How it began

A few years ago I found myself in Europe for three months and instead of just staying in the Netherlands, as I would usually do, I actually visited several countries - which was awesome! Shortly after ideas started to form in my head. I could drive through Canada, make a sidestep to the States, see the sights and visit with old and new friends. In the last few years I’ve developed a mild obsession with the extremely talented singer Adam Lambert, and I’ve met many other fans online and at concerts whom I could now meet in real life!

Great plan!!

Only…

It wasn’t possible.

After developing this plan a bit, I started doing some research into the feasibility thereof. Turned out it wasn’t quite as feasible as I had hoped. In fact, it wasn’t feasible at all! The longest I could spend in the States was 3 months, unless I got a visa (expensive!), which would give me 6 months. Hmph…

>>>Fast forward >>>

It proved impossible to figure out how much time I could be in the States in a year. One period of three consecutive months? Two? And how much time between leaving the US and re-entering? Even talking to a customs official didn’t shed much light, but I did hear the (in a beautiful southern American drawl, 3-times repeated!!) phrase that I won’t lightly forget: ' I am not gonna help you defraud the government of the United States. '

Ouch… he saw right through me, one phone call and my lifelong goal of defrauding the government of the United States was thwarted. Memo to self: work on deceit-skills.

In the end I decided to go with my tried and tested method: don't worry about bridges until it's time to cross them.

Who am I?

I will take you on my travels. I don't travel a lot, but I did in 2013 and I have it from a reliable source (me!) that the near future will be pretty good as well.

As stated above, it all started in the summer of 2012, when I was in Europe for about 3 months. I spent most of my time in the Netherlands, but I also visited Great-Britain for an outstanding Queen/Adam Lambert concert, as well as Portugal, France, and Wales.

Back home in Canada, I realized I could do something similar here.

And so it began...

Me   (photo by Lianne in Williamsburg, Virginia, Oct. 1, 2013)

My name

The blog name is somewhat weird, but believe it or not, there is actually some logic attached. It may be my logic, but logic it is nonetheless ;)

The sequence preceding the name-giving started in the 1990's in Canada, where I was sewing and selling clothes. I chose the name Alli-b-fly for my 'line' of clothing. Obviously, Alli-b for my name, and b-fly for a small butterfly hole-punch which I used for the price tags.

The next (and ongoing) episode is my translation business, which is called AlliBabel.

Furthermore, I'm @AlliBabs on twitter. If you follow me there you can keep up with my travels in real time, be it a bit less wordy.

And finally, since this blog is about travel, Alli-b-gone seemed appropriate. Although you could say it doesn't necessarily conjure up a positive image, I really like to b-gone!

My transportation  

Kia Soul, gifted to me for my trip by my son, Bart, the best son a mother can have. The car reminds me of my Renault 4 of times gone by.

()

Hmm, come to think of it, it also reminds me of my Suzuki Sidekick that I sold just before I left. It would seem I'm not quite a lover of fast, streamlined cars. Actually, this particular car is the reason Bart wanted me to take his. Somehow he didn't think my Suzuki would keep me safe. Hmph.

(())

My sleeping arrangements

A pop-up tent, which turned out to be perfect. Quick set-up and take-down - eventually anyway, after watching a YouTube by a very helpful person - and not one leak! What more could you wish for?

And my Hennessy Hammock, the perfect travel companion. Quick set-up and take-down, packs small and is soooo nice for relaxing. The mosquito netting (that would be the big black thing which really is all you see here) is an essential feature of course and it's all integrated!

Here's a view with the fly in place. Depending on the weather or the amount of ventilation you want you can have the fly higher or more horizontal. In nasty weather I would have it right close to the hammock  - very cosy. But on a shore with beautiful views it would go up and straight out, at least on one side. Great way to start the day!

I also spent many nights in the back of the car. I was able to stretch out, so no uncomfortable moments. Thank you Walmart for letting me use your parking lots so I could keep the cost of this adventure within limits.

My kitchen

Jetboil Flash boils two cups of water in less than 2 minutes. Not bad!

Some foods, like eggs or rice can also be cooked in the flash-cup.

And of course the system can be used with other equipment.

My sitting room

I barely remember when I bought this chair, could be almost 20 years ago, but it is perfect. Especially for reading or using my computer on the road. Not a back-pain in sight!