A New Life Style An Old Style Way

[Solitude]

Hi Guys and possibly Gals!

My partner and i are planning to escape the UK. In April 2008 we are leaving to start a new life in rural Sweden (varmland or poss Jamtland area). I have had enough of many things in this country, and more than that i have had enough of this way of life, yes you know the one well, get up, work to pay debts, worry about debts, eat sleep, get up work to pay debts, worry about debts,eat, sleep etc, etc... I am 31 years old and ive had it with boy racers noisey exhausts, blaring stereos, handbreak turns and wheels spins at 3am in the morning disturbing my sleep, financial pressures, loans, credit cards etc

We have made life so complicated, money doesnt exist in reality its a human invention, its purley paper,plastic, and metals, we are trained to work to have a mortgage to spend money to earn money to borrow money, to pay taxes. How on earth did our ancestors survive without money? easy money is not essential for survival, bushcraft is.

Strip away the layers we have been conditioned with and what do we become?
Who would each of us be without law, society, fear, television, schooling, governmental input, material possessions, religion?
Who would we be without an ego, to be selfless and non judgemental of others.

We become pure nature.

"I am as part of nature as a morning dew drop on a wild crow berry ,the work of a honey bee, a wild blossum cherry, The ground i walk on, which one day will be me."

But seriously, i need to get back to nature, to peace and SOLITUDE.

I know im not the only one that feels this way theres more to life than this, i can no longer just exist, i need to live.

Im suprised no one has clubbed together selling everything to escape and buy a massive plot of land, build log cabins, hunt fish, be self sustainable, possibly run courses for an income (for those who have the capacity) invent a community of free and likeminded people giving each the choice to live how they wish, with each their own space.

Im opting out of this life. Whos with me???!!!

 

[tommy the cat]

Having the same discussion with a mate last night and I am thinking very seriously about the same thing. The problem I have here (uk) is the ridiculous amount of money land costs and the Draconian planning laws that can thrawt many a good idea.
I like you any many here would love to live a more simpler life grow food, rear livestock and live a more sustainable life. I would love to build a straw bail house or cabin but even with a reasonable amount of equity in my house could not afford to do it here even if they would allow planning which they will not.
I am currently looking at other countries as possibilities to 'follow a dream' shame really as this truly is a beautiful Island.
Good luck and best wishes Dave

 

[unused[nl]]

Sounds great! Sounds almost perfect.. but a 18 year old boy doesn't have anything to sell, to buy land, to build, to start..
and what about those who you love? those who won't come with you?
That would be hard for me! But living WITHOUT money sounds just great!

 

[Solitude]

Sounds great! Sounds almost perfect.. but a 18 year old boy doesn't have anything to sell, to buy land, to build, to start..
and what about those who you love? those who won't come with you?
That would be hard for me! But living WITHOUT money sounds just great!

18 year old boy! When i was 18 i was a man!!
If those you love dont come with you do they really love you?
In the old days people used to swap or give gifts or services for payment, maybe you could club in by offering some labour i.e help build some log houses etc....
It wouldnt be a case of you can only come in to this idea if you invest so much, more like if you have some skills that would be of use this may swing it sort of thing.

A philosophy of "all are equal" would need to be adopted, i.e the knights of the round table had a round table for a reason, it was to show that no one was at the head of the table, no one was superior. It cant be a case of everyone needs to put in £10k 30k etc.. it would have to be everything you own for some it would be a great deal of money for others it would be small or medium amounts, and yes for a few spring chickens it would be zilcho.


Where therse a will theres a way. Impossible is nothing. Theres enough brains on here.

 

[baggins]

Nice one Solitude,
Me and the missus are of the same mind. We're heading off to the Yukon hopefully later this year.
We're leaving for exactly the same reasons you are. Money (or lack of), restrictive laws, crime and just a general social breakdown that seems to have affected this country over the last few years. (i'd best not get started).
As much as i love the UK, i no longer feel proud to be British. I no longer have a sense of identity. And, living in semi rural worcestershire, i'm getting penalised for not living in a big city. (sorry am getting a ranting head on, will shut up now).
Good luck mate, i hope you make a good go of it.
Baggins

 

[Solitude]

Having the same discussion with a mate last night and I am thinking very seriously about the same thing. The problem I have here (uk) is the ridiculous amount of money land costs and the Draconian planning laws that can thrawt many a good idea.
I like you any many here would love to live a more simpler life grow food, rear livestock and live a more sustainable life. I would love to build a straw bail house or cabin but even with a reasonable amount of equity in my house could not afford to do it here even if they would allow planning which they will not.
I am currently looking at other countries as possibilities to 'follow a dream' shame really as this truly is a beautiful Island.
Good luck and best wishes Dave

Hi Dave,

Take a gander a Sweden heres a link to one of the national parks, it will give you a taster http://www.glaskogen.se/engram.htm

If i told you building plots in the wilderness were £10 - £20k and under would you be interested!?

 

[fredcraft]

Indeed, many people think alike. We are conditionned to live the way we do, we live to consume.

Although, I belive it's possible to get away from all the stress of modern society life without having to cut all bridges with it.

For my part, an ideal lifestyle would be to minimize what I buy to the minimum I need, learning to do more and more by myself, grow most of my food in a big garden, hunt/fish for some meat, etc... I doubt I could be self-sufficiant (life in a community is another thing), but the minimal ammount of money I'd earn could fill the gap.

In other words, I want the best of both worlds. I want tranquillity, peace of mind, and time for myself but also I want an internet access (priceless source of information to achieve what I want), the benefits of modern healthcare for the worst things that could happen (then again, the knowledge of medecinal properties of plants would help a lot for the lesser illnesses and minimize the need for commercial medecines).

Anyhow, I can only salute your courrage and great way of seeing things.
Good luck with your adventure !

 

[tommy the cat]

Hi Dave,

Take a gander a Sweden heres a link to one of the national parks, it will give you a taster http://www.glaskogen.se/engram.htm

If i told you building plots in the wilderness were £10 - £20k and under would you be interested!?

Yes yes yes I would most deffo to be honest at that price it could be used as a holiday home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Caravans are that price here!!!!!
Now I can only say How are you? and Hi in Swedish but hey I'm willing to learn.....gonna have a look at your link now what about building regs?
Dave

 

[oops56]

For me i am ok as i am retired no debts.If i was you get a small lot out in the county dig a fox hole

 

[unused[nl]]

18 year old boy! When i was 18 i was a man!!
If those you love dont come with you do they really love you?
In the old days people used to swap or give gifts or services for payment, maybe you could club in by offering some labour i.e help build some log houses etc....
It wouldnt be a case of you can only come in to this idea if you invest so much, more like if you have some skills that would be of use this may swing it sort of thing.

A philosophy of "all are equal" would need to be adopted, i.e the knights of the round table had a round table for a reason, it was to show that no one was at the head of the table, no one was superior. It cant be a case of everyone needs to put in £10k 30k etc.. it would have to be everything you own for some it would be a great deal of money for others it would be small or medium amounts, and yes for a few spring chickens it would be zilcho.


Where therse a will theres a way. Impossible is nothing. Theres enough brains on here.

The people who love me have other people they love or just won't like the way of life maybe..

I don't have any skills in building a log nor can I grow my own food or hunt but I am a hard worker. And everything can be learned I like to say.

But then again, my parents won't let me go.. also my girlfriend won't let me go

And what fredcraft said.. I also want the best of both worlds, internet is such a great resource of information and of communication. I don't really need the health care I think.. haven't been in the hospital or doctor for about 10 years or something..

 

[Solitude]

Yes yes yes I would most deffo to be honest at that price it could be used as a holiday home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Caravans are that price here!!!!!
Now I can only say How are you? and Hi in Swedish but hey I'm willing to learn.....gonna have a look at your link now what about building regs?
Dave

Everyone under 60 years of age speaks english anyway, youll be fine!! Heres a linksome land/houses ive been looking at : http://kund.tervix.se/ekeby.cc/www/index.asp?mainId=8&cat1=11&show=11&area=3&sort=
Let me know if you find any usefull info.
Happy research!!

 

[Solitude]

For me i am ok as i am retired no debts.If i was you get a small lot out in the county dig a fox hole

Retired!? whats that!!

I guess when you retire and/or are financially worry free you tend to look at life differently. Thanks for your suggestion im going to do just that but instead of a fox hole im gunna put up a Lavvu!

 

[fredcraft]

I don't really need the health care I think.. haven't been in the hospital or doctor for about 10 years or something..

One never knows when illness will strike. As Forest Gump's mother use to say, "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get !"

 

[Solitude]

The people who love me have other people they love or just won't like the way of life maybe..

I don't have any skills in building a log nor can I grow my own food or hunt but I am a hard worker. And everything can be learned I like to say.

But then again, my parents won't let me go.. also my girlfriend won't let me go

And what fredcraft said.. I also want the best of both worlds, internet is such a great resource of information and of communication. I don't really need the health care I think.. haven't been in the hospital or doctor for about 10 years or something..

Best of both worlds! yes im not saying turn into a cave man, just take from life what you want to keep but cut out the stuff you dont, like built up areas, noise pollution, air pollution, chemicals in your drinking water, waring governements etc... Sweden has great health care and a great government system who look after their people infact if you go there for more than 3 months the government there will pay for you to learn swedish. Cant see ours doing that for imigrants!

Theres no reason why you cant live a simple life in the wilds yet have the modern convieniences close at hand.

 

[unused[nl]]

One never knows when illness will strike. As Forest Gump's mother use to say, "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get !"

You are probably right but I also don't like those guys! I visited a hospital once in those 10 years, I fell of my mountain bike, had to get some stitches, sneaky ******* cut away a lot of skin! Also packed me in with to much bandage, but I think it had some reason

 

[tommy the cat]

Yea some great info although some bits in Swedish....... I would love to know how you get on my friend and what your plans are when finalized. As mentioned before I admire what you are trying to do and hope to do something similar one day my utopia search continues ( maybe in Sweden) All the best D

 

[bushman762]

Lots of folks would have the same feelings about getting away from it all, including myself but many, myself included put obstacles in the way. I've been looking from before I met my wife back in '84, never did find Shangri La, but we haven't given up. In the early days my excuse was I needed to save up some money first, then my father fell ill, then.....always talking myself out of it!

The UK has many good points, but I do agree that it is becoming less attractive, and more difficult to live in. I have considered many foreign countries, with fine weather and reasonably priced land, but language was always a big problem for us, I don't mix with many people, but I do like a chat when I've something to say.

I'm trying to convince my wife that Canada, USA or New Zealand is the way to go, but she feels they are too far from home and aging family! Obstacles! and we are getting to an age when no one wants us, and yet retirement seems so far away!

I made a start many years ago by becoming as least dependent on consumer items as possible, but no man is an Island and there are so many benifical items today, solar panels, www, and I'm learning about things I need everyday LOL We grow a lot of our own food, we keep hens for eggs, rear chickens for meat, have kept pigs for pork, sausages and bacon, and its all very satisfying but sometimes its hard to beat a chinese or a fish supper! and for that you need hard cash!

I think the bottom line is if you are drawn to try this...do it! but don't burn your bridges, or be afraid to come back. There are remote areas in the UK where a small property could still be bought, and the simple life lived!

For me, I think we'll keep travelling in our campervan and just escape as often and for as long as possible, the thought of our big trip of Canada and USA keeps me going, planning and exploring on the net. Someday it will happen, and maybe we both might just fall in love with some wee property and that would be dandy!

Perhaps if one had a job that was seasonal and could head off to Sweden or Canada or Shangri La when out of work, it might just be enough to satisfy the needs of us stone age, trapper, hunter gatherer, bushcrafter types! Just a thought!

I think I've rambled enough! Good Luck and keep me informed if you come across that wee place I know is out there with my name on it!

Cheers

 

[KAE1]

My father when I was younger
Took me up on to the hill
That looks down on the city smog
And above the factory spill
He said now this is where I come
When I wanted to be free
but he never was in his lifetime
But these words stuck with me hey

And so I ran from all of this
And I climbed that highest hill
I looked down on to my life
Above the factory spill
I looked down onto my life
As the family disgrace
Then all my friends on the starting line
Their wages off to chase
Yes and all my friends and all their jobs
All the bloody waste

CHORUS

Well well when I grew up,
learned to love and laugh
Circled A's on the underpass
The noise we thought would never stop
Died a death when the punks grew up
And we choked on all our dreams
We wrestled all our fears
Running through the heartless concrete streets
Chasing our ideas Run
And all the problems of the world
Won't be solved by this guitar
And they won't stop coming either
By the life I've had so far
And the bright lights of my home town
Won't be getting any dimmer
Though their calling has receded
Like some old distant singer
And they don't look so appealing
To the eyes of this poor sinner

Hi Solitude,
Strange thing is I can't remember a time when I didn't share your feelings. Growing up in the country I've always managed to just about balance things out at weekends and evenings (hunting, fishing, shooting etc) but its getting harder now Iam older. I am earning more than ever before, so its not all about money. I just seem to be out of step with most of those around me. I like the idea of a plot of land, maybe in Sweden, and may have to borrow a bit to do this now just to keep me sane while I am still working. Our other idea is to sell up when the kids are older and buy a narrow boat, bung some cash in the bank, then spend a few years travelling the waterways while deciding what to do next. If we want to return, then just sell the boat and buy another house, if not, carry on travelling the canals. Its not a great leap, and yes it is playing it a bit safe, but I think its the only realistic way we will make a break.

 

[xylaria]

KAE1 I never had you down as a levellers fan.

As for running away, I keep thinking there has got be better places than britian, there is culture of selfishness. It starts in early childhood when children are encouraged to be emotionally independent while still tiny, and we end up with weird adults that can't think of needs of others. Thats why I think our health service is so poor, too many staff arent altruistic enough. I came from ireland when I was five, and keep wondering if my family could integrate back there.

 

[KAE1]

KAE1 I never had you down as a levellers fan.

The levellers are a great band, seen em live many times - like the pogues they fill the niche between punk and traditional folk, great lyrics too.

Problem with this country is that everyones chasing targets, standing on each others heads, bull sh** and gloss are king, if you hesitate to think you're considered dim, the schools are not turning out balanced, decent kids - they are chasing ofsted results, primary school kids get far too much homework - they should be outside in the fresh air - trouble is they can't in case the paedos get them, the police cant catch the paedos because of red tape and they are too busy on petty stuff - I daren't even google paedo to see if I've spelt it right because the internet is full of weird cr*p..........I'd better stop and drink some camomile tea