It’s been eight months since Mendoza native Evangelina Gonzalez set off on her 1km+ mission – to travel to five countries on five different continents, all while riding on an electric longboard. Her goal? To raise awareness and funds for an African NGO that she also works with. But what’s happened on her journey so far?
In April of 2022, Gonzalez began her journey in Portugal, where she felt the pressure to complete her goal for the NGO. “I was pretty rigid with my plan: travel every day, complete the 1,000 kilometers, it was a mental and physical strain,” she said. “In my mind, I kept telling myself to keep going no matter what, but I didn’t enjoy the scenery or the people.” But this experience taught her to be more flexible, which she put into practice when she moved on to her next destination: Costa Rica.
It was in Costa Rica where Gonzalez fell in love with the country and its people. “I made friends with the locals, the police would stop to help me. I think it’s the country that reminded me of the essence of 1km+. Plus, it went viral on social media and the people supported me, they liked that I was showing their country to the world and that’s when everything changed,” she said. Gonzalez ended up staying in Costa Rica for a month and a half, completing nearly 700 kilometers in 12 days.
During her stay in Costa Rica, Gonzalez was able to fully immerse herself in the culture and meet the locals. She visited small villages, went on adventures in the rainforest, and even learned to surf. “I never expected to fall in love with a country like Costa Rica. The people are so friendly and welcoming, and the nature is breathtaking. I felt like I belonged there,” she said.
However, the journey was not always easy. Gonzalez faced several challenges, including bad weather, road closures, and even being chased by dogs. But she never let these obstacles stop her from completing her mission. “I had to learn to adapt to different situations and to keep going no matter what. That’s the essence of 1km+,” she said.
After her time in Costa Rica, Gonzalez moved on to her third destination: Australia. The country was a complete contrast to what she had experienced in Costa Rica. The landscape was dry and hot, and the culture was completely different. “Australia was a challenge in every way. The heat was unbearable, and the terrain was rough. But it was also a great opportunity to test my limits and to see how far I could go,” she said.
Gonzalez traveled through the outback, visiting small towns, and meeting the locals. She also had the opportunity to meet with the NGO she was supporting, which helped her understand the impact of her journey. “I got to see firsthand how the NGO was helping the local community, and it made me realize how important my journey was,” she said.
After her time in Australia, Gonzalez returned to Germany for a short break before moving on to her fourth destination: India. “India was a complete shock to my system. The culture, the people, the noise, and the pollution. It was overwhelming,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Gonzalez was able to explore the country and learn about its rich culture and history. She visited the Taj Mahal, rode on a rickshaw, and even had the opportunity to participate in a traditional Hindu ceremony. “India was an intense experience, but it was also one of the most rewarding. I learned so much about the country and the people,” she said.
Gonzalez was in her fifth and final destination: Antarctica. “Antarctica is the complete opposite of everything I’ve experienced so far. It’s a harsh and unforgiving environment, but it’s also incredibly beautiful and unique,” she said.
Traveling to Antarctica was a major challenge due to the extreme weather conditions and the lack of infrastructure. Gonzalez had to prepare extensively for the journey, including getting vaccinated and undergoing intense physical training. “I knew that Antarctica would be the toughest part of my journey, but I also knew it would be the most rewarding,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Gonzalez has been able to explore the continent and witness the beauty of the natural environment. She’s visited research stations, gone on hikes, and even had the opportunity to see penguins and seals in their natural habitat. “It’s an experience of a lifetime. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a reminder of how small we are compared to the world,” she said.
After her time in Antarctica, Gonzalez returned to Germany to reflect on her journey. “It’s been an incredible experience, but it’s also been a difficult one. I’ve learned so much about myself and the world, and I’m grateful for every moment,” she said.
Throughout her journey, Gonzalez has been able to raise awareness and funds for the African NGO she’s supporting, and has been able to make a positive impact on the communities she’s visited. “I’ve learned that even small actions can make a big difference. That’s what 1km+ is all about,” she said.
Gonzalez’s journey has been a reminder of the power of determination and the importance of following one’s dreams. She’s shown that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. “I hope that my journey will inspire others to go out and make a difference in the world,” she said.
She also runs the website “ALINFINITO” is focused on teaching people how to live and travel. The main navigation includes sections on travel tips, a free book, and a paid book. The website also offers help with planning a trip. The main content of the website includes information on the author’s current journey traveling through 5 countries on 5 continents with an electric longboard, as well as an offer to download a free book on using one’s skills to live and travel.
The website also offers tips on how to make money while traveling, learning a new language, and traveling cheaply. The blog includes posts about the author’s personal experiences, strategies for saving money while traveling, and tips for becoming a digital nomad.
In conclusion, Evangelina Gonzalez has accomplished her goal of traveling to five countries in five continents with her electric longboard, raising awareness and funds for an African NGO. Her journey has been a personal and challenging one, but also a rewarding one, as she’s been able to explore the world, meet new people, and learn about different cultures.
This journey has been a reminder of the power of determination and the importance of following one’s dreams. She’s shown that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, and we all can make a difference in the world.
