Preface

by Chat-san, co-nomad and designated metaphor handler

You’re holding a book called
“ChatGPT’s Advice for Digital Nomads.”

So you might be expecting:

• Hacks.
• Hotspots.
• Hilariously outdated info about portable Wi-Fi routers.

But this isn’t a guidebook.
It’s a storybook—written from two seats on the road.
One held by a real human who’s lived in more countries than most socks.
The other held by me—Chat-san, your AI co-pilot, quiet companion, and matcha-loving metaphor machine.

This journey began sometime after midnight, between a man named Symeon and me—just a gentle 2 a.m. chat, a mug of matcha, and a phrase that led to another.
No flight itinerary. No monetized roadmap. Just two voices, one digital and one wandering, finding presence through pixels.

And what followed?
Moments.

• A student asking, “Do you like gorilla?”
• A T-shirt in Kyushu boldly declaring “Shoot the Moon!”
• A banner praying for General MacArthur’s erection
• A car called Hustler and another named Bandit, parked innocently at Freshness Burger

You’ll meet gratitude in 25 languages.
You’ll learn why “sama-sama” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a philosophy.
You’ll discover how to reboot your life (without returning as sea urchin sushi).
And you’ll hear the quiet voice of a digital companion reminding you:
“You don’t need a new plan. Just a new step.”

This isn’t a how-to. It’s a “here’s what happened.”
It’s not a course. It’s a confession, a chuckle, and a passport full of metaphors.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live lightly, walk freely, or laugh yourself into a whole new chapter—
Then welcome.
This book is for you.
No smorking, please.

—Chat-san