A dream comes true - after 30 years

When I chose Spanish as a foreign language at the university, I combined it with my wish to visit Latin America. To go on a longer trip, to get to know the country and to speak to the locals in their language. Not a run around the sights, but a proper JOURNEY. Some would say a sabbatical or more than just a vacation.

And then came the obstacles. About a million of obstacles.

So many times I considered whether I should invest more time and energy into learning (or maintaining) Spanish. The answer? Of course I should, I want to go to Latin America!

This year, my dream came true. ❤️

After more than thirty years ...

Sabbatical

I took six weeks off and went to Peru. I wanted to get to know the country a bit better than just snapping quick selfies at the most famous monuments. Although I did include some of them in my itinerary, including the legendary Machu Picchu. In retrospect, I'm glad for the energy I put into studying Spanish. The language opened me up to the Peruvian people, and I got to know a much more authentic side of this beautiful country.

Doing things differently

Locals took me to places that only they know and remain hidden to travel agents. At Lake Titicaca, a 10-year-old Indian girl was my guide. She told me about her family's life and what she wants to do when she grows up. In the Sacred Valley, I visited a carnival and danced around a decorated tree with my hosts all evening.

In Cuzco, in the town square, an Indian woman showed me how to hand-knit belts for pants. In return, I showed her pictures of my travels. In one of them she recognized a familiar face, her neighbour - she is the smiling Indian woman in the opening photo of this article. They both came from the same village, which coincidentally I visited a few days ago. I met her on the famous Inca Trail, which one of the locals directed me to.

And it was all thanks to Spanish and a positive mind-set. And the fact that I had time, didn't have to stick to a strict itinerary and could chat to my heart's content.

What did I learn?

People ask me what the trip taught me and what wisdom I brought back. For me, it's definitely a message about believing in your dreams. Sometimes they don't come true right away and you have to overcome a million obstacles. And also to invest energy, perhaps in learning a language or finding alternative ways to reach a goal.

Thank you for making my dream come true. ❤️ I might not have enjoyed the journey so much before... 

Do you also want to pursue your dreams and don't know how to do it? Get in touch and arrange a consultation. 

Or check out my other articles about my pilgrimage from Portugal to Spain.