As many of you know via updates on Facebook as well as my blog post a couple months back; at the start of June I decided to fly back to Toronto, Canada to spend time with my family as my father was going through some health issues. I left the Hippie Van at a friend’s cousin’s house just outside of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Although I have seriously missed the vanlife, the past three months have been hugely rewarding and rejuvenating. First and foremost, my father has had a more or less full recovery and is doing great! Spending time with my family has been without a doubt the greatest reward of taking some time off from the hippie van pan american adventure.
Shortly before departing Brazil, the idea came to me for an app. The more I discussed the idea with others, the more I knew I was on to something special. Hours of affirming discussions and conclusive research aside, an immense energy and passion flow through me every time I discuss the idea or work on it. For me, that is the most compelling reason to pursue something, therefore that is just what I am doing.
We will be releasing more details in the coming weeks and look forward to sharing it with you. We are looking for adventurous early adopters who are interested in providing feedback as we develop and launch this app. If you’re interested in hearing more about the idea, leave your name and email in the form below.
In addition I also applied for a Start-up Chile – Start-Up Chile is a program that is part of Chile’s economic development agency called Corfo. The program was created in 2010 and attracts early stage, high-potential entrepreneurs to bootstrap their startups in Chile from all parts of the world and from Chile itself. Have a look at our intro video below
What does this mean for the Hippie Van Man journey!? First and foremost it means that the “hippie van man” has been replenished with a fresh dose of passion. One of the aims of the HippieVanMan project is to demonstrate that it is possible to live a location independent lifestyle, to have the freedom to simultaneously explore and wander whilst making an income to support yourself.
I have purchased a flight back to Brazil and will be reuniting with the Hippie Van the first week of October! The main difference is that my work-life focus will be shifting from building websites for others, to working with a team to develop this travel app that I believe is going to change the way the World explores.
I have a little over a month left to spend time with family and friends as well as celebrate my cousins wedding at the end of September. I look forward to continuing to share the Hippie Van adventure with all of you as well as my all new start-up adventure.
Thanks again for all your support and joining me in this adventure of a lifetime. The Hippie Van Man facebook community just hit 4000 dreamers, doers, Volkswagen nuts, travelers and free spirits. Don’t forget to check the HippieVanMan out on social media for cool content that doesn’t make it to the site.
