Adventurer
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I recall back on one of my earlier travels to a museum in Singapore, having come across an occupation of Adventurer – a somewhat archaic term used to describe a 19th or early 20th century explorer who apparently travels nearly full time for fun. At the time I found it both interesting and amusing that when there was some seemingly historically important person mentioned as an Adventurer this seemed to typically be their main or only occupation, so they were somehow blessed with mysterious funds by which to support their habit. This brought on connotations of a playboy, rogue lifestyle which I found both appealing and worthy of something to aspire to in my own existence.
Upon my continuing travels, I felt it appropriate to perpetuate my return to my semi-professional status as an Adventurer. For continued inspiration and reference I have decided to list those defining qualities Webster’s lists for an Adventurer.
ad’ven*tur’er Ad*ven*tur*er, noun
- One that seeks adventure; someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose) [syn: explorer]
- A person who enjoys taking risks.
- A soldier of fortune.
- A heavy speculator in stocks, business, or trade.
- One that attempts to gain wealth and social position by unscrupulous means.
- A social pretender on the lookout for advancement.
[Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, (c) 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.]
While the travel and risk-taking nature is certainly relevant, I am amused by the associations with mercenaries, shady traders and social climbers (that last reminded me of that French rogue Christopher Roquenfort from a 60 Minutes episode where he was exposed and arrested for having posed as both a Rockerfeller and a Versace heir and swindling millions from American elites). An Adventurer, it seems, is truly an International Man of Mystery. Yep, that’s clearly me! 
And so indeed it is best that I keep traveling lest I become less interesting and talked about, maybe even to wallow as some uninspired average American drifting aimlessly in their common existence.
So Dear Reader, without further ado, I invite you to come along with me in my travels and as I document my Adventures for my future memoirs I will make an effort to share those things which amaze, inspire, fascinate and touch me over the course of those travels. Pay attention and keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times. There are gonna be some good times ahead.
- Vagabum Mike Lopez