elena levon
They say that childhood forms us, that those early influences are the key to everything. Is the peace of the soul so easily won? Simply the inevitable result of a happy childhood. What makes childhood happy? Parental harmony? Good health? Security? Might not a happy childhood be the worst possible preparation for life? Like leading a lamb to the slaughter.
JOSEPHINE HART, Damage
Read more at http://www.notable-quotes.com/h/hart_josephine.html#9wmiDKI9tLMRjsbx.99
Art by Erik Wilson
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“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” ~ Franz Kafka
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“…and you, Elena, are The Walker of Dreams.” – Martin Shone, American Poet
“You don’t have to go through pain and suffering” – Steven Soderbergh
“I can never forget those lips” – Quentin Tarantino
“Never stop learning” – Mickey Rourke
“You are the pure energy of all elements rolled into one” – Russian Author
“God Blessed us all, for the Gift that is you!” – Eddie Rouse
“Elena, This was what it is all about! You are very special to me. You are a true Renaissance woman.” – Robert Farber
“You have that thing, you know.” – Lionel Richie
“Bring it on!” – Brad Pitt
“You remind me of me, when I was your age” – Laurence Fishburne
“Thank you for also wearing a long dress, now I don’t feel so awkward” – Dame Julie Andrews
“You’re very beautiful” – B.B King
“Elena, your beauty is freedom. You are the 8th wonder of the world.” – M.N
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Alêtheia
“31 years”
CHAPTERS
( Click on the highlighted areas below for different stories )
1. Born a month early & took my first breath in Moscow, Russia. 2. I will always be against wars! I am pro PEACE & LOVE for our beautiful universe and for all souls. 3. I am proud to have ARMENIAN & RUSSIAN blood running through my veins. I am proud to be a descendant of such rich, ancient, beautiful and powerful civilization, such as Armenia. I’m bilingual – Russian and English & owner of 2 passports. My last name Levon means “Lion”, it was my grandfather’s first name and my fathers middle name. 4. Raised by never married, separately living parents and a lot of other different people, ranging from a couple of relatives to total strangers in different countries. Whoever had the time and wished to take care of me, I was theirs for sometime… my bags were always packed. My father, died of cancer when I turned 18. I was born with palmar & plantar Hyperhidrosis and have also been healing myself from a very “exiting” bouquet of other horrible health problems. But no matter what life throws at me, I will always dance!
5. After the death of my father, I became kind of an orphan, who’s family (whatever is left of it) have decided to estrange themselves, because I have very different views on life then they do and did not want to conform to theirs or because of their own reasons, unknown to me. Or maybe I just have too good of imagination and have no idea what I’m talking about and in their eyes we are all one happy family. However, I have been gifted with an amazingly patient and stubborn man, who goes by the name of Mr. Bond & countless loving people and families on my travels around the world, whom I consider my family. 6. Came to USA alone at 19 with only 1k in my pocket. I’m a Cultural Chameleon, but not a spy ( so stop asking ) 7. Love being on the road with as less stuff as possible & embrace solo travel. 8. Passionate about Life, travel, cinema, photography & writing … What’s Your Passion? 9. Believe in Compassion & Giving back 10. Not good with planning, but know how to Travel The World on the cheap and got rid of my “bucket list” & TV (best decision I’ve made after quitting smoking)
11. Left my heart in Cuba, Cori, Zanzibar, Catalonia, and Morocco, however don’t ever want to go back to Las Vegas or to the worst hotel in Morocco. 12. Bungee jumped 111m, Walked with Lions & swam in the most Dangerous Pool in The World 13. Met 42nd President of the United States & had my hand kissed by a Prince (not the singer… although that would have been nice too) 14. Traveled by crazy Kenyan Matatus , and hopped on Boda-Boda’s in Uganda. 15. Tangled up with a Python 16. Danced with a Cobra 17. Got up, close and personal with monkeys in Bali. 18. Zip-lined in Costa Rica
19. Almost got married several times and one of them was to a beautiful woman ~ I fall in love with a soul, not gender. 20. Worked on a few Hollywood films. (decided to stop pursuing it out of personal reasons) I model internationally (clothed & nude) Some artists even adopted me as their muse.. (feels good being adopted.)
21. A true Minimalist ~ My closet is always half empty, because I recycle clothes and donate them & love to spend money in thrift stores. Buying hundreds or thousands of dollars stuff in order to look classy, stylish and expensive won’t work, if you don’t know how to wear a 20 dollar dress and look like a million bucks… 22. Got really close to Gorillas in The Mist 23. Persuaded a manager of the bank to open it on a Sunday morning in Zanzibar. 24. What I love ; coffee, Frank Sinatra, Juliette Binoche, dancing, black color, people watching, Honest Films, ARTIST’S, antiques and vintage everything.. the older the better (please someone find the time machine already!). Not a big fan of shopping & beauty salons — do my own hair, nails and make up, thank you very much.
25. Quit smoking “cold turkey” in 2008 after smoking for 10 years and have been smoke free ever since. (however, I do miss a good cigar sometimes) December 2014: relapsed in Cuba.. (how can you not smoke in Cuba?!) July 2015: quit again cold turkey, probably for another 6 years or so : ) 26. Stepped over the railing at“The Peak” in Hong Kong.
27. Have 0 interest in having a “normal life”. Abnormal is normal for me. I’m the one who swims against the tide. You will never see me wearing those shoes with red soles. 28. Spent my 28th Birthday in the highest dunes of Sahara, survived sandstorm at Giza Pyramids & visited Cleopatra’s wedding gift. Saw one of the best Flamenco performances in the world. Traveled through and lived in Morocco. Shared food with a Nomad family in the desert. Experienced a contact high in Chefchaouen & stayed at the WORST hotel in the world. Explored Tangier with a French writer and was invited to a home of a descendant of Russian Nobility. Fell in love with Catalonia. Lived in Moscow for 3 months after 9 years of absence. Experienced Russian Extreme. Cut and donated 17 inches of my curls to charity.
29. Tasted freedom of the Greek Soul. Slept in a Cave. Tried to Be Italian. Rocked it front row at the Pet Shop Boys concert in Barcelona. Police officer in Venice stopped the train for me. With the help of museum security skipped the line to see David. Lived in a villa next to George Clooney in Laglio, Como. Got drenched inside one of the main fountains in Como & partied like a rock star. Swam topless in South of France. Ran under the rain in Paris. Got in a fight with Russian mobsters at a strip club in Saint Petersburg. Slept in a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo. Was given childhood back for one day in Kuala Lumpur. 30. Made a clear and well-thought-out choice / decision, to live my life child-free. Became a frequent guest of The McKittrick Hotel, where I had a chance to completely succumb to debauchery, music, art, dance and chaos at “studio 54-like parties”.
Stepped on 5th Continent and visited Swingers Club for the first time in Argentina. Was at Obelisk on 13th of July. Rode horses bareback, stood naked after sauna under the milky way and left a big part of my heart at “El Galope” in Uruguay. Spent a day at the only UNESCO site in Paraguay. Became a true Amazon Woman. Lost my best friend, my family, my teacher, my inspiration – The Great, Eddie Rouse – Actor, Musician, Poet, Artist, The Legend. Galloped bareback on the beach and swam with a horse in the Caribbean. 31. Became local and was called “my second mother” by a child in Cuba.
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What matters at the end of the day are not things. Life is about shared moments of laughter, joy, love and everything in between, with people from all corners of our world. It’s about creating yourself, discovering the world around us and helping each other along the way. And it’s also about dancing while the music is being played…
I am fearless, limitless and full of love. I travel the world, with love in my soul for every soul, nature and creature on this planet. I am not and never will be part of this current “way” of consumerism, fear, hatred and guilt. Things and Governments don’t own me, my mind or my soul! Never will. Not governed by any entity, religion, symbol or man. I will not bow to any man-made myth! I refuse to worship anyone/anything. I stand alone. I am a permanent nomad, (traveling/living/creating around the world), artist, creative soul and a minimalist. I represent no particular country and no particular ideology.
Fear Is Not Real
Seek Your Own Truth
&
Break Free
True story, Word of Honor:
Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer now dead, and I were at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island. I said, “Joe, how does it make you feel to know that our host only yesterday may have made more money than your novel ‘Catch-22’ has earned in its entire history?” And Joe said, “I’ve got something he can never have.” And I said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?” And Joe said, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.” Not bad! Rest in peace!” — Kurt Vonnegut
I write about my journey, with all its heartbreak, passion, humor & joy. This is a memoir. All the juicy and really naughty parts are going into the print version.
Let There Always Be A Road…
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The woman behind the years …
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They say that childhood forms us, that those early influences are the key to everything. Is the peace of the soul so easily won? Simply the inevitable result of a happy childhood. What makes childhood happy? Parental harmony? Good health? Security? Might not a happy childhood be the worst possible preparation for life? Like leading a lamb to the slaughter.
JOSEPHINE HART, Damage
Read more at http://www.notable-quotes.com/h/hart_josephine.html#9wmiDKI9tLMRjsbx.99
Interesting About Me … Anyway, I am impressed with your travel stories (I did some browsing before I landed here.) more so of the fact that you are one daredevil woman. You just made my balls shrink because of that photo of yours — the one showing you did bungee jumping. Kudos, Madam!
hahaha thanks for making me laugh! : )) yeah, that bungee was the one the girl fell from a couple of months after my jump..
el
oops … thank for pointing that out. still, you rock!
I mean, thanks!
I enjoyed looking at your blog, what a delightfully adventurous life! Thanks for the inspirational quote. Looks like you’re missing South America in your life, plan on going any time soon?
Thank you! Yes, will be visiting soon hopefully.
el
Elena, you are my new hero.
“Ya Ponimayoo.”
Spasibo bolshoe! : )
lena
Thank you for inspiring me!
Thank you for reading me ; )
el
All I can say is beautiful. Keep sharing! Namaste
Greetings, El!
As Morcheeba said: “…just enjoy the ride…”
:)
Thank you and good traveling!
beautiful blog, beautiful sentiments. You’re a wise soul and happy traveler. I’m glad you enjoyed San Francisco so much, though it doesn’t surprise me. ;-)
Thanks for stopping by my Vancouver trip, it is quite a lovely place.
There is so much good stuff written above, it makes we wonder how all the dull people can cope with day to day drudgery. Travel, it’s all about the journey, not the arrival. My recent holiday to Sweden was fun, but the journey home in heavy snow, and freezing temperatures was exhilarating.
Have a fun weekend (I think you will).
Hi there!
We both share passion for travel, not planning & coffee : )
Agree, that it is all about the journey, not just travel, but life itself. Every person has a story to tell and every person is on their own unique journey. That’s what always fascinates me about meeting other people.. is their unique story.. No life is dull, each road is full of magic, one just have to learn to walk with eyes and heart wide open.
love & light
el
“I choose to collect memories instead of things”….I really love that. A personal ritual that I have when I travel is to bring back the music of the place, when I hear it there, instead of physical things…a violin concerto from Poland, Verdi from Italy, a local band from Costa Rica. Then, when I am home, and I playback the music, the memories associated with the location come rushing in. You seem like the same kind of person. Cheers to you and your personal, memorable, unique style that is all your own…
Thank you beautiful!
wow! It’s a wonderful way to keep a piece of that country! I do that too sometimes : )
love & light you you!
Thank you for your kind words.
May there always be a road ..
el
You were so kind to visit my blog and even like it. I appreciate it. In reading through yours I can only say I wish… I wish I had been so bold, beautiful and self-aware at 27. I love your spirit and attitude, it energizes me. Thank you for that gift.
Thank you so very much for your kind comment..
I’m so happy that coming to my blog is such a positive experience for you! — This means more to me than any “blogger award” “book deal” or “being freshly pressed” put together!!
Welcome to my “online home” ! Mi casa su casa ! ; )
ps – You ARE all those things and more!!
love & light to you and yours!
el
What an interesting life you’ve led! Really enjoyed reading about it :)
I know, can’t believe I made it to 27 : ))
love,
el
Elena! Thanks for visiting thenewvernacular! Glad you liked the post… looks like you’ve had plenty of adventures of your own. Have you been on a game drive before?
Hi there!
Yep, I’ve been on a game drive..in the Masai Mara National Reserve. You can read all about it in my Kenya post. /2011/11/16/kenya-solo/
let there always be a road..
el
My goodness, you are a busy woman! Definitely write about your adventures.
I really enjoy your blog!
Although I haven’t been to many different countries, I love to get out and explore the wilderness here in the states…and it’s great to see that there are more people that like to solo.
Thanks for reading and helping to support my blog. I’m just starting out and it’s reassuring to see that people are reading and enjoying.
Thanks again and happy travels!
I love this. I’ve been to Tanzania and Zanzibar too, and have traveled extensively… so I completely adore your 27 things :) Inspirational.
LOVE your list of 27 things! Fantastic, funny and makes me want to read more of your writing! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I will definitely read more of your posts…
Hi Elena! Thank you for visiting my blog. I really like yours too :) couldn’t find the “like” button, so I clicked “follow” instead ;)
I see you are a globetrotter like me and lived through a lot of drama too. Nice to meet you – so equal and yet so different! You are a nice inspiration.
cheers!
the “like” button reminded me too much of
FB.. I’d rather hear people speak their mind ; )so thank you for doing that ..
love & light
el
ps – we are are united in our differences
You have a great story and a passion that is admirable! And I love the photos!
Hi Elena,
great blog you have.
We would like to thank you for your interest in our straw bale hotel. Actually, my mothers name is Elena. We are Greeks.
Wish you all the best and a lot of success with your writing.
Greetings from Switzerland
Louis
Wow!
You are a brave young lady with an inspiring message. Best to you.
Hi pretty lady! Even though I’ve only “known” you for a short time, you have definitely inspired me, so I would love to honor you as I have been with the Versatile Blogger Award: http://6monthstolive.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/honored-humbled-part-2/ Keep up the beautiful writing and insights into life!
You should read our Russian story, and let us know what you think of it. We tried to get a naked photo at the Red Square but we didn’t think it would be worth spending a night in prison.
guys, you’re hilarious! I was laughing a lot through your post! But come on, not all Russian girls like MD! : )) You know, if you paid $$$ to a cop, I’m sure he would be ok with turning his back for a few minutes, while you take that shot…
Oh.. mother Russia.. how forever misunderstood you are…even by those you gave birth to..
But hey, you learned how to cook Borsh and survived our glorious train rides .. If you can survive in Russia.. you can do it anywhere !
Let there always be a road..
el
I am loving everything you’re writing about and living! I can’t wait to read and explore more. Would you be at all interested in doing a guest blog for my site about one of the many places you’ve traveled? Maybe about Russia?
But no pressure–I’ll continue to follow your blog, regardless. :)
Dear Sarah, Thank you so much for reading and for your invitation to write a guest post..
I am sooo new at this .. just trying to keep up with my own blog.. I’ve only posted 20 posts.. It’s kind of a crazy time for me right now, as I’m juggling a few big projects. ( I have no idea how people keep up with all of their social networks and manage to get something done ) But maybe when I’m more fluent with this wordpress thing and when I have more free time.. I’d love to write a guest post, although I have never done so before.. I think I’m just better at writing only when I really feel it.. ( I’m sure you can relate )
ps – I am following you and it’s cool that we chose the same theme.. I like it, it’s clean and simple and you can’t really “hide” behind the hustle and bustle of too much distraction .. it’s right to the point.. kind of like just a pen, paper, a few photos and your soul..
my kind of theme – Simplicity without clutter and noise.. perfect place for writing ; )
love & light
el
Nice photographs. Grab the lion by the tail.
To doing the opposite of what we’re told,
-Joseph
Thank you! Glad to have you here.. enjoy !
el
Oh, and you like that quote from Mark Twain too! what a coincidence
Hi,
Thanks for stopping in and signing up! Love your journeys.
Photography and writing are two of mine too. I’m also currently traveling round costs rica with one small item of luggage. A simple carry on back pack. I was nervous at first but it’s working out perfectly. Maybe I even still have too much!
I love traveling lightly ! It’s a true art! ; )
el
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my recent post ‘The appeal of surreal photography’ – I’m delighted you like it!
I love your bio by the way… it provides readers with a telling glimpse into what I imagine is the real you!
I’m off now to browse your blog further – thank you for assisting me in finding it, a happy discovery.
Best wishes,
Susie :o)
Thank you Susie for your kind words. I really do love photography and I’m glad I came across your blog.
el
you are amazing!
Thanks very much for your support with The North Terrace Colonnade @ Kensal Green Cemetery….
Thank you, loved to see your blog!…
Hi Elena! You have traveled to so many beautiful places :) I’m a traveler myself! I can’t wait to look at your pictures, especially Europe and Africa! Thanks for visiting my blog!
-Adri
So glad to have stumbled upon your blog today! Simply beautiful.
El,
I ‘ve been inspired by the same Mark Twain quote and it ‘s resulted in my experiencing something not too dissimilar from your “I’m not good with planning” sentiment. It ‘s far more important to learn how to appreciate where one is (meaning especially who is around) without becoming engulfed by such a place — in other words, find people, find beauty and learn from them (record notes as needed).
Shukran,
JRL