November 24, 2011, my arrival in Venezuela,

My first solo road trip in Latin America began in a country as fascinating as it was intriguing: Venezuela.

I was a novice, a little lost in my desire to discover everything, but also full of curiosity and optimism. This trip was an adventure of freedom, learning, and unforgettable encounters.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the warmth of the Venezuelans, always ready to share a smile, a story, or a piece of advice. Among these magical moments, there were my first steps in the jungle of Altos de Sucre , a stone's throw from Puerto la Cruz. The dense vegetation and the incessant noises of the animals immersed me in another world, far from the tumult of everyday life. I felt tiny in the middle of this lush nature, yet deeply connected to it. It was the beginning of my adventures in a territory that I would never have imagined knowing so intimately.

But what really marked my first steps on this earth was the discovery of arepas . These small corn cakes, filled with everything you can imagine, quickly became a staple in my daily life.

Another highlight of my trip was the adventure to the Orinoco Delta. I had heard so much about this magical place, but nothing really prepared me for the reality: a labyrinth of water and vegetation, populated by wildlife. I had the opportunity to fish for piranha, an experience as exciting as it was a little strange. We set off in a dugout canoe, gliding across the calm waters, admiring the spectacular landscapes, and sharing stories with the local guides, who knew every nook and cranny of the area.

It was also here that I experienced nights in a hammock in the heart of the jungle, falling asleep under a sky dotted with stars. There was an indescribable magic in these moments of calm, far from the modern world. Every crackle of the forest, every movement in the trees, became a soothing melody.

One of the highlights of my adventure was meeting a lovely French couple. They offered me my first dive, and not just anywhere! It was in the Mochima Natural Park, a sublime place where the crystal clear waters offered us a spectacle of colors and marine life that I will never forget. The experience was simply magical, an immersion in another world, under the surface of the water, in a ballet of multi-colored fish and corals.

It was also with them that I met a character as endearing as he was enigmatic. We will call him Y, a free man, living in his VW Combi, crossing the country at his own pace, looking for adventure on every street corner. His philosophy of life had a profound impact on me. Y was a true nomad, and his stories of freedom, travel and discovery opened my eyes. It was after this meeting that the idea of becoming a free nomad germinated in me. I wanted this freedom, this feeling of being able to live fully and to venture without limits.

And then the road continued. We left Venezuela, heading for Brazil, passing through the Gran Sabana. The road, long and winding, offered breathtaking landscapes. Each turn, each new stage revealed a little more of the raw and wild beauty of Latin America.

Venezuela, with its energy, diversity and exuberant nature, was a true gateway to adventure.

This first stage of my journey was a mixture of discoveries, challenges, and moments of pure magic.