The Back Story

This entire journey, this trip I am going to be taking, really began with a realization over my financial situation. I was working nearly full time and attempting to go to university at the same time. In April of 2007, it became clear to me that I was no longer mentally or financially capable to keep going to school. The decision to take a break from finishing my degree wasn’t a really hard one when it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to afford to pay off my current tuition for months.

Things turned around that summer when I picked up a second job in addition to the one I was currently working at. That job included many many tips which began to accumulate. When school was paid off, an idea began to form. What if I save up these tips and my cheques from my other job and go on a bit of a trip? And that’s exactly what I did.

What trip though? I was not even in the realm of considering going to a resort. It’s all well and good for some people, but I personally don’t have the will to spend $3000 to go to a resort to sit on a beach and get drunk. I can do that for $50 at the lake in the summer. Plus, I can get free food if my grandparents are there too.

A little research brought me to discovering GAP Adventures. Something like that spoke to me. It was different, something that most people I know have never done. And it wasn’t a resort. It was in the community, interacting with people. Being in the hotel industry, I loved that aspect.

I am not sure where exactly the idea of an Adventure trip turned into something more. I think as I got more invested in reading more and more, I stumbled across a blog by Eric Trinidad(see links list) and a lightbulb clicked on inside me. That is what I want to do! I was 22 years old. I wanted to do something outrageous before I had to settle down.

I am now 24 years old. I have finished my Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Political Studies, and I am well on my way to achieving my monetary goal and leaving for this adventure.