Check Out Kai Lawson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai Lawson.

Hi Kai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I have always had a passion for traveling and adventure. Exploring unknown terrain, hearing different languages, experiencing different cultures, food, smells, sights, sounds and rituals has always intrigued me. In 2011, after the sudden loss of my spouse I began to take my travels to different levels. It was not easy in the beginning as a solo female traveler. I suddenly felt a lot of fear, I thought how will I navigate each city? Will I get lost? Is it safe? etc. After a while, I realized that travel has shown me that it is a valuable opportunity to process these challenges, including loss.

In 2015, on a trip to Israel, Jerusalem became the turning point on my grief journey. I was most fortunate enough to visit the wailing wall where I was able to write my prayers on a tiny piece of paper and by putting it into the wall, I felt a weight lifted. My Israel trip also brought another surprise highlight as well. I have dabbled a bit in photography and I have always loved it as a hobby. When I returned from that trip a photo that I randomly took ended up in the LA Times travel section on the front page and I was ecstatic. While traveling in Israel, I found so much joy, hope, rest and reflection I found myself becoming whole again once more.

Traveling brings such simple distractions that you don’t even have time to mourn loss sometimes. For example, planning a trip, hailing a cab, buying train tickets, and trying to find a hotel. That life of sort of always “on -the -go “left me feeling excited and longing for more adventures.

After my Israel trip, I started my blog Passport Bohemian and I have been sharing my travel stories ever since. I have traveled to five of the seven continents while providing tips and top posts on things to see and do in each of the countries that I visit. I really appreciate the feedback that I get from my followers and how they engage with my stories and I hope I keep them inspired.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Solo travel is not always easy and it’s not what you see on social media. I have seen so many blog posts on why solo travel is so freeing however, not many travelers talk about some of the challenges. Solo travel can be very expensive and lonely at times. Other challenges such as language barriers, logistics, money issues, health scares, and most of the time you have no one to share your memories with. You pretty much have to do everything yourself including eating alone and being concerned about your safety.

I have had a few bumps in the road which included me missing my flight from Africa back to the USA and it ended up a nightmare in regards to additional flight costs and finding last minute accommodations. On another occasion, I became extremely sick in the Philippines due to something that I ate. It was the worst experience of my life but luckily everything turned out okay by the end of the trip. Lastly, while I was visiting a night market in Qatar, I was followed by a male at each store I went into. I was so nervous about it I started to run back to the tourist bus and as I looked back, he was running right behind me. The weather was also some 100 degrees so that didn’t help. Eventually, I made it back to the bus out of breath, sweaty and happy that I escaped the strange man of the souk market!

Lastly, it can be especially difficult as a blogger when you are taking your own photos. Essentially you are the photographer! The weather, wind and elements can play a huge role in taking pictures which can be overwhelming. All in all, I am happy to be a solo traveler. The road can be lonely at times but it just made me more and more confident and strong as a woman. I feel so empowered because of these stories. I really came to know what freedom is and how to live outside my comfort zone.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the past 20 years, I have been employed with the County of Los Angeles Child Support Services Department focused on child support reform which consists of consulting with attorneys, caseworkers, and probation or law enforcement officers on legal or procedural matters. I have a B.A. in Sociology from Wright State University which is located in Dayton, Ohio and I feel really fortunate to be working right in my field. One accomplishment that I am proud of was receiving a grant award from my human rights work with Amnesty International and many other NGO’s. On a side note, I am also a singer/songwriter trained in classical piano and voice. Over the years, I have performed in many venues throughout Los Angeles.

The one thing that sets me apart from others is that I am intellectually curious and passionate. I don’t simply travel to take pretty pictures but seize the opportunity to learn whenever I can. It could be volunteering abroad, connecting with locals, or making lasting friendships. It could also be about being tapped into what is happening in the world through music, art, fashion, or visual storytelling. I am also passionate and enthusiastic about social change.

Lastly, I offer a travel membership service called Passport To Bohemia in which users can sign up to receive monthly travel pocket guides, music playlists, iPhone wallpapers and more for $5.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned on my journey is to walk your own path and to make every moment count. Stay always looking and curious. Notice shapes, patterns, light and appreciate imperfections. Keeping a life full of adventure and creativity are the things that keep me going.

Pricing:

• 5.00 To Join Passport To Bohemia

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.passportbohemian.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passportbohemian/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passportbohemian
• Other: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Passportboho