Author: Anthony Perez

R.I.P. Harry Devert, A World Travel Legend

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date July 19, 2014
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I have never met Harry in person. In fact, alike many other people around the world, I met him on Instagram, a photo sharing app for smartphones sharing photos through hash tags. He left the work world behind him to fulfill a dream we all have, that was to travel the world. He did this for 5 years, seeing different faces in different places around the world experiencing adventures of a lifetime day after day. Through Instagram, I as well as millions of others have had the opportunity to get a glimpse first hand of what the beautiful world has to offer in the world of travel. Occasionally we would get great insight and feedback from this great man.

After returning from that trek, he went to set off on another journey, one that is identical to a journey I am preparing for in the near future. He purchased a motorcycle to set off on a ride of a lifetime through Central and South America en route to Brazil for the World Cup. I have the same dream to travel through Central and South America, only I desire a cultural experience moreso than an international event. Sadly, Harry Devert went missing shortly after leaving the United States in a know-to-be dangerous region on the pacific coast of Mexico in January of 2014. And while working behind the desk of the very job that is funding my future trip, his picture is displayed on national TV of his death.

According to new reports, he was found in two plastic bags along with his motorcycle in the region he went missing. Words cannot explain how upset and sad I feel for him and his family. It just comes to remind us that no matter how much of a positive vibe we try to create and share with this world, the world IS still cruel and a very real place. I have no doubt that Mexico as well as many places around the world deemed dangerous have amazing cultures to experience. But unfortunately, there are life threatening factors that are far from worth it to consider venturing off to. But on a general note, anything can happen to anyone at the wrong place and the wrong time, anywhere.

Taking a step back, I will not only remember him as an inspiration, but as a legend in the world of travel and as a human being as a whole. His bravery, his kindness, and his push to follow his dreams is enough to push me to do the same for myself. When I am ready to set off on my adventure, I will not only get the cultural experience I have been seeking all of my life, I will travel on behalf a legend in the world of travel. May you rest in peace Harry. You inspired and will always inspire us.

Off-Roading the ‘Wild Coast’ of Aruba

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date July 7, 2014
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Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire are for the most part similar islands. In regards to culture, they are very different. But in regards to geography, terrain, and climate, they are almost the same. As for Aruba, the island seemed slightly less mountainous than its Dutch Antillean siblings. Typically, the island has two totally opposite sides. While the west coast is lined up beautiful beaches, the west is rugged, dry, rocky, and not so safe to swim in nor take an everyday vehicle. This is why I call it the ‘Wild Side’. Much of the island is inhabited with the north lined up with resorts, golf courses, and expensive homes while the rest with Caribbean styled home communities not to forget the Valero oil refinery and prostitution legal San Nicolas to the south.

One-third of the island is designated a natural park, Arikok National Park, and was done so to protect nature from foreigners, big business, or even locals to build. The “wild side” is pretty rough to get around in throughout much of the park which is why a jeep, ATV or off-roading vehicle is necessary. Trust me, you do not want to take a car out there. The former Natural Bridge is fairly easily accessible as the dirt road is wide and traveled down quite frequently. And coming from the south passed the large windmills to the Guadirikiri cave is doable with a car, maybe. From the southern end, you will pass the beautiful cove beaches of Boca Prins and Dos Playa.

But in between, is rough with tons of loose gravel and large rocks with some steep terrains that will tear a rental car to shreds. In a jeep, you will find a way in and around much of the park at ease except for “roads” used in order to see the Natural Pool. Most rentals usually advise against riding to the Natural Pool. However, my rental agency, More4Less (A fantastic budget friendly rental agency), had no restriction against this. The usual restriction is certainly understandable as this was the most, if not one of the most intense and most strenuous ride through the whole park experience. The so called start point to the Natural Pool to the actual stopping point took about 35 to 40 minutes of top speeds of about 10 MPH/16.09 km/h. In the end, you are rewarded with beautiful coastal views, a long stairway down and a short walk to tall rocks leading to the Natural Pool where you can dip in relax and take in sun with some crashing waves, depending on the tide.

Continuing up the coast, you ride past several natural bridges in great condition, the former large natural bridge, and an abandoned gold mine building allowing you to climb up and enjoy views of the coastline. Further up is the small Alto Vista Chapel where if you are religious, you can make a quick prayer, and directly behind it is a water tower overlooking both sides of the island. From there, we left the park and back to the paved roads we returned.

In a blog, all of this sounds fairly simple, quick, and easy to do in a few hours. That is what I assumed prior to doing it myself. But in reality, expect a full day to tackle this goal and expect renting a jeep as well. In general, a visit to any Caribbean island certainly requires a dip in the beach. But when you visit Aruba, you are not getting a true Aruban experience without venturing off to the ‘Wild Side’.

General South Carolina

Kayaking and Camping at Lake Jocassee, SC

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date July 1, 2014
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After returning from the Caribbean the day before, My girlfriend and I took advantage of a beautiful Saturday morning and afternoon borrowing Kayaks from my Mom and Step dad to go Kayaking on Lake Jocassee. Being that I am new to the whole outdoors experience in South Carolina, we also borrowed my step dads old tent to finally experience camping for the first time at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

After we set up camp in the park, we drove a few miles west to Devil’s Fork State Park where we found out we could Kayak to a few waterfalls. We headed straight for the boat drop off ramp, placed our Kayaks in the water, and set off on a search for some water falls. We not only encountered strong winds throughout most of the journey but we didn’t find the waterfalls wish hoped to see. Only to later find out where we turned around, a waterfall was not far away as well as one other just a bit further north of that. We then later picked up some goodies and food to complete our camping experience before we hit the sheets. Although unsuccessful at chasing our waterfalls and disregarding our strenuous workout, it was a fairly serene experience with low boat traffic and low activity.

Tags south carolina

General Voyage Journal

Just Get Up And Travel: Easier Said Than Done.

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date June 20, 2014
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Just get up and go! Everyone thinks about this in the working world. Especially like a 9-5 person like myself. Add working weekends to that, that feeling is even stronger. As a travel lover, wanderlust, and having daily cravings for new places, new faces, and new cultures, I frequently ask myself, what it would be like to just let go of everything and just go. Quit both my jobs, leave my family, a number of friends, my girlfriend, and routine lifestyle behind to travel long term. But there is more behind this single minded decision having to consider many other factors, than to just GO. It wouldn’t be the first time this has been done in the history of mankind. Well, at least in the western world or more so, America, to me it seems more difficult of a decision. Maybe it’s just me? In general, as possible as several weeks, several months to a year or even several years of time away from routine is to travel is, it does come with some big time preparations.

Courage
For the most part, at least for me, I live in a routine world of wake up, work, work out, eat, chill (video games or movie), sleep, and repeat. Working hard seven days a week to pay bills and necessities all to get two to three weeks off a year, say what? Those who vacation on a tropical beach can say that is not enough. But any wanderlust like myself knows and understands that this is truly not enough time to embrace cultures while abroad or even domestic. This is where long term travel comes into play and the consideration grows each travel experience or let alone every day. These two lifestyles are so opposite that it feels very intimidating in the most exciting way. Living a way of life of comfort and planning to wanting a lifestyle of spontaneity and sacrifice. Unless you reach a breaking point, have a bad break up, get laid off, then setting off immediately, looking forward to long term travel in your life goals takes a lot of courage. Let’s not forget the dangers and different forms of safety precautions you have to face around the world. It’s scary, but it’s an awareness as a true traveler that we must keep intact. But this shouldn’t be an excuse to stay huddled up in a routine lifestyle. Courage the hell up and follow your dreams while being extremely safe.

Finances
Second of all, doing this is not impossible as I said before, it has been done. However it does come with a hefty price and I am not just speaking of finances. First off, the first thing anyone thinks of is money. Traveling long term is no free experience. I mean, you can be the best budgeter in the travel world, have an abundance of friends worldwide, and not fly a single airline and still have to spend money on some level. I guess some records have been made, but we are talking about everyday people here and trying to be realistic. Maybe I am slightly involved in my comfort zone, being “too” safe but not only do I want to have funds for my long term trip, but also have backup money for when and if I return. Is that smart and realistic or is this against the code of a “true” wanderlust. Am I contradicting the spontaneity that comes with long term travel by planning my funds to much? There is no real answer to how much money you should have. One may desire to save thousands while another leaves with a few hundred and works on the fly. Anything goes and that is the beauty of traveling. Something I kind of learned through a post by an awesome world traveler by the name of Nomadic Matt and his commenters from around the globe.

Family / Friends / Love
Anyone understands the desire to get away from routine and work but when it comes to the desire for time with new faces in new places around the world and sacrificing all for this, its really hard for many to understand, especially close ones. It honestly doesn’t matter how much thorough explaining I do, I don’t expect anyone to understand this travel addiction I have. It is like trying to fully understand the perspective of an Artist. This is where I don’t expect anyone to understand me, but hope to gain support. At this point in time, June of 2014, only two out of six of my closest ones know of my long term travel goals for myself, one being the single person who has inspired me to travel in the first place. It is intimidating considering that some of them helped me come out of unemployment to finally get me where I am now. But I remind myself, traveling is all I have desired to do my whole life and I have worked hard and continue to work hard to do just that. It is my life long dream and what makes life so much more damn amazing. They may or may not understand, but support is important to me just as long as I am not saying fuck this, I’M GONE!

Work
As far as work goes, work is very crucial, be it you work in a 9-5er and/or with a weekend gym job like me, as long as it looks good on the resume and it is benefiting me in the long run, just getting up and leaving or not showing up to work then globetrotting is not an ethical thing I would do. I may travel and find love in working abroad forever but I won’t depend on that too greatly and just quit my jobs instantly. Gaining and maintaining a good rapport is the absolute best thing to do with long term travel plans. Regardless of what shitty day I am having, I don’t tell myself “I am quitting this job anyway, who cares.” I remind myself “I will resign from this job when I am ready, travel, and if I return, I may still have an open door to return.” I may not be hiking the Machhu Pichu trail, sunbathing on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or whitewater rafting in Costa Rica just yet, but everywork day is part of my long term travel experience in a way. It is my building blocks to that dream, every single second, minute, and day I am on the clock. I have yet to experience long term travel but I know how it feels to be unemployed and the feeling is not good. Although I am aware of the phase of unemployment I will phase after my trip, with a positive attitude in my working years and a rich travel soul post long term travel, finding work will be fine. Hell, I may find myself doing what I love. I have hope and confidence.

So, I sit here at work writing this, on and off asking myself if I am writing a post of thoughts or is this a post of suggestions. I guess I can say both. Like I said before, I have yet to experience long term travel and it’s after effects. In time, I will look back at this and either nod or shake my head at some things, if not inspire myself of how strong minded I “was” and continue to be to accomplish my goals. I don’t seek to give advice on what I don’t know yet but share what I do know on this long hard working path to adventures of a lifetime. This is something I think of everyday, some days out of anxiety, fear, and worry. But in the end, I am true to myself and what I have always wanted in life. That is to travel. And I look forward to that day, where all of my feelings, thoughts, and senses come together to prepare for the greatest day of my life, my first day setting off on a long term trip around the world.

Tags backpacking, family, friends, long term, travel, traveling, work, working

Caribbean Curacao General Voyages

Klein Curaçao: A Desert Island Paradise

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date June 4, 2014
No Comments on Klein Curaçao: A Desert Island Paradise

Curaçao is a long, fairly narrow desert island in the southern Caribbean Sea or better known as the Leeward Antilles. It is rugged and rocky with small mountains and small picturesque cove beaches spread throughout the island. Few of these beaches are man made with resorts to accompany them as well as bars and pools. If you expect to visit Curaçao looking for elongated beaches throughout the island, this may not be your place. However, there exists an island separate from the main island that may qualify for you pristine beach needs.

Klein Curaçao (Little Curaçao) is an uninhabited desert island southeast of the main island of Curaçao. On the east side you have waves smashing against rocks at full force while on the opposite you have the calm serene blue sea and beaches. It is these beaches where you will capture the perfect wallpaper, relax in calm blue sea and walk along a white-ish sand beach. Whatever you imagine a beach to sound like in your head, this is the place with the water calmly rolling onto the shore.

I found this island on Google images as one of my first curiosities of Curaçao. Other than some locals who take there boats out to the island, there are several tours that go out for day trips. My choice was Bounty Adventures aboard the Jonalisa catamaran. On board they serve breakfast upon arrival and set off into the wind. I say wind as we were the unlucky bunch to get very rough seas. Personally, I had no problem with this as I was completely comfortable. However the 15 or so people in the back throwing up breakfast didn’t feel so. The rough ride took about an hour and a half before we reached the coast and set off on a tug boat in pairs of eight.

Now, the beaches aren’t actually my prime reason of visiting this island. Directly in the center is an abandoned faded peach colored lighthouse. Then half way further on the rocky coast is an abandoned shipwreck. While everyone arrived on the shore settling in under the huts and preparing for a swim, I continued north along the beach to the nearest path leading to the lighthouse. The vast flat dry landscape surrounded me but ahead was this peach colored lighthouse alone and abandoned.

It is not everyday that you see and experience something like this. The combination of nature and architecture within this warm desert like climate. It was yet another accomplishment in another destination I arrived to. It was a dream come true. It was a similar feeling I felt watching a sunset on Bermudas rocky coast. The feeling of being on that path staring at this light house several yards away and shipwreck in the distance did it for me. And I was alone, the only one to enjoy this as if I arrived on that island on my own. Just me, in the middle of this flat island. The island took in my tears and was accompanied by a scream of joy as I shouted, “Yes! I made it!”

The interior is nothing too confusing as the building is basically symmetrical. The bottom contains short openings in what would be a basement connecting the whole structure together. The tiles on the roof fell into the center as broken tiles lay everywhere. In the front and center are a set of steps up to the main floor where only a few wood planks remain in poor condition but in decent condition enough to hold onto something and make my way to both sides of the building. On these sides are several “windows”, freely allowing the strong wind current flow directly in and out. Past visitors leave there markings around the interior, mostly locals, Dutch, and German. Maybe one or two American. The way up to the lighthouse is unfortunately inaccessible, due to the conditions I explained and far worse.

After good photo and video footage, I set off to the shipwreck some many yards from the lighthouse. Here is a constantly eroding abandoned ship laying on the rocks of the coast taking in the wind and slamming waves. Parts of this ship also lay on the rocks on the island. I shouldn’t forget to include the amount of sandals left by overly curious visitors. Note: I nearly lost mine as well. A few yards north lays a smaller boat, one that could probably accommodate a family at sea. This boat seemed fairly newer but the nature of the sea and air has still consumed much of the interior and exterior.

In order to make lunch for my empty stomach and to cheers my success on this island with a brew and good mix drinks on the Jonalisa boat, as well as staying out of the scorching sun, I headed back passing the lighthouse once again and headed for the beach-side. For about two additional hours, I dipped in the blue sea with my GoPro, chatted with new friends, and finally got back on for a smoother ride back to the main island of Curaçao. The experience of the visit to Klein Curaçao was surreal that is if you care to visit the rest of the island beyond swimming. Regardless, it is a must do in Curaçao.

Tags caribbean, curacao, dutch, island

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