Two nomadic hearts eager to explore the world and sure that wherever they go, Genoa will always be their safe haven.
In 2017, in the nightlife of the alleys, when they met Alberto Grillo – born and raised in the Ligurian capital – and the Mexican Sofia Becerra, they didn’t think they would invest energy and resources in a long journey to discover America. Farther he’s in a vanLonger, excluding driver and passenger seats 4.7 meters. Instead, the paths of life have led them to freedom and new experiences, which is why, at the age of 30, they left Argentina last March with the expectation of coming to Canada in September 2023. Along the way, they there must be many: between bad weather and vehicle breakdowns, it is essential to prepare well and face the unexpected on a journey that never fails.
“When we met,” Alberto explained to Genoa Today, “Sofía was doing a university exchange in Genoa when I went on a backpacking trip to Guatemala, Belize and Mexico a few days after graduation. The last position helped to see and hear us regularly. The two fall in love and decide to go to the Ligurian capital to start. a life together. Here they start working, Sofía as an interior designer specializing in yachts following various projects with a VAT number, and Alberto as an employee in a large accounting firm.
The decision to leave everything.
Disappointment fueled things: “We were close to buying our dream home, which meant serious long-term debt. Then everything disappeared and the apartment was sold to a third party. At that point we wondered if we were really committed to going this route or if it was better to clear our heads in a big way. For this reason, before the age of 30, the greatest desire to become reality (Alberto, at the beginning, 29 years old) must be fulfilled: to abandon everything to travel by minibus from Argentina to Canada, and discover its wonders. American continent.
Ni improved and folded Plan everything for a year and a halfwork hard and save as much as possible: “In August 2021 we bought a used Ford Transit in Mexico, thanks to the intervention of Sofía’s parents -explains Alberto- and during the summer holidays we worked day and night to prepare the van. Install even solar panels for power supply. Our professions helped us a lot: define an economic budget “mine, yours” for vehicle interior design. In early 2022 we boarded a van on a ship from Mexico to Argentina, where our journey officially began on March 1st.”
Budget: “We work remotely and aim for savings”
But how do they manage their respective jobs and how does the couple maintain themselves? The strategy is working remotely: “Sofía has finished the projects she followed in Genoa and now, in front of the PC, she deals with the design of various home interiors. I resigned from the company I worked for, but given the splendid relationship with colleagues and with the boss over time, I had the opportunity to carry out some remote work projects, for which I will never stop thanking my former company .
Then there is a particular focus on expenses: “For these first 9 months of travel, our budget covers everything 15 euros each per day. We pay no rent or bills and thanks to our three solar panels we are completely self-sufficient. Of course, the cost also depends on the length of the trip, but many people mistakenly think that you have to be rich to face such an experience. This is not the case: what matters most is the organizational capacity”. It’s a job that allows you to do it remotely, even on time.
Home Memories: “We lack pockets and focaccia”
Sofia and Alberto – They talk about their journey Instagram Y Luz de red – They are willing to clarify that they have not ‘escaped’ from their lives: “In Genoa we were very happy with friends, family and work -they explain-, but we thought that you have to put a brake on other people’s dreams, no. If there are still children or mortgages, it’s perfect to leave. Time. We are now fully encouraged in this new reality with the uncertainty of the future, but we know our means. Genoa has always been our safe haven: sunsets on the carpet. and breakfast at Poccatasse, the fresh air of the Rigi and of course the focaccia!”.
Travel: “How exciting it is to sleep in a tent at 4,000 meters in front of a volcano”
The basic idea is to learn about the culture and incredible landscapes of America. Next, the couple will travel between the United States and Canada, visiting famous national parks on the one hand and keeping an eye out for job opportunities in cities that suit their lifestyle on the other.
In A nine month journey Alberto and Sofia have visited, traveled and worked in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and have adopted a kitten named Merlin. Now they have returned to Mérida (Yucatán), Mexico, to spend Christmas with Sofía’s family.
It is difficult to choose a moment of these nine months to remember: “Probably the most emotional – two young men – sleep in a tent at 4,000 meters in Guatemala in front of ‘El Volcán de Fuego’. It erupts violently every 15 minutes and makes your heart race.
