What was the ancient nomadic life like?

Hunting animals and gathering plants were the main activities of hunter and gatherer societies around 11,00 to 12,000 years ago. They created a community of equals, where responsibilities were well-divided and everyone knew their role. Though there were not any modern means of organizing or researching the next best place to settle, people in this culture did a great job arranging all the travels. Quite amazing in terms of logistics, especially considering they mainly traveled by foot.

There were no fancy tools, no need for money, and no sense of individual ownership. The common property was what prevailed, as nature did not belong to anyone.

There seem to be no place for greed. The people hunted just enough to eat for a short period of time, without exceeding their limits. For a practical reason, this made sense, as they wanted to have less to carry with them.

There was no need for money either, as the barter economy allowed for simple transactions. Was it an isolating lifestyle? Maybe. But although we oftentimes think of it as primitive, we should keep in mind that we still cherish many of these lifestyle traits.

Nomadic lifestyle: the past and the present.

Regardless of the number of years that pass, the value system of a nomadic lifestyle has stayed unchanged for the most part. Connecting with nature, exploration, and adventure still remain at the center of it. Respect for nature is vital, and each nomad creates a special relationship with the trees, the woods, flowers, and all parts of the ecosystem.

What has changed with modern nomads is highly related to their additional motives for choosing the #vanlife and the logistics of it. Many modern nomads want to escape from a stressful life and to even get off the grid for some time. Restoring the energy while enjoying the feeling of independence, is oftentimes the best cure for stress. However, there are also those who are not escaping from anything. They just want to get back to their roots instead. Fascinated by their ancestral past, they try to keep their legacy alive.

Moreover, technological developments and social progress have equipped modern nomads with some of the best means of living sustainably and yet comfortably. People can choose this lifestyle. This was not always the case with ancient societies. Therefore, in modern days, being a nomad is not for everyone. Especially not for those who prefer comfort, indoor showers, or abundant wardrobes.

Are nomadic feelings innate in humans?

Although the word “migrant” is nowadays loaded with mixed meanings, which are not always pleasant, it seems that there is a common pattern across times and places. People have always liked moving and exploring, engaged in curiosity, and succumbed to wanderlust. Felix Marquardt calls these feelings “ancestral, essential and instinctive” in his book “The New Nomads: How the Migration Movement is Making the World a Better Place”.

The challenges of walking long distances, keeping social equality, or struggling to get food seem trivial to the modern convenient arrangements of renting or buying an RV, working remotely from a laptop, or buying food from local stores.

It is because of all these modern inventions that sometimes we forget that in essence, we still carry many of the inner traits of the ancient nomads. One of the most forgotten ones seems to be the drive to preserve nature without taking from it more than we can replace. Hopefully, modern nomads will bring this trait back to life as they explore different natural habitats and raise awareness.

How do you feel about modern nomads? What other common qualities with ancient nomads do you see? Let’s start a conversation – share your thoughts with us.

The post Ancient roots of the modern nomads appeared first on Altered Steel.

Living off-grid, off-road is highly becoming more popular in the US. More than 1 million Americans were living in RVs by the end of 2018. This number could be significantly higher today. Shifting away from traditional stability and fixed location, people are giving a new meaning to the American dream – Nomadic. Let us dive into the perks and challenges of being a nomad.

Why is the nomadic life becoming so appealing?

“No, I’m not homeless. I’m just houseless. Not the same thing, right?” – says Fern in “Nomaland” – the winner of the Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards. Establishing the difference between a home and a house might be a logical first step towards choosing a nomadic life.

The feeling of self-sufficiency and liberation from the need to live in a traditional house grants independence and freedom. Living in a van, while working a dream job and not having to pay monthly rent, sounds like a great value proposition.

Who are these modern-day wandering souls? If you look around, you’ll notice that there is no typical profile for a nomad. People in their late teens, divorced women, older men, and even families with small children are joining the nomad club.

Their stories and reasons to join are different. Some are just trying to avoid homelessness after losing their jobs and as a way to preserve dignity. Others see the nomadic life as a means to save more money and live more carefree, while also reducing their carbon footprint. Then there’re wealthy nomads who are there for the sake of freedom and flexibility with a touch of luxury. Everyone has a story to tell.

Among nomads, these differences do not matter as everyone becomes part of a community that goes through similar challenges. So perhaps, the off-grid, off-road path can serve as a social equalizer, defying capitalism.

What challenges do nomads face in modern America?

Being a nomad may seem exciting at first, but probably not everyone can easily adjust to it. After all, having to use public showers, frequently change parking places, or live with the minimal amount of clothes and other personal items is not a lifestyle that fits all. This is why many people who choose vanlife, first try to test if they like it, by renting RVs for a short period of time.

Another challenge is related to adjusting legal paperwork regarding taxes, driver’s license, voting, etc, which in traditional scenarios require a fixed address. Thankfully, during the last years, community networking groups such as Diversity Vanlife, National African American RVer’s Association, or Escapees RV Club have been created to facilitate some of these transactions and to enhance the sense of community. They also provide consulting services and organize webinars and workshops guiding nomads on these issues: for example, how to establish a permanent address. As more services have been moving online, it became easier to file paperwork and ultimately stay connected.

Is the nomadic lifestyle here to stay?

Living in a van is more than just adapting to logistics limitations. It is about keeping the true nomadic spirit alive. The phenomenon of hipsters traveling across the country, or even across the world, is not new. However, the fact that people from all walks of life are now joining this community is a novel trend.

This raises the question of whether being a nomad is also a form of escapism, which will end as one gets bored or improves his or her financial situation. Downsizing to a van can reduce so much of the “regular” life stress, but will it be enough?

After all, some of this stress will still persist for digital nomads who work and learn remotely. Constant traveling and relocating can also be exhausting, and people might get a call back to fixed-location stability.

What does all this mean for the American dream? Is this dream nomadic, risky, stable, or balanced? I think there is no single answer to this.

However, I believe there is one thing that is inherent to the American dream: and that is pursuing happiness. The path towards happiness varies across people, and for some, it is being a nomad.

What is your take on the new American dream? Is it nomadic? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Off-grid, off-road: Is the new American dream nomadic?  appeared first on Altered Steel.

People may be tired of the quarantine. Yet, they are afraid to fly, hesitate to travel long distances, or book hotel and Airbnb stays. Enter Recreational Vehicles! The need for guaranteed safety has boosted the demand for RVs this season.

According to the Global Market Insights Report, “The Recreational Vehicles Generators market in the U.S. is estimated at US$175.6 Million in the year 2020”. RVs are viewed not only as a means to travel safely but also to avoid social gatherings or space sharing with others. Hitting the road in your mobile living quarters seems like the perfect solution to getting away in search of new sites and experiences this year and beyond.

However, you may naturally wonder: is it better to buy an RV, or simply rent it? The simple answer: It depends! In this post, I will share the different factors you should consider before you make your decision.

What to consider before buying an RV?

Buying an RV is not an easy choice to make. It requires careful consideration, especially if you haven’t been around Recreational Vehicles that much. Contrary to renting, it does not limit you in terms of mileage, time, or insurance costs. Thus, if you are frequently on the move, then your return on investment will be quite high.

Yet, keep in mind that buying an RV is a long term investment which may not always be easy to sell. It is true that now in the pandemics situation, there is a high demand for RVs. However, if this behavior turns out to be a fad, then, the RV prices will drop, making it more convenient to keep, rather than sell. You do not want to be stuck with it if you later find out RVs are not really your thing or you like some other model better.

Living the #vanlife is not for everybody. Before you go all in and spend all your savings on a mobile home, you need to be sure you like it. Therefore, before buying an RV, I would recommend getting a taste of this lifestyle by renting one for a couple of weekends. Check if you feel comfortable living in a limited space, without the normal kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Allow yourself a lot of time to research RVs. After all, you are buying a house and a vehicle simultaneously – quite a decision to make. You should also get a mechanic inspection before signing the purchase papers. Buying an RV that may leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere is the last thing you want.

When is it better to rent an RV?

Renting an RV is the best option if you simply want to spend a weekend away, or try different RV types. This way, you would not have to invest a lot in something you won’t be using frequently and also you won’t need to worry about maintenance costs.

Usually, the rental companies make sure to periodically check their RVs, so you will get the maintenance part out of the way. The rental costs vary from $50 for a simple trailer up to $200 per night for a Class B. Compare this to the range of the RV purchase prices from $40,000 to $300,000. Steep for something you are not planning on using much.

If you are renting an RV to test the #vanlife, before committing to it long-term, use this opportunity to check which RV features you like and what you can live without. How would your perfect RV look like? Sometimes, you may be tempted to invest more in some luxury additions that you won’t use, such as a TV, for example. Renting an RV is a perfect opportunity for that. A simple test drive won’t do in this case.

How to ultimately decide between buying and renting an RV?

RVs are definitely a booming trend right now. Yet, this doesn’t mean that we should be carried away since buying an RV is an important decision.

Keep your feet on the ground and be honest with yourself. How often do you plan to be on the road? How far do you plan to travel? Will you be bringing pets along?  And finally, romance apart, is #vanlife really your thing?

Hence, if you plan to use an RV for most of your weekends or long vacations, driving long distances and enjoying this lifestyle, then from a cost and psychological satisfaction perspective, buying an RV is a better option than renting it.

Do you own an RV? Are you on a hunt for your dream model? Share with us in the comments below.

The post Renting vs buying an RV: How to make the choice? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Are you ready to place all your belongings in a van and call it your permanent home? Are you prepared to say goodbye to your house and leave your 9 to 5  behind to join a #vanlife nomad community? This is not an easy decision to make. It requires both acquiring thorough information and getting a first-hand taste of the #vanlife experience. In this post, I will guide you through some useful ways to test living the #vanlife, so you can make this decision easier.

Questions to ask yourself

Before taking any action, I suggest you ask yourself some relevant questions to have a general idea if you are fit for the #vanlife:

• Are you a fan of big spaces?
• Would you rather stay indoors during the day?
• Are you a pet lover?
• Do you like to keep everything in order?
• Do you plan your week?
• Shopping frequently?
• Do you embrace comfort and avoid dusty places?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then you can already foresee that living in a van would most likely be very difficult for you. Remember that a van is a single room, which is not so spacious. It means that you will need to give up the traditional home idea of having separate rooms.

Moreover, you will be spending most of your time outdoors. You may even need to think about how to weather your winters. Embracing #vanlife means enjoying nature and meeting new people. The adventure and spontaneity are part of it. It is challenging to plan your weeks or months, since often you may not even know where you will park the van to spend the night.

If you are used to buying all the new clothes, then, unfortunately, you may not be likely to continue this habit. As I mentioned before, the van space is limited, and you may have to keep just a little amount of clothes or other possessions. Ironically, keeping this small space clean all the time is almost impossible, as dust will always come in. What about showers? Sometimes, you will not be able to take them every day.

Separating the hype from the reality of #vanlife beforehand is very important if you want to test yourself for this alternative lifestyle. So I recommend spending some time trying to imagine your life with all these limitations.

Joining the circle of vanlifers

Do you remember when you learned how to ride a bike? At first, you were trying with the additional wheels, and only after gaining confidence, you could bike without them. Learning how to live the #vanlife follows a similar path.

Following the questionnaire, the next step is to test it gradually. First, you can rent a van for the weekend, with shower opportunities, Wifi, and park in locations nearby the city. In this way, if you feel uncomfortable, you can always opt-out.

Fortunately, this is a common practice, and several companies offer “furnished” vans for rent. For example, you can try to rent at Mercedes Sprinter Campervan Rentals, Outdoorsy, Vintage Surfari Wagons, or Pacific Overlander. The last option can also guide you through different travel itineraries and parking suggestions near mountainous areas.

You can rent for longer than a weekend if you have the budget. Keep in mind that the rental prices can go from $100 up to $500 per night, depending on the van type and the services included. If you like the experience, these companies can also teach you how to build and prepare your van. Wouldn’t it be cool to build your own house and take it with you wherever you go?

Get insights from the #vanlife community

Regardless of how flexible and open you are to change, the first months of the #vanlife will not be easy. You will need to learn several tricks to succeed. Who better to teach them than those who have been doing it for a while: the nomad community?

Getting in touch with them and learning about their experience will not only be beneficial at the beginning of your #vanlife but also at the testing stage.

Well, now you may wonder how to get in touch with the fellow nomads since they are always on the move?
Different Instagram pages, blogs, forums such as Love Your Camper, or Project VanLife, Facebook groups, or Pinterest are good starting points. They also publish real nomad stories, tips, and live social gatherings, which you can join. For example, a great idea would be to rent a van for the days coinciding with one of these gatherings and join it.

You may have heard the general stereotypes that the #vanlife is solitary. I believe that, after getting in touch with the nomad community, these stereotypes will be proven wrong because, without cooperation with others, this lifestyle would be almost impossible.

Make it work financially

Living the #vanlife is financially more difficult than people think. I would even say that it is more challenging to earn your income while being a nomad, rather than being employed in a stable 9 am-5 pm shift job. So what should you do, especially in this testing phase? How can you know if you will be able to sustain this new lifestyle financially?

You have several options. The most helpful one is to offer online freelance services such as writing, teaching, or completing finance projects. Think about your strengths (for example, blogging, storytelling, teaching, analytical skills, programming) and then start testing them. Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork, two of the largest freelance online platforms, explore the rates, and try to get a few projects.

If this does not work, then other options include creating your own online business, which can be a blog or online store. In the case these online solutions also do not work, then you can always try seasonal jobs, which will get you some income to cover the rest of the year.

Whichever options you choose, my advice is to test as much of it as possible and to have some initial capital as a buffer. How to obtain that? Organizing a yard sale or renting out your house are good starting points.

Weigh the benefits against the costs

You can indefinitely rent vans for the weekends, but unless you put all of the above components into perspective, you will never know if you are ready for the #vanlife.

Writing down the costs and the benefits of your potential new lifestyle can help. For example, you can analyze your experimental van rental experience. What did you like the most/the least? Is there a way to improve the things you did not like?

Then, add your results from the questionnaire, the insights from the nomad community, and the financial feasibility aspect. Do they lead in the same direction?

If they all signal to take the challenge and begin the #vanlife, then congratulations! You have high chances of successfully experiencing it, and, hopefully, I have been able to provide you with some sources and tips. Let us know how it all worked out. I would love to hear about your #vanlife adventures.

The post Best ways to test living the #vanlife appeared first on Altered Steel.

Vanlife is exciting and adventurous. It gives you freedom and a sense of escapism. You can enjoy yourself and live your best life at all times, except, maybe, when winter approaches. That’s when you may start hearing voices in your head saying that this Van Life was not a good idea after all.

But don’t let those voices keep you away from living the life you chose. The experience that makes you truly happy. There are many ways to winterize your van and stay warm during the brutal season. And that is precisely what you are going to find out in this post. We will offer you some tips on how to weather the winter living in your van.

Tip #1: Insulation

This is the number 1 tip all vanlifers swear by. Without good insulation, all your winterizing efforts will go down the drain. We can’t stress enough the importance of this step. Insulating your van an all sides, as well as the ceiling and the floor, is a must. During your build-up process, make sure to cover any other parts or gaps of the van that can easily let out the heat. Like windows, for example. Covering them up will also keep you away from prying eyes.

Insul-Shine, which is also used for home isolation, is the best material out there that serves a double purpose when used to cover the windows. You can use its reflective side to protect you from getting unwanted heat inside the van during the summer. During the winter, all you have to do is flip it and use the reflective side to your advantage and increase the overall temperature inside your van.

Tip #2: The magic of hot water bottles

While there is nothing magical about hot water bottles, it is a wonder what you can achieve with this simple trick in no time. Not only is this the safest method, but also the cheapest one. Simply place a couple of water bottles at the end of your sleeping bag or inside your blanket to keep your feet warm, and voila!

Tip #3: Make yourself a cup of tea

Drinking hot beverages will make you feel the warmth at the core of your body. Making a tea before bed will also heat up your van pretty quickly once you boil the water. It is super easy and will cost you almost nothing. Just do not drink black teas or any caffeinated drinks before bed, unless you want to stay awake during the night.

Tip #4: Learn the art of layering

Invest in good winter clothes, because you are going to need them. You can also use several layers of blankets during the cold nights to keep you warm. This way, you will sleep more comfortably and can remove the covers easily in case it gets too hot.

Invest in several cold weather blankets that you can layer and give the van a cozy feeling. Plus, they look great in case you love taking cute pictures for your Instagram feed.

Tip #5: Get a dog

Now, this might not be a tip for everyone, but having a snuggly dog will keep you warm on cold winter nights. Especially if you are traveling solo. Many dog breeds excel in a winter climate, so they might be a great help when it comes to keeping you warm, keeping you company, and offer you security.

Tip #6: Use all types of heaters you can get your hands on

Whether it is an Espar heater, a Mr.Buddy Propane heater, turning the van heating on, or installing any other kind of heating devices in your van, go for it. If it keeps you warm whenever you need it, then there you have your answer. Be careful and don’t leave the heaters on during the night though. What you can do is turn the heater(s) on a few minutes before you go to bed and then turn them off and bury yourself under the sea of blankets.

Tip #7: Physical activity for the win

Let’s get real. No one wants to get out of their warm bed in the morning and head outside into the cold and snow. But bad news, it turns out you should.

Starting your morning off with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and some exercises, a long walk, or simply getting out of bed and moving is what’s going to jump-start your metabolism and keep you warm. You shouldn’t stay inside the van all the time just because it is winter and it is cold or snowing outside, right? So give yourself a push and know that you will feel much better afterward. If you also have a dog, you have one more reason to go ahead with those long walks.

Tip #8: Keep on moving

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think it’s pretty genius. You want to survive the winter, or better yet, get away from it. Then, how about you keep on moving and leave the winter behind? Why not take advantage of your 4-wheel home and move wherever there is no winter, no snow, no ice?

Maybe it will be a lot for some people to move across the country just to stay warm, but it will be worth it. Some of the places where you can escape winter and keep yourself and your van warm are St. Petersburg, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Golden Isles, Georgia. Other parts in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware, and North Carolina are also perfect places to experience warm winters.

By moving to warmer states during the brutally cold season, you will not have to worry about winterizing your van. You will have the chance to explore new cultures, savor new cuisine, make new connections, and discover new places. You will be living in a “warm bubble” and will never have to deal with the cold months ever again. Just some food for thought…

Did you like any of these tips in particular? Do you know any other tips that are great for winterizing your van? If so, please, share with us in the comment section below. We would love to learn more creative ideas or secret tips from you.

The post #Vanlife hacks: How to weather the winter appeared first on Altered Steel.

While 10 years ago this was just “a hippie thing”, today there are tiny house communities all over the USA. As of 2018, there were more than 30 micro-communities, established or under development, across the country, according to Tiny House Community. So what’s the hype all about?

To be honest, there is something both romantic and challenging about the idea of fitting your whole life in a tiny house. How tiny is tiny though?

According to data, the standard size of a tiny house is 100-400 sq feet. To put it in daily terms – this is the size of anything between five typical front doors, standing side by side (100 sq ft) and the area of a two-car garage (400 sq ft). Or an area that would fit 50 to 200 people standing close to each other. Doesn’t seem like much, does it?

But… what about the foyer?

The size of American homes has been increasing in the past 45 years. According to the US Census, house sizes in America have increased by 62% since 1973. While back then the average size of a house was 1660 square feet, in 2017 it has grown to 2660 square feet. At the same time, however, the size of the American household has shrunk – from an average of 3.01 household members to 2.54 members.

This means that today a person gets about 1055sq feet in a house, which is almost double the space one would get in the 70s – 552 sq ft. And that is a huge increase! Apparently, people nowadays put much more thought in the space they want for themselves.

In the past, it was only important to have a good place to live, but now it is all about the types of experiences you want to live in your home. One thing that is more common is the allocation of specialized areas – such as guest bedrooms, bigger garages, outdoor areas, and closets. Besides that, however, we see completely new types of rooms: Craft rooms, playrooms, and at home-gyms and home offices. Not to mention the massive foyers that remind of hotel entrances.

More and more Americans buy new houses with these features. Yet, more and more people buy tiny houses, too. How do the two trends coexist? Is this hippie trend going to reverse the overall tendency towards larger homes? Why would anyone choose to buy such a tiny box? And most importantly – how would they fit a walk-in closet in there? Oh, wait. There’s an answer to that as well!

How do you decide to get a tiny house?

Tiny houses are promoted as an answer to the affordable housing crisis; a desirable alternative to traditional homes and mortgages. Many people choose to downsize because of practical and financial reasons. As it turns out you only use that extra dining room on Christmas. And that is once per year. That 3^rd bedroom comes to use when your high school friend comes for a visit. And that is once every three years. Why keep them then? Especially when you think about all the additional expenses which come with these rooms. After all, they also occupy space that needs insurance, furnishing, maintenance… and our most favorite – window cleaning.

As it turns out, people who opt for a tiny living have better financial stability. On average, 55% of Americans who have credit cards have debt. According to statistics, 89% of tiny house owners have less credit card debt than the average American. As a matter of fact, 60% of tiny house owners have no credit card debt at all. They are better at saving, too. Roughly 55% of tiny house owners have more savings in the bank than the average homeowner. Maybe your transition to minimal living would help you be more financially prepared, too.

Who would buy such a house, anyway?

Apart from economic reasons, people choose to buy a tiny house because of its value. Most often these people are curious, daring, and adventurous. They want to be able to move around and see the world bit by bit.

No, they are not necessarily elderly people who have recently retired. Exactly the opposite.  According to the Tiny Society Statistics, 3 out of 5 tiny homeowners are below 50 years old. And that shouldn’t surprise us, really. Today, remote work is becoming more common, and as long as you have an internet connection, you are able to live almost anywhere you want.

But that, of course, requires a special mindset. Tiny house owners say they are constantly aware of the wheels underneath their feet when they are in the house. And to some, that may be uncomfortable.

The feeling of groundlessness is quite typical for Gen Y, however. Yet, as Millennials grow older, they feel a stronger need for being grounded and stable. Some say that tiny houses are great for camping and festival accommodation, but not in the long run.

Yet, we see more and more tiny houses that are elderly-friendly and even have features that make them suitable for people with disabilities. This could move the trend in a whole different direction in the years to come.

Before you go tiny

Yes, it does sound like tons of fun. Yet, a tiny house requires huge resources in planning and preparation. Here are some things that can help you do your reality check before going all-in:

Want to save money? Wait, wait.

The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that a tiny house does not necessarily mean tiny investment. Sometimes the amount you have to pay for a tiny house on wheels is the same, if not bigger, than that of a regular house.

You still have to pay for the land where you will park your house. And sometimes that can be quite pricy. Some lenders don’t like the fact that this is a tiny structure and that it’s on wheels. It doesn’t give them enough security. So they would ask for higher prices.

The money you pay for installations and furnishing can be quite the amount too. Most often tiny houses tend to use more energy-efficient materials, such as tankless water heaters and solar panels. Yet, these materials are pricier, too. But don’t worry, property taxes and utility bills will be lower. Whew.

Treat it as an investment? No, no.

If you think of your tiny house as a long-term investment, stop right now. Even though the trend of tiny living keeps on growing, it does not mean your house will be worth more in 10 years than it is now. This is exactly the opposite of the value of a regular house.

Why is that? Mostly because people who opt for tiny houses, customize them. Thus, the number of tiny houses increases. Yet, their value remains the same over time. The value won’t increase but at least you will be able to own your home more quickly than if you opt for a larger regular house.

Going tiny for good?

The minimalism trend has been a hot topic for over five years now. Today we celebrate people like “The Minimalists” who preach living with less, and Marie Kondo and her method of decluttering. And it is not surprising that their influence keeps spreading globally. The minimalist concept is entering every area of life, wherever we live.

Naturally, it will keep on penetrating the field of real estate, too. The number of tiny houses bought has increased over 20 times in the past 15 years, and the trend keeps gaining popularity.

There have been several TV shows that celebrate people who chose to downsize and opted for a tiny house. “Tiny House, Big Living,” “Tiny House Nation”, and “Tiny House Hunters” are just a few of them. Thanks to such formats and social media, people who have opted for a tiny house on wheels gather followers quickly. Not only that, but people keep exploring other various formats of minimalist housing. There are more people of all ages who choose the van life or move to a cabin in the woods.

Somehow the reality of the “brave new world” is making us go back to a slower pace of life. And if you get an urge for the faster pace again, you always have those wheels beneath you. Just turn the engine on.

The post Tiny house on wheels: the groundless home appeared first on Altered Steel.