America

An enduring romantic and professional relationship

My first destination outside of Europe

America was my first destination outside of Europe and the continent, where I spent more time travelling, working and living. My first contact with the continent that stretches 14,000 kilometers from Alaska in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south was anything but easy. As an up-and-coming fresh graduate, I landed in New York City, where I began my American Big Tour. This particular trip was perhaps the most transformative experience of my life, as I felt a stronger connection to the American continent than to any other part of the world.

Throughout my subsequent experiences, I developed my perspective on each country within this continent that I had the opportunity to visit. Although the lifestyle, progress of individual nations, and their security situations may evolve over time, the relationship between the English-speaking nations in North America and the Spanish-speaking nations in Central and South America remains notably similar.

Some of my favorite countries worldwide

As a traveler, I find that my preferred countries on this continent are the United States of America, Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. These nations are remarkably diverse, yet they all amazed me with their breathtaking natural scenery, ancient civilizations, and vibrant cities.

In contrast, my greatest disappointment was the Caribbean Islands, which I visited in 2017. Although the beaches were undeniably beautiful, there was a notable absence of activities and points of interest. The arrival of cruise ships transforms small towns into vibrant markets for souvenirs, built attractions and organized excursions. While the influx of tourists has brought economic advantages to local communities, it has simultaneously negatively impacted the traditional lifestyles of the island communities.

The continent has largely been characterized by a phenomenon that illustrates its economic development: migrations.

The United States has consistently drawn impoverished immigrants from the southern territories, who are in search of a better future and are willing to undertake great risks to cross the border. In a bid to improve conditions in the continent’s less prosperous countries – an objective supported by the European Union in Europe – the United States has increasingly opted for a more closed-off approach, thereby isolating itself from its continental counterparts.

My ability to communicate in English and Spanish allows me to interact seamlessly across the continent, with Brazil being the sole exception due to its Portuguese-speaking population. Although there are linguistic similarities between Spanish and Portuguese, I have frequently struggled with communication and comprehension in Brazil.

This potential for effective communication is one of the key reasons why I feel a profound connection to the America, surpassing my ties to any other continent outside of Europe. Having spent over a decade living in the United States, Ecuador, and Panama, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the cultures and everyday life in these countries.

There are few countries left on the continent that I have yet to explore. However, I intend to maintain regular visits to America, even after I have explored every country on the continent.