You will most likely find me in the forest, next to the lake, reading a book. Just follow the cigar smoke!
I used to work as a lawyer in Germany, but in my heart I have always been an adventurer and an explorer. So I closed my law firm in 2009 and left Germany. I have since lived in different countries in Europe and in South America.
Instead of going on vacation twice a year, I rather move to another country for six months. This slow way of travelling gives me the opportunity to really get to know a region and its people, to learn about the culture, the history, the political and social aspects of a country. Due to my curiosity, I regularly get accused of being a spy. In Iran, I spent one week in prison because of that.
But then, that really changed my life:
For a few years, I have been writing about these trips. But you should be warned: This is not a typical travel blog.
In summer of 2017, I returned to university, studying history. That means I will travel less, but oddly enough this may mean that I have more time to write and publish. And I brought home plenty of notebooks filled with stories from my trips. But in order to keep the blog alive, I have to ask for your support.
One of my current projects is “Journey to the Center of Europe”, in which I travel to all the places which have ever claimed to be the geographical center of Europe, discover what these places teach me about Europe, and hopefully turn it into a book.
Another ongoing project is “One Hundred Years Ago”, where I pick an event from exactly a century ago and show its continuing influence on today. I am usually surprised myself by what I dig up.
Andreas Moser
(Für meine deutschsprachigen Leser habe ich auch einen Blog auf Deutsch.)
The Happy Hermit 
Andreas, thanks for visiting our Blog.
I find yours quite interesting and relevant.
As you may have found, reading my Blog, that I am a Bible believing Conservative Christian, love the Jewish people and am an avid supporter of Israel — from the Biblical point of view. We see Biblical evidence of events that are happening today in the Middle East and particularly to the Sovereign Nation of Israel.
I will return to read your Blog again, as I am placing your Blog on my RSS feed.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Very interesting blog, and reading your ‘about’ it looks like we have a lot in common too (with the great exception of smoking cigars). I’m currently completing my LLM after taking my LLB in London. It is nice to find a blog which offers such a high quality content in comparison to most blogs.
About Your “About Me”
What’s to say in this case? … mmh … Well … That’s very, really, very interesting and, so revealing as well … I’m totally impressed … Do you know why? Yes? … No? … It’s simple! You did the right thing by giving up the Law-Thingy and, you’re perfectly right: there are so many other things to do and in some case: life can be short! that’s … well, that’s the only reason why I’m that impressed … Congratulation for this good decision!!!
Stay good and be good, as usual and, enjoy the day
otto just
Coincidentally, I am just reading “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer which I highly recommend about this subject of leaving “normal life” and living your dreams. I have much more of this kind to do!
I recently finished reading this book too, and I’m still not quite sure what to think about the young man’s motivation to abandon “normal life” and voluntarily exposing himself to life-threatening situations. I believe that life is God-given and with it we are given responsibilites of taking good care of ourselves and the ones close to us. Overall a very ecocentric endeavour of his, causing his family so much pain (ok, many of us do so to some extent, in our youthful recklessness).
I was moved though in the end, when it became apparent that he was regretful, wanted to quit his hermit lifestlye and get back in touch with his family – but no longer could. In his own words, he finally became “trapped in the wild”.
Leading an unconventional life need not be full of life-threatening adventures. It’s rather about making the most of your time and your talents, I think.
Adding to Otto Just and perpetualux, SoundEagle would like to commend on your resolve to learn more about life and to refrain from being circumscribed by one’s initial chosen vocation —– and hence the impetus for SoundEagle’s multidisciplinarity, as you can observe from visiting SoundEagle’s website.
SoundEagle hopes that you continue to do very well and find fulfillment in whatever you enjoy doing and savouring, especially through “politics, law, philosophy, history, books, travel”.
your destiny is urged into construction by necessity, your destiny awaits its inception. It lies dormant in the outlying fringes of the ethereal abstract, awaiting it the moment your consciousness is blindsided by passionate awareness of self. The moment you cut ties with the prefabricated routine you’ve found yourself in the universe begins to illuminate the various pathways and intersections that are the trail head into awakening. It also activates gravitational force of intention, we you are clear in you intention, you manifests reality, or reality manifests itself as you intended. The further you venture into the illuminated paths, travelling always with unwavering confidence and faith in YOUR purpose in this world, which may still be unclear. That is why faith is essential, trust that the universe will assist you in discovering your destined place in life as long as you remained connected to the aim of your disembodiment, to rid your functionality of unnatural methods. You must disconnect in order to reconnect. You must abandon to discover, you must lose yourself to find yourself. It is essential to align the core of your being with the divine will of your being. You will not be led astray despite any material trials you encounter, with a fortuitous faith, you can begin to accept the undeniable truth that reality as we know it can be dismissed as fiction or illusion, all happenings on this material plane, are limited in their effect by your willingness to accept them as truth, for what you believe is all there is. To let go and let go has been a well mocked aphorism for as long as I have heard it used, however, when reconciling with the fact that the spirit that give life to us, is complete in its representaion of God. To find God means only to eliminate the false self(ego) and allow the rooted core of your being to exists as nature intended. So to let go and let god means nothing more than to simply, let go. Because God is ever present, and in knowing this great diety he is inseparable from your self. it is only in our awareness that he is absent. The illusion is that we decide our future, we are in control. This is the illusion. Just as a tree grows without ever deciding to do so, nature moves its children through their natural procession in accordance with their divine interests, as long as material concerns are not permitted to disconnect from natures influence on the soul. You have to submit yourself to the will of God in order to escape the bane of society. Because there is no balance of the spiritual reality and the material reality. You must submit to one or the other, and sacrifice that which has hindered your natural evolution thus far. Any way, the highly educated individuals that I whose input I have observed will undoubtedly dismiss any ethereal truths as unfounded. Faith for example, is a crucial element in any life. However, that in which you place your faith changes everything, determining the level of truth you are prepared to absorb. If you still believe you can find happiness in the consumerists societal schema, than your truth will be obscured by this delusion. It is only after unquestionably relinquishing your faith in the material that the spiritual may begin to fill you with unfettered purpose and being aligning you soul with the divine current that will ultimately unfold into your destiny. I am 22 years old and I gave up the materialistic struggle at the age of 18. I quickly realized the futility of this regimented life that was required to financially uphold the living situation society deemed necessary. I was so consumed by the struggle that I couldnt even clear my head long enough to enjoy lying in the field and watching the clouds. I couldnt sit down in the park for five minutes without toiling over financial shortcomings, impending eviction notices, overdraft statements, late tuition fees, this self sustaining system was no longer a balanced cycle of wages earned and needs met. I was constantly behind, lost in formula for existence that was no doubt designed for the banks best interests.Work – give us all your money – starve – work- sleep? enjoy? this constant lack of freedom to indulge in the true beauty and values of life, like relaxing. thinking. sitting in the park watching the ducks. At the time i was you classic party animal college student enthralled with the live i had created for myself in the material, yet to uphold the lifestyle took a great toll on my free time. And all i really wanted to do was sit in the park and look at the clouds for fifteen minutes between classes. But the anxiety had infiltrated my psyche, the unwarranted concern over imaginary currency and dependence on commodity had caused calamity in my mind. I realized i didnt give a shit about anything that prevented me from looking at the god damn clouds for fifteen minutes. If Im so consumed by the juggling act required to stay alive in this world, then I aint free, and i wont die a slave to any socioeconomic schema implemented by capitalists manipulators. I wont die a slave to regulations, laws or judicial jargan. I wont accept a system that was built to support those on top. I had no say in the principles that found this republic. I am a human, not an American, not a Customer, Not a home owner, Not gonna ever pay off my credit card debt, not gonna accept what some one tells me without justification. I believe in rights, I believe in freedom. I believe in human rights. Not the propagandized rhetoric of “rights that men and women have fought and died to protect.”. But, the rights we are entitled to as children of the ominous and prolific earth. The right to water, food and shelter, or the access to the naturally renewable resources need to build shelter. The earth gives unto its children in great bounty, these are gifts, not commodities. A corporation, like nestle who steals millions of gallons of mother earths gift of water, the essence of life, from springs who are the catalyst of a functioning network of rivers and tributaries, will unquestionably disrupt the ecosystem that people rely on. No man produced the water, thus no man owns it. It belongs to the republic. The public representative selling out the invaluable resources of his community without their consent is the worst of them all, the spineless and untrained civic councilmen bending to the will of his aggressors under the weight of threatening pressure and reward. A man involved in civic matters has a pure heart, he is noble in work, he is honest and fair, informed and involved. This is precisely why he is no match for intimidating politicians no more than lewd and vengeful wolves in suits,ambushing the feather weight, fangs exposed by the tightened jowls, that hook fang dog tooth, dripping venom as he scowls. He prowls and pounces one those ripe for
While the file clerk who loves the earth , is deeply committed to her work, because her work is her purpose, giving her a sense of self worth and garnering her the respect of her collegeaues. Unpaid for her time, She is in it for the cause, a truly vigilance voice, She is a renegade whos motivation is genuinely selfless. She has more compassion than the average shiiate. She had no interest in money. She has found the value of her self, and in currency, it is immeasurable.The value of a cool perspective, keen intuition,mindful attitude and compassionate heart is a limitless and contagious.
,
I don’t know how I landed up here… But its great to read your blog. Subscribed already!
Hi Andreas, just bumped into your blog today. At first, I thougt: “That’s clearly a German name, how can he write such a good English?” It seems we have a few things in common: Travelling (I live in a caravan), anti-feminism, a hunger for knowledge. Keep up the good work.
Anti-feminism? Afraid of female power and independence? The spineless usually are.
The spineless are usually feminists ? Yep, I agree.
feminists are, by and large men haters these days. the world is and has been your oyster for some time. Sexism is taking on all kinds of forms these days…
It appears, the “spineless” being anyone who realizes the uselessness of disagreeing with you, madam?
I am a female anti-feminist. That “movement” is passe at best. I am a woman and wish to be treated as such.
Great outlook and philosophy – it is a rarity to see someone turn to classical studies in the self-centered times we live in. Good luck to you!
Hello, Andreas. I’m glad to have read you blog, and will certainly watch out for the next posts. It’s always good to read people’s views on things that most people don’t (bother to) notice.
Cheers to you for choosing to LIVE and not just exist among the billions of people in our planet. It’s a blessing to be able to do so. (I suppose a lot of the usual folks would want to do the same if time, money, and especially family issues were not big factors to consider.)
Wish you the best in your journey.
Dear Andreas
It is really interesting that u have been to Evin ( Iran)
I saw u in For Neda documentary and then found your blog, by the way, I am an Iranian woman and feel same things with Neda.
best wishes
Mehr
Hi Andreas, I’m happy to know you and to read about you and your life in your blog. I think one of the next destination for your travels should be Italy! I was born in a ancient greek town called “Akragas”, Empedocle’s country born. I wish you would know Empedocle, he’s one of the most known philosophers, do you know him?
What’s to say in this case? … mmh … Well … That’s very, really, very interesting and, so revealing as well … I’m totally impressed … Do you know why? Yes? … No? … It’s simple! You did the right thing by giving up the Law-Thingy and, you’re perfectly right: there are so many other things to do and in some case: life can be short! that’s … well, that’s the only reason why I’m that impressed … Congratulation for this good decision!!!
+1
thanks for stopping by blog. me in the states and you are in the uk. wow the internet makes everything seem closer lol. i glad to see that even though you are a lawyer you can still relate to the common folk.
Thanks! Yeah, I am one of the rare cool lawyers. :-)
I just saw your comment to the new american arts entry and I was intrigued enough to come visit your blog! Yes, they have thought things out so well in all parts of the world, haven’t they?
Andreas–No, I will never forget your motto. M problem is that I’m still waiting to go on my way up. By my age already, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. Very nice blog. Welcome to Malta on Dec 1st! Is it possible I had you as an EFL student once? Can’t be. Best wishes–
Ilene from An-American-in-Malta.com.
Good job…Keep it up!!
Hi Andreas!
Would you be interested in sharing your move to Malta with a tv series? Our show is currently looking for professionals that are moving to different cities. If you are interested in learning more, please email me at melissagrassi@leopardfilms.com
Many thanks!
Melissa Grassi
Hi Andreas,
Can you give us an update for the new year? How has going back to school been for you? And after reading ‘Into the Wild,’ did you then read ‘Into thin Air’? Interesting to compare the two quests.
Look forward to reading how things are going for you
Melanie
Oops! You can tell I am new to WordPress! With the click of a button I found your December writings! Sorry about that, and happy new year-I’m off to read them!
Melanie
I love your Malta pictures, and I have a feeling I’ll like the rest of your blog after I’ve gone through all the entries. :)
Dear Andreas
Thanks for visiting my blog. We can share knowledge through the blogs. Happy new year
Um, can I just say that you are really attractive? lol :) But that’s not why I love the blog, of COURSE :p
Thanks. :-)
your experience sounds very interesting.. what’s your most impressive things during your trips?
I am most impressed by beautiful nature (Yosemite National Park in California, USA is so far the most beautiful place I have been to) and by the hospitality and friendliness of strangers.
I myself have wonderful childhood memories of Yosemite – that’s where my grandparents, dad and aunts spents their summers. It is such a spiritually wonderful place.
Andreas, follow your dream – that is what makes life wonderful!
how old are you?
I am 36 at the moment.
Cool blog. I’d love to travel and write as you do in a couple of years time.
Thank you!
I wanted to reply “don’t wait until later” but then I noticed that you are still young and that you live in Australia. It’s a beautiful place (I was in Adelaide on student exchange in 1992 and I loved the nature of Australia), but not a good base for travelling because you always need a bloody expensive plane or boat if you want to leave. Try to get out when you go to university; studying abroad is always a good excuse for travelling.
Thanks for the advice. Thinking about a linguistic/journalism course that’ll sponsor me to go to Germany next year. Using central Europe as a base would be ideal.
That would be great indeed. Germany is interesting in itself, but also a perfect base to explore all of Central Europe. You can hop on a cheap train to Prague or Warsaw or Vienna, or hitch a ride to Amsterdam or Brussels or take a coach to Paris or Copenhagen.
Good luck!
I have to say…I’m not the biggest fan of smokers. OR lawyers :P But you’ve given it a break and decided to do other things and you love travel and…you’ve spent a week in a prison in Iran (now I want to read about that!)?!? Yeah, you’re exactly a normal person, and definitely not the common type of lawyer – which is greatttt!!!!!!!
Thank you very much for the compliment! :-)
The reports about the week in prison are here.
oh, next step is Lith? lool, i ll drop you a msg if i come. p.s. i visited Malta at the end of this May, it’s fabulous! i love blug lagoon best :)
Hello Andreas – love your blog! May I ask what type of literature you read? I won’t ask about a ‘single favorite book’ because every reader knows that it doesn’t exist!
I read novels and books about history and politics. I will just list a few of my favourite novels, maybe this will give an impression: Martin Eden, Catch 22, The Magic Mountain, The Trial, Measuring the World, The Confederacy of Dunces, Jakob the Liar. As my mother tongue is German, you will notice that there are quite a few German authors, whose works I actually read in German of course.
Roughly 50% of the lawyers I’ve known have been soul-sucking demons that many claim them to be. The other 50% were quite decent, actually.
And it’s rather nice to see a fellow cigar smoker. :)
Hi Andreas! Very nice the way you live your life. I hope it becomes an inspiration to all, we have to enjoy our lifes…. For your next trip, my suggestion is Brasil…. the paradise is here! ;-)
I wish you would write something about cigars, your taste, your favorites, and your experiences of smoking them in the outdoors. Many thanks.
Based upon your request, I even wrote a poem about cigars: https://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/poetry-slam-1-cigar/
Hi Andreas, this is such a good idea for a blog, do you know which country you’ll be living in next? What an adventure, it sounds brilliant :)
I don’t know yet where I will go next. I will be in Lithuania at least until summer 2013 and I usually only think about the next step a few months before it’s time to pack and move again. Suggestions are welcome!
i like people who think outside the box. please rad the e mail i sent to you.
richard
I also like phylosophy,… good to know. :)
Greetings from Transilvania (North part of Romania)
What a coincidence: two years later I live in Transilvania myself. :-) In Târgu Mureș to be exact.
You are lucky and we are lucky to have you here. :)
I pick a new idea of blog which consist on personality, taughts, interests, profession and many more
Greetings from US. You definitely have an interesting blog. I have been through two of your posts and quite inspired. Will be back soon for more.
Cheers!
Hi just read your about me and tow of ur blogs…and its really interesting… i too love traveling and people with adventurous stories and all the sharing of their experiences inspire me… keep up the good work. stay blessed.
such an interesting personality you are and I am glad I came across your profile while nominating you for Versatile blog award and share some smile across…we share similar values to make people smile..you are amazing and doing really awesome and very noble things ..I am impressed and hope in that last pic of your I was the one who was interviewing you :)
Really I must follow what you are doing next as I want to see myself doing things like you have already done but I am doing in my own pace …and the book you suggested (yes I read comment section as well..lol) – “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, I guess if that’s what you are doing then I got to say that I must read :) Hope you have a fun journey …
And if we ever cross paths then I will definitely interview you :)
Thank you very much for your kind words! I also enjoy your blog very much and i hereby recommend it to my readers.
I am sorry that I haven’t been writing too much recently, but I have university exams next week and I am working on my dissertation, so I have been a bit too busy. But it will get better again and then I will write more about my travels around Eastern Europe.
I am looking forward as well to bump into you on one of our journeys!
Pingback: How Versatile you would like? | Talking Experience
Interesting blog!
Hi!! I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger’s Award! Click the link to find out how to accept the award!
http://thevintagepostcard.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/versatile-blogger-award/
Hi Andreas,
I have nominated you for Very Inspiring Blog Award …..this is to recognize your efforts in sharing all these beautiful posts with us….Thanks for making this journey of blogging wonderful and congratulations!
http://talkingexperience.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/very-inspiring-blog-award/
Cheers,
Kavita
Wow, this is some “about” page! You have had such an interesting history and sound so ambitious and accomplished! :)
Very Interesting about page. Now following.
Hello Andreas, how’s life in Sicilia? :) Che fai di preciso lá?
I enjoy it very much here! It’s beautiful, relaxing and very friendly. I am trying to learn Italian, but I am still progressing too slowly. And of course I am trying to discover as much as possible of Sicily and Italy whenever I have time between my work (I work as a lawyer and translator for German & English).
Hehehe that’s nice :) glad you’re enjoying it, Sicily is wonderful. If you stop by Rome let me know!
Please i have a marital case with a German husband which involves our two year old son please i need your help.am resident of Ghana but he is in Germany since two and half yeas now.the German embassy have ask me to seek a lawyer from Germany to help me and my son concerning our right
Thanks for reading hoping to hear from you
Please see the FAQ on my legal services. I also have FAQ on German divorce law and on German child custody law which might be relevant in your case.
Hallo Andreas. I accidentally found your blog while searching for some info about Malta. I like your blog, so far I have read it. I admire your courage to start new somewhere else. I also left everything behind and moved with my (then) boyfriend , now life and love partner from Israel , to ….. Germany.
I don’ t need any help or consultancy from you. Just continue your journey….it’s interesting. Vielen Dank, Amalia
Thanks for your encouraging words! Every day, I am happy about my decision. This wandering, unsteady life is exactly what suits me.
I hope you enjoy Germany, although I would much rather move the other way round because I really miss Israel. I am considering doing a walking trip from Germany to Israel in 2015.
And if you are going to Malta, I wish you a good trip!
My brother is currently travelling through the Australian outback, doing the “farm trail”, I would love to read your experiences.
Anyway, I would love to read about your journeys and feel subsequently jealous!
Hey Andreas, I read from time to time and I find the articles and ideas you bring to discussion to be intriguing. I like intriguing themes which challenge debates.
Anyways, since it looks like you left Germany and tend to like other countries much better, I’m wondering if you still have your German citizenship or if you gave it up already. If Israel is the most amazing country ever, wouldn’t it be great to apply for citizenship and let all your German past behind you ?
Of course I still have German citizenship. Without having a second citizenship it’s legally impossible to give it up (§ 26 I StAG). I also wouldn’t see what I would gain with such a step.
It seems that you may misinterpret my opinion on Germany. I have not left Germany because I have anything against it, I have emigrated because I had already been living there for 33 years and because the world is a big and diverse and interesting place, of which I wanted to see more.
I have no wish whatsoever of “leaving the past behind me”, I am just moving forward. The latter doesn’t necessarily require the former.
As to your suggestion of acquiring Israeli citizenship, I don’t find that very likely, given that I have never been a resident of Israel and that I don’t speak more than a few sentences of Hebrew. But generally I believe in having as many citizenships as possible. It makes travelling easier. In that context, my German citizenship is very practical as it comes with EU citizenship which allows me to live in 28 countries.
Yes, I think I have misunderstood your stance on Germany. I’ve met quite a few Germans outside of Germany who were throwing with mud to their own country after they had emigrated to their new beloved place. It seemed to me that they hated the fact that they were Germans and tried to comfort any foreigners who had a bad opinion about Germany by showing their complete solidarity.
However, I totally understand you and I think it is important to widen your horizons by not just learning or visiting other countries, but by living and learning those respective cultures onsite.
And as no place/country is perfect, the call for the unknown will always be there unsatisfied. :-)
In fact, after all my travelling I sometimes think it would actually be interesting to return to Germany because now I would look at it with much more open eyes and would take photos and write about places through which I previously just rushed through on the way to work.
Hallo Herr Moser,
It’s been very nice to read your blog, and I really appreciate it. (: Like you I like Israel, that’s why I’ll keep myself updated through your blog. (:
Have a nice day, and more power to you! (:
Quite inspiring- as you say our time here is limited and we should follow our hearts. Most of us chicken out- but you seem to have done it! Kudos!
Judging from only the first glances I took at your blog, you also seem to be on a very good track! Many of your stories and photos make me want to move to the East finally.
Thank you- yes it took a long time but I think I have finally struck a balance between my love for travel and experiencing new cultures and the need for monetary security- someday I’d like to take the leap of faith which would allow me to give up my 9-6 job hopefully- I just need to find that point on the horizon towards which I can keep working!
The East is vast, diverse, overwhelming and intimidating at times for a lot of people. But as with every other corner of the world there are so many things to discover!
I gave up job security spontaneously when I was just fed up with it. It was risky, but I knew I could earn a bit with freelancing. Not as much as before, but by moving to more affordable places and scaling down my needs, it worked. The best thing is that I have more free time and can travel longer. I don’t necessarily see more places, but I stay for longer.
I checked out your blog because in my WordPress Reader it was one of the suggested blogs on the “You May Like..” widget on the side, and because your blog name was “The Happy Hermit” and I was expecting to find someone more like me–a hermit who’d /like/ to travel and wasn’t travelling. But then I see you’ve /been/ travelling, so it was like false advertisement.. smiles. How could you be a hermit? I asked myself, also, how could I possibly want to be a travelling girl–have that strong desire to get lost, now and then– and at the same time be this home body that I am? I want to travel, anyway, but how in the world will I do it? I’m not sure, but I plan to.
After reading your story I am even more inspired and encouraged that you called yourself a hermit, but you’d have to explain it to me if you want me to really understand..smiles. Though I have to admit, I had a negative feeling before reading your blog closely.. that perhaps I’ve come across your blog before and read a discussion between you and someone else that was maybe hateful regarding Muslims or Palestine.. not sure which one, not even sure if it happened.. did it? That would disappoint me. I’m sorry if I’ve mistaken you for someone else, I don’t know much about you that’s why I’m asking this awkward question. Anyhow, we are all just human and I’m a loving person either way.. smiles.
Thanks for sharing some of your journey. I enjoyed reading the comments here too, thought-provoking stuff, some ready to be debated (I’m surprised there isn’t a debate actually). And I would call this comment of mine the longest comment on this page, but the award of recognition goes to Adrian S Bell, thankfully.
I am very happy to hear that WordPress finally recommends my blog, after I have been working on it for years. I hope they won’t change their mind as soon as I publish something controversial again.
I travel quite a bit, but I am a social hermit. I like to be alone, even when I travel. Walking through forests, climbing mountains, exploring a new city or enjoying a train ride and a book.
I hope that I have never written anything hateful, and if I did it was not out of hate (which is a feeling which I rarely have), but to provoke someone or to provoke comments. Unfortunately, controversial comments are the second best thing after cat photos to drive traffic to my blog (and maybe after free legal advice). I am often very critical of people that I write about, but I hope that doesn’t come across as hateful. Also, I often ridicule certain beliefs, especially religious beliefs. But that isn’t inspired by or to be confused with hate either. I should also point out that I am equally dismissive of all religious beliefs and that I may be harshest on the one in which I was raised (Catholic Christianity), but which I thankfully could rid myself of as a teenager.
Your photo from Castel del Monte snagged my attention, and I looked around your blog a bit. How is your Italian language learning coming along? That’s a dream of mine, learning Italian more fluently, but for now I have other obligations.
It’s going very slowly. I am just spending some time on Duolingo this moment and I read some pages in an Italian magazine today, as well as one lesson in my language course.
But my main problem is that I am not a very social person, so I don’t speak much.
Ciao, potrei scrivere in inglese, ma visto che studi italiano mi sembra più giusto scrivereti nella mia lingua. Grazie per aver deciso di seguirmi (italyamonews) su Twitter, il tuo blog è molto interessante e ricco di contenuti, lo seguiro’ con piacere! A presto!
Grazie Paola!
Una di miei coinquilini mi ha mostrato la tua sito web ieri. È una buona idea, perché voglio imparare la tua lingua bella è mi interessi di politica e news. – Ma ho bisogno di più articuli a livello di A1. ;-)
Ciao Andrea, vedo solo ora la tua risposta, per gli articoli A1 mi sto attrezzando, ma non è facile scrivere degli articoli utilizzando solo le regole grammaticali più semplici…sto pensando a qualcosa di specifico, spero di essere pronta in autunno. Intanto continua a seguirmi ;-) e se hai bisogno di chiarimenti non esitare a scrivermi saro’ felice di aiutarti. ;-)
Hello my name is Michael dulin and I am a American married to a German we live in Germany. The jugendamt are trying to take our children because I have ptsd (no history of violence just extreme anxiety and sleep problems) and my wife has a history of borderline but for 5 years has been much better. If you know of any lawyers who can help it would be much appreciated. I am having a hard time finding the right lawyer in Germany. Our son is very happy he is 2 years old. The jugendamt is worried a second child which is due in Aug will be to much for us. But the past 2 years show no signs of neglect or danger for our son.
I find your lifestyle to be quite interesting and most importantly, that it is fulfilling to you. I would love to read your blog on your experiences at each destination to date.
As I read about you, your choices and travel, I can’t help but wonder how a person such as yourself manage healthcare expenses across the globe (granted that you are in relative good health).
Do you plan on visiting Africa and if so where and why?
Oh yes, I would love to visit Africa. Ideally I would like to do a grand tour which would of course take years.
As to your health question, I would say I am in acceptable health. Not always super, but I tend to ignore problems and only visit a doctor if it’s really too late. For anything minor, I go to the pharmacy instead. Much cheaper and often helps just as well.
So far I’ve only had major expenses when I had to have several dental operations while in Lithuania. I didn’t and don’t have any insurance, so I had to work a bit harder these months and use the savings which had been intended for a trip to Moldova and Ukraine. That was sad.
During all my traveling I only had to go to the hospital twice, once in the UK for food poisoning and once in Lithuania for kidney colic. In the UK it’s free anyway and in Lithuania I never received a bill.
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You may be happy, but you’re not a hermit! A traveler, a wanderer, a researcher and a liver (yes) but not a hermit. We hermits live in seclusion, avoid people, and make reclusive choices. Yes, we sometimes travel alone, and some of us are extremely articulate, witty, garrulous — but we prefer solitude. Maybe you are closer to a loner. It doesn’t matter, of course. It’s nice when we are able to live as we wish!
We “isolated non-traveling low-impact hermits” also enjoy reading about the fabulous experiences of peripatetic people like you (yes “you,” not “yourSELF”) and seeing the glorious photos. I have relatives who are dedicated couchsurfers. Thanks for posting some views of your escapades!
I picked the title because I like alliterations.
Greetings from Montenegro. New photos, films and stories coming soon.
You got me at “accused of being a spy…In Iran, I spent one week in prison”. Hoping to read your adventures!
I wish I would finally find the time to write the detailed account of my time in Iran. But it would be more of a book than a short blog post.
Do it. You’ll have a readership
Thanks for the motivating words!
I would need 6 months or so in which nothing new is happening, so that I could focus on writing down my old stories.
Welcome to Targu Mures, enjoy your stay! :)
Thank you! I felt like home from the first day. There are very friendly people around here!
The upcoming winter might get a bit cold, dark and depressing, but at least it will give me enough time to read and write. :-)
Hi Andreas,
My name is Susan Xu and I am the content manager and chief writer at Clapway, a New York based multi-platform company that houses an extensive collection of articles, videos, and marketplace services with a focus on adventure and travel. I came across your travel blog and really enjoyed your posts. Would you potentially be interested in writing for Clapway as a contributor? If so, please email me back at sx@clapway.com. We would love to feature your work.
Best,
Susan Xu
Content Manager at Clapway
195 Plymouth St #6/17
Brooklyn, NY 11201
sx@clapway.com
Your adventures are amazing ! Glad to have found your blog. Just got started and will read all your posts :)
Thank you! There are many more adventures to come.
Your adventures are amazing ! Glad to have found your blog. Just got started and will read all your posts :)
Thank you very much! More adventures coming soon.
I read about your visit to Suriname. Thank you for telling other people about my country. It is just the way you described it. A beautiful country in South America.
I am so excited already and I think I will have much more to tell when I will finally visit in 2016. I hope to get many more people interested in what seems to be a very special country.
Wonderful blog, lots of info and fun reading
Thank you very much!
Hallo Andreas ,
I really admired what you are doing and would like to Donate , but I am writing from a Smart phone and I don’t see the Donation button up to the right as you described , anyway I will :-) because I am interested of what you are doing .
I am an Egyptian married and having a child from a German and live since December 2013 in Germany , and now is not working anymore with my wife and we live separate but not divorced until now . My question
Am I allowed to have the citizenship now ?
Hi Andreas, lovely to find your blog of which I’m enjoying immensely. I look forward to reading more of your posts and seeing your stunning photography. Cheers, from a like minded traveller in Australia.
Thank you very much, and thanks for your blog which reminds me of my three months in Australia (South Australia mainly, with a week in the Northern Territory). On a recent short stop in Germany, I found my photos again, but they are analogue and I haven’t had time to scan them yet. But I have very fond memories of Australia!
Oh I’m so glad to hear that. South Australia is amazing, in fact we’re going outback again in a few weeks. Maybe you’ll come back here one day and see more of our vast country!
I would very much like to! Actually, I would have done that already, if it wasn’t so expansive. I would need to work as a lawyer for a few years to save enough, and sadly, I don’t like working too much. Now I am in South America and I can get by with much less money and work.
Good for you. I like your attitude. Well, keep traveling and enjoying.
It is really cool to know there are people out there living the life they want! Congrats!
Thank you!
Hi Andreas,
Beautiful spring day here in TgMures! :-)
I can imagine it, with the birds singing and the trees blooming. It would be a great day to go hiking in the hills around town or in the forest on the Platul…
I really miss Targu Mures. It was such a friendly and beautiful place to live.
Andreas, I truly admire you.
Oh. Thank you!
I would like to know about if the woman is disable and can not work. How does Germsn law look at that situation? There is also documented abuse by husband to the disabled woman
Ages: 55 yr male. 60 yrs woman
Just came across ur website will continue to read all about ur adventures. I to live to travel thought about moving to Malta stayd there 4 months last year. Think it’s an amazing part of the world. I’m
Wanting to move overseas.. I’m curruntly in Australia. If ur ever here in melbourne. Would love to have u.
Thank you!
I really hope I will come back to Australia one day. I have great memories of a student exchange in Adelaide in 1992. I lived there for 3 months.
Found your blog accidentally by researching information about travelling to the Middle East. Ended up reading it for a while! Great content, really happy I have stumbled across.
Thank you very much and welcome to my blog!
Most of my articles about the Middle East are about Israel and Iran, two very fascinating countries. This makes me remember that I still have many more stories and photos from these two countries to publish. I should get cracking.
you have already got so much appreciation and i also couldnt stop myself to appreciate. What a wonderful plan and write up in introduction! Good go :D
Thank you!
Hello, Andreas!
I found you when googled “quit the job and move to Malta” and how I was surprised seeing the huge number of people are living in this way and feeling happy.
You are very inspiring young man:)
Could you please to answer few questions:
1. Did you have an exact plan, when you started?
2. Which country was your first and why?
3. How many money suppose to have for a start?
Thank you very much!
Dear Viktorija,
I am happy to see that you are also thinking of giving up the routine and follow your dreams! I have never regretted taking this step.
1. I did not have an exact plan at all. My decision to leave Germany was very spontaneous, there was only one month between the decision and between moving. Then I lived in London for two years, and again one cold, rainy day in autumn I was fed up and decided I wanted to move to the Mediterranean. So I moved to Malta. But probably it would be smarter if you have some time for preparation, particularly for finding a place to stay and a job.
2. First, I went to London. That was because I already knew London, I had visited it a few times before and I liked the multicultural atmosphere. Coming from a small village in Germany, London was the exact contrast. It was also an easy option because I spoke English. In retrospect, it was a wrong decision because London was very expensive. I should have been more adventurous on my first move.
After two years in London, I was looking forward to the sea and some warmer climate, so I moved to Malta. Malta was quite interesting, but after 6 months, I missed forests and trees. There is nothing green on Malta, unfortunately.
So I moved to Vilnius in Lithuania, which was very beautiful. I lived there for one year, but I didn’t want to experience a second winter, so I moved to Sicily.
Sicily was wonderful. In my mind, it’s the most interesting island in the Mediterranean. Much more beautiful and culturally rich than Malta. After Sicily, I lived another 6 months in Bari on the Adriatic coast in Italy.
Then I missed mountains and nature and Eastern Europe again, and I moved to Romania for one year. That turned out to be the friendliest country in Europe, and it has beautiful nature and architecture. I could have easily stayed there for longer.
But I wanted to see some other parts of the world, too, so I took a boat to Brazil. There I only stayed for one month, then I moved to Bolivia, which was the cutest and most interesting country to live in. Now I live in Peru, but I will move back to Bolivia in January. In May 2017, I will return to Europe because I noticed here in South America that Europe is actually much more diverse and interesting and I would like to explore more of our own continent.
3. I only had about 500 euros when I moved to London. When I moved to Malta, I had maybe 300 euros. I always had to work wherever I lived. I still do some freelancing work as a lawyer, giving advice by e-mail or Skype, and I work as a translator for English and German.
The important thing is to go to places that are cheap. Otherwise you just have to work, work, work all the time. Also, going outside of the season can help. I stayed in Malta and on Sicily for the winter, for example. There were not many tourists, the prices were low, but for someone coming from Northern Europe, it was still quite warm. Particularly in Eastern Europe there are many very beautiful countries that people overlook, but they would be much more affordable to live. Albania and Montenegro for example have the same beautiful coast as Croatia and Greece, but are much cheaper.
I always tried to find an apartment/room that cost less than 200 euros per month. This way, I don’t have huge expenses and I don’t need to work like crazy. I would rather stay at a cheap place for a whole year than going to Paris or New York for a week, but spending the same money.
Lastly, I want to include the link to the FAQ about my traveling life and to the TEDx talk in which I speak about the decision to change my life. I will be curious to hear from you when you will have moved!
Hi, My great-great grantparents are of noble decent. Surname Von Kotze from the castle Gross Germersleben. Our surname is still on the castle despite the fact that it burnt down in app. 1999. All is well documented on the internet so I do not think must research will be necessary. I now live in South Africa were white people are fearing for their lives and are openly threatened on a daily basis. I would like to return to Germany. What is the possibility of being accepted and do you assist people with this and what is your fee. Thanks.
Well, we would need to see if (a) you have German citizenship based on descent, or (b) could obtain German citizenship or (c) a residence permit.
I charge 400 EUR for a consultation covering all these aspects. If you e-mail me at moser@moser-law.com with details about your family tree dating back to the generation that emigrated, we can take it from there.
You are fascinating.I live in Northern Ireland.Recently retired from Police in Belfast after 30 year age 50.I am a happy hermit too.Much friendship to you.
Thank you very much!
I have actually been dreaming of visiting Ireland one day for a long hike across the whole island. I hope the rumor that it’s snake free is true, because then I could sleep outside without any worries. :-)
Dear andreas moser, I read your blog entry on suicide and found it to be very good. Ithink on similar lines about the subject and was pleased to find a clear, simple and concise article on the matter. I may well choose to terminate my own life in the next few years if things don’tpan out. Keep up the good work
Thank you very much!
I discovered your blog when I Googled ‘hermit blogs’ because I am interested in the hermit way of life. I am also eager to travel and to live in other countries. I want to see as much of Earth as I can while I am here. I am glad that I found your blog when I have as there is lots to read! I suspect that the further into your blog that I get, the more I will be inspired. Where in Germany are you from? My friend is from Dresden. Like you, she left Germany and moved to London. After completing a Masters degree in London, she moved to Scotland. I am glad she did as Scotland is where we met. I like the idea of sleeping outside in Ireland! That sounds fun.
Hello Helen,
nice to meet you! (Which is probably odd for hermits to say. ;-) )
I am glad that there are so many old articles on my blog, as I haven’t been writing much recently. Currently, I am in Vienna for the summer and it’s just too exciting to explore the city every day. For writing, a cold winter in a mountain hut would be better. But in September, I will already be in a remote mountain village in Andalusia, that should make me more productive.
I still haven’t been to Ireland, but now that summers are getting hotter and hotter everywhere else, it’s becoming a dream destination for next summer.
In Germany, I grew up in a small village in Bavaria, which might be the reason why I always wanted to see the world. Because there was really not much to experience there.
Nice to meet you fellow hermit. Your membership of the hermit club will be renewed if you can provide a plausible explanation as to why you were eager to escape a village with nothing much to do.
Yes please to a cold winter in a mountain hut. That sounds more appealing than sleeping outside in Ireland. The people I met in Dublin were friendly, as was the guy from Sligo I met at university in Scotland. I have not ventured further into Ireland than Dublin, but I want to.
In Germany, have you experienced Oktoberfest? In October 2013, I received a text message from a fellow university student, along the lines of: “I am queuing to buy beer at Oktoberfest. I am texting you to make the people behind me think that I have a friend.”
What excites you the most about Vienna?
I would never go to Oktoberfest, and I have no idea why people would. There are 378 better festivals in Bavaria, each of them more authentic, friendlier, more affordable and more peaceful. You can find one in every part of Bavaria any week throughout the summer.
I like Vienna for the architecture, the many green spaces, the cultural possibilities, the relaxed atmosphere and the many surprises I find each time I go for a walk in a new neighborhood. It feels like a municipality that cares about the people living in it.
I have added Vienna to my list and deleted Oktoberfest. I have never been to a festival. Being a hermit type, I prefer peaceful experiences.
This is a reply to your previous message.
Hi Andreas,
Great attitude… best way how to enjoy life ;-)
Cheers m
Thank you very much!
You are living the life!!! We only get one go at life so live it to the fullest! I have always wanted to travel. Just a friendly suggestion, drop the cigar smoking. My father died of throat cancer. Keep on going on your adventures for all of us who are in a rut. Safe travels and best of luck!
That is sad to hear!
I have temporarily stopped smoking because cigars are too expensive in Canada. I wish I could stop in general, but I am a bit addicted. I really wish these things were illegal.
Hello, my brother leaves in Germany, he is married to a German woman for more Than 3 years. They leave in a real hell. She convinced him to leave his job in my country and move to Germany, now that he does, she do the impossible to block the residence process. He works hard, she take all his money and use it by herself for her own needs. He can’t continue leaving with her anymore. What do you suggest to him please?
Have adventure!
I suggest that he stops giving her his money. Or, even better, to quit his job, so he won’t have any money.
It also sounds like the best thing might be to walk away from that lady.
I stumbled upon your writings yesterday after I googled “Is Lithuania in eastern Europe?” and since then, I’ve found myself binging on quite a few of your articles. Even though I don’t exactly agree with the Lithuania in eastern Europe article (mainly because everyone in the comments section seemed to be against you and I don’t really have my own facts), we have a lot of similar perspectives about things in life (like suicide and being alone) and I’m really glad to have found you. Keep travelling, keep writing. You’re an inspiration to me and you’ve inspired me to be freer in sharing my rather uncommon perspectives on my blog as well.
Hello Hafiz,
thank you very much for getting in touch! One good thing about blogging is indeed that I meet people who share similar views, where before I often thought I was the only one having those thoughts/issues. Family and friends are sometimes too small of a circle.
I read on your blog that you just moved to Lithuania and I am very excited about that. I once lived in Lithuania and I often miss it. It’s a very interesting country, and don’t worry, the summer will be beautiful and warm! As to the “Eastern Europe” question, when you are in Lithuania, it’s best to side with all the people who have criticized my view, or you won’t make many friends. ;-) – I have more articles about Lithuania on my blog, by the way: http://www.andreasmoser.blog/category/lithuania
Hey!
I just came across with your blog, it’s very interesting and it’s been a while since I didn’t found something like this; more informative and less of an instagrammer/influencer vibe, without doubts I’ll be reading more of it the next days.
About the postcard subject ( yes, sadly it’s something that is not as present as earlier years) if you’re interested in exchanging or plainly just receiving message me, I love keeping the postcards tradition and I have been for a while…
Hope you fave a lovely weekend!
ps. Bolivian expat living in Argentina
Thank you, Ma’am! I am happy to read that someone recognizes my efforts to go beyond the typical travel/sunshine/Instagraph/coffee blog.
Y qué casualidad que eres de Bolivia (my país favorito), porque tengo un cuento sobre buscar tarjetas postales en Cochabamba: https://andreasmoser.blog/2016/03/15/old-postcards/
I just watched your Ted Talks, so awesome. I’m working on a similar presentation right now, and glad I heard this. It gives me some more inspiration!
Oh, thank you very much, Sir!
What are the new rules about German dual citizenship ship. My sons Father was born and raised, and educated in Germany, immigrated to the USA in 1954 at the.age of 24. Our son born in the US would like to have dual citizenship Us/ German . His father ,my husband is still alive at the age of 90, in good health but of course my son would like this to happen as soon as possible, while Pappa is still alive and well. Can you give us any advice on what to do, whom to contact etc
The proposed changes have not yet been enacted in law:
https://andreasmoser.blog/2021/11/25/new-government-eases-path-to-german-citizenship/
But depending on the father’s citizenship at the time of your son’s birth, your son might already hold dual citizenship without knowing it.
I would need to know more details (esp. about the father’s citizenship and the year your son was born) in order to help. And of course a donation to my blog or a few books from my wishlist. ;-)
I took my LSAT, but I never went to law school. So I hitchhiked the United States for most of 23 years. Three books self-published. Have safe travels.