Pronounced “hip-E”, this species (frequently an embarrassment to later generations, particularly blood relatives) is found more frequently these days in the dictionary somewhere between hip and hippopotamus. A hippie [hip-E] has been defined as “a young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favouring communal living), advocates a non-violent ethic, and often uses psychedelic drugs or marijuana; broadly a long-haired, unconventionally dressed young person”.
Lots of longevityboomers who were among the Asian overlanders of the 60s and 70s would like to be understood by their children as well as Dr Agnieszka Sobocinska understands them.
Agnieszka really put her feelers out while writing up a most fascinating Ph.D. thesis. If you were on the overland trail, why did you go…were you bored with your job, seeking escape, enlightenment or other ways to bliss out, genuinely interested in expanding your cultural horizons and “getting real” or maybe you just didn’t want to miss out on the greatest “nomadic” event of recent times?
Read Agnieszka’s historical take on travelling overland through Asia and the Middle East, and the lasting effect it had, particularly on the Australian psyche. Her observations are inspiring, and might make those who travelled this route put their unique recollections into a personal memoir. It’s a lot of fun. Send us one of your (publishable) memories of the hippie trail.
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