Sand-Dunning at Te Paki, New Zealand
After supposedly being swapped at birth, this small town, Midwest American girl grew up with a caring family who expected her to find a good job, fall in love and produce a large, Christian family.
However, Kelli Mutchler left all those expectations in South Dakota, to prove that Yanks CAN – and DO - pursue alternative, international lifestyles.
Whether it’s long-term backpacking or a working holiday visa, volunteering or busking, organic farming or teaching English,
Kelli rarely says “No” to a new opportunity. Never sure what antics or locations she’ll land in next, Kelli’s only attempted routine is a morning coffee.
She could brag about the number of countries she’s visited, or the years she’s spent dodging mortgages and desk jobs, but numbers tend to cause panic attacks. The important thing is not where you go; it’s that you go at all.
And if Visa Authorities ask: she is not currently overstaying her supposed 10-day holiday in British Columbia, Canada…
For deeper queries and discussions, e-mail Kelli at: k.a.mutchler@gmail.com
Awards, Thank You’s and Appreciations
Other freelance articles, essays and online commentary:
- “Bogan-Haven”, TNT Downunder – Jan. 9, 2012
- ”Coffee First, Talk Later”, Insider Tips, Glimpse – Mar. 22, 2009
- The Price I Pay for a Good Story, published in Laugh Your Shorts Off, CreateSpace – 2009
- “Timely lessons for community building”, Flourish pg. 6 – Nov. 2008
Wow…I only just found this.You write beautifully.What a talent!!
Chris did better than I did, he found you much earlier.
Hi, came across your blog through Jessica Mudditt. Just seen the fact that you are blogging about Burma. I was wondering whether you were still there as in the UK (I live) there has been a massive outrage in the muslim community that thousands of muslims in Burma are being slaughtered to death. This is being done without NO international media reporting on this! thus if you have any balls, and whether you are serious about being a critical journalist- I challenge you to find out much more about this and report on it please!
Thanks for drawing attention to the situation- I feel that too many “ethnic incidents” happen in Burma for the international press, or folks at home, to distinguish between them all. And my boyfriend and I, who traveled through the country together, were both shocked by the actions of the Buddhist population, whom we had come to respect. Unfortunately, I am not living in Burma at the moment, but have returned to the States. However, I did mention an aspect of this tragedy (the plight of its refugees) in a post on World Refugee Day.
Please continue to read and scour the news for information on this, and inform your community at home- as I and my boyfriend are doing now – and thank you again for challenging me to do the same!
Any plans to head back to Asia? If I’m not deported from Russia for staying without a visa, my plans will take me there soon.
I truly enjoy your blog posts & your photos which is why I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award http://wp.me/p1oytH-NR
Keep up the great work!
K
Thank you so much! I appreciate your nomination, especially from someone who values writing the old-school way. Cheers for following and reading, and you keep up the great work too!
Hi! I’ve nominated your for a Liebster Award, a fun way for bloggers to help each other out by promoting each other. Check it out: http://boardingpasstraveltips.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/a-liebster-award-nomination/
“The important thing is not where you go; it’s that you go at all.” Your story is an inspiration. Life is too short not to find our little piece of happiness. The world has so much to show us and is just waiting for us to set our foot on.
Thanks, Island Traveler! Whenever the ‘real world’ starts to make me itch, I’m comforted by the community of vibrant, passionate travelers – like yourself – out there!