South American Explorer

It takes a certain kind of person to work for South American Explorers. Would we say crazy? No, let’s say energetic, resourceful and incredibly patient! Meet the lovely Phil Appleton from our Buenos Aires clubhouse.

Name: Phil Appleton

Age: 32

Nationality: N Irish

Occupation: In Country Operations Manager

I applied to work at SAE because what they offer is exactly what I’d have loved to have had while travelling – a great link to meet new people in a new country, finding out what others have done and what they would recommend and a direct link to people who really know their stuff! If I’d only known about them while I was travelling here… So I was excited to get the opportunity to ensure that others don’t miss out on all SAE has to offer. I hope to be able to further develop our South America-wide community. Also, the position is an exact match to the skill-set I’ve developed in my professional career – the perfect position on the perfect continent.

The best part of the job is the people. I have a genuine affection for people and have always chosen jobs which allow me to help connect as many people as possible to the services they are seeking.

The worst part of the job is… well, in BA it’s finding time for a kip! There’s so much to do here and it all starts late. Unless you want to be sitting in a bar/restaurant on your own, you have to too.

[A kip means a short sleep for those of us not from the Emerald Isle! –editor]

So our events start late and go on to the wee hours. Then we do it all over again! I hope there’s something in the water/air/chemists in Buenos Aires which will give me the same ‘no need for sleep’ power as the Argentines have. They are super human!

I travel because I can’t get enough of other cultures and new experiences! People talk about getting over this travel bug, but in my case, it’s pretty much terminal. Damned to do what I love for all time – I can live with that.

My favourite destination in South America is Ecuador because of the people. They are friendly, fun and welcoming – though I’m already falling in love with Buenos Aires. There is always a ridiculous amount going on and so much to do and see. And this culture! So intriguing, makes you desperate to become part of it.

A travel tip for visiting South America? Well, if you find yourself in Bolivia, don’t play drinking games with the locals. No one wins these games! I’m pretty sure anyone who has attempted this has lost something, be it their dignity, clothes, or in my case an important part of my brain somewhere in a field in Santa Cruz. Apart from that, travel and be merry!

One thing that no one ever tells you about Buenos Aires is that it may be the city that never sleeps, but no one tells you that neither do the people. How do they do it? One porteño simply said ‘it’s in our blood’. I want some.

My next destination is – who knows?

The best service that SAE offers its members is the opportunity to connect with other like-minded people and delve deeper into the culture the second you touch down. It’s all about connections. And SAE is connected.

To find out more about the Buenos Aires clubhouse visit http://www.saexplorers.org/clubhouses/buenosaires