Forgetting Freedom

The generation gap is a powerful concept. It can cause many disputes and disagreements; ranging from the possibility of One Direction being bigger than The Beatles, to opting for Google over a traditional Oxford Dictionary. Putting aside these industries of music and technology, there emerges an ever-growing commerce through travel and tourism. I have recently experienced first-hand how this generation gap can cause friction amongst families, regarding this travel and tourism industry.

It appears that there is a great divide in opinion as families debate whether to travel or whether to work and save your pennies for a mortgage. With it becoming increasingly difficult for young people to jump onto the housing ladder, it seems older relatives are now placing more pressure than ever on the younger generations to abandon their travelling dreams, and instead opt for a safe and secure future of offices, emails and pension schemes.

Through various interactions with those afore-mentioned younger persons, it has come to my attention that this is a common situation faced by many in their twenties in particular, who are just starting out on their new adventure of life.

We should not feel repressed with expectations and pressure brought upon us by those who have already lived their life

I can’t help but wonder and muse that perhaps our parents and grandparents also experienced this with their families, going back to the 1980s, and even to the 1960s. Perhaps if you question them on this, they’ll respond with the classics “the world was a different place in my time” or the beautiful British vision of “you could leave your door wide open and stay out playing even after dark”. Maybe they’re right, maybe the world was a lot safer back then, and if it were, then how wonderful to have lived through and experienced that security and endless freedom.

But let’s bring our imagination and musings back down to earth and back to reality. We are living in a world where nothing is certain. Yes, it’s dangerous and fast-moving, but so is technology, so are our options. We are living in a world of variety, of opportunities, of innovation. Societal values and perceptions are ever-evolving and branching out. As young people starting out in the world, we should not feel repressed with expectations and pressure brought upon us by those who have already lived their life, who have already made their mistakes and learnt from them.

There’s a difference between being alive, and living life

We should feel empowered to jump in, surrounded by endless possibilities, and to have that option of removing expectations of marriage, mortgages and Monday mornings. Why shouldn’t we see the world and discover aspects of our character that we never knew existed? Who said we have to start our career at 22, marry, have children, wait to retire…and then what? There’s a difference between being alive, and living life.

Whilst I appreciate that there will be many out there in their twenties, who will disagree with me, who are perfectly happy and content with the prospect of marriage now, and having a family and a house of their own, which is wonderful, but the disappointing reality is, is that some don’t feel like they have that choice to make.

Strive to be someone, to create something

Well, you do. It was you who sat through endless years at school, it was you who stayed up late all those nights; cramming revision notes into your head and finishing coursework, and it was you that finally achieved those grades, that degree, that qualification. It’s finally YOUR turn, so whip your head right back around and say “well, actually no, I’m not doing that anymore, I’ve decided to do this instead”. Book those flight tickets, sign up to that class, apply for that dream job. That blank page in front of you is eagerly awaiting your story, and you’re going to write it any damn way you please.

Strive to be someone, to create something. Look back on your life with no regrets and knowing that you did it your way. You lived your life, on your terms.

Life after uni

What do you do when, for the first time in your life, you have no plan?

I’ve found myself wondering, what on earth do people do after education? Do I just continue with a full-time job, paying my rent, putting money aside each month to eventually buy a place of my own? I’m a single woman in my early twenties, living alone, and I’m winging it.

No one really tells you how much of a shock it is; emerging from underneath the safe and secure wing of university. In life, you can’t ask for extension after extension to pay for your rent, you can’t ring up your energy provider explaining that this month, your phone contract took precedence over your bills, and you certainly can’t wander into work half an hour late, and fall asleep in the corner, because attendance counts.

Life after education, and after university, is the true test of your character; a true realisation of who you are and how hard you are willing to work to achieve your ultimate goal in life, whatever that may be. I have now arrived at a place where I can be certain of only two things. The first; my independence and the ability to control my own life choices and decisions is fundamental to my happiness, and the second; my craving to travel and explore the world has fully surpassed a basic desire, it has now amounted into something of which I need.

These two thoughts I carry with me as I take each day as it comes, whilst I continue to search for a solution to the problem I now face: travelling the world and all the while earning a living to maintain my independence back home in the UK.

To draw my first article to a close, I must offer the advice of which I am currently following: keep your eyes and ears open and a positive attitude, for you never know what the next day will bring.

7 Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy Whilst Travelling

Recently returning from my travels, I’ve had plenty of time to reminisce about my experience, including some of the mistakes I made, and also useful advice that I picked up along the way. I hope these health and fitness tips help you all have the best possible experience on your travels!

1.Try and walk as much as possible

Walking not only saves you money by avoiding public transport, but it allows you to see more of the weird and wonderful world around you, and plus, it’s great exercise!

TOP TIP: wear comfortable walking shoes; I know this sounds like such an obvious thing to do, but there’s nothing worse than a sore blister ruining your sightseeing!

2.Drink plenty of water

It’s so important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re in a foreign land where fresh water supplies could be scarce. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a natural and easy way to help maintain a fast metabolism.

TOP TIP: Many countries do not have access to clean and uncontaminated tap water, so you should take care to avoid drinking any unless you have been told it is safe to do so. Bottled water is sold almost everywhere, and although contributing to plastic waste is not ideal, neither is coming down with a serious illness! Try and recycle your bottles where possible 🙂

3.Take a yoga mat with you

Yoga mats are great. They can double up as a sleeping mat if you’re camping, and they’re lightweight and easy to attach to your backpack. But the main reason why my yoga mat will always be on my list of things to take, is that they’re brilliant for doing circuit exercises on; whether you’re in your dorm, by the pool, or in the middle of a campsite!

TOP TIP: I also bring my resistance band along too; it takes up zero space and really helps with your workout!

4.Go on hikes/treks as much as possible

I don’t need to tell you about all the incredible sights awaiting for you on your travels – I’m sure you’ve done your research! Hiking/mountain trekking is fantastic exercise; climbing steep slopes seriously tones your bum and legs, and you’ll probably be feeling it for a few days after! Additionally, you’ll feel an awesome sense of achievement once you reach your goal and witness the view below you 🙂

TOP TIP: Alongside wearing good walking boots, I would advise not going alone, but if you’re determined to do so anyway, then let someone know where you’re going. If you have an accident, it’s not exactly convenient if no one is around to help you!

5.Snack as you go

Try not to have lots of big meals; they can be heavy on your stomach and make you feel lethargic – not ideal when you need lots of energy to stay alert and take in the surroundings! Try the local cuisine and street food, eat little amounts of lots of things throughout the day; grazing like this fuels your metabolism like a furnace constantly needs firewood. Snacking like this will allow you to taste new flavours and experience traditional cuisines; it’s also a cheaper way to get by, plus you’ll usually find fruit and vegetable stalls everywhere along with freshly-cooked street food.

TOP TIP: Use your common sense when it comes to food hygiene! There’s nothing much worse than buying some dodgy-looking meat and coming down with food poisoning!

6.Cook in hostels

You’re much more likely to eat healthier by buying fresh local ingredients and cooking your meals yourself in the hostel kitchen. This can be a lot cheaper and gives you a chance to be more sociable with those sharing your chosen accommodation. Additionally, you’re also less likely to contract food poisoning from your own cooking!

TOP TIP: It’s worth investing in some salt, pepper and a few herbs and spices to take with you as you travel; to add some flavour to an otherwise bland dish you’ve had to prepare with limited ingredients! Check the cupboards in your hostel’s kitchen for rice and pasta that people have left behind, saves you buying more!

7.Beer and pizza

You’ll most likely be drinking and eating a lot on your travels, why not – you’ve earnt it! But don’t let trying to stay in shape and in full fitness detract from these small pleasures, as it’s all part of the experience! Like most things in life: everything in moderation 🙂

TOP TIP: Pizza is great recovery food after a tough day of hiking; your body will be devouring those carbs like there’s no tomorrow!

All in all, I wish you all unbelievable adventures, health and happiness. Look after yourselves, look after others, and look after the environment. There’s a wonderful world out there; and I hope you can all make the most out of your travels with my tips.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any further health and fitness tips for others setting off on their journeys!

A Changing of Mind in Colonia

Unbeknown to me, I had arrived in Uruguay at the end of their winter. Not researching their seasons beforehand was not my smartest move, I must admit. It was cold, it was raining, hell, who was I kidding? I was miserable. I’d arrived in Colonia by ferry from Argentina, and what greeted me was what looked like a depressing, run-down sort of town. 

My bus to the capital, Montevideo, wasn’t for another 6 hours, so I set off up a steep hill in search of food and wifi. It was here where I made my second mistake. My lack of observation skills caused me to miss the baggage lockers at the bus station, so, completely oblivious, I lugged my heavy backpack with me on my quest for civilisation. 

Everything seemed to be closed, and just when I was losing hope, an elderly couple pointed me in the direction of a dilapidated cafe. Refuelled and content, I continued exploring, walking along the coast. Gradually, the town was becoming increasingly charming. The architecture had a more European feel, and the little cobbled streets appearing were so quaint and picturesque.

Then something peculiar happened. I found myself craving a cup of tea, and as I did so, the heavens opened. I’d awoken the English Gods. Running through the rain with my heavy backpack, I stumbled across a sign reading ‘Augusto’s Tea House’, I was saved! Augusto, the owner, was originally from Buenos Aires, but had recently moved to the peaceful Old Town of Colonia with his family, to open his own tea house. The place was adorable; it felt like I was having a cuppa at my Grandmother’s. The tea sets were delicately quirky, the range of tea, vast, and the thoughtful additions of wall hangings and mirrors made you feel so welcome and at home. I realised that I was finally in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town; very different to the town that I had experienced earlier, where happiness came to die.

Stepping back in time

Tea levels stocked up and rain stopped, I was happy to explore the rest of the Old Town. I knew then why it was a World Heritage Site. It was like stepping back in time into a beautiful Spanish village – it really is worth the visit if you’re still undecided.

Retain an open mind

The time came to get my bus and I bid Colonia goodbye – the best possible example I could give you of not judging a book by its cover. You will have preconceptions of almost every place you visit on your travels, and whilst first impressions count for something, my advice to you would be to retain an open mind, and realise that if you scratch ever-so-slightly beneath the surface, there’s a chance that you could discover something truly beautiful.

The Beginning: Braving Buenos Aires

It’s 11pm, and I’m sat inside the bus terminal in Jujuy, northern Argentina. My bus isn’t until 2.45am and I can’t even buy a ticket yet because apparently the drivers are on strike. The plan is to take an overnight bus to the desert of San Pedro de Atacama, northern Chile. I guess my last few hours spent in Argentina seem an appropriate time to reminisce about my time in the country. 

If you are going to survive in Buenos Aires, do as the locals do

I’ll start with Buenos Aires, where I spent my first 8 days. One thing you should know first of all about this city, is that the people really are crazy. They seem to have developed a magical force, that enables them to fend off moving vehicles with just their mere presence. Why else would they just walk out in front of the traffic, without so much of a glance? The vehicles don’t stop either. Traffic lights? A zebra crossing? What are they? If you are going to survive in Buenos Aires, do as the locals do. Judging the traffic seems to be a skill only evolution and natural selection can explain.

BA really is the city that never sleeps

Secondly, it is a city of apartments. Everywhere you look, there are towers of apartments. They somehow manage to cram housing into every available particle of air; mountainous and imposing. Housing shortage? Head to BA. Looking for a city lifestyle? Head to BA. Despite the amount of apartments available to rest your head, BA really is the city that never sleeps.

It’s all about opinions

The next thing you need to learn, is pick a side. This applies to both hot beverages and sport. Saying you don’t mind or that you have no preference, is not an option. It’s all about opinions. Are you a maté drinker (hot water poured into a mug of loose tea and infused – bloody strong and bitter), or are you a coffee drinker? Do you support Boca or River Plate? Or maybe you’re the 10% who support the remaining 7 or 8 teams? The city really is football crazy!

Forgive me for this, but I must comment on the offensive amount of dog poo you will find everywhere. There were men walking around, with up to 12 dogs strapped to a harness around their waist. Dog-attending seemed to be a profession. There was even a business, dedicated to cleaning their muck off the streets. One gentleman I spoke to, referred to this as the “Dogbusters”, namely due to their Ghostbusters-styled backpacks that were used to hoover up the poop from the streets!

A vibrant city, full of culture

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city, full of culture, if you look in the right places. The choice of places to eat out is vast, and a select list of the best places I discovered you’ll find at the bottom of this page, in my recommendations section. During my stay there, I tried a variety; ranging from incredible Paella, to American diners, sushi, Japonese, pizza, and of course the great empanada (crispy pastry either oven-baked or fried, packed with cheese, vegetables or meat). I’m nearly 2 months into my travels, and my empanada-tasting, and I strongly feel that BA remains the best place for empanadas.

The nightlife is buzzing, again if you know where to look. I visited a few great bars, from which I have fond memories of, including memories of the hangovers the following day. On one of these hungover mornings, I visited an appropriately-named restaurant, “La Pharmacie”, to recover with some incredible calamari – it felt like I needed La Pharmacie’s medicine!

The importance of liberty and justice for the Argentine people

Around the city, you’ll come across some great artwork, usually in the form of graffiti, but it is powerful, inspirational and recently holds a more political stance, due to the country’s recent political developments. Politically-charged artwork and demonstration posters surround the city’s Plaza de Mayo, a large square situated near government buildings, where many protests take place; displaying the importance of liberty and justice for the Argentine people.

A crazy experience

Overall, my time spent in Buenos Aires was varied. I had days where I felt overwhelmed with the crazy traffic and the hustle and bustle of daily life, and I had tranquil and interesting days; wandering through the streets to intriguing destinations, such as the ‘Necropolis’ of Recoleta cemetery. I sat by lakes writing, and I rode the busy metro to have breakfast opposite the Obelisk at ‘9 de julio’. It certainly is a city, and a crazy experience, that I’ll never forget.

My recommendations

Places to eat:

• Los Remanseros  (the best seafood)
• La Pharmacie (great calamari and breakfast)
• Crisol (perfect for brunch)
• Circus Roble (for breakfast opposite the Obelisk at 9 de julio)
• Sans Serrano (amazing lunches at Plaza Serrano, Palermo)

Things to see:

• Plaza Italia
• Recoleta Cemetery 
• 9 de julio
• Plaza de Mayo
• Puerto Madero

Nightlife:

• Yolo Bar (takeaway beer!)
• El Benny (wacky and wild)
• Presidente Bar (very posh – Messi visits occasionally!)

Bursting out the Bubble

 

This time next week, I’ll be preparing to land in Argentina. I’ll probably have aching legs, a banging headache and will likely smell of 200 other passengers after my 20 hours of travelling. My phone battery will be almost drained after hours spent on Spotify, and there may be a half-finished crossword on my lap, which I’ll try to ignore because I’m terrible at crosswords.

What’s life without a little madness?

I won’t lie, it’s a terrifying thought knowing that in a matter of days I’ll be all packed and leaving behind my job, my friends and my lovely flat. I think I’m doing this at the right time though, I was in danger of being consumed by this safety bubble of a secure lifestyle.

It really is such a difficult decision to make, when you have a job you enjoy and are finally happy and settled; to up sticks and leave everything behind. My family think I’m mad, but what’s life without a little madness?

The last few days mean the last items are checked off the to-do list; the last farewells, the last food shop, the last laundry cycle. What to pack, what to wear, what to leave behind. All very exciting, all very scary. The scariest thought? Returning home with no job and next to no money, but I’ve always been desperately last minute, and you know, have a positive attitude and something always pops up!

People to meet, sites to see and cultures to be absorbed

So, this is me, bursting out of my very own safety bubble. Adventures await; there are people to meet, sites to see and cultures to be absorbed.

Keep your eyes peeled for my succeeding article of Argentinian adventures, and follow me throughout these magical months of madness as I attempt to survive and explore Latin America.