Maze, Black Rock City, NV, 2005
When I tell people that I moved to England by myself when I was 17 years old, they usually ask me: Weren’t you afraid? You must be so brave… How did you do that?
And the truth is that I have always responded to these questions with: “I dunno…” But what I realize now, is that such answer is just not good enough to encourage anyone to go and find out that it can be done. Besides, how powerful could it be to know how to re-activate that courage muscle anytime I needed to? With that, I decided to do some exploring as a way to gain easy access to that part of me that is brave, so I can learn how to apply the strength I have when it comes to traveling, to the parts of me that need confidence.
As I went on a journey through my memories last night, I remembered that what triggered my interest in England was my love for classical ballet. I had been practicing ballet for several years at a school affiliated to the Royal Academy, where we were evaluated by brit instructors who came to Brazil periodically (Yes! As in Billy Elliot, guys!). I just loved that vibe and formality which was so unlike the relaxed Brazilian style. From there, all I really did was give more and more room to that thought of “Hey, it would be amazing to go there.” I listened to that part of me that was curious about England. I looked at all kinds of photos, I read about how people lived there, I searched for London newspapers and I imagined myself there daily. All along this process, I made no travel plans. I was only immersed in the idea of how it would feel to be there. Sure enough, the opportunity came along on its own via a scholarship proposal. I applied for it, it came through and when that happened, I was practically there already. I was able to take the next step forward, because England was not unknown to me. It was the place I needed to be at. My parents saw the glow in my eyes and they had no choice but encourage me and let me go. I must thank them infinitely for allowing me to find my path that way.
When I got there, I had the clearest feeling of openness, fearlessness. I was not afraid at all, because I had prepared mentally for how it would feel. From that state of mind, I was able to be receptive to the people and challenges presented, which enabled me to adapt gracefully. Everyone I met noticed my genuine gratitude for being there and in return, offered me more help that I could have ever hoped for. The more I gave into that experience, the more it gave back to me. *This is true for every trip I have taken so far*.
So, without getting into too many more details, I think that a pretty good recipe for gearing up for your big trip is: Tune in with your interests and what they say about where you should go. Immerse yourself in the idea, imagine how it would feel to be there. Then, take the opportunity when it comes (it will come!) and go with your heart and eyes open! Be prepared but not scared. Allow yourself to receive the adventure. Also, be in charge when it comes to your travel project. You are the boss designing how it should go. Have fun with it. Lastly, take care of yourself out there, because when you do so, you feel empowered and you come back safe.
As I wrap this up, a bigger question stays with me:
Can I apply this formula to the other areas of my life that need courage? Can I feel less trapped in my day-to-day challenges? If I trust what I know in my heart with openness and awareness, can I move forward and out of the maze?
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By the way, my new friend Ann has the perfect line of Tees to help carry this thought and intention. Get one before you go on your next adventure! I got mine and we’ll be sporting it in this blog soon.
Archive for November, 2006
How to start?
About The Girl & The Guide
Pink Lotus, SF Conservatory of Flowers, 2003 – “The lotus and water lily are prominent symbols in Egyptian, Biblical, Classical, European, Indian, and theosophical literature. They relate to creation, regeneration, and the state of the initiate and higher beings, all of whom travel through life’s vicissitudes and trials to become at one with the creative source of life in order to return and spread its light to other receptive souls.” Sunrise Magazine (2000)
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Gyp-sy also Gip-sy (jps)
One inclined to a nomadic, unconventional way of life.
noun: traveller, roamer, wanderer, bohemian, rover, rambler, nomad, vagabond
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Alessandra Cave is a photographer, writer and film producer with a ‘gypsy’ heart!
She has a master’s degree in daydreaming and her best skill is to wander around the world searching for colorful inspiration and great excuses to be silly and have fun.
When she is not having an adventure around the globe, this gypsy girl can often be found sipping masala chai, napping in the sunshine or walking the streets of San Francisco with her camera.
Alessandra Cave is available for freelance writing, travel and photography assignments. Please contact her at gypsygirlsguide@gmail.com or alessandracave@gmail.com with exciting and serious business propositions.
Thank you for stopping by!
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All writings and photographs are copyright and property of Alessandra Cave. You may not reproduce any of her works in any matter without permission. If you wish to use her images and writings to promote her work on your website, you must give her the appropriate, visible and full credit where it applies. Thank you.
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Read more:
I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and from an early age, I was fascinated by my country’s mixture of cultures. The traditions of the indigenous tribes, Portuguese, West Africans, Japanese, Arabics, Germans and Italians were all blended and reflected in Brazil’s exuberant music, dance, typical foods, folklore tales, etc. So I saw the world through Brazil’s diversity and all that richness created in me a strong desire to fearlessly embrace travel. I craved to see, taste and experience more of all cultures.
So I started my Gypsy Girl’s life abroad in 1990, when I was 17 years old, to my parents total despair. We did not have the money, the status or the open mind to assimilate that I wanted to be a world traveler, or worse, that I was going solo! However, we all learned that when you set your mind to anything, you can make it happen. Since then, I’ve been to many many corners of the world. And If you read my story in this blog, you’ll learn how things actually played out for me.
I ended up living for a few months here and there and everywhere. Eventually, I found the place where my heart lives, I found true love and a gorgeous city where I can freely play: San Francisco, California. Here I enjoy the crisp Nor Cal air, I’m close to the ocean, I’m close to the mountains, I’m fairly close to the desert, I’m close to the amazing Redwoods, I practice yoga, I dance, I paint, I dress up in costumes now and then, I illustrate, I take colorful photographs and I also produce visual effects for Hollywood movies! My family, my country and my Brazilian tribe are still a huge part of who I am. But I am here now, and as hard as it is to admit it sometimes… I’m here by choice. I’m here to find my way once again, to share my stories with you and to go on more travels… But more importantly, I’m here to focus on the main journey which is Life, so I can understand the reason behind all of this.
Gypsy Girls Guide emerged when I realized that I’ve been able to lead a life that is interesting to many people. For some, it even feels unattainable and a very wild lifestyle! So I’m here to open up and tell you how it happened for me, an ordinary Brazilian girl. I hope that my story can inspire others (especially other women) to travel, get on their life’s path and have fun with it. I was able to do it by going one step at a time and by having lots of faith that this was the right direction for me (just because my heart said so!). You’ll see that it wasn’t always easy and that I’m not the “over achiever” type. But the truth is that I stuck with the thought that when you are following your heart, miracles unfold. And that’s why I’m here, folks! I’m here to tell you the good news, and to also remind myself: We choose our way. We can reinvent it over and over. We have the power to create our lives.
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Your way begins on the other side
Become the sky
Walk out like someone
Suddenly born into color
Do it now
*Rumi*
The Journey
Rishikesh Ladies (2004)
Welcome to Gypsy Girl’s Guide!
I call myself a ‘gypsy girl’ because my curiosity and love for travel has unleashed me to be my truest self. I travel to feel alive, to expand my knowledge, to get a new perspective, to make magical connections, to trust the universe’s serendipity, and mostly, to come back home knowing a bit more about who I am.
But wait! There is a twist! While my interest in travel includes exploring exciting destinations around the world, this space is nothing like a travel magazine! Through this blog I am inviting you to join me while I look at the bigger picture, which is the journey through LIFE. This is a place for me to catalog, share and observe how the things that inspire me, the places I go and the people I meet, constantly teach me about my true nature. It’s a place to guide me on making vivid and confident choices in the direction of my wildest dreams.
You see, the thing is… When I think of myself as a “gypsy”, I connect with a side of me that is fearless and free spirited, which are qualities that I love about myself. So naturally, I’d like to always remind myself of my “gypsy” power, and I’d like for you also, to get to know me from that point of view, which I believe is my most authentic self, despite life’s turns, challenges and limitations.
I believe that the act of honoring our journey (whether on the road or exactly where we stand) can show us how to live a life we love and love the life we live.
I believe that MY story is YOUR story and OUR story.
I believe that we are all traveling together and trying to make the best of it.
I believe that by sharing our bits and pieces, fears, hopes and discoveries, we can create helpful guides, maps, lighthouses, that can help us feel less alone and lost in our journeys.
Thank you for coming along!
Enjoy ~
