Thanks to Twitter, I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Leigh Shulman, a fabulous mum and world-wide traveller. We had some time lately to catch-up and I really enjoyed hearing about the Shulman family’s history, not to mention their bright future. Thanks, Leigh, for sharing your thoughts with us.
Why don’t you introduce yourself and the two others travelling with you.
I’m Leigh. A writer, artist, traveler and mom. I’ve done a lot of other things over the years too — from live internet reports for MTV to studying herbal medicine to teaching 8th grade poetry in a NYC public school. I enjoy movement and change, which is why travel appeals to me.
I’m married to Noah, and we have a 5 year-old daughter named Lila. Noah is an artist and scientist. He’s currently working on a new art concept involving plant biology. Lila loves drawing, music, photography and belly dance.
You used to live in Brooklyn, but left everything behind to travel the world. Why don’t you give us some insight behind that decision.
We were tired of never having enough space, of saying no every time Lila wanted to play in the dirt, sick of the constant noise and expense of the New York City. One day Noah turned to me and said “Why don’t we just sell everything and travel.” My first thought was “That’s crazy.” Then I thought “Why not?”
Our expectations were simple. We wanted something different, but we were never running away from anything. We were always running toward something even if we didn’t always know what that something would be. While we do plan, we try not to adhere too tightly to those plans so we can open to opportunities that arise along the way.
What were some of the most inspirational places you’ve been?
One of my favorite places on this planet is the Cinque Terre in Italy – five small towns built directly into a rock cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There, the breezes are always warm, and the only way to travel between towns is by a coastal train or hike the narrow stone pathways carved high above the water into the rock.
We rented a tiny place in Riomaggiore for a couple days. There, we explored the hidden alleys and stairways that wind through the town. One moment, you’re alone on a quiet rock by the water. Next, you’re at the top of a hill peering down on a nightclub with Chemical Brothers blaring. Every so often, the train rumbles beneath you bringing in a fresh crop of tourists.
I watched couples sharing garlicky calamari fritti with white wine at the restaurant across the way. Above, I saw a woman half covered by hunter green shutters brushing her long brown hair in the window. It sparked my imagination like no other, and I sat on our balcony writing in the early morning and late into the night.
Andy’s Note: I *love* Cinque Terre also. Must write post about it. Excellent place. A sunset from one of my many coastal walks while there:
So now you’ve settled in Argentina. Why did you make the choice to settle, and why Agentina?
We had been traveling for more than two years when we arrived in Argentina, and we craved more stability.
This was particularly important for Lila. We liked the idea of settling outside of the US because living in a foreign country is much like travelling – new language, new place, new customs. But we have a home base as well.
We wanted a relaxed environment close to the country while still having access to a city. We wanted to be able to drink the tap water and have access to reliable medical care. Salta offers all these things.
Looking back at our original expectations, if I had to do it over, wouldn’t change anything.
Every place we’ve visited, every person we’ve met, each holds a special place in my life and memory. Every experience, good or bad, has lead me to where I am now, a calmer, more content and more open minded person than I was the day we left Brooklyn. I couldn’t change a thing.
Any big plans for the future?
This summer, Noah and I are going to Burning Man. We considered taking Lila with us, but she wants to stay in Atlanta with her aunts, cousins and grandparents. This will be the longest we’ve been away from Lila ever. We’ll miss her immensely, but it will give Noah and I time together as a couple and will allow Lila added independence. Of course, I’ll be blogging about our experiences.
I’m also planning an expansion of the What Lila Sees section of my blog. Right now, it’s a small collection of photographs she’s taken over the last four years. Lila’s photos give me a insight into the unique way a child sees the world. What Lila Sees will become an online art space primarily, although not exclusively, for children’s art.
While much is still in the planning stages, I am talking to a couple photographers, a well-known Etsy designer and the lead singer of a popular band to develop various projects.
A closing note from Leigh:
Check The Future Is Red to read more about our travels and to hear about our upcoming adventures. You can subscribe to the feed or, better yet, become an e-mail subscriber to receive information whenever new features are posted online. I love being in touch with my readers. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things about blogging, so please feel free to comment and e-mail about anything.
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Wonderful interview! These are people after my own heart! I especially love that they did the traveling with a child, which is something many people don’t believe is possible.
@ Alex – Indeed, aren’t they lovely? Would love to meet them someday – and cannot wait to see Lila’s first major art exhibition
Be sure to check out Leigh’s response to our interview. I am humbled!
A wonderful interview as usual. Now you two got me even more interested in going to Cinque Terre myself. You pushed it up closer to the top of my wish list to go….
@Lifecruisertravel It is good, and I really think you’d love it. Just be sure to head off-piste as there are some great trails away from the trail connecting the towns.