Hi friends,
Greetings from Buenos Aires!
In September 2022, I started my One Year of Travel / New Year, New Me
challenge — after being burnt out at my corporate tech job. So far I’ve been to 5 countries (Indonesia, Portugal, Vietnam, South Africa, Argentina) — and I plan to visit 7 more.
Here are the 3 most frequently-asked questions I get:
What's been your favorite place so far?
Cape Town, then Buenes Aires.How are you funding all this?
So far, 100% on savings.What are your plans after your "One Year of Travel"?
See below.. 👇
Here are more things I’d like to share:
Past
My Origin Story. Last week, I published the most vulnerable piece I could possibly imagine. I revealed all of my deepest fears and insecurities. Writing it was surprisingly easy and enjoyable, but publishing was both terrifying and liberating. Cartoonist Tim Kreider calls being known a “Mortifying Ordeal." On the flip side, having nothing to hide is freeing.
Mom, I Went Viral! I’ve been busy working on a computer science workshop. This week, I made a Reddit post, asking “Who wants to learn computer science?” 300k views, 1.4k upvotes, 242 comments. This has affirmed my conviction that what I’m doing will be valuable. Link to post.
Present
Daily Stories. I’m embracing my role as a Content Creator. I publish daily stories on my Instagram. I share the places I visit, the things I eat, etc. As close to real-time as possible. Follow me here.
Becoming a Tutor. I love teaching. And I’ve always known my savings weren’t going to last me a whole year. So I’m tutoring to bridge the gap. I’m looking to take on 3-5 students. Let me know if you know any students in school, or adults looking to learn how to code. 🙏
Future
Q: What are your plans after your "One Year of Travel"?
A: After I finish my year in Sep 2023, I plan to fly back to the US, where I will work as a barista in either New York City, San Francisco, or San Diego, while volunteering at a nursing home. Then, in Jan 2024, I shall begin Season 2 of New Year, New Me, where I will be visiting 12 new countries. And maybe I can convince a few of you to join me on this challenge :-)
What I Want To Share
Art Museum. I visited MACBA - Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Buenos Aires. Luciana Levinton’s Hábitat Exhibit was amazing. Loved it. ⭐️
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying. Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, helps patients near the end of their lives. Her stories brought a few tears to my eyes. Bronnie notices 5 common regrets. Here they are:
I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish I had let myself be happier.
Wish you well!
Leo Ariel
You work quick! I love how this came out. Can’t wait to hear how your Computer Science workshop goes! So cool that you’ve gotten such a positive reaction.
“And maybe I can convince a few of you to join me on this challenge :-)”
🤔
You should check out MALBA too!
Mom I went viral! Love this, and well deserved Leo. And I'll send candidates your way for tutoring.
Meantime, these postcards are an amazing capture. Thanks for sharing so many experiences with us.