A dream come true: exploring the world in a bus transformed into a camper van
Lexis Noelle is a woman from New York who had the courage to make a choice that many dream about but few venture to try: drop everything and go travelling around the world. It is not, in fact, something that can be just done at the drop of a hat: everyone has to pay to live, but this young woman - only 18 years old - was able to embrace the philosophy and practice of van-lifers (those who love "the camper's life", we could say). After a number of years, Lexis still spends long periods of her time aboard her school bus which she has converted into a camper van.
Everything she did is documented online, on her Instagram profile, where we see shots of the boho-chic interior of this former school bus that has become her four-wheeled home.
via adventuringwithlola/Instagram
This whole venture started, it seems, from a trip that the young woman took with her mother when she was still in high school: together they went around the United States and the Caribbean, visiting wonderful places where nature is still breathtaking. It is difficult not to get caught up in the desire to travel extensively (also known as "wanderlust"), and so, at the age of 18, this young woman decided that this was the type of life she wanted.
And here, Lola entered the scene: Lola is the bus that the young woman converted into her traveling house, after seeing similar experiences posted by many people on Instagram.
Everything Lexis needs can fit on the bus: as long as it is truely useful, and is stored with care. And when we see the photos Lexis has posted, the bus looks like a miniature house that lacks for nothing (and that is a real salute to the boho-chic decorating style that is so popular online these days).
The young woman saved the money necessary by working hard as a waitress and on February 7, 2017, she found the bus that she would call Lola.
"I really wanted to enjoy life, and I knew that traveling would give me what I needed. I thought I could still go to college later, if I wanted to."
"With my mother, I went everywhere in her old 1965 camper van. I loved going camping in that van, and after I saw her transform her van into a small home, I was really enchanted. I realized that I too could have my house on four wheels." So Lexis started spending time online, learning about this wandering lifestyle, and was helped by her mother, given her experience.
It took two and a half months to convert the bus into a mobile home. Now the vehicle has a sleeping area, a living area, a bathroom with toilet and shower, and a cooking and dining area. In addition, it is partially solar powered.
"In the kitchen I have a variety of appliances such as a microwave, coffee maker, gas stove, electric fryer and mini refrigerator. Everything a girl could need to prepare a delicious lunch."
There is no shortage of places to visit, but the bus is always brought to a workshop for a full check-up before Lexis embarks on her next adventure.
Would you like to follow in this young woman's footsteps?
