GYPSY GIRL'S GUIDE

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.

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)

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 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. In fact, I can be pretty lazy too. 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.

Rishikesh Ladies (2004)

Welcome to Gypsy Girl's Guide!
Here you'll find my stories, travels, musings and colors.
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I travel to feel alive, to expand my knowledge, to get a new perspective, to find magical connections, to learn how to trust serendipity... And mostly, to come back home knowing a bit more about who I am.

While travel usually refers to going to a particular place, I invite you to look at the bigger picture which is your own journey through life.

Find out how the places you go, the people you meet and the cultures you participate on, can teach you about your true nature and guide you on making vivid and confident choices.

I believe that travel can empower you to create the life you have always wanted to live!

Coming up on this site:

About the Guide & the Gypsy Girl behind it.

Adventure Map - Gypsy Girl maps many years of her adventures around the globe.

Illustrations & Photography - Gallery covering travels in North, South & Central America, South East Asia, India, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

Travel Writing - Insight for the woman who travels solo. Tips on how to get started on your 'round the world trip or your dream adventure. Learn how to find joy on a walk around the block. Learn how to go on a "gypsy girl" journey in your own neighborhood! And much more...

California Dreamin' - Gypsy Girl is currently based in San Francisco, CA. Lots of regional tips!!!

Interviews w/ top notch gypsies! Learn more about "gypsy girl" lifestyle.

Gypsy Links - Spirited inspiration for the road.

Gypsy Hub - Meet other like-minded "gypsy girls" here!

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