Hey there, Hive Community! 🌟
Last time we chatted, I gave you a sneak peek into my world, teeming with blockchain mysteries, self-sufficiency quests, and yes, my love for those tiny, growing passive incomes. 🌱💰
But today, I'm steering this conversation down a different road – the road of van life and minimalism. Picture this: a life on wheels, under starlit skies, where less is more, and every mile is a story. That's the life I'm living and loving in my cozy, converted van. 🚐✨
Why van life, you ask? It's all about breaking free from the conventional, embracing the nomadic spirit, and finding joy in simplicity. It's not just a lifestyle; it's a journey towards freedom and discovering the vast, beautiful world around us – both outside and within.
And hey, for all you dreamers out there thinking about this lifestyle or living it already, I'm all ears for your stories and tips too. Let's make this a two-way road of sharing and inspiration.
The Decision to Go Nomadic
This photo was taken on an early, hopeful morning, just as we were about to visit our future van. We had crossed France and rested for a mere four hours beside a tranquil lake, eagerly awaiting the start of our van life journey.
Initially, the idea of settling into "adult life" felt premature. I had been fascinated with van life for a couple of years. So, at the end of our studies, we took a leap of faith.
We purchased an old van, located a whopping 1,000 km away from our parents' homes in France. We drove overnight to see it and, without hesitation, began our new life on the road.
Confronting Mechanical Challenges
Our initial challenges were mainly mechanical. With limited funds, we often relied on mechanics but also learned to handle many issues ourselves. A significant milestone was achieving energy autonomy through solar power, a feat that wasn't easy but immensely rewarding.
A Day in Our Van Life
A typical day begins at 8 am with breakfast, followed by planning our day or deciding to stay put and relax. We balance our freelance work with exploring new spots, walking, and unwinding in the evenings. This routine has allowed us to blend work and leisure seamlessly.
Living Essentials in a Compact Space
Our van is equipped with a two-burner gas stove, a sink, and an 80-liter water tank, providing us 4-6 days of autonomy. We manage without a fridge, using careful meal planning. For hygiene, we shower every three days and use hygienic wipes to stay fresh.
Embracing Quality Over Quantity
I've always preferred having fewer possessions, but van life has reinforced this mindset. Now, I focus on quality. For example, choosing a durable pair of jeans over multiple lesser ones. This approach allows us to own less but better, with items that last longer.
Gaining Autonomy and Overcoming Fears
Living in a van has significantly boosted my autonomy and confidence. Facing and overcoming challenges, from mechanical repairs to navigating uncharted paths, has been empowering. It's a gradual process of conquering fears and gaining experience.
Next Steps: From Van to Land
Our journey is evolving, not ending. After two remarkable years of van life, we're embracing a new chapter: purchasing a 3,000 sqm piece of land, complete with an etang, a tiny house, a small forest, and a river. This isn't just a transition; it's an expansion of our adventures.
This new base represents a harmonious blend of our nomadic experiences and a desire for a more anchored lifestyle. But make no mistake – our van isn't retiring anytime soon! We see our land as a 'home base' rather than a full stop to our travels.
The freedom and flexibility of van life are still very much in our hearts. We plan to continue our adventures on wheels, exploring new horizons, and returning to our land when we crave a more stationary phase. It's about having the best of both worlds – the stability of a home and the thrill of the open road.
As we settle into this new phase, we'll be sharing the integration of our stationary and nomadic lives. Expect tales of transformation, not just of our living space but of our perspectives and lifestyle.
A Heartfelt Thanks to the Hive Community
I want to pause and express my deepest gratitude to the Hive community. Your engagement and feedback on my last post have been incredibly heartwarming. Special shoutouts to 
Navigating the resource credits on Hive has been a learning curve for me. Recently, I found myself unable to post for nine days due to these limitations, which was both a challenge and a learning opportunity. I'm still grasping the intricacies of this platform, but I'm committed to learning more each day.
I've started joining some Discord servers to deepen my understanding and connect further with this amazing community. While I'm tempted to respond to each comment individually, I'm mindful of the resource credits and trying to balance engagement with sustainability on the platform.
Your support and interaction mean the world to me. They motivate me to continue sharing our journey and learning from this diverse and engaging community. As I grow here on Hive, I look forward to more interactions, learnings, and shared experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories as we embark on this new chapter of our lives, balancing our love for van life with the excitement of setting roots on our new land. Here's to more adventures, learning, and community building on Hive! 🚐🌳🌍