Stu McKenzie
Name and age
Stu McKenzie - 25
Hometown
Brisbane, Australia
When did you start your travels?
May 1st, 2011
Reason for taking this trip
I got sick of working in a corporate environment, and of living in Australia/America. I've always wanted to live somewhere third-world, cheap, and most importantly - simply. I want to learn so many things, and to expose myself to an environment where I'm always growing and taking risks to grow as fast as possible. This trip seemed like a great way to bring all of those things together.
Why did you decide to drive?
Initially I was going to fly down to live in South America, but I wouldn't have been able to take my guitar and surfboard with me everywhere I went - driving sounded perfect. So far I have seen so much just by driving, and the best parts that I have seen have been outside of the major cities, I wouldn't be as free to see whatever I want if I flew into the cities.
What type of car are you driving?
1972 Volkswagen Bus
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Many modifications - you can see the list of them here: http://stuzorandtheworld.com/the-bus/
How did you save up or finance your trip?
I worked for 2.5 years at Microsoft as a Software Engineer
How long do you plan on traveling?
however long feels right - perhaps 1-2 years, maybe more if funds permit.
Where do you plan on driving?
From Seattle, USA - down the west coast in the direction of Argentina
Reason for taking this trip
I got sick of working in a corporate environment, and of living in Australia/America. I've always wanted to live somewhere third-world, cheap, and most importantly - simply. I want to learn so many things, and to expose myself to an environment where I'm always growing and taking risks to grow as fast as possible. This trip seemed like a great way to bring all of those things together.
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
A lot of people thought I was crazy, family was very scared about the idea of me driving through Mexico, a lot of friends were very supportive. Now that I've started my trip everyone seems to be very supportive, and a lot of people seem to be very inspired and want to join me on my trip.
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country?
I did not speak Spanish when I left. I plan to take a few months of lessons in Central America while I travel and surf. Perhaps Guatemala, but I'm not counting on that yet.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
I have only just started, and right now I'm in the USA. So far my favourite city has been San Diego.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
Being invited to stay with a very hospitable drug dealer on his vineyard: http://stuzorandtheworld.com/2011/06/13/vineyards-and-drug-dealers/
What was the worst border crossing?
So far the worst border has been crossing from Honduras into Nicaragua, being swamped by 15 people to help and my friend not having the correct paperwork to exit the country. Also trying to leave Honduras by plane for a week to the Cayman Islands I encountered some corrupt immigration officials in Honduras who tricked me into paying a $150 fine for incorrect migration stamps.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
Do it. Selling everything and quitting your job is the most liberating feeling. You become free of all that baggage. When you are traveling you become free of any expectations from people, and it allows you to be whoever you want. You meet new people every day, and it offers you a chance to really grow and learn how to interact better with everyone.
Would you do it again?
Right now I have been traveling for 1.5 months, and I would like to live like this forever. I am already thinking about where I'd like to drive next, perhaps around Australia, perhaps sailing around the Caribbean.
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip?
http://StuzorAndTheWorld.com
