My Asian Big Tour

In February 1999 my savings were minimal, airplane tickets to Melbourne expensive, my plans for Asian trip ambitious. Australia was a perfect country to work and save money which would enable me further travels to more affordable destinations that I intended to explore in the following year.

During my three-month period in Australia, I spent two months working, while the remaining time was devoted to travelling around the country in carefully controlling the resources. By camping, sharing rides, working and cooking by myself, I was able to explore Melbourne, Sydney, the Golden Coast and Alice Springs, including Ayers Rock. This experience allowed me to develop a fondness for the Australian way of life, the opportunities the country presents, and the laid-back nature of its people.

My first encounter with Asia took place on the captivating island of Bali. During this period, Indonesia was facing severe political and economic challenges that dissuaded many travelers. Nevertheless, the intrepid visitors were able to relish in the comforts offered at greatly reduced rates, accompanied by the warm hospitality of locals in need of financial support. I experienced a sense of freedom and tranquility.

Beautiful islands of the Philippines, adrenaline journeys in jeepneys, historical rice terraces and western shopping malls in Manila easily overshadowed any dangerous situations I faced in the southern areas or in the capital city. These were the only dangerous experiences I had in the whole Asia.

Hong Kong and China were still separated countries that couldn’t be more different in 1999. My fear of China was heightened when a consular official questioned me about my financial readiness to visit his powerful homeland. China was gradually opening its doors to tourism, English was rarely encountered outside of a handful of tourist-oriented staff in major tourist destinations. As a result, I found it necessary to learn basic words, create a list of useful expressions and improvise in remote areas. I savored some of the most delightful dishes in the most basic dining establishments.

I couldn’t find better moment to wander around Southeast Asia.

Laos and Cambodia started to open to foreigners after decades of self-isolation, internal conflicts and war. Thailand was a destination that was both easy to navigate and budget-friendly. With persistent effort, I managed to journey to the beautiful Myanmar, where the kindness of the locals, the stunning pagodas, the spiritual Buddhist practices, and the long, difficult overnight trips left me in awe. Lastly, I encountered India, a country of stark contrasts and extraordinary cultural depth.

Nevertheless, India can evoke feelings of sadness due to the numerous people living in poverty or suffering from serious ailments, which can be difficult to confront at every corner if one chooses not to acknowledge them.

Asia is very different than Latin America, but my trip finished with similar timing and for the same reason. 15 months were enough.

My head was full of impressions, my pockets were completely empty. Although I experienced joy in returning home, I also harbored fears about starting over and the possibility of slipping back into a tedious work routine.

Shortly thereafter, I was fortunate to receive an excellent job opportunity that arose from my proficiency in Spanish, with my experience in Latin America serving as an additional advantage. As a 28-years old young manager without any experience I was named a CEO of power tools company in Quito, Ecuador. In charge of a group of 100 local workers I managed to turn around the destiny of the company with hard work, dedication and using common sense.