My journey bagan back in 2011, when I decided to take the leap, leave my comfort zone, and move to Costa Rica to live a year abroad. My friends and family were all a bit concerned for me, a female, traveling alone, to a third world country. I have to admit, I was scared, but my sense of adventure outweighed all the risks. Six months into my year, I had accomplished many things: I completed my CELTA certificate to teach English, found a job teaching English at a Cultural Center, lived in an apartment with new friends, and even had a Tico boyfriend. That wasn't enough. I wanted more. I quit my job, and convinced my (now dear) friend to come with me and travel! We explored Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, but our adventures ended in Panama. My friend had to go back home to the "real world", but I still had four months left to explore. Off I went...one-way ticket booked to Brasil! Rio de Janeiro is an energetic, lively, and engulfing city. I found two jobs my first week in Rio and began to submerse myself in the Carioca culture. After working in a hostel and meeting travelers from all over the world, I was inspired to continue my journey and travel all of South America...alone. After spending four months in Rio, I went home for Christmas to see my family and friends, but had a return ticket booked to start my next journey in Uruguay. Eight months later, I had traveled through Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.