Embracing Adventure: Discover the Thrills of a Round-the-World Lifestyle

It was a warm summer evening in Athens when Stergios and I reminisced about our travels. One particular memory stood out: our first beer together in South Africa. We had just started our journey, riding toward Lesotho on a Vespa. After a great first day, we camped by a beautiful lake. Stergios bought us a couple of beers, and as we sipped them, we realized we were beginning a wonderful adventure together.

How many times do we say, “the first time I…” in life? Some people are lucky enough to gather a lifetime’s worth of first experiences. For us, sharing that beer was significant—it marked the start of our journey. It was the first time I rode a Vespa, and Stergios had never traveled with someone else before.

When Stergios set off to explore Africa, he didn’t think he was doing anything extraordinary. He just wanted to see the world. His first nights camping, like overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Western Sahara, weren’t major triumphs; they were about confronting personal fears.

We all grow up with different perspectives. Some see the developing world through a lens of danger and hostility. But many travelers push past these biases to discover the warmth of human connection. It’s tough to unlearn these preconceived notions, yet it opens up new worlds.

Initially, Stergios felt anxious while camping. Thoughts raced through his mind: “Will I be safe?” However, his fears disappeared when locals offered him tea and friendship. He learned that food often serves as a bridge between cultures, creating bonds between strangers. Embracing these invitations can enrich our experiences and broaden our outlook.

Trusting strangers isn’t always easy, especially when it feels risky. Once, when Stergios ran out of gas in the Sahara, a local promised to help. Skeptical but with no other options, he waited. Hours later, a man arrived with fuel, proving that kindness can surprise us in unexpected ways.

Not every first experience is pleasant. In Johannesburg, we nearly got robbed. Our GPS failed, and we stopped to fix it. Before we knew it, a group of suspicious figures approached. We managed to leave, and while it was a scary moment, it served as a lesson in awareness without succumbing to distrust.

Many people prefer control over unpredictability. The more organized our surroundings, the harder it can be to step outside our comfort zones. Vulnerability often feels like a weakness, making the choice to let go of security seem daunting.

Yet, adventure can dismantle these fears. When we travel, the only way forward is to move ahead. Although there are challenges, each stop brings new opportunities. One of our first experiences asking to camp at a gas station in Argentina was nerve-wracking. Yet now, after many similar nights, we seek this out as a preferred option.

Over time, we’ve grown comfortable in situations that once seemed impossible. For instance, in rural Brazil, a stranger invited us to her home. We accepted, and three years later, we’re still in touch with her and her family. This connection reminds us how personal interactions can redefine our experiences.

Not every first experience is profound. Sometimes, they’re just fun. Like when we danced at a local fair in Brazil or helped an Argentinian shepherd with his goats. We once would have shied away from these experiences, but now we embrace them, regardless of the outcome.

The beauty of a long-term journey is in the collection of moments—these first times form the fabric of our lives. They reveal a unique journey that continues to unfold.

Stergios and Alexandra met in 2014 in the Democratic Republic of Congo while pursuing separate adventures. Now, they travel and document their experiences on a vintage Vespa. You can explore more of their journey at WorldVespa.net.

Source link

Adventure, Motorcycle, Magazine, ADVMoto, dual, sport, bikes, reviews, test, reports, events, news