“Go to where you do not know what you do not know. That is where you will find all your opportunities.”

― Jeffrey Fry

Over the last few months, I have to admit I’ve been caught in a little quicksand of indecision.

Once my lovely time in the yurt came to an end, life stretched out before me like a big, blank canvas. On the one hand, I’m entirely grateful for this freedom – indeed, it’s what I’ve come to value so much about being a freelancer. On the other hand, it can also be a little terrifying. I occasionally wish someone would just appear at my side and tell me where to go next. I think it’s why I’ve delayed this decision for so long – the decision of where to go after this West Coast summer.

I kept waiting for some external opportunity to present itself and set the course of my path for me. But exactly one month ago today, I finally decided to stop waiting. I decided to decide.

From the moment I learned that the International Urban Sketching Symposium is taking place in Paraty, Brazil, this August, a tiny seed had been planted about visiting South America – the only continent besides Antarctica that I have yet to step foot on. I started researching other countries in the region – Ecuador and Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru – and formulating possible plans. Ultimately I decided to focus on three countries that’ll be relatively simple to reach from one other, be somewhat budget-friendly to travel in, and will put my long-neglected Spanish skills to the test again.

And so it was that I pulled up one of my favorite flight booking sites, entered in the various dates and destinations I had been toying with, and hit the one button I’d been avoiding for months: Book.

My friends, I booked a flight to South America!

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The header nearly says it all. I’ll be flying into Cartagena, Colombia, at the end of August and heading back to the US from Lima, Peru, seven weeks later in mid-October.

From Cartagena, I’m thinking about wandering north to the Guajira Peninsula – home to an indigenous people group called the Wayuu; I’ll then slowly work my way down through Ecuador, where I’m hoping to complete a village-to-village hiking route called the Quilotoa Traverse (which circles the beautiful crater lake featured in the header); and finally into Peru, home to the iconic Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley – but also to cities like Huancavelica that I’d love to explore.

Writing all that out still feels quite surreal – just as it’s hard to believe that my e-ticket isn’t yet another screenshot of a flight option I’ve researched. What I do know is that I absolutely can’t wait to step foot on my sixth continent. And after drawing my way through Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe last year, I really can’t wait to start my third official sketching trip. I haven’t the slightest idea of what awaits me next month, and the thought of that thrills me. It’s yet another lesson I’ve learned this year:

That as scary as the unknown can be – be it our future or simply a new corner of the world – it’s up to us to finally fill in the blanks…not to mention our sketchbooks.

Who’s ready for some South American sketches?

Sketching trip to South America

Sketching trip to South America

Sketching trip to South America

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So those are my upcoming travel plans! Now I’d love to hear yours…where is life taking you over the next few months?

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40 Comments

  • So happy to hear this, Candace! South America will be amazing. I’m looking forward to all of your sketches, as I’m sure you’ll find endless inspiration. My travels, as you know, are taking me to the Czech Republic. But, first, France! Can’t wait to practice my French there and to finally make it to Europe, for the first time ever. Lots of first for both of us. Safe travels, sweet soul!

    • Thank you so much, dear Joc! And you have just reminded me that I have still yet to get back to your latest email with all of its *wonderful* news!! I am beyond thrilled about this new adventure awaiting you….I only wish that our time in the Czech Republic had overlapped 🙂 I can’t believe this will be your first time in Europe! My first few months there when I started traveling were nothing short of magical…every place held wonders to discover. I can’t wait to read your stories! xoxo

      (PS! If I remember correctly, in your email you mentioned possibly attending TBEX Athens…this is a short little note to say YES, I’ll be there as well! Please keep me posted, as it would make my day to know we’ll finally get to meet in person 🙂

      • That makes me so excited! I bought the ticket, so I will be there! Can’t wait to meet in the flesh. <3

  • I know I already said it — but I will say it again — YAY! South America is so amazing and I am so thrilled for you! I cannot wait to see all the amazing sketches that you create while you are there. And, of course, let me know if I can give any tips or anything! So exciting!!!!!!!!!!! xoxo

    • Ahhh, THANK YOU, Aurora!!! Your excitement means the world to me 🙂 I thought it was such perfect timing you were in Peru so recently, and seeing your photos got me incredibly excited to experience it for myself soon. My plans are still very rough, so as soon as I have a better idea, I’d love to ask you for tips! Thank you!!! xoxo

  • That is so exciting! You are going to lose your shit it is so wonderful! Hopefully you don’t get carpal tunnel syndrome trying to sketch all the many crazy, beautiful, only-in-South-America scenes. 🙂 xo

    • Haha Tracy! Your comment just about made my day 🙂 I know I am definitely going to go crazy while I’m there….the only problem will be bringing enough sketchbooks to last the whole trip (and, as you rightly say, making sure the hand and wrist stay in good shape 😉 So it sounds like you’ve spent time in South America – may I ask where you went? I’d love to hear! xoxo

      • I have been lucky enough to spend time in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. I can’t sketch for love or money but if I could I would definitely head to Cartagena, Salento & the Medellin Flower Show (in August) in Colombia; Arequipa, Cusco & Machu Picchu in Peru & Cuena in Ecuador. Luckily your hand should get plenty of rest during the long bus rides. 🙂 Have an awesome trip ! xo

  • I love the quote and I completely understand that indecision (currently experiencing it right now). It’s kind of the problem with having every option available- not that I’m complaining! But I, too, keep waiting for someone or something to pop up and make my decision for me. Anyway, I am excited for you to see SA. Ecuador is one of my all-time favorite countries!

    • Thanks so much, my friend! And I know you definitely understand the indecision….it’s just about the biggest blessing in the world, having this kind of freedom in life, but at the same time, it also has its lovely moments of difficulty 🙂 It’s awesome to hear you loved Ecuador so much – I’ll have to go do some reading on your blog and see where you and Brian explored! XO

  • So exciting! I never anticipated that you might head waaaay south, but I think only good things will come from this decision. Like Kim, I loved the quote you started this post with and think that although it’s a scary philosophy to embrace, it’s one that has done right by me whenever I’ve had the courage to heed it.

    I’ve never been to SA, but I’ve become mildly obsessed with Colombia over the past few years, so I’m really eager to get to see it through your sketches.

    • “I think only good things will come from this decision.” Your vote of confidence means a lot, Steph! And it’s awesome hearing about your mild obsession with Colombia 🙂 Truth be told, after researching a ton of different flight options, it turned out to be an inexpensive place to fly into – so that was my main motivation at first…but the more I read about the country, the more I realize it’s actually going to be pretty amazing to explore – so I’m grateful for the chance to visit! xo

  • That is so incredibly exciting! South America was my first travel love and I would love to be going back there soon! You are going to have the most wonderful time and I can’t wait to see the sketches.
    What about the Paraty symposium? Paraty is gorgeous!

    • Thanks so much, Jade! It’s wonderful to hear you loved your time in South America so much – I can’t wait to share sketches from there with you then 🙂 And it was definitely a tough call deciding not to attend the symposium – I spent some time researching Paraty, and the photos look incredible! I finally decided not to go for a few different reasons – Brazil seems to be a bit more expensive to travel in, and it was also going to take a little while to get from Paraty to Peru, Ecuador, etc. – so I decided I’d save Brazil for when I’ve got more time to explore it! xo

      • That is probably a wise decision! It definitely is more pricey and those long distances buses can feel like you are wasting so much good travel time. My longest was an unavoidable 55 hours!

        • That is a *serious* number of hours to be on a bus! I don’t mind long-distance train travel at all, but buses are a much different story 😉 PS – If you’ve got any recommendations for Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, please feel free to send them over!

  • I’m green with envy that you’re going to be attending the USK symposium in Brazil!
    Their program looks brilliant – that will be such a blast – and I love the way that that formed the nucleus from which your next trip has spun off into a SA adventure 🙂

    • Thanks so much, Linda! Although I’m so sad to say I actually decided not to attend the symposium this year 🙁 I was just writing to Jade below that Brazil seemed to be a bit more expensive to travel in, and trying to get from Paraty to other countries (Peru, Ecaudor, etc.) was going to be a little hike! So I decided I’d like to focus on just three countries for this trip, and save Brazil for a future adventure – but perhaps we should try to meet up at a USK symposium at some point…how fun would that be?! 🙂 xoxo

  • Your upcoming trip sounds fantastic! At the age of 81 I think my traveling days are just about over and and am so pleased to have found your blog so I can travel along with you and your sketches as well as your wonderful musings about where you are, what you are doing and seeing and who you are meeting. Safe trip and happy trails Candace.

    • Thank you so much, Roberta! I too am so delighted that the universe sent you my way, as it’s been absolutely wonderful getting to know you both here and through the Great Affair Facebook page 🙂 I’ve had such a blast sharing stories and sketches with you this last year, and can’t wait to see what awaits us on a new continent! xo

  • That is totally the way I decide where to travel. I wait and see what housesitting assignment we get and then plan the trip around the house-sit. Having an active time both before and after the housesit. Can’t wait for your South American sketches. We have not been there and will be interested in your insights incase we ever get there ourselves.

    • I love that, Jan! It’s great that you’ve had so much success with housesitting, and how wonderful that it can now help define your adventures. Do you have an idea of where you’ll be headed next? And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for good spots in South America, in case a housesitting opportunity should turn up there for you 🙂

  • Yay, we finally get to hear your plan! Thanks for sharing!
    Isn’t it funny how so many of us travelers travel so far from home, and end up neglecting our own American continent? I’ve seen loads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, but very little of North, Central, and South America! That will all change in a year or so, when we bring our vehicle onto the American continent! I’m so excited to see places a bit closer to home, and I am guessing you feel the same.
    Enjoy your South America exploration! My brother has been living in Quito for three years, so if you need any tips or accommodtion, let me know and I’ll put you in touch.

    • Ahh! Brittany, it is SO fun to hear that your epic campervan is going to be making its debut on the American continent next year 🙂 You will have to keep me posted on where and when you’ll be thinking of traveling!! And how fun to hear that your brother’s lived in Quito for three years – you guys are quite the international family 🙂 I think I should definitely be passing through the city at some point, so I’d love to get some tips from him soon – thanks so much, and safe travels in Uganda this week! xo

  • Yay I’m excited for you! We spent five months traveling through South America way before I started travel writing and that was definitely our best trip to date. You talked about Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in your plans, but what about Brazil? Aren’t you going to spend time there after your syposium? Brazil is definitely a lot more expensive than the other three countries. My fav was definitely Ecuador – it’s smaller in comparison to the other countries but packs it all in – the Amazon, Andes and my fav the Galapagos. Hope you get the chance to see all three!

  • I’m ridiculously excited for you and am looking forward to all the stories and sketches!! 🙂

  • I am thrilled for you and very excited to following you journey! I hope to travel to these places myself someday and your posts help keep me motivated to work towards that goal. 🙂

  • I look forward to seeing all your sketches. I’m in Jordan at the moment studying and then heading to Turkey next week to eat, explore, and visit friends. And afterwards back to Jordan and to places otherwise yet unknown. Thinking maybe somewhere in Africa, perhaps Oman, Bulgaria, somewhere in the Caucasus, and Saudi if I can get my visa straightened out. I’m away I think 3 months on this particular trip

  • Ooh, we spent 2 weeks in Peru (I know, only 2 weeks) in 2008 and it was completely amazing. We did the Inka Trail and loved every minute. Okay, not *every* minute. But we really enjoyed it. 🙂

  • Hey candace….I haven`t followed your sketches for a while, now….sorry!! I`ll go through all those travels that I missed 🙂 and wish you a wonderful south american vacation.
    I am planning a second visit to the beautiful Parambikulam(kerala) tiger reserve next month….

  • I am SO excited for you! This is amazing. I can’t wait to see the sketches you come up with from South America – I loved my year there so much and I can only imagine how beautiful your work is going to be. I spent quite a bit of time in both Colombia and Peru (though only a few weeks in Ecuador, sadly) so if you need any tips let me know. As far as Colombia goes, I would definitely recommend some time in Salento and in Popayan, both very relaxing places.

  • Exciting! I’ve been to both Peru and Ecuador and they were fantastic! I didn’t spend much time in either location, but what I saw and experienced definitely has me wanting more. Enjoy!

  • Awesome! We have been saving South America too – not on purpose, we just didn’t feel like we could do it justice by trying to fit it into this trip. If you happen to make your way back into the NW post-South America, we should be back from Canada by then. 🙂

  • So exciting! I can’t quite believe the nightmare I had getting discus to allow me to sign on to comment on this, but I hope you are well on your way to enjoying an amazing time in South America! Can’t wait to follow along and see the sketches that come from such an adventure.

  • Wow, can’t wait! I’ve traveled quite a bit around South America and look forward to seeing your sketches.

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