got was “What is your favorite dive destination?”, since I had traveled quite a bit as a diver.
My (standard) answer?
“The NEXT one.”
Ha ha, John – good answer!
Such a fun vlog, Nora. I enjoyed your story and getting to see how your writing style translates from the blog to the vlog. Thank you for being brave in sharing your story and your travels. You are inspiring to me.
Thank you, Jennifer! 🙂
Ah, Nora. What a fabulously rich and experience-filled life you are enjoying. I congratulate you on living your dream. It’s a difficult decision to give up a romantic partner for the sake of lifestyle, so I applaud you and him for your courage. I have also been getting comments from friends about how they could never travel by themselves. I tell them that it is scariest the first time and increasingly less scary over time. And as in Toastmasters, the fear is replaced with an excited anticipation. I also tell them that it only takes a couple of weeks to get used to a new lifestyle. in those two weeks, they will have figured out a system for eating, sleeping, paying for things, doing their ablutions, doing laundry, and communicating with others. In my younger days, I would have suggested that it only takes a week to get used to a new lifestyle, but then some of my friends have gone that long without brushing their teeth or having a bowel movement when traveling to a new place. Hehe. Crazy kids.
I’m loving your vlog.
Hey Dave – thanks!
LOL – a week without pooping or brushing teeth? Yikes! 😉
I would say it takes a bit longer to get used to a travel lifestyle, but then again they say it takes just 3 weeks to build a new habit, so I guess you’re pretty close.
Glad you’re enjoying my vlog – and happy travels!
In a future vlog, mind sharing some of the technical details of how you pull off shooting on the road?
Usual stuff, like camera, editing, sound – how do you pack and move that sort of gear with the life you’ve chosen?
Hi John,
An interesting idea! It’s a bit out of the scope and theme of the vlog in a way – you can find lots of videos about shooting gear etc, but maybe I’ll incorporate it into some sort of post about what I pack and travel with. Thanks!
That’s what I meant! It’s scary how you read my mind at times…
We had the lunch buffet at El Maizal in Urubamba last May. It was a Sunday. I looked across the palapa and thought I recognized you, but wasn’t sure. Did you ever eat there before you left Peru?
Hi Hoz,
I don’t believe I ate at El Maizal before….my fav place in Urubamba was a different restaurant (I can’t remember the name off the top of my head) with a beautiful garden setting. Who knows – maybe it was me! 🙂
I don’t like the favourite destination question either but also like asking other travellers too..lol I remember the Victorian bush fires, I was living in Melbourne at the time, was the hottest day I have ever experienced, over 50c, and the weather map just showed fire everywhere, it was insane. Ironically a few years later we experienced mass flooding, Australian weather is crazy.
Hey Leo,
Yes – the fires were crazy. I heard about the flooding a few years later….yikes! In fact, I believe the Victorian Bushfires may have been overshadowed by a worse natural disaster in the years since. I’m not sure.
So….what’s your fav destination? (LOL! Don’t answer that) 😉
Enjoyed that, Cheers!
Thanks, Christopher! 🙂
I totally saw your movie, what a sweet story but heartbreaking at the same time. Wow! What a col career you’ve had. You must have gone to AMDA in LA. You probably know a gal who also ended up on Broadway who is likely your age or a few years ahead. Julie E for purposes of privacy. I haven’t been to Cuenca yet but I know I’d totally love it. Went to Ecuador and hit Tinkias in the Amazon.
Headed to Antarctica in a few days!
Hi Marcia,
Glad you saw the movie! I particularly love the last scene with the real kids. Simultaneously heartbreaking AND heartwarming!
No, I went to school in Toronto.
Enjoy Antarctica! WOW!
Hi Nora,
I like your website and video. I´m preparing traveling, still mostly in my mind though. You surprise my, your broad background and courage.
Alli
Thanks, Alli! And the world’s greatest journeys start in our minds…. 🙂
I loved this! I’ve been reading you for 5+ years but I really love how your personality shows up in this video Nora! What a presence you have!
Thank you so much, Grace! I’m glad you enjoyed this. I’m releasing a new vlog every month. So please subscribe to my YouTube channel and stay tuned!