alivewithad

alivewithad is a newsletter for Digital Nomads, sharing real stories and advice from experienced nomads to help you make the most of this lifestyle.

Read Time: 2.5 Minutes

Hey, Anirban here! Welcome to the 11th edition of alivewithad.

Now, let me introduce my today’s guest!

Lights, Camera, and Action 🥁 👟🧗🏻‍♀️

Nomad of the Week is Jawna🦘

Let’s hear her story told in her own words!!

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The Nomad Story

1. How did you start your digital nomad journey?

I began my digital nomad journey by moving to Paris (from America) after my divorce. I chose Paris to start, as I wanted to learn to speak French & immerse myself in the culture, cuisine & everyday life. I didn't know it at the time when I was heading there -but when I got there I would eventually fall in love with a Frenchman named, Nicolas, and also meet my best friend, Jessica.

It was a memorable launch pad for my digital nomad journies. It's still one of my favorite cities I return to it often. It's filled with so many wonderful memories and my loved ones still live there.

2. How do you balance work, travel, and personal time?

Wherever I am in the world, I work with my clients & partners to understand their needs and priorities. We collaborate so that I may set expectations for asynchronous and synchronous work.

I've found that as long as I'm transparent, accountable and clear -clients are pleased and time differences aren't an issue as long as I'm delivering. I make sure I'm intentional about my time, who I work with, where I travel and how I manage my personal time. It's a must otherwise I would just run around in response mode and being reactive, which isn't a good feeling for me. Feeling calm and in a peaceful state is important to me.

I manage my calendar fiercely with work blocks and turn my phone to "aeroplane mode" for concentration and focus daily. Even for social media, I don't scroll randomly. It's all scheduled. This way I don't lose hours reading, scrolling and then ending up on some cute cat video. Yes, I've done that before.

I prioritize my health and well-being above all else. The first two hours of the morning are for me. No phones. I begin my day in a calm, clear mental state. I exercise, spend time meditating and then enjoy my morning coffee ritual.

For travel, I try to tie it into industry conferences I may need to go to. I work in the fields of Longevity Science and crypto so the locations of most conferences are quite amazing, like Bali, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Turkey, and Japan. I'm quite lucky for all of this. From those locations, if I want to go to a neighboring country or village it's much easier to do.

3. What’s your most memorable travel story?

My most memorable travel story was when I met up with my best friend and we went to Bali. She flew from Paris and I flew from Greece. We met at the airport. We did a retreat and then toured all around and also went to Vietnam. It was spectacular, an unforgettable holiday and a semi-work trip combined. I make sure to include family and friends in my digital nomad lifestyle. I have a pretty fun family and group of friends who are always keen to meet me halfway around the world how lucky am I?!

4. What’s your biggest challenge as a digital nomad?

I always start off with one piece of luggage. Somehow I always end up with two. Keeping things lean. I usually can but due to things I accumulate along the way, like changes in seasonal clothing, add some bulk.

The other important thing I've found in my digital nomadism is to have at least two of everything: 2 phones, 2 laptops, 2 headsets, 2 wireless routers. Several chargers for laptops and phones. Why? Because something always breaks or dies and you don't want to be stuck shopping for electronics around the world where you'll often pay a premium for them (especially in Europe). And most importantly, you don't want to be stuck and unable to deliver to your clients.

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Through the Lens of a Nomad

5. What’s the most affordable country you’ve visited?

Vietnam

6. What’s one item you can’t travel without?

My NARS-tinted moisturizer with 50 SPF inside.

7. What’s the quickest way to meet people in a new city?

Through my web3 & crypto worlds, it's super easy -we have Telegram Group. My Longevity Science groups I plan in advance to meet up in that city. To find new friends altogether? Usually cafes.

8. What’s the best travel hack you’ve discovered?

Don't check your luggage. Carry on (if you can).

9. How do you find good Wi-Fi while traveling?

I buy a SIM card and pop it into a second phone, use it as my wireless router. And use Nord VPN. Be careful using public wifi -for all obvious reasons.

Know Your Nomad (Rapid Fire)

10. Favorite city?

Paris

11. Top bucket list destination?

The Philippines

12. Best travel season?

Summer

13. Essential travel gadget(s)?

Folding fan & electrical converter plug

14. Favourite way to travel (plane, train, etc.)?

Plane

15. One word to describe nomad life?

FREEDOM.

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Favorite Digital Nomad Resource/s

16. Please share your go-to app, website, or a resource that helps you stay connected, manage finances, find accommodation, etc.

It really depends on the country I'm in. Not all apps work worldwide. So in that case -good old-fashioned search engines.

Let’s Wrap Up

17. If you could give one piece of advice to new nomads, what would it be?

Always be generous, thoughtful, and respectful. Do try to learn some language. Show a genuine interest in where you are, the culture, cuisine, the people. I can't imagine anyone wanting to be a digital nomad wouldn't be that way already -but language is important. Even a few phrases. It goes a long way. And smile. It's universal. Everyone loves a smile. Except in France. I'm kidding, but not really as older generations say "Stop smiling so much you look like a simpleton", which I found adorable and funny. In France, they say they can spot an American -by our teeth and smiles. I take it as a compliment. I love France and the French!

Please follow Jawna on LinkedIn, she offers personal insights, business tips, and a lot of travel stories.

Thank you for reading the 11th edition, I appreciate your support. ❤

I will keep publishing such interesting interviews every Sunday at 11:00 AM sharp. To not miss any edition, subscribe to the newsletter here. 👐

I see you next Sunday, till then keep traveling and conquering the world!

Your well-wisher,

Anirban

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