The Wild Ones: An Alternative Lifestyle

Alternative lifestyle children

My alternative lifestyle as a bit of a gypsy

During my lifetime, my own rather unusual and alternative lifestyle has taken me to some interesting dwellings. While I was living in the Transkei, I lived alone in the campsite, in my treasured old retro Jurgens caravan. I had some local friends around who kept me entertained!

Portrait of Lavonne Bosman in Coffee Bay, South Africa
Me with my people (and Brandy the dog) at my caravan in Coffee Bay

The Magic Flying Caravan

For a long time there in Coffee Bay, I had this fantasy of living in a magic flying caravan.  That meant that every morning when I woke up and opened my door, I could potentially find a totally unexpected kind of magical world outside. Things might be just the same as the day before, or I could be the witness and guest of a whole new dream world outside.

The Alternative Lifestyle Traveling Circus chapter

I missed having a community, so it was no surprise that I dreamt about being a part of that again and in my wildest dreams even to be part of a traveling circus!

This dream actually materialized when I moved back to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape in 2014. I met my new performance artist friends of the Psychedelic theatre at a local market where they were selling flow toys. I ended up working with them, furthermore traveling around as their photographer to many incredible festivals around the Western Cape.

Chapter: Savoia Organic farm Alternative Lifestyle

Later on, when I moved to Savoia farm, what I found was another alternative fantastical world that perhaps I had never even imagined before!

Picture of a young boy standing behind an old caravan

During this time I got to know the kids who I like to call:

the Wild Ones :

A boy and a goat

A new fantasy world outside my caravan

At Savoia, the little organic farm with gorgeous Stellenbosch mountain views, I was renting a small vintage caravan. I became part of an amazing community of lively, loving people living on the farm.  During this time, a number of people had come and gone. Finally this special family from Canada arrived and stayed for about six months.

Picture of alternative lifestyle family roasting marshmallows

Children in a field

The Alternative Lifestyle of Kaitlin and her Wild Ones

Kaitlin and her three beautiful children stayed for the summer and introduced us to their beautiful alternative lifestyle. They filled the house and garden with children’s voices, tree climbing, fruit eating, nature loving, homeschooling adventures. 

Children playing in a field
Children playing and running
Simba

Kingdoms in the trees

You would often find them fearlessly climbing up high in the trees as if they were born up there. Kings and queens of their own fantasy lands. They climbed trees with the ease that other people would surf the waves of the sea. These children were so imaginative, creative, tough, healthy fun and incredibly wise for their ages. 

For instance it would be nothing strange to find them in the kitchen baking bread from scratch or furthermore making ointments from leaves for an injury.

Alternative lifestyle homeschooling

Aywen had the skills to use tools and confidence to build his own house if he wanted to.

Alternative lifestyle children making traditional fire

While four year old Kriya was a young goat whisperer and a general force to be reckoned with.

Alternative lifestyle goat milk

Young Lada was a curious nature child and hot on the heels of her elder siblings.

In the forest

To conclude this chapter of the Wild Ones I have to say how incredibly thankful I am for the opportunity to have been an observer of this alternative way of life. A lifestyle that is free from society’s norms.  It was a magical time that I’ll always carry with me.  Till we meet again dear Wild Ones.  Who can tell.

Climbing trees
Pine cones

A raw organic lifestyle: What it is and why?

Little girl eating gooseberries

A raw organic lifestyle is a way of living that emphasizes consuming primarily raw, unprocessed, and organic foods. It involves eating whole, natural foods in their most unaltered state.

Here’s a breakdown:

Raw: This means that foods are not heated above a certain temperature, typically around 104-118°F (40-48°C), to preserve their natural enzymes, nutrients, and living components.

Organic: This refers to foods that are grown or produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or other artificial additives. Organic farming practices aim to promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.

Alternative lifestyle eating tree berries

Lifestyle: Beyond diet, a raw organic lifestyle often extends to other aspects of life. It may include adopting eco-friendly and sustainable practices, engaging in physical activity, emphasizing holistic health, and promoting a connection with nature.

Raw organic food in jars

Why Choose a Raw Organic Lifestyle:

  1. Nutrient Density: Raw organic foods tend to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They are considered to be highly nutritious.
  2. Enzyme Content: Raw foods contain natural enzymes that support digestion and other bodily functions. Cooking can destroy these enzymes.
  3. Reduced Chemical Exposure: Organic foods minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals commonly used in conventional farming.
  4. Environmental Considerations: Choosing organic supports sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.
  5. Health Benefits: Advocates claim benefits like increased energy, improved digestion, clearer skin, and better overall health.
Raw organic dried apple slices

Considerations:

  1. Balanced Nutrition: A well-planned raw organic diet can be very healthy, but it requires careful attention to ensure all essential nutrients are included.
  2. Food Safety: Some raw foods, particularly raw animal products, can pose a risk of foodborne illnesses.
  3. Accessibility and Cost: Organic foods can be more expensive and may not be as readily available in all areas.
  4. Personal Preferences: This lifestyle may not suit everyone, and individual preferences and dietary needs vary.
Alternative lifestyle raw chocoloate

It’s important to approach any dietary lifestyle, including a raw organic one, with consideration for individual health needs and consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Here’s more photography travel blogs where my website is also being featured

Posted in

Reply