[001] What's This All About?
I'm travelling in South America. Here's what I'm up to, some photos and other bits
In January 2024 I will head to Argentina. I plan for this to be the first of a few countries, taking a couple months to travel up South America depending how the wind blows.
This is off the back of leaving my job in London - a decision which felt scary at first, but after some proper thinking and from a privileged position now feels very right.
Time isn't slowing down, and the stars in my life seemed well aligned to take this step. I'm hoping to engage with nature, do lots of reading and reflection, learn from new people I meet, and work out what to give my time and energy to next.
I chose South America because I've never visited before, and the ideas of travelling between a diverse set of countries and landscapes by land appealed to me.
I'll start at the bottom of the world: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. I first saw this name outside an Ibiza nightclub (in the middle of the day, on a beach walk with my family). As far as I know there is no connection with the city.
It's an alluring name, the vowels jumbling together and leaving me no clue how to pronounce it.
Starting here felt the most logical. No decisions required because the only way is up/north (at least to begin with). Hence the title of this newsletter... 'Up From Ushuaia'
I've never been a good writer. My words come out in the wrong order, and my speech feels at odds with how words should sit on a page. But I feel I have some things to say.
I'm hoping this newsletter will commit me to writing more and sharing other creative interests of mine: photography, music, drawings. It also gives me a method to document my trip, and I aim to publish something every week.
For you, it might be a richer way to follow what I'm up to beyond the odd instagram post or two. I hope you will find it somewhat interesting, and I'd love to hear from you along the way. Hit reply to any email of mine - it will make me smile.
For now, here is a song giving me energy right now:
Patti Smith - People Have The Power
Thanks for joining me on my journey
Love
George
PS. if you're wondering about the photo, it's me aged 5 looking delighted for my school picture. I think things have improved since then, and definitely hope the haircut has...?