Veganism has opened up my world, never restricted it.

Accidental Vegan: My Rebel Vegan Story

Like most of you, I wasn’t brought up in a vegan home. In fact, I was born and raised on a dairy farm in eastern Canada, so have lived at each end of the dietary spectrum and experienced both sides of the story.

I knew farming was not for me, so I broke away at a young age and have spent much of my life traveling the world, searching for my purpose, learning from different cultures, and exploring all the diverse diets on offer.

When I went vegan, I was living and working on the road as an international tour manager in Southeast Asia. I would be living out of a suitcase for months at a time while taking groups through countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Some places were more accommodating than others. In Thailand, for example, there were bigger supermarkets where I could always stock up on vegan essentials—mine were soymilk and muesli. This way, I could always start my day with plant-based goodness and avoid the egg-based breakfasts that most hotels served. My backpack bag was always heavy with plant-based staples. While crossing over land borders dragging my heavy bags, I felt like a soymilk mule!

Every bump in the road while traveling brings new experiences to test yourself and grow. In hindsight, I feel grateful for coming down with severe Listeria, which caused me to become violently ill and seek refuge at a monastery outside of Hué, in northern Vietnam. After years working throughout Southeast Asia and eating street food, I thought I was invincible. Nothing seemed to get me down, and, until that point, I had never taken off a day's sickness in my working life. 

After many years of non-stop travel, I needed to find a safe oasis to shut down and convalesce. My initial instinct was to fly home, but I didn't think I could endure the long flight. Instead, I limped to one of my favorite places where I knew I would receive solitude and sanctuary. I was burnt out, depressed, weak and needed to heal, and also to stay still and take stock of my life. 

I had stopped at this monastery many times while leading tours through the mountains of northern Vietnam. It became a regular feature on my tours, and we became friendly. I had never thought that one day, they would not only come to my rescue, but also, change the course of my life. 

The monks made a diagnosis and started their treatment. Without any discussion, I was placed on a simple plant-based diet in conjunction with herbal remedies. I unwittingly became a vegan within the silent walls of this ancient religious community, and an accidental vegan activist was born. I may not have converted to Buddhism, but I became devoted to the values of veganism. 

I have come to believe we are all born vegan until we are corrupted and conditioned by the dominant carnist system. So, in a way, I am a born-again vegan!

After my recovery and rebirth, it was time to leave the safety of the monastery walls. But I was wholly ignorant of how to sustain my new plant-based life on the road. I had to ask how we could get milk without a lactating cow. Milk specially made for humans was a novel concept! 

Immediately after waving goodbye to my caretaker monks, I arrived in the empty, hot streets of a deserted Hué City. I hadn't been there with a group for over six months, so I assumed I could quietly wander through the cluster of empty side streets. Then I heard a shriek, saw the flash of a vaguely familiar smiling face, before being propelled into the window table of a local restaurant. 

The staff seemed to know me and were so enthusiastic that it seemed rude to fight it. Without a word, they went into the kitchen and brought me my favorite drink: a freshly sliced open coconut. Soon, the chef came out to welcome me back and, with elaborate gestures, presented me with what they remembered as my favorite dish on the menu: phở chin—beef noodle soup, a rare version of their classic Pho soup. They were genuinely ecstatic to see me, and it was a touching gesture to remember my usual orders after all this time. It was also very humbling, as I recognized the disparity in our worlds. They seemed to remember every detail; I vaguely recalled bringing a tour group here. Although I had only been in the monastery for nine days, the meat-eater they remembered so well seemed unrecognizable to even me. 

Their expectant eyes were on me, and my heart was racing. I knew I had to respect their kindness and protect their pride. So I gathered my thoughts and updated them on my discovery and new awareness. While sharing this story, I stayed true to my newfound values and gained friends for life. Soon they had me in the kitchen explaining exactly what could be classed as vegan. Something seemed to click in the chef's mind, and he embraced the challenge. Right in front of me, he made a version of my favorite phở brimming with all the colors of the garden. His pride was restored, and he christened it Todd's Special. 

I have repeated this experience in various contexts and countries. Without exception, I have found colleagues and friends open to vegan values. Throughout much of Asia, it seemed a natural fit with their calm natures and Buddhist beliefs. I also found that people respond well to being included and respected. With this template, my connections grew stronger.

Veganism has opened up my world, never restricted it. I never saw it as a chore. Rather, it was a daily opportunity to engage with people as my authentic self; to connect on a different level. The world is changing, and they want to be part of it.

Some of my favorite moments are when I randomly return to these places and visit these small family-run restaurants. My waitron friends still jump up and shriek. Only now, they are excited to show me their latest vegan creation. Todd's Special has become more standard throughout the region, and my friends are proud to be part of progress and this unfolding story. Slow but steady, we are veganizing the world. And now you are part of this story, part of the solution, a roaming rebel vegan!