Nomads Guide to the Universe: 10 Days of Mexico as The Nomad Chef
Day Zero: Prep, Plan, and Go.
Sometimes I feel like a ronin—a chef without a master, a mercenary for hire. There’s a loose thread there somewhere. Okay, fine—a confession: I’d love to one day own a restaurant. But the overhead, the hours, the commitment—that’s not something anyone should take lightly. If I’m to be a chef with a home, I want to be there for my people: dishwasher, front of house, line cook, stakeholders. It’s not something you just do unless you’re ready.
For now, I’m a wandering chef, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I used to call this “living my best Anthony Bourdain life.” But these days, the traveling and storytelling through food feel like something deeper—like a base note in a song about to crash into an epic solo.
Let’s not overcomplicate this—I’m happy. I like this life. I get to live this wacky, beautiful ride and watch it unfold. What a damn privilege in the face of so much upheaval. While I’m here, I’ll keep moving toward joy, in the hopes that joy brings something good to others, too.
Even in a world where pressure and difference weigh heavy on good people, chasing your art isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. But create with awareness. Some call that context. You can’t escape it anyway. So, create with joy, share it if you can—but remember, you don’t owe anyone the joy you’ve cultivated.
Back to the road—I’ve done this plenty of times now. I know what I need, what to expect. Foreign airports don’t intimidate me. I know how to ask for help, and for the most part, they’re all the same: security checks, overpriced food, desperate last-ditch souvenirs. There's always a capitalist shadow in every terminal. But it’s also a haven for stories—a symphony of sonder and people-watching.
Who are these characters? Where are they headed?
As for me—I’m headed to Mexico. My story’s taking its own twists and turns. If there were a stage here, I’d hop on and tell this next chapter. But for now, I check my bags and find my seat. In a week or so I will be cooking for an Art Gala and there’s something nice about just shutting my eyes on the plane.
Nomad Kit Breakdown
Passport
A U.S. passport gets you almost anywhere—but it’s easy to lose. Mine stays zipped in an inner backpack pocket. I’ve got digital copies on my phone, laptop, and hard drive, and a printed one in my wallet. I’ve lost it once. Scary, but survivable.Shoes
Two pairs: hiking and city. Flip-flops? Cheap everywhere. Insoles make a difference—Dr. Scholl’s are my go-to.
2A. Socks – Pack extras.
2B. Insoles – Get some support, even if you’re young.
Hiking Backpack
Mine’s named Bob. It’s a 45L Teton—affordable, practical.
Bottom pouch = socks, towels, undies.
Main pouch = clothes.
Right side = rigging (rope, tape).
Left side = electronics (headlamp, tripod, battery).
Top pocket = snacks, med kit.
3A–3G cover towels, underwear, socks, ropes, headlamp, battery, and tripod—all the essentials.
Day Pack
MOLLE-style. Feels like a mobile desk:
Big pocket = hoodie, snacks.
Middle = laptop + notebook.
Top = pens, headphones, mints.
Front = sharpies, candy, granola.
Weatherproofing matters. Canvas is heavy wet.Water Bottle
Metal. Doubles as self-defense or a lantern if needed. Always clipped or slung.Pocket Knife
In checked luggage. Folding preferred. A solid tool is a quiet comfort.Headphones
Different playlists for different modes. But stay alert—headphones come off in risky settings. Buses, nights, new places. Stay sharp.Notebook
For thoughts, sketches, downtime. Bonus: makes good fire starter in a pinch.Laptop
Something durable with ports. I avoid cloud-based. I want access even when offline.A Positive Attitude
You won’t be ready for everything. That’s the point. Travel teaches you to dance with chaos. So label your stuff. Especially your sandals—beach raves will eat them.
More importantly: enjoy the ride. We’re the greatest migratory species on Earth. What other creature eats croissants on mountaintops with hot chocolate?
If you enjoyed this piece let me know! I hope to give people a bit more insight into how I am traveling and why I exist like this. Sometimes the writing it just for me to keep tabs on my mind but, I do enjoy hearing from everyone! Please subscribe if you have not yet and cheers from the road.
Best,
Johnny
An art gala in Mexico sounds like fun! How long will it be for? How do you get your next gigs that are in other parts of the world?
And here I thought I had learned the skill of dancing with the chaos from life but perhaps it's actually all the travel. Or maybe it's a combination of both. My favorite piece about this was water bottle doubles as a weapon. Can't wait to hear what you create in Mexico!