"I am enamored often and swiftly." What a wonderful way to live. Loved this piece Camilo, especially your argument for the depth of self-discovery that comes with traveling authentically, as yourself rather than an ideal tourist.
I hope you had a great time in all your travels, Camilo!
This last part left me wanting to know more:
“Sometimes, what is underneath the shell, and what you become aware of is unpleasant, shameful, ugly. But the only way to find lasting acceptance with ourselves is to see our shadow for what it is. I’m a strong believer that travel gifts you that clarity and much more.”
Tell me more! This seems huge. Why or how do you think travel does this for you?
Ha, I kid you not: when I was doing one last editing read through I thought "Charlie is going to look at this part and ask for more."
I wrote something, but it is raw and ranty, so I'm working through it a bit more before sharing. And I have another story that I'd love your eyes on because I'm scare to share it, but it is very much the type of stories you like. Stay tuned!
"This sounds obvious, until you see that the way people travel is often guided by Instagram photo-ops, travel guides designed for bragging rights, or with the goal to marathon your way through “everything there is to see.”"
Camilo- this was one of my favorite parts of this sincere and beautiful perspective:
“But they are the most exhausting place for me to be in. I can’t explain it. Every step feels as if I’m in Everett Base Camp—oxygen is thin, and I may just pass out next to the portrait of some European king.”
I don’t even like museums and feel the same way. I always tell myself I “should” like them. But I don’t. I’d rather people watch just like you. I’m now officially letting myself off the hook. Thank you 🙏
Thank you James! Yes, even I felt some guilt because I DO like museums, but after I went to one in Budapest I couldn't do it anymore and cut myself some slack. Travel the way you want to!
I love this! Resonates with a theme I've written on in that the value in travel has little to do with the substance itself and everything to do with how it shapes and transforms your inner world.
Using that as my north star vs. what sounds like the cool, sexy thing I should be doing in this new place has radically enhanced my travel experiences
"I am enamored often and swiftly." What a wonderful way to live. Loved this piece Camilo, especially your argument for the depth of self-discovery that comes with traveling authentically, as yourself rather than an ideal tourist.
Thank you, Rick! Always appreciate the encouragement. People like you are what keep pushing me to share my stories.
Came here to comment this exact quote as well. It says so much about your attitude towards life.
The way we talk about travel reveals a lot about what's wrong with the way we travel these days:
"You went to Europe this summer? Where did you go?"
"I did Athens, Stockholm, and The Lakes"
What is up with "DID?" Travel should not feel like something to do. It should feel the way you described it.
Yea, it's interesting what you've captured in that small bit of dialogue. That gets to the core of my argument. Thanks for reading!
I hope you had a great time in all your travels, Camilo!
This last part left me wanting to know more:
“Sometimes, what is underneath the shell, and what you become aware of is unpleasant, shameful, ugly. But the only way to find lasting acceptance with ourselves is to see our shadow for what it is. I’m a strong believer that travel gifts you that clarity and much more.”
Tell me more! This seems huge. Why or how do you think travel does this for you?
Ha, I kid you not: when I was doing one last editing read through I thought "Charlie is going to look at this part and ask for more."
I wrote something, but it is raw and ranty, so I'm working through it a bit more before sharing. And I have another story that I'd love your eyes on because I'm scare to share it, but it is very much the type of stories you like. Stay tuned!
This was lovely. And man, you are a spectacular photographer.
Thank you my friend. By the way, I saw that Lacrosse will be an Olympic sport in 2028 and became unreasonably happy for you!
So pumped :)
"This sounds obvious, until you see that the way people travel is often guided by Instagram photo-ops, travel guides designed for bragging rights, or with the goal to marathon your way through “everything there is to see.”"
Very true!
Thank you!
The photos you shared are stunning and a great companion to a beautiful essay. I loved it.
Gracias Cata!
PS: I love the picture of you. I see peace within.
Camilo- this was one of my favorite parts of this sincere and beautiful perspective:
“But they are the most exhausting place for me to be in. I can’t explain it. Every step feels as if I’m in Everett Base Camp—oxygen is thin, and I may just pass out next to the portrait of some European king.”
I don’t even like museums and feel the same way. I always tell myself I “should” like them. But I don’t. I’d rather people watch just like you. I’m now officially letting myself off the hook. Thank you 🙏
Thank you James! Yes, even I felt some guilt because I DO like museums, but after I went to one in Budapest I couldn't do it anymore and cut myself some slack. Travel the way you want to!
These are your pictures?? They’re amazing!!
...my favorite art to see when traveling is people...and food...maybe food first...and also rocks...great read man...
I love this! Resonates with a theme I've written on in that the value in travel has little to do with the substance itself and everything to do with how it shapes and transforms your inner world.
Using that as my north star vs. what sounds like the cool, sexy thing I should be doing in this new place has radically enhanced my travel experiences