Lena

During my travels, I have realized that for some reason, awesome people tend to gravitate towards awesome places. Therefore, it should be no surprise that I first came across this awesome person in Why Not Hostel in Tbilisi, Georgia. Unlike most other serious stiffs out there, this awesome person hadn't forgotten that life should be playful instead of stressful and was always ready for wander and adventure, even when it comes to joining a bearded coffee fiend on a trip to rural mountain villages. Now, fresh after our journey together, let me introduce Lena.

Little did I know at first, but Lena's trip to Georgia almost didn't happen at all. Originally, she was planning it with a friend, and at last minute, something happened and her friend had to drop out. Everything that was planned could no longer be, which for some people would have ended any possibility for a trip right then and there. But for Lena, it did not. Instead, she threw herself fully into the experience and decided she was going to make the most of her time in this country of which she had never been and knew very little about. And when I say 'make the most of her time', I'm not speaking in hyperbole. From sun-up to the early hours of next morning, Lena seemed to do everything. Within two days, she had walked the entirety of Tbilisi, got invited by a group of local university students to a birthday party, and quickly befriended Georgi (the hostel cat).

However, it was during a trip we did to Mt. Kazbek where one of Lena's most awesome traits came to light. Right after we arrived, even before we got to the guesthouse, something happened. A dog ran out onto the street and bolted right toward us, but instead of barking and biting, it went right up to Lena and rolled over on it's back so it could be pet. And it didn't stop with the dog. Every animal we came across, from the guesthouse cat (they have one too) to the many wandering cows and sheep, and even the lone donkey all were drawn to her. Lena just has this overall presence. She's open to the world and all the people and animals within it. She tears down barriers, defies borders, and seeks to make meaningful connections and friendships.

ADVICE: Be like Lena. Befriend everyone and everything you can and never forget that life can be fun and joyful.

Pete

As you can probably tell by this page, one of my favorite parts of traveling is meeting awesome people. And while this aspect is great, there's one thing that's slightly better: reuniting with awesome people from past travels. I first met Pete in my initial visit to Georgia two years ago when we traveled together from Tbilisi to Kazbegi to hike the mountain, which, to this day, remains one of my favorite trips ever. When that ended, we both went our separate ways and saw different parts of the world, but now, in July 2017, our paths have once again crossed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. So, with that said, let me introduce Pete.

For some people, travel is their leisure. For others, it may be work. But for Pete, travel is his life and his art. Upon our first meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, Pete came across as another friendly, relaxed, interesting traveler, but with one notable exception: his video camera. This device he carried wasn't a cheap tourist camera, nor was it a small one for making a few keepsake photos. Instead, Pete had a full, modern, up to date camera like the type you would see in a film studio. He said it was for making travel videos about the places he went, which at first I thought was pretty interesting. However, then I saw some and they completely blew my mind.

I don't how how it is possible, but with his camera, Pete is able to capture the essence and feeling of a place better than any travel agency or tourist company could ever dream of. I can try to describe these films, but words cannot give them justice. Each film I saw, though, made me feel almost as if I was there and as if I was interacting and exploring the environment portrayed. He was able to capture the natural beauty, urban energy, vibrant culture and unique subtitles all together at once. Each one amplified my desire to see and go to these places.

All to often, people go places and they just take. They consume, indulge, and leave a huge mess behind. But Pete is different. Pete always puts in the effort to make friends, learn about his new surroundings, and always gives something back. He creates an builds projects, highlighting the best of every place. Anyway though, I could go on, but I think giving you the link to his videos will do far more than my words.

Be like Pete: Make something from your travels. Give something back and use your full creativity.

Lera

Sometimes awesome people can appear in the strangest, most unexpected places. They could be the person two rows in front of you on a bus, they could be next to you in line at the DMV, or in Lera's case, she could be in the same grocery isle in a market in Almaty, Kazakhstan while you debate with other travel buddies over which ketchup to buy. Yes, I'm being hyper specific because this is exactly how our first encounter happened. As a result, it made my whole Kazakhstan trip exceptionally better.

Introduction to Lera

In my travels, I've met many interesting and determined people, but never have I come across anyone as open to the world and full of life as Lera. Just upon hearing me speak English in the ketchup isle (hence realizing I was a foreigner), she dedicated the rest of her week to making sure I got to see the best Almaty had to offer, which included a hike up in the mountains overlooking the city and a 3 hour walk across the entire city at night. In all the places I've been, I've never gotten a  see a side of the city and culture in such a unique way, which made the whole experience extra exceptional. But the best part about this was that Lera seemed to be enjoying this just as much as I did.

More than anyone else I've met in my travels, Lera was more determined to have the best experience possible out of life, both for her and for the people she meets. Happily, and I mean happily, she regularly wakes up at five in the morning to have breakfast with friends while the rest of the city silently sleeps, yet still has the energy to hike up mountains and show foreigners the most interesting and unique spots of the city, all the while sharing in-depth conversations about life, society, and her desire to better the world as much as she can.

When discussing her desire to help others as much as she can, I was able to learn what I found to be the most interesting and defining part of her character. Speaking without any fronts or facades, she explained how no matter what someone does or how negatively they act towards her, she could never hate them. As she put it, she loves the world and humanity, and despite being well aware of its horrors and flaws, she can never let negativity take over.As a part of this society, she knows there's nothing she'd rather do than to dedicate her whole self towards creating better world and future for as many people as she can. She told me this, admitting that it may not be possible and that she may likely fail, yet confidentially assured it was all worth it no matter the success.

To Lera, there was no other way to live than by being your best self. We're all part of the world, and even if we can't solve all it's problems, we can always do something to make at least one person's day better, whether it be helping a stranger, cheering up a friend, or taking a bearded foreigner to Almaty's best coffee shop. And, I can assure you, she'll do it all with a friendly laugh and smile.

Lera quote: I'm not afraid to fail. I like it and I embrace it. It means I'm human. It means I can grow and learn.

Be like Lera. Be open to the world and everyone in it, despite the flaws. Be your full self.

Robert

As you may have noticed from several of the pages (like Best of the Best and Moscow), I've developed a pretty close connection to Vagabond Hostel. It was pretty much my home for about 7-8 months, and contributed more than anything towards forming the most eventful year of my life (so far). It has helped me meet more people than I could have ever imagine, and on numerous occasions, I have referred to it as a place of wonders. Therefore, it is my privilege to introduce you to the hostel's founder, Robert, as I write the next addition to the Awesome People category.

The Vagabond Life of Robert

On the surface, Vagabond may seem like a catchy name created to market the hostel. But once you meet Robert, you realize that it is not. Vagabond is a lifestyle. It is a community of togetherness and acceptance. It is the creation of a dream, and most of all, it is a manifestation of Robert. He, quite literally, is the Vagabond. From his young days growing up in Eastern Ukraine, Robert always felt that there was something empty in the constructed world around us. He was not satisfied with the status quo and all the problems and isolation that are generally accepted in modern society as norms. Why couldn't there be friendship and harmony? Why does there have to be suffering and resentment? Robert took it upon himself to challenge this.

Many people like to talk about these things, but that wasn't Robert. He was a man of action. For more than a decade, Robert roamed the world, searching for a deeper meaning as he attempted to connect with and better the lives of those around him. This mentality lead him to move alone and with nothing to India. And no, Robert wasn't going on the tourist route or lounging on a beach in Goa. He dismissed that superficial crap and dedicated himself to working with some of the poorest , most neglected communities in the country for over five years. And he did this solo, away from any self-indulgent organizations, giving 100% of his full self.

All of this led him to create Vagabond upon his return to Moscow. After everything he had witnessed and gone through, Robert decided to act upon his dream of creating a haven of peach and love for the wandering social-outcasts of the world. It would be a haven for artists, activists, and anyone looking for friends or a deeper connection as we make our journeys through this bizarre thing called life. And judging by how this is the closest and strongest community I have pretty much ever come across during my 26 years on this planet, I have to conclude that he has absolutely succeeded.

Robert Quote: 'Live, love, connect with others and be your full self."

Be Like Robert: Never stop travelling, work to better the world around you, and connect with society's outcasts. They're much more fun and interesting than those dull, normal people.

Anne

As I prepare myself for a mini weekend trip to the Russian city Vladimir, I figured it was about time for the second edition for the awesome people's section, and just like the first time, there is no shortage of people to choose from. And then I thought of the person traveling alongside me. A person who is a true adventurer and well read philosopher at heart, always welcoming new experiences, adventures, and discussions (in German, English, and Spanish). My choice here is easy. Now let me introduce Anne.

Anne in a Nutshell

To some people, the standard, constructed path of expectations (go to university, get a job, get married, buy a house, have a family, continue your job until you retire, then die) is seen as ideal, but not Anne. She saw through this hollow facade and knew she wanted none of it. She had and still has an intellectual fire burning below the surface and a the desire of a philosophical wanderer to make the most of her life experience. She is Nietzsche's ubermensch with a mini nose ring and big, friendly smile.

Back in Germany, a man once spoke to Anne about his goals to rise up through the capitalist system and someday buy status symbols like a yacht. Any while this man explained his plan with a smile, Anne did not share his enthusiasm. Her path was going to be different. Her path was going to include living and working in Delhi, India as a teacher. Her path was going to take her to Moscow and work for the Goethe Institute. And her path was going to involve travelling to a small 900 year old Russian city with a bearded Hobo-like character born in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Anne's world is open. She saw the societal constraints, broke free, and every day seeks to disprove and challenge these artificial constructions one by one. And to top it off, she balances this with humor, joy, and a nice and friendly demeanor. She's a Renaissance woman, set out to experience what the world has to offer and question and ponder it all. Where will it take her next? Well, I can assure you it will be something exciting and far beyond the ordinary.

Anne Quote: "Challenge yourself to do something that you're afraid of, whether big or small, every day."

Be like Anne. Question what is expected. Challenge the wrongs in society, study philosophy, and live the life other's are afraid to.

Nikita (Awesome Post #1)

I had a delima when starting this page. I have met so many interesting and amazing people who deserve a spot on this page, so I had no idea who to put first. But when I rolled out of bed in Vagabond Hostel this morning, something caught my attention. A most magnificent fragrence drifted through the air, beckoning me to the kitchen/living room area. I stumbled in I was greeted to a a large apple cinnamon pie, a giant oblet big enough to feed several families, numerous warm slices of white and brown toast, and a fruit filled bowl of oatmeal so volumous I could dive in and go for a swim. My choice for first awesome person was now obvious: Nikita, the master chef and person on shift that night.

I sat down with Nikita and here is his story (told in third person):

Nikita being a boss

"Years and years ago, there was a young man named Nikita who had always wanted to travel, but he was convinced he couldn't. It seemed to dificult and expensive, plus he had no idea where to begin. Then, two years ago, he came to a place in Moscow, his hometown, called Vagabond, and instantly thought, "Wow! What a great place." Nikita decided it was time to be more outgoing and started introducing himself to travelers, tring to find out their stories, who they were and where they had been. This intrigued him, and he began to feel something. The travel spirit he had was returning! But there was still something holding him back. Until two particular travelers arrived.

The first was a Russian woman from Perm. She was kind, talkative, generous, and always seemed to happy and up beat. Also, she was in her sixties, and traveling alone with a goal of seeing every part of the country she calls home. Nikita talked to this woman at legnth throughout her stay at Vagabond and was amazed not only by the fact she was doing this at an age where most people start thinking of retirement and closing themselves off from the world, but by how she seemed so enthusiastic, as opposed to cautious and apprehensive.

Seeing groups travel together was one thing, but seeing a lone traveler or an older person take their adventures with such joy insipred Nikita in a way he didn't think was possible. If all these people could live their dreams and travel, why would it be any different for him? That is when Nikita made the decision. He broke through his comforte zone, bought a plane ticket on a discounted website and set out to Europe. Within the first few months, Nikita did so much, had tons of experiences, and lived more than any other time in his life. That was two years ago, and Nikita hasn't stopped since. He continually returns to Moscow to save up some money by working at Vagabond and cooking amazing breakfasts and help foreigners (including this writer) practise Russian, but whenever he gets the chance, he's up in the air and off to a new destination.

NIKITA QUOTE: "Enjoy your activities, your work, and your life. That is more important than anything."

SUMMARY: Be like Nikita. Draw inspiration from everyone around you. Break your comfort zone and allow yourself to grow, and most of all, enjoy it all as much as you can!

Livin' the Dream!