Timeline
10+ years ago
The idea of an Alaska-Argentina trip
About 10 years ago, I began to dream of traveling from Alaska to Argentina. At first, it was meant to be a short trip, but over time it evolved into a multi-year journey focused on researching and discussing human rights issues.
September 2021
Masters’ thesis on the project
During my Masters program, I collaborated with Caroline Brandao, the director of international humanitarian law at the French Red Cross, to refine my ideas and plan the logistics of my project. After months of work, I completed my thesis entitled “Human rights education to ease social tensions and participate in a peace process : The case of Beyond Borders in Colombia”.
March – May 2022
Hawila Project
To reduce my carbon emissions, I decided I would sail across the Atlantic and that’s how I became involved with the Hawila Project in Denmark. Through this incredible initiative, I made good friends and learned a great deal about sailing and shipbuilding. The amazing project focuses on using a 35-meter-long sailing boat from 1935 to raise awareness about the impact of maritime transport on climate change. The ship was undergoing renovations in Holbaek, Denmark at the time. Therefore, I split my time between being on board and working on the organization’s strategic restructuring.
Summer 2022
Sailing trips and preparations
Following my time in Denmark, my desire to sail from Europe to America increased even more. As a result, I embarked on several sailing expeditions with various captains and thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. I navigated through the Biscay Bay, sailed from Eastbourne, UK to Calais, France, and partook in a few day trips. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a captain to cross the Atlantic with in 2022 and ultimately had to book a flight.
October 2022
Stress-management in high-risk areas training with Special Forces
To be honest, I did it for fun. However, it did help me prepare for some security aspects of the trip, such as kidnapping, self-defense, implementing security measures and utilizing government resources in case of emergency.
October 20th, 2022
Departure from France
After hours spent on deciding what to bring and what to leave behind, I said goodbye to my friends and family to embark on a flight from Paris to New York.
October 20th – November 7th 2022
New York
Spent time with my friends and visited around.
November 8th – November 14th 2022
Montréal
Spent time with Louise and Marin.
November 14th 2022 – January 2nd 2023
Philadelphia
Visited Christa and her family. Spent time with Helen and Justin. Ate a lot of Philly Cheese steaks and became an Eagles’ fan.
January 3rd – April 30th 2023
Girdwood
Worked at Alyeska resort as a front desk agent, then as a barista. Also worked at the Double Musky Inn and at Alyeska hostel.
Learnt how to snowboard.
Enjoyed the dark snowy days.
April 26th – 27th 2023
Fairbanks – getting Eileen
Drove up with Gil and Malachi to get my 1999 Chevy Express 3500. She became Eileen this summer thanks to my friend Mooney’s “Come on, Eileen” graffiti.
May 11th – August 13th 2023
Skilak Lake
Worked for Alaska Wildland Adventure. Learnt how to be a guide and learnt lots about plants and wildlife. Saw my first bears, whales, orcas, eagles, …
Went on beautiful hikes and backpacking trips.
August 13th – September 8th 2023
Traveling and enjoying Alaska
My dad came over and traveled with me for a while. Went to Hope, Homer, Portage, Whittier, Palmer, and Denali State Park.
Also prepared for the upcoming big journey and said goodbye to my life here in the last frontier.
September 9th – September 14th 2023
Alaska – Yukon convoy
The Athletes convoy, composed of Addie, Brock, Ryan, Ben and Slava, travelled 2,500 miles from Palmer, AK to Grande Prairie, AB. We detoured through Valdez and Skagway and had a little emergency stop in Fort Nelson. Eileen got nicknamed Mama Duck for leading the group.
September 14th – September 29th 2023
Canadian National Parks and road trip
Visited Jasper, Banff, Yoho and Glacier National parks. Met a lot of French people and spoke French to non-family members for the first time in 9 months. Visited the natural Halfway Hot Springs.
September 30th – October 24th 2023
Canadian West Coast
Spent time in Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver.
Eileen got her control arm replaced and we stuffed ourselves with Asian food.
October 26th – November 14th 2023
US East Coast
Passed through Seattle. Visited family and reconnected with my roots in DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
November 15th – December 1st 2023
Squamish, BC -> Utah, USA
After a 30-hour trip back, I spent two weeks of indecision and laughter with the Primos in Squamish. I did also cut a hole through Eileen’s roof to install ventilation and try to fix my door.
December 5th – April 21st 2024
Utah Pt.1
Worked for the winter in Alta. Made great friends, snowboarded a lot, and volunteered with Wasatch Adaptive. Not a great few months.
May 2024
Utah Pt.2
Went to the desert with friends, Moab, some National Parks, Salt Lake City in the Spring, rafting in Idaho, and goodbyes.
June 1st – July 12th 2024
Europe
Roadtrip to BC through Wyoming (Yellowstone), Montana, Idaho, and Washington (North Cascades). Back to Europe for a month to see friends and family.
July 12th – October ? 2024
British Columbia and Washington
Spent the summer with the highlining community in Squamish and visited Vancouver Island and Olympic National Park with my mum.