#127 - What happens when you leave your 9-5 job behind and embark on an eight-month journey across 17 countries? Join us as we chat with Peter Cordova, affectionately known as Petey, who did just that. Growing up in the heavily polluted mining town of La Oroya, Peru, Petey transitioned to a career in IT sales in Denver, Colorado, and found his true passion in videography and travel. In this episode, Petey recounts his remarkable sabbatical, sharing vivid stories from scuba diving in Honduras to hiking the trails of Patagonia, and summiting Kilimanjaro. His experiences are not just about the destinations but about the life-changing connections and the challenges faced along the way.

Petey’s journey isn’t just any travel tale; it’s a testament to the transformative power of cultural immersion. Hear how he navigated the bustling streets of Varanasi, bonded with strangers-turned-friends in hostels, and used apps like Couchsurfing to truly engage with local cultures. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain, Petey discovered that firsthand experiences vastly outweigh media portrayals, finding common ground with people from diverse backgrounds. Each encounter provided a new perspective, from the spiritual aura of the Ganga River to the serene landscapes of Switzerland, reshaping his views on global unity.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Listen as Petey recounts the unexpected hurdles—including a frantic hunt for a yellow fever vaccine in Lisbon and accidentally joining the wrong tour group at Kilimanjaro. Despite these challenges, each twist added a unique chapter to his adventure, culminating in a moving ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit with newfound friends. This episode promises exhilarating stories, reflections on overcoming personal limits, and a peek into Petey's future aspirations, including a potential trek to Everest base camp and a quest to visit all seven world wonders. Join us for an inspiring conversation that might just ignite your own wanderlust.

Be sure and give Petey a follow on Instagram @peter.junior_ and on YouTube @peter.junior_.

I also invite you to follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast.

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