The words Carpetbaggers, Gypsies, Nomads, Hoboes and Tramps and even Travelers have all been used with negative connotation. For the real reclaimed positive definition of carpetbagger see top. I also like Ben Reitman's definition of Hoboes and Tramps, he goes on to define Bums as the negative incarnation of vagrants, the kind that are addicted to drugs and drink who are the smallest element, yet perhaps create the negative image.
As for Gypsies and Nomads these both represent indigenous groups of various countries who either traditionally travel in search of food or work, as musicians, or because of oppression are forced out of lands.
This leaves Travelers, something I have often called myself along the way. I think we are modern day tramps and Carpetbaggers, maybe with a bit of the pilgrim (one who goes in search of a sacred location) in us. The non- religious type of pilgrim that is; we go on a quest, towards one thing/place, away from another. It’s the great hero's quest, the journey, except most of the time no one is watching us!
As a carpet bagger in the best meaning of the word I love to arrive in new places and get stirred up in the politics, perhaps find work, record my exploits ( writing is the most important thing for me...take some photos too), taste the delicacies, meet the locals, and definitely carry as little luggage as possible. Anyone have a carpet bag gathering dust in the closet?
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2 comments:
travelling in the 21st century with long-haul international flights, mega-airports, duty-free etc., makes travel in such a manner more than a little tacky and almost instant. it's not long after you take-off in one continent, that you arrive in another.
compare this to the travel of yesteryear - the travels of nomadic indigenous peoples around the world, the Roma (Gypsy) Caravan from India to Europe and Middle East, or the travels of Ibn Battuta from Morrocco to China (and back).
it seems simple, organic and beautiful to walk the land, to feel the earth and to see country. all you need is time...
and it is sustainable travel, much gentler on the planet. and what could be more fun than riding a donkey, camel, bicycle or penny-farthing. tally ho i say...
Yes pav,
Sometimes Travel means staying in your own city and moving from house to house to library to yoga class the comedy show to cafe by bike. One of my favorite types of travel is going to meet a friend somewhere on my two wheeler or on my feet
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