Shoestring Soul Searching #7: A Tale of Two Lakes

Unpopular opinion: summer is overrated. Between the heat, sweat, and bugs, I’m just trying to survive. So when we decided on this whole joblessness thing, I wanted us to spend summer somewhere tolerable, as well as budget-friendly. Yes, I’m aware half of Earth is currently experiencing winter but flying there would not have been very budget-friendly.

Internet research determined Lake Ohrid, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania, could be the answer. Off we went, once the boss reviewed and approved my plan of course.

The verdict? Lake Ohrid is…magnificent. Nestled deep in the mountains, it’s partially fed by spring water so turquoise and clear that more than once I pondered drinking it. It’s also unusually deep, with maximum depth reaching almost 1,000 feet. One time I kayaked out way beyond what my thalassophobia would accept, until there was no one around but the blinding sun above and the unfathomably vast lake below, and felt that unique combination of dread and serenity that some would describe as awe.

There have been human settlements here since the days of Zeus, and archaeologists are still finding ancient coins below the surface. With Slavic and Mediterranean influences the whole area has a “Mamma Mia vibe,” according to Tiff. You know, pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and one more glass of wine than I should, please and thank you.

In case it wasn’t clear, I really really liked this place. The internet didn’t lie, the weather was amazing. The daytime sun was strong, but there was a consistent breeze to the point we never needed a fan or A/C in the house (which is good, because we had neither). At night, the heat dissipated enough for me to engage in my favorite activity, Sleeping With the Windows Wide Open. It all felt very au naturel in a way I hope to capture in my future life, wherever it takes place.

Ohrid was our home for most of July, and it was the perfect oasis of tranquility for focusing on my next moves. Namely, brainstorming the different ideas I’d like to experiment with as I figure out where my career should lead (more on that below).

Conference of the wandering souls

At the end of July we headed to Lake Balaton in Hungary for a meeting of the minds, graciously hosted by Friend of the Newsletter Vivien. Balaton has been a popular getaway for decades and given its size, there’s a little something for everyone. There’s the historic church village, the classy resort town, and the getting-trashed-when-you’re-15 beach. We tried them all!

Staying in Balaton was very much the opposite of the life I know. It seemed all the neighbors knew each other going back years, and recalling childhood memories didn’t require imagining some distant place. They happened right over there, ten feet from where you’re sitting. This level of belonging was jarring to me. Especially now with no home or job tying me down I feel featherlight to the point I might fly out of Earth’s orbit one day. It’s thought-provoking to be aware of what you’re missing out on.

I called this the conference of the wandering souls because the friends who came are at one extreme of the people I know. Specifically, living a real-life version of that TV show, Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego? In addition to their globetrotting tendencies, this group has lived many unique professional lives, because whenever I check in I feel like they’re experimenting with ten different projects at once.

As someone seeking the spirit of experimentation in my own professional life, I came into this weekend with a question needing answering. What’s the secret sauce? How do these friends of mine find these unconventional ideas, then sustain the energy to execute them in the face of high uncertainty?

I kept trying to dig at this looking for a magic answer, but hearing my friends talk I gradually realized there may not be one. Nothing other than good old-fashioned networking, genuine curiosity, and a reframe about what failure means to one’s sense of self. The path is out there in plain sight, but most people are apprehensive about taking it.

My next steps, with your involvement!

With all of that in mind, I’m enlisting your help to progress in my career search. Yes, you! Remember the brainstorming I mentioned above? I’ve identified five areas I’d like to experiment with, and there’s no better way to start than chatting with someone doing something similar.

Do you know someone (including yourself) who is doing one of the following and if so, would you be willing to put me in touch?

1. Owns a farm, forest, or food business

2. City/urban planning

3. Writer or storyteller

4. Sharing one’s culture through experiences

5. Works with their hands

If you’re unsure whether someone might be relevant, err on the side of telling me anyway! It’s all about open and expansive thinking right now. I will be eternally grateful.

Truly/madly/deeply,

Bryan