Vivalafreedom the book

Vivalafreedom the book 100 countries , 100 days, one hilarious chapter at a time.

Chapter 100 - Honduras 🇭🇳 Fragment of the 100th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."I didn’t waste any time. The ...
07/09/2024

Chapter 100 - Honduras 🇭🇳

Fragment of the 100th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
I didn’t waste any time. The next morning, just before dawn, I was in a pre-booked taxi heading to the local bus station. It was barely 5 AM, but the streets were already stirring with the early morning hustle. As the taxi pulled up to the station, I could see the chaos evolving before me. The station was alive with bus drivers and their assistants, all shouting over one another in an attempt to sell tickets to the half-awake travellers arriving at this unreasonable hour. The atmosphere was thick with noise and movement, a bustling sea of people and vehicles, each fighting for space and attention. Navigating through this unfamiliar chaos was overwhelming. The sheer number of buses, each with its own destination and timetable, made it difficult to figure out where I needed to be. My heart raced as I moved through the crowd, trying to spot any sign that would lead me to the right bus. At that moment, I was immensely grateful for my knowledge of Spanish. Without it, I would have been completely lost in this frenetic environment. I took a deep breath, approached a group of bus assistants, and asked for the bus to Choluteca. The response was immediate and hurried - my bus was about to leave. Panic set in as I realised how close I was to missing it. The assistant quickly waved down the driver, who had just started to pull away from the curb. My adrenaline went as the bus came to a stop, and I hurriedly boarded, feeling a wave of relief as I settled into a seat. It was my second form of transportation for the day, and the journey had just begun.

The bus swayed as it made its way out of the city, the chaotic station soon fading into the distance. The trip to Choluteca wasn’t long, just a few hours, but every mile brought me closer to the border - and closer to the safety I longed for. As the bus pulled into the streets of another unfamiliar city, I knew my journey was far from over. I stepped off the bus and immediately began scanning the area for my next ride, eager to continue my escape from Tegucigalpa and leave the anxiety of the past days behind. I knew I needed to listen for the call of “Frontera,” but I wasn’t entirely sure of the route the bus would take. After only a few minutes of waiting, a “chicken bus" rattled past with a man hanging out of the door, shouting exactly those words. I quickly waved him down, and as the bus squeaked to a halt, I hopped on board. The conductor gestured to an empty seat, and I settled in. Everything seemed to be falling into place so easily - almost too easily. I couldn’t help but feel a little surprised at how smoothly things were going. But even as I tried to relax, a nagging feeling started to creep in. Something about this journey didn’t feel right. My intuition, that ever-reliable inner voice, was telling me that something was off. The urge to check my directions was almost overwhelming, so I pulled out my phone and opened the map. As I watched the little blue dot trace our route, my heart sank. The bus was heading towards the border, but it wasn’t the one I needed. Instead of Nicaragua, we were on our way to the border with El Salvador...

I'm excited to announce that my travel book is now complete! It’s been an incredible journey writing about all the amazing places I’ve explored. The book will be ready once it's published—stay tuned for the release!






























Chapter 99 - El Salvador 🇸🇻 Fragment of the 99th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."Once we arrived at the park,...
06/09/2024

Chapter 99 - El Salvador 🇸🇻

Fragment of the 99th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
Once we arrived at the park, we were introduced to another local guide - a lively, almost hyper-energetic character who would be leading us up to the Santa Ana volcano. The hike was estimated to take around two hours, depending on how many breaks we needed and how fast the group moved. As we set off, the trail led us through dense landscapes, the towering trees and vibrant greenery created a natural canopy that made the hike feel like a journey through a captivated forest. With each step, the views of the world below became more and more spectacular. Having hiked before, I considered myself fairly fit and ready to tackle the challenge ahead. However, our guide had other ideas. He was on a mission - determined to get us to the summit in record time. What was supposed to be a steady, two-hour ascent turned into an almost frantic sprint up the trail. He seemed to fly effortlessly over the rough terrain, while the rest of us struggled to keep up, breathless and pushing ourselves to the limit. Before we knew it, the hike that should have taken two hours was over in less than one. We reached the summit, panting and exhausted, only to be met with the guide’s enthusiastic praise: “Well done, you were very good.” But the truth was, most of us were probably on the verge of collapsing from the intense pace. Despite the demanding ascent, the reward at the top was worth every drop of sweat. Standing on the edge of the Santa Ana volcano, we were treated to a breathtaking panorama that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The crater’s vivid turquoise lake, surrounded by rugged volcanic rock, was a sight unlike anything I had ever seen. The peacefulness of the summit, with its sweeping views and the gentle breeze, provided the perfect contrast to the intensity of the hike. For a moment, it felt like we were the only people in the world, able to fully immerse ourselves in the peace and beauty of the surroundings. We spent a considerable amount of time at the summit, soaking in the views and letting our bodies recover from the climb. But eventually, it was time to head back down. The descent, thankfully, was taken at a much slower pace. Going down proved to be more challenging than expected, with the path’s slippery slopes requiring careful navigation. But the slower pace allowed us to fully appreciate the views we had missed during our rapid ascent...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.





























Chapter 98 - Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 Fragment of the 98th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."As I stepped off the ferry i...
05/09/2024

Chapter 98 - Saint Lucia 🇱🇨

Fragment of the 98th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
As I stepped off the ferry in St. Lucia, it quickly became clear that I was in for a challenge unlike any I had faced before. Normally, a 10- or even 20-minute walk to my accommodation wouldn’t bother me, but this time was different. The city was far from welcoming, and with every step, I could feel the weight of the stares from the locals. The atmosphere was heavy with a mix of curiosity and something more unsettling - an unspoken tension that made me acutely aware of my surroundings.

This was the first time that Google Maps had been so crucial, yet it seemed even the map was no match for the reality of navigating these unfamiliar streets. The route to my guesthouse was supposed to be straightforward, but in my attempt to get there, I made a wrong decision. Instead of following the loop road to the left as indicated, I instinctively turned right, hoping to find a quicker path. Big mistake. As I walked down the wrong road, the stares intensified, accompanied by the sound of laughter and catcalls. The locals’ eyes followed me closely, some with amusement, others with an edge of something less friendly. It felt as though I was walking through a trial, my every move observed and judged. “Welcome to paradise,” I thought sarcastically, keeping my head held high as I continued forward, determined not to show any sign of discomfort. I couldn’t help but question how I had ended up in this situation - navigating through these harsh streets on my own, far from the idyllic scenes I had seen online.

By the time I finally reached my guesthouse, I was relieved but also a bit shaken. The contrast between the reality of Castries and the paradise I had envisioned was huge, and I knew that my time in St. Lucia would require more than just a willingness to explore - it would require resilience and a strong sense of purpose. As I settled into my accommodation, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here, wondering what the days ahead would hold and whether the island’s natural beauty would live up to its reputation.

Meeting the guesthouse owner was a welcome relief after the unnerving walk to my accommodation. He was friendly and welcoming, offering a warm smile and a comfortable place to rest after my challenging journey. But beneath his kindness was a seriousness that couldn’t be ignored. His advice was firm, delivered with the kind of authority that comes from someone who knows the area all too well.

“You see local people go home after 5 pm? You go home too. You don’t stay on the street,” he said, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding. It was clear that this wasn’t just a casual suggestion - it was a rule to be followed for my own safety. He explained that Castries was a working port city, where the streets took on a different character once the sun went down. If the locals weren’t out after a certain hour, it was a strong indication that no one else should be either...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.






























Chapter 97 - Dominica 🇩🇲 Fragment of the 97th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."The tour was off to an incredib...
04/09/2024

Chapter 97 - Dominica 🇩🇲

Fragment of the 97th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
The tour was off to an incredible start, and I couldn’t wait to see what other marvels awaited me on this island of natural wonders.

As we continued our journey through Dominica’s breathtaking landscapes, our next stop brought us to Titou Gorge. This location is famous for being the starting point of the trail to the Boiling Lake, one of the island’s most iconic and challenging hikes. The temptation to embark on that trail was strong, but I knew it wasn’t possible without proper preparation and more time than I had. Still, there was no shortage of natural beauty to appreciate at Titou Gorge itself. The moment I arrived, I was captivated by the serene and almost mystical atmosphere of the place. The Gorge was like something out of a dream - high cliff walls, worn smooth by centuries of water flow, rose up on either side, creating a narrow passage that led to a hidden crystal-clear pool. The cool, shimmering water reflected the vibrant greenery that clung to the rocks above. Every destination on the tour seemed to top the last, and Titou Gorge was no exception. The experience deepened my appreciation for Dominica’s dense, untouched landscapes. The island was holding natural wonders, each more inspiring than the last. As I stood there, surrounded by the beauty, I found myself wishing that the day would never end - that I could continue exploring these incredible places indefinitely.

The grand finale of the day was reserved for the most breathtaking destination - Trafalgar Falls. As we made our way down the well-maintained path leading to the falls, I could feel the anticipation building. The trail itself was an adventure, winding through the lush jungle, with every step revealing more of Dominica’s extraordinary natural beauty. The sounds of birds chirping and the distant rush of water added to the sense of excitement as I got closer to the falls. Trafalgar Falls were one of Dominica’s most famous landmarks, attracting visitors from all over the world. Yet, as I reached the viewing point, I was shocked by an incredible luck - I had the entire place to myself. Standing there in solitude, I was able to fully absorb the majesty of the falls without distraction. The twin waterfalls, known as the "Mother" and the "Father," cascaded down the cliffs with a powerful, yet graceful force. The sheer scale of the falls was truly amazing, but it was the surrounding landscape that truly took my breath away. The dense greenery, with its towering trees and vibrant flora, framed the falls perfectly, creating a scene that felt almost supernatural. The mist rising from the falls added a touch of magic to the atmosphere. It was as if I had stumbled upon a hidden paradise, untouched by the modern world. As I stood there, taking in the beauty of Trafalgar Falls, all the anxiety and unease I had felt upon arriving in Roseau melted away...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.






























Chapter 96 - Guadeloupe 🇬🇵 Fragment of the 96th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."The first glimpse of the city...
03/09/2024

Chapter 96 - Guadeloupe 🇬🇵

Fragment of the 96th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
The first glimpse of the city was far from the Caribbean paradise I had envisioned. The port was located on the outskirts of a rather intimidating-looking city, and the surroundings did little to inspire confidence. The vibrant colours and laid-back atmosphere I had come to associate with the Caribbean were eminently missing, replaced by a more industrial and run-down vibe that made me question my decision to stay. As I stood on the deck, taking in the less-than-welcoming view, I began to regret booking three nights in a hostel here. The thought of going out into this unfamiliar environment filled me with dread. My check-in wasn’t until 2 PM, leaving me with plenty of time to rethink my options. The idea of staying on board until the last possible moment became increasingly appealing. I even played with the concept of abandoning my plans altogether and catching a flight back home with the others. But practicality won, and I knew I had to face the reality of my situation. I decided to take every precaution before stepping off the ship. I pulled up Google Maps and began carefully planning my route to the hostel, scrutinising every possible turn. I zoomed in on the streets, studied over reviews, and even took a virtual walk through the area using Street View. The more I researched, the more my anxiety grew. Every corner seemed to hold a new potential danger, and the online safety reviews didn’t do much to reassure me. Looking back, my level of exaggeration was probably unnecessary, but at that moment, I felt like I was preparing to navigate a dangerous maze. I memorised my route so thoroughly that I could have walked it in my sleep. Grateful for the extra time on board, I delayed my departure until the last possible minute, savouring the safety and comfort of the ship. Eventually, the time came when I had no choice but to leave. With my heart racing, I stepped off the ship and began the 20-minute walk to my hostel...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.





























Chapter 95 - Martinique 🇲🇶 Fragment of the 95th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."The weather was perfect - war...
02/09/2024

Chapter 95 - Martinique 🇲🇶

Fragment of the 95th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
The weather was perfect - warm but not oppressive, with a light breeze that kept the air comfortable. As we walked through the city, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. The beauty of Martinique was all around us, waiting to be discovered at our own pace. Our leisurely stroll led us to one of the most iconic landmarks in Martinique - the stunning Bibliotheque Schoelcher, an architectural diamond that stood proudly on the Place de la Savane. This magnificent library, over a hundred years old, was one of the most visited buildings on the island, and it was easy to see why. The building itself was a masterpiece, with its complex facade that seemed to resist the passage of time. It had survived the forces of nature - winds, cyclones, earthquakes - standing strong through it all. As impressive as the exterior was, it was the interior of the Bibliotheque Schoelcher that truly fascinated me. Stepping inside felt like entering a different world - a world where history, knowledge, and the love of reading came together in perfect harmony. The library was a haven for the mind, with endless rows of books neatly arranged on towering shelves, each one holding a story, a piece of history, or a fragment of knowledge waiting to be discovered. The rooms were thick with the comforting scent of old paper, a smell that instantly transported me to a place of nostalgia and respect for the written word. The ceilings with ornate windows that allowed streaks of light to filter through, added to the magical ambiance of the space. I found myself drawn to the books, wanting to touch each one, to feel the texture of the pages, and to breathe in the stories they held. This unexpected visit to the Bibliotheque Schoelcher became a highlight of my time in Fort-de-France. The library was a portal to the world of readers, writers, and dreamers. I could have spent hours there, lost in the beauty of the architecture and the allure of the books, and it still wouldn’t have been enough. As we left the library, I felt a sense of gratitude for having discovered such a magical place. It was a sign of the power of books, the importance of preserving history, and the joy of exploration - both within the pages of a book and in the world around us...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.






























Chapter 94 - Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳 Fragment of the 94th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."I was excited to s...
01/09/2024

Chapter 94 - Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳

Fragment of the 94th chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
I was excited to see what the island had to offer, to explore beyond the touristy port and discover the natural beauty and rich history. The day was just beginning, and I was ready to make the most of every moment.

At first, I wasn’t interested in joining any organised tours - I wanted to explore Basseterre on my own terms, to wander through the city and discover its hidden gems at my own pace. However, as I walked deeper into the city, my initial excitement began to disappear. My experience in Basseterre turned out to be a bit more disappointing than I had anticipated. The main boardwalk, just off the cruise ship, was vibrant and full of life. It was a busy hub of activity, with colourful buildings lining the street. The boardwalk was lively, filled with tourists exploring the local shops, sampling street food, and chatting with the friendly locals who seemed genuinely happy to welcome visitors to their island. The energy was infectious, and for a moment, it felt like I had found the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of St. Kitts. But as I moved away from the main boardwalk and ventured into the outskirts of the city, the vibe began to change. The colourful charm of the central area faded into something less inviting, and the further I walked, the more I noticed the harsh contrast between the energetic heart of Basseterre and its quieter, more intimidating outskirts. The streets became narrower, the buildings older and more worn, with some in obvious need of repair. The lively atmosphere of the boardwalk gave way to a sense of unease, as the streets grew emptier and the presence of tourists diminished. It wasn’t long before I found myself in parts of the city that felt distinctly different from the vibrant area I had just left. There was a noticeable shift in the mood - less welcoming, more cautious. The once-friendly smiles of locals were replaced by wary glances, and I began to feel out of place. Regardless of the historic charm that parts of Basseterre undoubtedly possessed, with its old churches, colonial-era buildings, and the famous Independence Square, the overall feeling was one of discomfort. The city’s outskirts didn’t have the same warmth or vibrancy as the ports centre, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was venturing into areas where I wasn’t entirely welcome. Despite my best efforts of walking through the less inviting parts of the city, I felt like I was going in circles, seeing the same sights over and over. Frustration set in, and I knew that if I truly wanted to experience the island, I’d have to change my approach. I wasn’t quite brave enough to hop on a local bus and risk getting lost in an unfamiliar place. Instead, I made my way back to the spot where I had last seen the tour sellers. It was a bit of a humbling moment - admitting that my independent adventure wasn’t working out as I’d hoped - but I knew that taking a tour was my best shot at seeing what St. Kitts had to offer...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.































Chapter 93 - Sint Maarten 🇸🇽Fragment of the 93rd chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."As our visit to Sint Maarten...
31/08/2024

Chapter 93 - Sint Maarten 🇸🇽

Fragment of the 93rd chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
As our visit to Sint Maarten got closer to the ship's departure time, there was one last thing I needed to complete my Caribbean adventure - the local currency. Everywhere I went, it seemed like people only wanted US dollars, but I was determined. I was in the Caribbean, after all, and I knew that St. Maarten had its own currency. It felt like a small but significant piece of the puzzle that I couldn’t leave without. In my desperation, I started asking around in a few shops, hoping someone might have some local currency on hand. But every time I asked, I was met with confused looks and the same response: "Nobody uses it around here." It was as if the local currency had become some kind of mythical treasure that nobody actually possessed. But I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
One shopkeeper, sensing my persistence, pointed me toward the taxi stand and suggested I try my luck with the taxi drivers. It felt like I was being sent on a scavenger hunt, and by this point, I was willing to try anything. So, off I went, determined to track down this elusive currency. I approached the first taxi driver I saw, half expecting him to laugh at my request. But to my surprise, he understood exactly what I was after. With a knowing smile, he promised that if I waited for him 10 to 15 minutes, he would come back with a local bill note. The whole thing felt a bit like a secretive exchange, the kind you’d see in a spy movie. The anticipation and nervousness of waiting for him to return were almost comical - I couldn’t help but feel like I was doing something slightly illegal, even though all I wanted was a piece of legal tender. True to his word, the driver returned just in time, with enough time to spare before the ship's departure. He handed me the bill with a flourish, and I couldn’t help but question its authenticity, especially since it had an unusual value of 25 guilders. Was this some kind of joke? A counterfeit? But there was no time to debate - I thanked the driver profusely, handed him the equivalent in US dollars along with a little extra for his trouble, and hurried back to the ship.

It wasn’t until I was safely on board that I had the chance to look up what the local currency actually looked like. To my relief, and slight amusement, it turned out that I was holding a real, genuine bill. The 25-guilder note was as authentic as it could be. My mission was complete, and I had a good laugh at the whole experience...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.






























Chapter 92 - Armenia 🇦🇲 Fragment of the 92nd chapter from the book Viva la Freedom "..."After diving into extensive rese...
30/08/2024

Chapter 92 - Armenia 🇦🇲

Fragment of the 92nd chapter from the book Viva la Freedom

"..."
After diving into extensive research on how to get to Armenia with my Azerbaijani passport stamp, I found myself hitting a wall. I scoured countless forums, travel blogs, and official websites, only to discover numerous stories of travellers being turned away at the Armenian border, all because of that one stamp. The thought of being denied entry, especially when I had never experienced it before, was unsettling. I wasn’t ready to face that kind of rejection now, especially not after having made it this far.
Realising the potential complications, I knew I had to find a smarter solution. That’s when I decided to do what made the most sense in this situation - I booked an organised full-day tour. This tour promised to take me through the stunning Lori Province, offering not only the breathtaking countryside views of Armenia but also visits to ancient monasteries and small, traditional Armenian villages. This way, I could still experience the beauty and culture of Armenia without the stress of dealing with border issues. It was the perfect compromise, allowing me to explore the country in a way that was both safe and enriching.

As expected, just before we reached the border, everyone on the bus was asked about any visits to Azerbaijan. Naturally, I was the only one who had been there, and it quickly became clear that this would complicate things. While everyone else on the tour was allowed to proceed through the border on their own, I was singled out and directed to wait, joining a separate queue alongside our guide. What followed was an experience I won’t soon forget. The border officer, stern and thorough, began asking me a series of questions in a language I didn’t understand. Only half of it was translated by the guide, leaving me feeling a bit disoriented and anxious. My passport, usually just given a quick glance, was scanned and scrutinised like never before. It was almost comical to watch the fuss the officials were making over a simple tourist visit to a neighbouring country, but the seriousness on their faces told me this was no laughing matter. They flipped through my passport pages with a kind of methodical intensity, as if they were expecting to find something far more sinister than a stamp from Azerbaijan. The back-and-forth questioning continued, with more time spent on looking through my passport than I had ever experienced at any border crossing. It felt like I was under a magnifying glass, every detail of my travel history being examined. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the officer stamped my passport and handed it back to me...

Full chapter will be available once the book is completed. Thank you for your patience.

























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