The Lu-mate

張貼日期：Apr 29, 2013 3:8:36 PM

The Lu-mate

 Crystal Cao

The Lu-mate is a term used by people in the Mainland. Like donkey, they work hard and aren't afraid of difficulties. Lu-mates refer to a group of people who are interested in outdoor activities. They are more commonly called backpackers in places out of China. And just like backpackers, the Lu-mate may travel with or without friends.  They often go travelling on foot or by bike, and they are the enthusiasts of general exploration or hiking. As far as I am concerned, when compared to other types of tourists, Lu-mates have three distinct features in common: backpacking, strong passion, and an independent mind.

The first characteristic feature of the Lu-mate is the backpack. It may be easy to realize its meaning from another name “backpackers.” Normally, when travelling, Lu-mates carry no suitcase, but a big backpack, which is not light. On the contrary, it is very heavy with all their belongings and necessary equipment in it. They may bring mats, sleeping bags, shoes, tents, the camera, and some other tools which they need for their outdoor life. They will neither book expensive hotels, nor eat in the upscale restaurant. For them, all things they need are in their backpack, and they think the enjoyment of their life is not based on materials. They pay much attention to the natural scenery, not the material comforts. The less they need in their travel, the happier they are.

Strong passion is another feature of the Lu-mate, which will give them the strength to achieve the final triumph in their journey. As they want to go outdoors, and to experience their life, they are prepared to endure the harshness of nature and will not stop because of difficulties. Most Lu-mates are easy-going. They like to make friends with other Lu-mates, for they think they have common interests and the same passion. They need someone to share their special happiness during the journey, and explore the meaningful life together. Without passion, they have nothing unusual compared with ordinary tourists. They may just go to some places, take some pictures, and then come back. Lu-mates may not be very rich in material, but they have the passion to pursue a more meaningful life, which is to know more people and to see more beautiful sceneries.

Last but not least, an independent mind is their most unique feature. Most of them have their own thoughts of life. They know exactly what they want in their life, and there are no drifts. They won’t take part in a tour, and they have their own map and plan. The Lu-mate may also have a tourist map, but they just take it as a reference and never rely on it. When they go to a totally strange place with other travel mates, they like to know the scenery in their own way. They are quite sure about the voice in their heart and choose the special angle to see the beautiful landscape. What’s more, they may not be bounded by various trivia in life. When they want to go out, they just pack up and set out, without any hesitation.

All in all, Lu-mates are different form ordinary tourists. They can be easily figured out on the road. In my opinion, they are dream chasers, and their life is iridescent because of their special features. The relationships between Lu-mates may be temporary, because they are just companions to each other in a segment of their journey. But they will gain lasting beauties in their life which are constituted by their strong passion, and freedom carried in their valuable backpack.