About Me
Welcome to Only Anton: Unveiling the World Through My Lens!
Greetings, fellow wanderers! I’m Anton, your guide through the tapestry of global adventures and cultural discoveries. As the heart and soul behind Only Anton, I’m thrilled to share my passion for travel—a journey that transcends borders and dives deep into the essence of each experience.
Join me as I cross diverse landscapes, from bustling metropolises to serene natural wonders, fuelled by an insatiable curiosity and a genuine love for the stories that every corner of the world has to tell. Embark on this odyssey with me, where “Move, Eat, Think” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a mantra for embracing the richness of life. Let’s uncover the beauty that lies beyond the obvious, beneath the surface, and within the intricate layers of every travel escapade.
Whether you’re an intrepid explorer, a fellow philosopher of life, or someone seeking inspiration for your next journey, Only Anton is your compass to authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Fasten your seatbelts, adventurers! The expedition begins here.
Mission
Only Anton is on a mission to empower curious souls to embark on a journey of exploration, wisdom, and a little rebellion. The aim is to redefine adventure by blending discovery with philosophical insight, inviting you to break free from the ordinary and uncover the extraordinary. Join me on this audacious expedition, celebrating the boundless freedom of living life beyond the map.
Vision
At Only Anton, my vision is to inspire a global community of intrepid souls who embody the essence of “Move, Eat, Think.” Imagine a universe where the thrill of movement, the richness of diverse cuisines, and the depth of philosophical musings converge in perfect harmony. Join me in forging a path of unconventional living and embracing the extraordinary in every moment.
Purpose
The purpose of Only Anton is to ignite curiosity and inspire purposeful travel where the principles of “Move, Eat, Think” guide every adventure. The goal is to empower individuals seeking profound connections, unique flavours, and deeper self-understanding. Join the movement toward a life of freedom, exploration, and a relentless pursuit of wisdom.
Values
The core values at Only Anton—Freedom, Curiosity, Authenticity, Wisdom, Boldness, Cultural Richness, Individuality, Purposeful Living, Connection, and Open-Mindedness—guide journeys of exploration along with a touch of rebellion. Rooted in the principles of “Move, Eat, Think,” Only Anton celebrates diverse cultures, encourages authentic living, and embraces the courage to be different.
To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's.
~ Fyodor Dostoevsky
About Me: Anton in a Nutshell
Wanderlust Enthusiast: Born with an insatiable curiosity, I’ve travelled intermittently for nearly 40 years. More recently, I’ve clocked nearly a decade of more intensive world travel. From the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City to Barcelona, and from the serene landscapes of Bali to the sublime vistas of Tibet, my journey is a mosaic pieced together by a myriad of experiences.
Artist and Philosopher: Trained as an illustrator and fine artist, I view travel as a canvas for inspiration. With a master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy, my musings extend beyond the scenic to the profound, exploring the ethics and aesthetics of food and life.
Academic Explorer: Armed with 8 years of experience as an ESL instructor in Chinese universities, along with a penchant for academic editing, my quest for knowledge and self-improvement transcends borders.
Global Nomad: Having ventured through many countries, including some hidden gems in Asia, I’ve discovered the beauty of embracing diverse cultures and savouring life’s myriad flavours.
Tall, Bald, and Handsome: I’m not your average storyteller. At a height of 6’5″ (195 cm), this bald, tattooed Dutch-Canadian tends to stick out in a crowd. Since I am rarely able to blend in with the locals, I’ve had to make a virtue of being conspicuous.
Embarking on “70 by70”: Currently at 30 countries visited, I’ve set the audacious goal of exploring 70 different countries by the time I turn 70. It’s not as many countries as some have travelled, but it’s an achievable goal given my late start. Join me on this odyssey as I weave stories and memories across the globe.
Why Only Anton? Because life is an exploration, and I'm here to share the journey with you.
Personal Background: A Sketch of My Experience
Over the nearly 6 past decades, my life has become an increasingly intricate mosaic pieced together from diverse jewels of experience and passion. Here’s a glimpse into some of the elements that have shaped my journey
Artistic Beginnings: Born in Canada to Dutch immigrant parents, I embarked on my artistic journey early in life. Inspired by a long line of Dutch Masters like Brueghel, Bosch, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, I delved into the world of illustration and fine art at Sheridan College, the Ontario School of Fine Art, and the University of Lethbridge. This creative foundation laid the groundwork for my unique perspective on travel as a canvas for inspiration and for my abiding interest in art and aesthetics as part of my travels.
Philosophical Explorations: With a hunger for knowledge, I continued my education by pursuing a master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Guelph directly after graduating with my fine arts degree from the University of Lethbridge. My academic pursuits extended beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, leading me to explore the intricate interplay between ethics, aesthetics, and the philosophy of food. This intellectual curiosity continues to drive my exploration of the profound dimensions of life as well as my abiding interest in self-education and self-improvement.
Global Nomadism: Having traversed the globe through 30 countries so far, my journey has been a celebration of diverse cultures and a feast of life’s myriad flavours. From Melbourne to the Maritimes, from a volcanic isle in Nicaragua to the birthplace of Taoism in Chengdu, each step has been an opportunity to appreciate the world’s rich tapestry.
Teaching and Learning Across Borders: Although I lived mostly in Canada in my youth, I spent a year in Northern England at a theological school and saw some parts of Europe. Shortly after the birth of my son, I lived in Southern California for a year before moving up to Western Canada, where I obtained my fine arts degree.
Following the ending of a 23-year-long marriage, my journey took yet another international turn when I spent 8 transformative years as an ESL instructor at universities in China. This period was particularly challenging during the 3 years of zero-COVID lockdown that disallowed travel. Nevertheless, this period not only enriched my understanding of diverse cultures but also gave me the opportunity to hone my skills as an academic editor of translated Chinese academic texts.
The experience was a bridge connecting my academic background with the practicalities of global exploration. During this time, I was able to embrace and exercise the art of slow travel. It was also an opportunity to challenge myself, to face fears, to open myself to new experiences, to introspect and heal, and to practice resilience and patience.
Passion for Travel: Embracing the Journey
Venturing into the heart of wanderlust, my passion for travel is more than a mere pastime—it’s a profound love affair with exploration and discovery. With a nomadic spirit, I’ve immersed myself in the beauty of various landscapes, soaked up the cultures that define our world, and tasted the flavours that make each corner unique.
From the bustle of Barcelona to the beaches of Boracay, my travel experiences are woven into the fabric of my being. Each journey has been more than a mere destination; each has become a chapter in the continuing story of a life devoted to understanding, connecting, and cherishing the panoply of humanity.
This passion isn’t confined to the pages of a passport; it’s etched into the stories I share, the perspectives I offer, and the moments I capture. Join me on this odyssey, where every step is infused with the joy of exploration, the thrill of the unknown, and a deep appreciation for the world’s wonders.
Travel Philosophy: Mindful Movement
I try to move through this world with intention, authenticity, and gratitude. My travel philosophy is a blend of artistic inspiration, intellectual curiosity, and a deep appreciation of cultural diversity.
Art as Exploration: Trained as an illustrator and fine artist, I tend to view the world with an artist’s eye, to see the world as a mural painted with the vibrant hues of different cultures. Every destination is an opportunity to create, to capture the essence of the moment through the lens of creativity, and to sit still and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Intellectual Wanderlust: Armed with a master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy, my travels transcend the physical landscapes. I delve into the philosophical dimensions of each destination, examining the ethical and aesthetic threads that weave through the fabric of life.
Cultural Immersion: Travel is not just about ticking off places on a map; it’s about immersing myself, when possible, in the diverse cultures that make our world extraordinary. From the busy streets of London to the tranquil beauty of Guilin’s karst mountains, each encounter is a chance to connect with the heartbeat of a different society.
The Slow Travel Revolution: I embrace the art of slow travel and try to savour each moment, allowing the nuances of a place to unfold naturally. It’s not about rushing from one famous landmark to the next until they all become a blur. It’s about absorbing the atmosphere, engaging with locals, and uncovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Philosophy of Inquiry: Just as a philosopher questions the world, I question each destination. What ethical dilemmas does a culture face? What aesthetic beauty lies hidden in its traditions? Sometimes one may not arrive at answers to those outward-facing questions. Still, it is the asking of such questions that can be most valuable, especially when one turns inward. What lessons can I learn from this place and about myself? These types of inquiries guide my explorations, transforming each journey into an opportunity for profound introspection.
Join me as I wend my way both on and off the beaten path, crafting a narrative that transcends borders and dives deep into the heart of what it means to be a global explorer.
Purpose of the Blog: Crafting Narratives, Inspiring Journeys
Only Anton is a digital realm where wanderlust meets wisdom, and every voyage is an exploration of the profound and the picturesque. This blog aspires to be more than a collection of travel stories; it’s a testament to the philosophy that fuels my expeditions and the inspiration I aim to share with fellow explorers.
Crafting Narratives: Only Anton is my canvas and each post is a stroke that contributes to the larger narrative of my travels. Through vivid storytelling, I invite you to step into the scenes, taste the flavours, and feel the pulse of each destination.
Inspiring Journeys: Beyond the visuals and anecdotes, the purpose of this blog is to inspire a community of global nomads. Whether you’re an armchair traveller or an experienced explorer, I aspire to ignite the flame of wanderlust and curiosity within you.
Philosophy Meets Adventure: Here, the philosophy of food, ethics, and aesthetics converge with the thrill of adventure. It’s a space where intellectual musings harmonize with the adrenaline of discovering new landscapes, cultures, and perspectives.
Community of Explorers: Only Anton is not just my travelogue; it’s an open invitation to join a community of like-minded individuals who seek more from their journeys. Together, we celebrate the diversity of our planet and find beauty in the shared human experience.
Move, Eat, Think: The tagline “Move, Eat, Think” encapsulates the essence of this blog. It is a call to action, an encouragement to adopt the three pillars that define a fulfilling travel experience. Move beyond boundaries, savour the flavours of the world, and engage in thoughtful exploration.
Join me on this digital odyssey as we move through landscapes, taste the essence of cultures, and delve into the profound questions that travel unfailingly raises.
Experiences
Cultural Immersion in Tibet: Breathing in the thin air, I found myself captivated by the rich culture and the stark yet sublime landscapes of Tibet. From the dark interiors of monasteries, lit and perfumed by yak butter candles, to the warm hospitality of locals, every moment was a step into a spiritually and visually stunning world.
Feasting Across the Globe: From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the pleasures of cava and Iberico ham in Barcelona, my culinary adventures have encompassed a symphony of flavours. The spirit of exploration has even extended to the dinner plate, from tu tou (rabbit head) and zhu nao hua (spicy Sichuan pig brains) in China to huitlacoche (corn fungus or “truffle”) in Saltillo, Mexico.
Teaching and Learning in China: Eight years as an ESL instructor in Chinese universities opened a new chapter in my life. Beyond language lessons, this experience was a lesson in resilience, cultural understanding, and the art of slow travel. It also taught me to open up to new possibilities, whether in eating choices, relationships, or even finding oneself playing bass in a local bar.
Achievements
Artistic and Philosophical Exploration: Whether creating art as an illustrator and fine artist or delving into the profound realms of philosophy with a master’s and Ph.D., my journey is a synthesis of artistic expression and intellectual curiosity. This dual exploration has informed my unique perspective, viewing travel as both a source of creative inspiration and an opportunity for the enlightenment of life’s deeper dimensions.
Establishing Only Anton: The inception of this travel blog marks yet another milestone in my journey. It’s not just a digital space to house my personal memoirs. It is a community where travel enthusiasts, intellectual wanderers, and those of us who find ourselves having to “start over” again can converge to share and savour experiences.
Love of Language: Wherever I travel, I always try to learn at least a few words and phrases of the local language. I can say some things in Italian, Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, and some other languages. Sometimes I learn more than a few words. My French is passable but I struggle to preserve it. My Spanish and German are not bad, and I plan to improve them. As a holder of Dutch citizenship, my proudest achievement so far is my improvement in the Dutch language. I have attended an intensive Dutch course and I aim to reach at least B1 level of fluency.
Sharing the Journey Together
Only Anton is not just a travel blog. It’s a shared space where the journey becomes a collective excursion. Here, we embark on a unique odyssey that transcends the digital realm, weaving together stories, experiences, and the shared love of discovery.
This platform is more than just my narrative; it’s an invitation for you to join the conversation. I believe in the power of shared stories, different perspectives, and the collaborative spirit that enriches our understanding of the world.
As you navigate through these pages, I encourage you to share your own tales of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller like me, an armchair explorer, or someone gearing up for your first expedition, Only Anton is a community where our individual journeys converge into a tapestry of shared exploration.
Your engagement, questions, and anecdotes contribute to the vibrancy of this travel community. Together, we can turn each post into a dialogue, each destination into a shared memory, and each lesson into collective wisdom.
Join me in making Only Anton not just a destination on the web but a digital home for kindred spirits who find joy in the art of exploration and the pursuit of a life well-travelled.
So, comment on a blog post, send me your feedback and questions, or subscribe to the newsletter.
Future Plans: A Continued Odyssey
Deciding to tackle the “70 by 70” adventure has been more than a personal challenge; it’s an invitation for readers to join me on this odyssey. Together, we’ll traverse diverse landscapes, enjoy unique flavours, and unearth the untold stories each country holds. The journey doesn’t end at 70. It’s a perpetual exploration, an ongoing narrative that unfolds with each new destination and each shared experience. Join me as we chart the course of future travels, facing the unknown, and making each expedition a chapter in our collective story.
