My Story
My name is Alice Elgie, also known as Wandering Alice. I'm a writer and yoga teacher striving to live more slowly, simply and contentedly as I move from place to place, absorbing and exploring all the wonders of this world, and appreciating the gift of this life.
I've always been a seeker, in my mind and with my feet! When I was a little girl I would squirrel myself away in an oak tree at the end of the garden. Armed with nothing more than a rose-fabric-covered cushion and a good book I would while away hours lost in words and thoughts, before packing my bag for mini-adventures, like tree-climbing in the next estate. I was always curious.
As time marched on I began to discover a love for writing down my own stories—both real and imagined—and by my late teens, harboured dreams of exploring the world and sharing my findings, just like in the books I read. Knowing that the writing was in the doing, I took off on road and train trips through Europe and spent time living in Japan, filling my notebook every step of the way. By my mid-twenties I found myself roaming the world solo, writing for a travel guide, a job that fed every part of my inquisitive wandering spirit. Upon meeting my husband our joint hunger for adventure led us to Greece, but by the time our daughter was born in 2007 we had hatched a bigger plan—to live life on the move.
In the years since we have wandered around the UK and Europe by campervan and narrowboat, rooting down when it feels right. We have lived in a Portuguese olive grove, a mountain village in Spain, a Scottish Highland glen, and most recently, a sleepy village in South Central France. My daughter has known no different than to learn as she lives and watching her bloom naturally and happily into adulthood—out here in the world—brings me great joy.
We travel slowly, choosing to spend extended time absorbing the simplicities and intricacies of local life. A favourite quote from someone I greatly admire expresses our beliefs beautifully:
"Every land has its own special rhythm, and unless the traveler takes the time to learn the rhythm, he or she will remain an outsider there always." -Juliette de Bairacli Levy
Here's a little video I made a few years ago now, all about our nomadic life (2008-2020):
Despite now approaching half a century on this earth, I remain as curious as that little girl sitting up in the tree. I still spend my time deeply considering this world and our place within it, and I still find much joy in simple adventures. My constant companions are questions about how we can use this time here wisely, where might we make a difference, and how can we live a compassionate life that will carry us into the next. Indeed, is there even a next?
As a writer I enjoy weaving my thoughts and experiences into articles, short stories and poetry and as a yoga teacher (you can read my yoga story here!) I love to share the practices that bring a sense of deeper calm and meaning into my own life, with others.
I hope to 'meet' you in some way so we can engage in some of this journey of discovery, together.
With love,
Alice
Where you'll find me sharing:
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“To discover our true life’s purpose we must take time to slow down and (re)connect; with ourselves, each other, and the earth.”