From Layoff to 7 Continents Week 3: How I Enter a Country I've Never Been To
In three weeks I land in two countries I have never been to.
Argentina, then Uruguay. After that, Ushuaia — Fin del Mundo — and a ship called the MV Ushuaia heading for Antarctica.
A lot of people think about the ice. Understandably. But the part I've thought about most is the beginning: how you walk into a place you know nothing about and start to understand it.
I have three rules. They've held up across every new country I've been to.
Rule one: start with the capital
When a country is new to me, I begin with the capital city.
This isn't because capitals are the most beautiful places, or the most authentic — they often aren't. It's because they're the densest. A capital holds the country's history, its food, its politics, its money and its contradictions in a few square miles. You can spend three days there and come away with a working sense of a place that would take two weeks to assemble anywhere else.
I remember the first time I went to Egypt, I spent time in Cairo, the capital. It helped me learn more about ancient and modern culture. Spending time in the capital of Egypt gave me an overall perspective of the country.
So: Buenos Aires first. Then Montevideo.
Buenos Aires
My heart smiles as I think about what I want to do once I arrive at Buenos Aires. I definitely will go on a tour of the city, dine at the local cat café and learn more about the empowering women who made waves. I’m looking forward to experiencing Buenos Aires vibes.
Montevideo
When I found out I can take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, I knew I wanted to learn more the capital of Uruguay. A city full of art, gastronomy and coastal culture. This will be an enriching experience.
Rule two: no food from home
Seriously, why go to a country if you’re not going to eat their food?
For some, after a long flight, in a new city, something recognizable is genuinely comforting.
For me it’s the opposite.
My desire to learn more about the local culture, and what better way then to enjoy food and beverages that are popular at my destination.
I remember the first time I enjoyed a local meal in Egypt with my tour guide. It was a wonderful experience. Using all of my senses, I enjoyed the feast I had and observed how hospitable locals were. When I finished, I said, "Shkran," which put a smile on locals faces. It was a memorable experience that made me want to return to Egypt again.
In Argentina that’ll mean asado, empanadas and malbec. In Uruguay, that means I need to try Chivito and Chajá.
Rule three: find the cafés
One thing I look up for when going somewhere new...do they have cat cafés?
Fortunately, Buenos Aires and Montevideo BOTH have cat cafés!
I also like to go to cafés local to my destination, not Starbucks where I can find back home.
A cafe is where you see a city being ordinary. Nobody is performing for visitors. You get to sit still in the middle of regular life, which is something most sightseeing doesn’t allow.
Let's get real
I didn’t set out to have a travel philosophy.
These accumulated the most places I explore.
But writing them down, I notice they’re not really about travel.
Don’t bring assumptions with you. My food rule is a small version of a larger discipline — if you’ve traveled somewhere new, be in the moment and keep an open mind. It will transform you in wonderful ways.
Pay attention to the ordinary. Landmarks are in the guidebook. The actual texture of a place is in its hidden gems, morning routines, less frequented streets.
Those held up when I was laid off three years ago, too. After being laid off, I had to be flexible and keep an open mind to opportunities. I didn't make assumptions, I grinded until I became stable. This impacts the way I explore a new destination and has enrichened my experience's arond the world.
El Fin Del Mundo
After Buenos Airea and Montevideo, it's on to Ushuaia, which calls itself the end of the world and has reasonable grounds for the claim. From there, I will board the MV Ushuaia as I cross the infamous Drake Passage, which has a fearsome reputation.
I’m actually looking forward to it. I know that’s an odd thing to say about famously rough water. What excites me is the unknown. From what I've read and watch of people who've crossed it, you never know what you'll get. You may get calm, peaceful waves, or ferocious, strong tides. What will I and other travelers on board experience? We'll find out in a matter of weeks.
Two continents left. Weeks to go.
If you’re going somewhere new soon: choose your own three rules. Mine work for me, but the value isn’t in these specific ones. It’s in having a method rather than arriving and hoping.
Allison Coleman is the founder of Dream Worldtrotter, where travel is transformation. Follow the From Layoff to 7 Continents series for a new post every week.
What’s your first move in a country you’ve never been to?
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