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eDreams Travel Blog
  •   3 min read

Ayngelia’s blog name is Bacon is Magic. We never asked her why she decided on this name, maybe she’ll leave a comment and tell us… 🙂

ayngelina brogan self portrait

What’s magic is her writing. The more you read the more you want to read. Not only because she’s open minded, curious and funny but because she dares to do what others only think about. Because she tries first and decides if she likes it or not – afterwards. Because she’s been travelling for 14 months now and she’s as optimistic, energetic and full of surprises as when she first started the blog.

Here is a short interview with Ayngelina talking about what made her leave her comfy flat and job and travel solo to South America; how it feels to be on the road and how to keep safe as a young woman travelling alone.

eDreams: So, how did it all start? How did you finally take the decision to pack your bags and get going?

I had always wanted to travel but had so many reasons not to go. I was afraid of leaving my career, my boyfriend and above all, my life. When I turned 32 the fertility clock started ticking and I knew if I wanted to have one last great adventure I had to hurry up. Once I had kids the big backpacking adventure would be just a dream.

I really wanted my boyfriend to come with me but it wasn’t his dream. I spent months trying to convince him and while he supported me going – it was not for him.

It was pressing on my mind and then on Sunday afternoon I was sitting around watching a movie, my boyfriend had fallen asleep on the couch and I thought Is this it? Is this what my life is about? and I walked over to my laptop and figured out how to financially afford a trip in a year.

It actually took me 18 months to pay off all my debt and save the money but I had a goal in mind and I was committed to going.

la Boca, Buenos Aires

For how long have you been “on the road”?

I have been on the road for 14 months now. I started in Mexico, travelled overland through Central America. I sailed from Panama to Colombia and have been travelling South since. Right now, I am in Buenos Aires.

“I learn so much about myself by putting myself in a situation where I don’t know what is normal, I can’t assume anything and I don’t know what to expect.”

Where is home?

Wow that’s a tough question. I grew up in Nova Scotia and that’s where all my family lives. I spent the last ten years in Toronto and that’s where my friends and career are. But considering I’m planning to stay in South America I would have to say it is my home.

What’s the best thing about landing in a new place?

The thrill of possibilities. You land in a new place and everything is exciting. Just by meeting new people, finding new restaurants and discovering new markets, you have such a good time. I learn so much about myself by putting myself in a situation where I don’t know what is normal, I can’t assume something and I don’t know what to expect.

“I know some people carry pepper spray but I do not. In the last 14 months I haven’t had a single situation where someone was threatening me or I felt I needed it.”

How do you survive and keep safe when you’re travelling? Any tips?

South America is no more dangerous than any city in North America or Europe. Sure there is the possibility that you will be mugged but if you are smart and don’t flash your iPhone or fancy camera people will leave you alone. It is not common for people to be violently robbed, most of the time it’s pickpocketing.

I actually think it’s much safer for women because the locals tend to watch out for you whereas they may not for a couple of guys.

When I’m lost I ask women for help, I duck into stores to look at my map rather than on the street. I always ask people what is the safest way. People want to help you, you just have to ask.

I know some people carry pepper spray but I do not. In the last 14 months I haven’t had a single situation where someone was threatening me or I felt I needed it.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Why South America?

I have already been to Europe and South East Asia. South America was something I knew I could afford and the idea of learning Spanish really intrigued me. There is also a passion and fire in the culture that we don’t have in Canada and that I was really drawn to.”

Photos from Ayngelina’s personal collection and blog.

Curious about her adventures? Read her blog: https://www.baconismagic.ca

Liked the interview? Say hi in a tweet @ayngelina

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12 responses to “Ayngelina Brogan: On Exploring the World and Finding Yourself

  1. Nice post.All the pics are really great.Really informative, this writer clearly knows what they are talking about.Really enjoyed reading that, you made some really good points.

  2. I’m working on building a store with all things deliciously bacon, keep an eye on my site!

  3. This is a lovely interview. Ayngelina is such a great example of how you can change your life by wanting to badly enough.

  4. Gosh such a hard question to answer but basically I am known for adding pork to all my recipes because I believe a little of it makes everything taste better – it’s a bit like life, a little change can make a big difference.

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