Long Way Home Chronicles by Maria Vargas

Maria Vargas

Welcome to Long Way Home Chronicles, where Maria and her guests share stories of embracing life’s detours, personal growth, and unforgettable travels. From inspiring conversations to Maria’s own travel experiences, discover why the longer, uncertain path often leads to the most memorable experiences. www.longwayhomechronicles.com

Episodes

  1. Shaking The Routine: Around the World with Logan Hyder

    11/14/2024

    Shaking The Routine: Around the World with Logan Hyder

    First podcast episode with a guest is live, yall!! Logan and I met through LinkedIn. Yep, another story of a stranger from the internet turned friend. Buckle up. If you're looking for inspiration to take a leap, travel, or simply explore new possibilities within your life and circumstances, or shake up the routine, Logan’s story is sure to spark some motivation. Listen to it here on Substack, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. In this episode, I chat with Logan about how he embarked on an incredible nine-month travel adventure. He shares all the ups and downs of his journey, from the personal growth that came with stepping out of his comfort zone to the meaningful connections he made with people all over the world. We talked about how taking the “long way home” means not being afraid to take a detour, talk to a stranger, or go on a side quest even if it takes us longer to reach our destination. Because the best things in life don’t happen when we take shortcuts. They happen when we take the long way home. Honorable mentions: * Jhuma for coming to the rescue with Logan’s SIM card in India! (minute 10:50) * Dara also from Yes Fam book club, who gave Logan tips when visiting Macedonia (minute 45:47) * The crazy Yes Theory video I was featured in * Read about my Long Way Home trip around the world in 89 days with a one-way flight ticket Connect with us: Follow Logan on Instagram @livelohy Follow Maria on Instagram @iavargas and @longwayhomechronicles Here are some other stories you might like… Get full access to Long Way Home Chronicles by Maria Vargas at www.longwayhomechronicles.com/subscribe

    1h 11m
  2. 11/05/2024

    Voice Note Storytime: Biggest Learnings From My Trip to Rural Colombia

    Show Notes: Introduction (00:00:06 - 00:00:17) Reflecting on recent adventures and trips to Colombia, particularly in the regions of Caldas and Antioquia. Focus on experiences with sugarcane producers and coffee farmers. Discovering Stories Beyond Expectations (00:00:22 - 00:01:17) Exploring the process of making panela and coffee. Unexpected lessons about the lives and struggles of campesinos, highlighting an aging workforce and the exodus of younger generations to cities. The Impact of Rural Migration (00:01:17 - 00:02:17) Insights into the challenges of sustaining agricultural knowledge and traditions. The loss of generational knowledge due to the lack of young people in rural areas. Fair Trade Regulations and Their Unintended Consequences (00:02:17 - 00:03:31) Examining how restrictions on child labor impact knowledge transfer. Advocating for a balance that allows children to learn traditional skills without exploitation. Rethinking Rural Education (00:03:31 - 00:08:08) Experiences at a rural school in Concepción, including a unique classroom with animals. Debunking myths about city education being inherently superior. A call to support rural education tailored to local needs and realities. The Value of Rural Community and Connection (00:08:08 - 00:09:26) Highlighting the importance of preserving small-town economies and traditions. Reflections on the need to balance modernization with respect for rural ways of life. A Story of Hope: Sustainable Farming in Remote Areas (00:09:26 - 00:10:32) Visiting a secluded farm accessible only by foot or horseback. Celebrating examples of families and communities creating sustainable futures while preserving tradition. Closing Thoughts (00:10:32 - End) Encouragement to challenge biases about rural and urban living. A call to action to support education and opportunities that empower rural communities. Key Takeaways: The importance of preserving agricultural traditions and knowledge. The role of education in sustaining rural communities. How sustainable tourism can support local economies while respecting cultural heritage. Resources Mentioned: Panela: A traditional Colombian sugar product. Concepción: A hidden gem in Colombia, balancing tourism and local traditions. Get full access to Long Way Home Chronicles by Maria Vargas at www.longwayhomechronicles.com/subscribe

    19 min
  3. 05/27/2024

    An Update from Paris (Q&A)

    In this episode, I share my latest adventures from New York City to Paris, recounting the magic of discovering a dream apartment and the inspiration I’ve found in the City of Light. I also answer some reader questions about my travel experiences and the challenges and rewards of writing my book. Show Notes: 0:00 - 0:10: Introduction and warm greetings to all listeners. 0:10 - 0:39: Recap of the past few weeks, including NYC and arriving in Paris 0:39 - 2:26: Returning to Paris and the story of finding my “magic apartment” through a chance encounter. 2:26 - 3:03: Discussing the creative energy of Paris and how it influences my writing and projects. 3:03 - 5:37: Listener Question #1: My most memorable exotic meals from travels, including a unique basil drink in Turkey, sea vegetables in Japan, and unusual medical foods in Hong Kong. 5:37 - 8:02: Listener Question #2: The most rewarding and challenging aspects of writing my book, and the personal growth that comes from sharing my experiences. 8:02 - 9:57: Insights into working with a creativity coach and managing creative energy alongside other commitments. 9:57 - 12:43: Listener Question #3: The evolution of my decision to write about my travels, inspired by a love for storytelling and the encouragement from readers. 12:43 - 14:01: The impact of connecting with readers and the joy of sharing relatable experiences. 14:01 - 16:13: Encouragement for listeners to share their own creative work and the importance of supporting one another’s dreams. 16:13 - 16:38: Conclusion, thanks to listeners, and a heartfelt farewell from Paris. Additional Resources: Follow my writing on Substack Check out my favorite book, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Shoutouts to Noemie for the apartment, G for the meal question, Beverly for the book writing question, and Matt for being my first blog subscriber. Stay Connected: Leave a comment or DM me with your thoughts on this episode. Follow me on Instagram for more updates from Paris and beyond. Outro: Thank you for listening! I appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my Parisian adventure. Have a wonderful day wherever you are. Au revoir! Get full access to Long Way Home Chronicles by Maria Vargas at www.longwayhomechronicles.com/subscribe

    17 min

About

Welcome to Long Way Home Chronicles, where Maria and her guests share stories of embracing life’s detours, personal growth, and unforgettable travels. From inspiring conversations to Maria’s own travel experiences, discover why the longer, uncertain path often leads to the most memorable experiences. www.longwayhomechronicles.com