I am a digital nomad, constantly on the move
We became fast friends, and every single day I was there, before or after work, he picked me up on his motorcycle and took me to different parts of the city. He showed me what foods to try, as I invited him to share my table. While we came from opposite parts of the world, I quickly felt like I had known him for a very long time. He taught me the value of warmth, a kind smile, and a giving spirit.
- 2 years ago
February 9, 2023
Ramiro Cristófaro travels the world as a member of a growing population of "digital nomads" who forego traditional work experiences to live a nomadic lifestyle | Photo courtesy of Ramiro Cristófaro
BARCELONA, Spain ꟷ I am a digital nomad, constantly on the move. From Belize to Syria to Pakistan, each place tells a story. I get to see for myself what the world is really like. I wanted to travel the world to surprise myself. To me, it is better than any university education.
I learn by visiting countries, eating their food, understanding their culture, and learning their traditions. You cannot gain that kind of depth by studying in a classroom. No one can teach you. You must experience it.
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At a young age, my family went on trips to Europe and North America, so when I finished school, I decided to leave Argentina. I worked in different countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. The nomadic lifestyle suited me.
In Belize, I showered over a well, my feet steadied on two wooden boards
Once I realized my calling to be a digital nomad, I never stopped traveling. Today you can find me in Barcelona, but I move around frequently. After my first solo trip to Nepal, I went to Lebanon and Syria. I learned first-hand what the people go through. It grounded me, planting my feet solidly on the ground. I saw how people must fight every day to live in this world.
Once, I traveled to Belize without my partner. As a member of worldwide group of “couch surfers,” I made arrangements to stay with a person in their house. When I arrived in the country, I hailed a taxi. The driver said he would not take me to the location, even though it was close by. I hailed a second cab and a third one. They all said no. Finally, the fourth taxi driver agreed to take me to the house.
We arrived at the favela [a working-class neighborhood in Brazil] and I hesitated, but soon saw my host waiting for me with his bicycle. My heart began pumping harder as fear moved throughr me. While the taxi driver offered to take me back to the terminal, I decided to trust the situation and stay. We crossed through a precarious neighborhood to the gentleman’s house. I soon could tell; he was a very generous person.
Inside, I decided to take a shower. A thin stream of water flowed out. On the floor lay two pieces of wood to prevent you from falling into the well where the bathroom water flowed. Humbled and grateful, I stayed. My host selflessly offered me food and coffee, despite living in extreme poverty. He shared what little he had.
Discovering the beauty of the human spirit in Pakistan and Syria
When I arrived in Syria, the economic crisis showed its face clearly. An acute situation, the country had many restrictions in place. I quickly discovered how much people struggled just to get fuel. Many people stopped using their cars or got rid of them completely. Yet, a great sense of camaraderie existed between them. They helped each other, waving their thumbs on the side of the road so those still with a vehicle could take them to their destinations. It moved me to witness human beings coming together in the worst moments.
Like Syria and Brazil, in Pakistan I also experienced the good in human nature and the generosity of people. As I told a hotel manager in Pakistan about my project to tour all the countries in the world, he looked surprised. He soon confirmed for me that the Pakistani people remain some of the most friendly and hospitable in all the world.
We became fast friends, and every single day I was there, before or after work, he picked me up on his motorcycle and took me to different parts of the city. He showed me what foods to try, as I invited him to share my table. While we came from opposite parts of the world, I quickly felt like I had known him for a very long time. He taught me the value of warmth, a kind smile, and a giving spirit.
I always miss Argentina and my family and friends. Home remains a thing that can never be replaced. I want to see my nephews grow, so I keep in mind I can always go back.
From Lake Pokhara to eating scorpions in Beijing, digital nomad looks forward to sharing experiences with others
As I make my journey around the world, I blog and share my experiences across my networks. People ask lots of questions about exotic or far-off countries. To them, so many places seem inaccessible, dangerous, or not associated with tourism. Perhaps that is somewhat true, but I go anyway. I want to know how people live in Sierra Leone, for example, and you cannot find as much information about it.
When people read articles and see information about my experiences, on my blog or social media, they gain confidence, and their interest grows. Some fans even inquire about countries I have not visited yet. They ask me to let them know when I go. I consider leading small group trips to hard-to-reach destinations.
When I enjoy these spectacular experiences, I want to share my thoughts and feelings. I want to tell someone right away, as I look at the lake in Pokhara or eat a scorpion in Beijing. I love the surprises and look forward to sharing the world with others.
