Lainie Liberti and Miro Sevin Siegel – We are here, and there’s no desire to turn back. The “where is here?” question is unimportant, since our physical location continues to change. The freedom in that movement is part of the answer. We are a mother and son, living a nomadic lifestyle and have no destination in mind or an end date to count down to. Traveling since July 1, 2009.
Blog: raisingmiro.com
Facebook: RaisingMiroPodcast
1. What country are you in at the moment?
We are currently in Peru.
2. What countries have you already visited?
We have spent the last 2 1/2 years exploring all of Central America (including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama) and since entering South America, we’ve explored Colombia, Ecuador and now find ourselves here in Peru.
3. What countries are you planning to still travel to?
All that inspire us to do so.
4. Five must see places in world?
This is our wish list, have not yet traveled to:
Miro: 1. Shibuya market in Toyko, Japan; 2. Patagonia, Argentina; 3. Denmark; 4. Greece; 5. Bottom of the ocean, any ocean.
Lainie: 1. India; 2. Turkey; 3. Lebanon; 4. Vietnam; 5. Zambia.
5. How long did it take you to decide to travel the world?
Miro: It took us like a day.
Lainie: I had been thinking about it for months before I talked to Miro about it. When I did, he said “heck ya!” and then it was set.
6. What is your advise to those who are undecided about travelling or not?
Lainie: If you feel inspired to travel, you have no choice but to follow your inspiration. Inspiration and intuition will always keep you safe.
Miro: What my mom said.
7. Which, out of all the countries you’ve visited was the most impressive?
Miro: Guatemala.
Lainie: Guatemala & Peru.
8. Are there any tips that you can give to help those who wish to travel, i.e what to buy/what not to buy/where to go/how long to spend in a country at any one time?
Miro: It all depends on the traveler.
Lainie: I think you should give up all itineraries, plans and preconceived ideas. Travel only with inspiration as your guide.. (yep, I’m back on the ‘inspiration’ kick…)
9. Do you have a funny story from your travels?
Miro: We were on a shuttle for 30 hours, it wasn’t funny while it was happening, but afterwards, it was pretty damn hilarious. (stuck in Hurricane Agatha in Guatemala on a shuttle with angry and uptight tourists. We were the calm observers).
Lainie: So many funny, sentimental, and moving moments shared between me and my son. But hands down, was the time we spent the night in crowded hostel in Salento and I had bad gas, and didn’t want to ‘pass the gas’ in the hostel. But the thought of ‘letting it slip’ cracked me up so much that I fell into a fit of non stop hysterics. My son had to get off his bed and see why I was laughing so much. The more he asked, the more I laughed and tried my best not to fart, but kept laughing more and more and more and more.. Guess you had to be there.
10. What’s the lowest sum of money you would need to start travelling with?
It depends on where you are going and how long you will be there. We travel with a combined budget of $1k a month, many months much less.
11. Any tips for keeping costs down?
Volunteering, couchsurfing, cooking and overland travel. Live like visiting locals. This strategy will provide the most authentic cultural experience.
12. Which country is the cheapest for living expenses?
For us, it was Nicaragua.
13. You are traveling with your children or it’s not hard?
Lainie: I am traveling with my son Miro and I wouldn’t dream of any other way.
Miro: Huh?
14. Is it possible to earn enough money from working abroad to keep on top of travelling expenses? Are you working?
Lainie: It’s possible and we are doing it. I work freelance and my son and I earn a little money with sponsorships on our web site at RaisingMiro.com
Miro: She makes me work.
15. What’s in your backpack?
Miro: A loaded shotgun and some picklocks – Be prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse.
Lainie: Random clothing, stylish hats and my computer.
