Interview with foXnomad, Anil Polat
Anil Polat, also known as foXnoMad, is an avid traveler who funds his adventures through freelance web development and computer consulting. Anil answers some questions about his life and experiences in this interview.
Where do you currently live?
Right outside of Washington DC.
What are some of your favorite countries so far?
I’m biased and love Turkey but some of the other places I’ve gone and really enjoyed are the Philippines and the south of India. Istanbul is a city that everyone should visit and Boracay in the Philippines has the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The south of India has a great vibe to it and the people are great.
What have been your least favorite countries?
I don’t know that I have a least favorite, but I’m not a big fan of big cities really. I like them for a day or two to visit but feel more comfortable outside of them, closer to the countryside.
How long do you typically stay in one country?
It tends to go in bunches so I’ll have a lot of short trips followed by some longer ones. I kind of get a kick out of always moving and sleeping in a new place so even a trip of a few days is great and energizes me.
How many months of the year do you travel?
2009 has been a quiet year for me but on average I travel once or twice a month. It’s really the calm before the storm though, I plan on hitting the road in a major way early next year and I’m looking forward to it.
How do you earn an income?
I’ve got several income streams but the bulk of it comes from my experience with computer security in general. I’ve supplemented this by branching out to web design, translation, and with some travel blogs.
How does a new university graduate build a lifestyle like yours?
Turn your talents into skills. Much of what got me into programming (and security in general) is that I’ve always loved taking things apart. I’m good at breaking things so I found a way to make that work for me. I’d tell a new college graduate to focus what they know, be adaptable and never say you can’t do something. When asked, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know…but are willing to learn.
How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been seriously blogging for about 2 years – the year before that my primary blog had no direction. It’s really within the last year that I got serious about trying to make foXnoMad more readable and reach a wider audience.
Do you earn much money from your blog or travel writing?
Not enough and not much but I’m hoping to change that. I’ve just recently begun actively trying to monetize my primary site and I have my first eBook coming out next week. I’m also developing several other travel sites and blogs I hope to launch by the end of the year. Right now things look promising.
What is your background?
I’m a computer nerd with a degree in anthropology as well. I’m absolutely fascinated with human culture and evolution and it’s what drives me to write and travel.
What are your future plans?
I plan on doing more work in anthropology and have my websites make more for me than my active consulting and freelance work. My wife and I are planning to explore Central and South America before heading to Asia and settling in a Mediterranean island for a while. After that wherever the wind takes our sails!
Links
foXnoMad.com
Follow foXnoMad on Twitter
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Cool interview. Sounds like Anil is living the good life! I hope to get to the point that he is at and travel as much as I want. Keep these interviews coming, John, I love learning from these great people.
.-= Nate´s last blog ..The do-it-yourself business degree =-.