I assumed he was homeless. I of course knew nothing about his circumstances. However, my brain has remained stuck on these thoughts. Of late I have also encountered people who make assumptions about my current living situation. I wonder if traveling retired people in new motor homes or trailers encounter this same attitude.
Maybe I have encounter this because my vintage trailer is not 'new' and shiny. Do folks just think I can't afford to get a newer trailer? Again with the assumptions. I personally like my little trailer and all it's cuteness.
I am frequently asked where I am from. I have no trouble answering that question. I definitely feel roots attached to where I grew up and raised my family. The other question that I am asked is where I live. At first, I answered no where. But I realised that that was not the case.... I live everywhere my wheels on my little home take me.
As I travel I often see a setting or home I could picture myself living......
An old homestead with my trailer situated next to a shady tree....
A planned green condo community with a great view.....
A quaint little town immersed in history.
But I can well imagine after the nesting urge was satisfied I would feel the restlessness return and would need to move on to the next best place.
I have continued to look at newer or bigger trailers of different types and ages. Whenever I find a bigger one that I like my first reaction is always to start wringing my hands. I just don't feel comfortable to tow a bigger rig. It always raises for me the question of comfort versus portability.
Some campgrounds or trailer parks will not allow trailers or motor homes older that 10 years old. Since I'm not a great fan of this type of park I'm not greatly offended but I feel a definite bias as they attempt to image control their environment. I do have a choice about where I choose to stay and I would not want to stay where I am not welcome.
We all have bias and often seek to put circumstances into a context that makes sense for us. I do think it is up to us to confront the bias in our own lives and minds. I'm not as interested in what others think about me as I was in my youth but I also find that some of these biases are rooted deep in my own subconscious governing what I think about my self. Maybe what I think about myself is indeed the most critical judgement of all.
Have you encountered biases as you live your life on the road?
I would love to hear your experiences and perceptions!!
I have no good answer to 'where are you from?', and it is a question I get a lot since I'm been newly arrived pretty much everywhere I've been for the past 5 years. I'm thinking I'll just pick one of my previous location, the blandest of the lot, and be done.
ReplyDeleteWhile we are not full timers in any sense, we also go towards vintage (on our third, a vintage 1968 Silver Streak). It is not perfect but to us it is palatial (I actually coined the phrase 'potty envy' because of our little Aladdin, which I loved other than the lack of 'facilities').
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER, we did make a true financial choice, and dumped our mortgage and very lush home, for a smaller home which is paid for--and a community that I sort of feel needed us. I know we needed it. It is odd to people when you tell them you traded 'down'. Oh they 'get' if you move to a condo on a golf course or something... but to live in a teeny town where 'opportunity' is not 'great'? To me, the real opportunity is to have the freedom... I am one who needs some roots right now. Someday that may change...
I love to hear how people are making their own choices. That is TRUE FREEDOM. IMO
I proudly tell people, "I'm retired and living and traveling off the grid in my motor home." Most people think it's pretty cool. So do I! If they don't, well - then they will probably never experience the great times I'm having. It's not for everyone, but thank goodness it's for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been told that the 10 year rule is to keep out the really awful, really old RVs. Of course, that is pretty prejudicial, but I guess if it's their park, it's their rules. I think if you can pay the price, you should be able to get in as long as it's functioning properly. However, if your RV is older but in nice shape, then you would probably not have a problem. That's what I've been told, anyway.
I think your trailer is perfect! :)
I wish I had one of those cute little treasures like yours. I hope to find one soon or anything small and towable with my little truck.
ReplyDeleteKeep enjoying your life!
There are very posh resorts that don't want anyone but the most expensive RVs parked there. I can, however, understand the guidelines that some parks have put out to keep the park from looking trashy and on a downhill slide. I think they picked the "10 year rule" to have some basis for keeping the park up. And, from my experience and those of other RV friends, they generally have no problem with well-kept and well maintained older vehicles so they are free to allow exceptions to the rule. Most people don't really want to be parked next to an RV with cardboard in place of glass windows, paint peeling off, and junk piled up outside. It is easy to slide from being an RV park into becoming a trailer trash park. You don't have to be rich to take care of your home and keep it clean and roadworthy.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this offends anyone. It is obvious that most people with vintage trailers take great pride in them and it shows.
DeleteI think it is good to educate people. Most just don't know about choosing to live in a different way than what they are used to. There can be a sense of fear that can go along with all that too.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Lolita is a really nice looking little trailer!
Winnona will be 10 next year and I can't imagine anyone turning her away or even asking us how old she is. At least not in the kinds of parks we like to go to - National and State parks. I agree with the comment that it doesn't really matter how old it is in most cases just whether or not it is well kept. Your little darling would be welcome anywhere I would bet money on it.
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