ISIL Conference, Vulcano, Italy 

Todor Papic and Aleksandar Kokotovic  

It was a long journey, for Aleksandar and me, I must admit. But after two flights, a train ride, a few buses and cars, a ferry and a short walk, a wave of emancipation washed over us. We were at the freest, most avant-garde point in Italy, the island of Vulcano and the ISIL World Conference. 

We felt really lucky that we were attending the World Conference. Alex and I had attended LLI's Liberty English Camp in Slovakia just a few short months ago. It was there that we had a chance to meet Glenn and Astrid and discuss our young Serbian organization, Libek. They extended an invitation to come to Vulcano and even facilitated a pair of scholarships. Their encouragement to attend this event is very much appreciated.   

Not too long after arriving, we met several other attendees, other LLI camp alumni, and high-profile Libertarians as well. It was a terrific opportunity to network and relax at this beautiful yet reclusive venue. 

Looking ahead at the conference program, there was going to be a lot to hear too. For a couple of days, we were all ears, listening to some of the great Libertarian thinkers and doers of our age. But it wasn't too hard keeping our mouths closed, as the bruschetta and pasta kept them pretty busy. 

All kidding aside, representing the Libertarian Club from Serbia, we discussed all the projects we've accomplished so far; our new film, Slobodni I Odgovorno, will debut in October, and we have started the process of organizing a Liberty Camp next fall in Serbia. 

It's a great thing to compare our experiences and projects with other young freedom enthusiasts. It is priceless, though, to receive attention and recognition from some very famous libertarians, experiences like talking for hours over dinner with Tom Palmer. Or discussing monetary policy in depth with Detlev Schlichter in those comfy chairs of the hotel terrace. All in all, the advice these experts can give, and the stories they have to tell, are all one young libertarian could ask for. 

The friends we made, the drinks we shared, and the words we exchanged, will always stay with us in good memory. The ISIL conference is a unique opportunity to meet many great people, with minds and hearts open to anyone.

Todor Papic and Aleksandar Kokotovic

The Libertarian Club, Serbia 

A World Citizen -- The PT Lifestyle

by Andy Eyschen, LLI co-founder and Director

In part 1 of this article in a previous issue of the Torch, I talked about what a permanent tourist is and who this lifestyle can be suited for...

Why be a PT?

Many people love to travel and to be tourists, so why only do it for a few weeks in a year? Why not all the time?

Most people, of course, only have a few weeks' holidays from their work each year and when the holiday is over, they have to go back home, back to work, back to school, back to whatever they do the rest of the year. It is not practical for them, nor can they afford to stay away for too long.

Escaping income taxes, military service or "Big Brother" bureaucracy, enjoying your freedom (individual sovereignty) to the fullest (as much as governments will allow you), being able to leave a place at a moment's notice, choosing a good climate (follow the sun), gaining new friends, ideas, first-hand experiences and perspectives, are just some of the reasons why people choose to become PTs. Most authorities also treat tourists better on average than their own citizens and in some countries you even get to shop where the locals are not allowed. In the final analysis, however, you need to have your own reasons why you want to be a PT. It is a very personal and individual decision.

Living out of a suitcase

This may not be everyone's idea of fun but for the PT it is a "normal" part of life. While most people can name disadvantages readily, the advantages of living out of a suitcase are not usually considered: not buying anything that does not fit into a suitcase will save you vast amounts of money; same goes when only buying something new when it replaces what is worn out, used up or obsolete. Knowing exactly what you have at all times (and being able to find it!), always having a good excuse for not carrying other people's things in your suitcase (no room left), and not accumulating unnecessary stuff, as we inevitably do when we have a place to put it, are all advantages that become apparent over time as you lead the PT life.

Is PT for me?

There is only one way to find out: try it! Language of Liberty Institute gives you a wonderful opportunity to try it -- we call it "voluntourism" or VT. Join us for a week in a country where you have never been and experience first-hand not just the pleasure of meeting our Liberty Camp students and exchanging ideas but also the freedom of living out of a suitcase and being a "tourist" away from the roads well-traveled by "normal" tourists.

Please submit your questions to andye@languageofliberty.org and we wil answer them in the next issue of the "The Torch". Alternatively, come to the next Liberty Camp and ask me in person!

LLI is an exciting organization to work for. Every day, we work with partners, sponsors, teachers and students worldwide to create experiences that shape views and change lives. What we impart, through our Liberty English Camps, are the skills, courage and determination to live a freer life.

Currently, we need some extra hands to help us with marketing and communications. If you are studying communications, marketing, creative writing, graphic/web design, or just have some experience and talent in these areas, please consider our

internship postings.  

(These are volunteer, unpaid positions.)