FOR most of us, our jobs and families and other commitments prevent us from undertaking any major travelling expeditions; but for Pablo Carlos Martin Bossio, travelling is not only about the adventure of being in a strange place, it’s a lifestyle choice to “go the distance” on a path he has been travelling for the better part of the last year.

Many Guyanese have probably seen this stranger, who clearly stands out as a stranger: ‘a white man’ with blonde hair and tights, who takes advantage of the 90-second wait on the red light at the corner of Vlissingen Road and Croal Street to show off his juggling skills; and many passing drivers reward him for the show, which assists him in financing his cross-continent adventures. A most interesting feature of his endeavour is probably his companion, a little dog he lovingly calls ‘Lola’.

In a chat with the Guyana Chronicle, the Argentine national explained that, since leaving Buenos Aires, he has been to Bolivia, Brazil and Guyana. “I have been in Guyana for three weeks now,” he said.

His next destination, he said, is Suriname; which he hopes to visit in another week or so. “When I am done with that, I am headed to French Guiana, Venezuela, and then fly to Mexico and Guatemala, the countries in that stretch,” he said.
Asked about the highlight of the Guyana leg of his journey, he explained that the rich culture “amazed” him. In his thick Spanish accent, the traveller said: “Guyana is very different. The people are different and good, and the culture is different. I really like it.” However, amidst the praises for Guyana, he dubbed the only bad thing he has seen as the garbage challenge the capital city is facing.

“Some parts are really nice, but others are not,” he said, gesturing to his immediate surroundings – a favourite spot for him to perform.

Pablo declared that his feat is “nowhere near” the fantastic undertakings of persons who have gained fame by travelling the world solo on a motorcycle, or kayak solo for a lengthy distance.
However, he noted that his experiences have been both bad and good, the latter evidenced, for example, in the renowned Guyanese hospitality, which served to restore his lost faith in humanity.
Written By Vanessa Narine