Gypset Lifestyle: A Glimpse Into the Wanderlust
Meet Megan Eaton Griswold, a writer and comedian who has worked as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, an NPR All Things Considered commentator and an acupuncturist in private practice. She is a trained doula, Zero Balancer, NIA instructor, Wilderness First Responder, shiatsu practitioner, NASM personal trainer and has completed the advanced yoga teacher training with Richard Freeman.
I traveled to Jackson Wyoming last fall to watch and participate in her next undertaking– the building of a yurt (a circular tent favorited by nomads– see photos below). She will live in the yurt at the base of the Teton Mountain Range when she isn’t gypsetting. Read on to learn more about this adventure traveler and all around rock star!
GG ~ Megan, we met at the workout studio Tracy Anderson Method in New York City about 4 years ago (where we get our groove on when we are not gypsetting). It’s interesting becoming friends with the women that work out there because; as we all know, there isn’t another workout that makes you look in any way as disheveled, sweaty and well, as gross as this one does! As a result, we all see each other in a very vulnerable position, in a city where people pride themselves on looking their best to succeed. It’s so freeing to let your guard down and get to know each other on a very visceral level. You and I have experienced this together, becoming friends in the process. Both of us have had remarkable lives– having some very significant ups and downs. Our experienceses have given us the ability to really embrace how amazing it is when we get the opportunity to get away from it all to discover new places and things. For me, when I get the chance to escape on a journey it means freedom. What does travel mean to you?
MEG ~ That exceptional feeling of making the world feel like a larger and smaller place. If you are an odd duck or an unusual person, you get reminded of how much variety is out there.
GG ~ What is your favorite destination and why?
MEG ~ Patagonia, because it is the location of my adult awakening. It made me realize that the world is broad, and life doesn’t have to take you down a one way path. Patagonia showed me it’s possible to move in many directions.
GG ~ Who would be your favorite travel companion, dead or alive?
MEG ~ Other than my dog, Isabelle, my friend Michelle who has a similar sense of adventure. That said, she asks different questions than me. So when I travel with her, my eyes are opened to things I wouldn’t think to ask about.
GG ~ Your preferred form of travel: plane, train, automobile, boat or spaceship?
MEG ~ I like old trains and planes, however any form of transportation where someone you are next to is somewhat held hostage and forced to talk to you (hahaha). I enjoy this because I’m a very curious person and love to discover new people and perspectives.
GG ~ What is your must have item with which to travel?
MEG ~ Besides my dog Isabelle (hahaha), a sense of humor.
To read more about Megan and what she has up her sleeve next check out her website at http://www.megangriswold.com/
Megan sitting on stage one of the yurt build
My salute to the Grand Teton 😉
Megan raising house 🙂
The yurt build mascot
The team
Sleeping quarters
Megan on the streets of her other home in the West Village, NYC
