memoirs & rambles

Memoirs & rambles is a Substack featuring personal narratives, travel experiences, and cultural reflections. It explores themes of adventure, cultural immersion, hitchhiking journeys, personal growth, and the beauty of nature across various countries, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of travel and human connections.

Travel Experiences Cultural Reflections Adventure Stories Personal Growth Nature and Environment

The hottest Substack posts of memoirs & rambles

And their main takeaways

What the fuck is going on in Argentina?

84 HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌐 International Economy Travel Culture
  1. Dealing with money in Argentina is complex due to high inflation, multiple exchange rates, and currency devaluation.
  2. Despite economic challenges, Argentina impressed travelers with good infrastructure, cleanliness, and safety in various regions.
  3. Argentinians work hard to make a living, with many struggling financially but still managing to maintain a decent standard of living.

Patagonia Diaries

93 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Reflections Family Experiences Inspiration
  1. The author was taken on a long road trip to Patagonia by their parents as a child, which sparked a deep love for driving and mountains
  2. Despite not recalling the trip details, the impact of the Patagonia journey lingered on and served as a frequent source of inspiration during the author's upbringing
  3. Revisiting the Patagonia trip with family after 25 years brought new insights, experiences, and reflections, shaping the author's perspective on travel and sparking an urge to document and share the journey

Eiger Dreams

93 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Seeing is important for inspiration and motivation.
  2. It's crucial to witness possibilities firsthand.
  3. Visiting places and meeting people can expand our perspectives.

Everything will be alright in Iceland

159 HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. Icelanders have a strong belief that 'everything will be alright' embedded in their culture.
  2. Living in Iceland requires a unique mentality of belief, determination, and preparedness.
  3. Icelanders are well-prepared to deal with crises, showing how their antifragility can be a valuable lesson for everyone.

There are many ways to say I love you

31 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
  1. Family traditions, like weekly lunches at grandma's, can create lasting bonds and memories.
  2. Actions often speak louder than words in showing love and care, like adapting recipes and regularly cooking for loved ones.
  3. Even without explicitly saying 'I love you,' gestures, like reciting poems, watching sports to connect, and reciting family history, can express deep affection and care.
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Hitchhiking around all of Taiwan

62 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. The author embarked on a journey to hitchhike around all of Taiwan, meeting various strangers and sharing endless stories.
  2. Despite initial challenges and doubts, hitchhiking provided a unique travel experience, allowing for deep exploration and cultural immersion.
  3. Through hitchhiking, the author discovered the kindness of Taiwanese people, experienced diverse adventures, and formed meaningful connections.

The B Circuit

31 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration
  1. Venturing off the beaten path can lead to unique and rewarding experiences, away from touristy areas.
  2. Local tips, like those from Uber drivers, can uncover hidden gems and enhance travel adventures.
  3. Prioritizing personal enjoyment over popular attractions can result in more fulfilling travel experiences.

Northern Lights

62 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Complacency can prevent us from experiencing beautiful moments
  2. Watching the Northern Lights doesn't always require going far from cities
  3. Forecasts, even for natural phenomena like Northern Lights, can be unpredictable

Late for biology class

93 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. The author planned a surprise party with a treasure hunt
  2. The author's attire during the treasure hunt led to a misunderstanding with the police
  3. Despite the misunderstanding, the author was let go without consequences

My scary first hitchhike

62 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. First solo hitchhike experience in Spain faced challenges like getting lost, running out of water, and encountering potential dangers.
  2. Despite a scary encounter during the hitchhike, the experience didn't deter from hitchhiking in the future and realizing most people are good.
  3. Lesson learned: Do not judge everyone based on one bad experience; there are many kind and helpful people in the world.

An (un)lucky hitchhike in Taiwan

93 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. The author had an adventurous hitchhiking experience in Taiwan, aiming to reach Hehuanshan Mountain.
  2. Taiwan offers more than just industrial cities and electronics - it has beautiful landscapes, beaches, and friendly people.
  3. Conflict resolution through open communication and understanding is vital, as shown by the encounter with a noisy camping group.

Trust me, I lived in Sydney

62 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. The author lived in Sydney for a short but intense period, dealing with challenges like finding housing and bike troubles.
  2. Despite many things going wrong, there were also positive experiences like making friends from various countries and enjoying unique activities.
  3. The journey back to Brazil during the pandemic was chaotic, involving multiple continents and challenges, highlighting the uncertain times.

Dancing salsa at a brothel in Medellín

31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. The visit to Colombia involved initial travel challenges, like a volcano about to erupt.
  2. Exploring Medellin revealed contrasting views of the city, from a thriving community to a more challenging urban center.
  3. Encountering potential danger while dancing salsa at a brothel highlighted the importance of staying aware of local risks.

Twin in Berlin

31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. The writer found love unexpectedly while traveling in Scotland.
  2. Sometimes fleeting connections can leave a lasting impact.
  3. True love is about wanting the best for the other person.

Riding strangers’ Cars from Zinal to Chamonix

31 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. The importance of appreciating the little things in life
  2. Unexpected kindness and connections can come from strangers
  3. Being open to unique experiences can lead to unforgettable memories

I'll probably be poor (relatively) soon

1 HN point • 06 Mar 24
  1. The author reflects on potential changes in their financial status compared to their friends' success and how it impacts their thoughts and emotions.
  2. Setting goals for personal growth and self-care is important, like focusing on tranquility, consistent writing, physical fitness, and pursuing passions.
  3. They highlight the significance of valuing personal interests and beliefs over societal expectations and material success, aiming for a fulfilling life beyond just monetary achievements.