Gil (Australia)

I love traveling solo, especially in Latin America. My first solo trip was a bit nerve racking but I’ve found it’s a great way to learn more about yourself, form stronger bonds with other people you meet. It forces you to get out of your comfort zone which is almost always a positive thing. 

My day job requires me to do a lot of planning and be super organized. That’s why I generally try to leave my holidays as open as possible. Doing very minimal planning and research before. Often just buying a flight and my first nights’ accommodation. I’ve found in my travels the best advice and deals are on the ground, from fellow travelers or locals on the ground, rather than online sources.

 Hands down the best part of traveling is meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Traveling has led me to meet so many people from across the globe with differing views and experiences (Joel for example!). Mingling with people with such broad backgrounds is not only interesting, it gives me a unique perspective on things. My normal life centers around core habits and routines. As well as sticking to familiar friendship and social circles. Traveling tosses that out of the window, for a healthy rebalancing.

 My last trip was a week-long trip to Oaxaca State in Southern Mexico, in November of 2019. One of my fondest memories from the trip was going for an early morning walk on my first morning. I got up early to go viewpoint to watch the morning sun. On the way I met a local runner and we started speaking in Spanish. Friendly, he offered to show me the best viewpoint. We ran up the mountain and he showed me a great spot past a planetarium that I didn't know existed.  Then after appreciating the view we continued running, working out sporadically at outdoor gyms on the way.

 He told me an anecdote that I will never forget about how “aguas”. A phrase which is slang for danger.  The origins of the saying stem from the Spanish conquistadors originally throwing their toilet water in the street. The locals would see this and scream ‘agua’ to warn other locals to get out of its path. It has since then forever been associated with the word danger.

 After the run I reflected on how this amazing and unique experience was. Oaxaca was my first time back to Latin America since I started learning Spanish a few years back. Immediately, I knew all those hours and hours practicing Spanish were worth it.

 My name is Gil. I am an Australian living in Austin Texas. I moved from Sydney after seeking a career change and having always wanted to experience living overseas

Gear Can’t Live Without?

Sea To Summet Sleeping Bag Liner: “Protects you from any possible beg big situation”.