Nada Pode Parar Você
GoGo Co-Founder Elisa’s account of her first 28-day journey across the Serra do Espinhaço in 2021.
Travel has always held my heart. It’s been my touchstone to other cultures. But my career [as an architect] had kept me in the city for a very long time. It brings me profound joy that my vocation today is to welcome & connect with people, and to narrate the tales of these places.
Prior to October 2021, most of our research in the Espinhaço had been done via the backroads and overnight hikes. neither of us had done anything remotely like our first 28-day trek. In fact, No one had. The Trail Conditions were crazy.
We had a feeling that we wanted to make the first Expedition a trek, and we needed to figure out whether I’d be [physically & psychologically] able to participate in the Expeditions with clients, or whether I’d have to just stay on the outskirts coordinating the operation. Now, I can’t even imagine not going into the field. It’s the best part of this job—being able to immerse myself in every part of the culture, nature, and adventure.
I lived in Italy for six months during my college days during an exchange program. I chose to go alone, and I didn't know the language very well, so it was a tough and challenging experience. When you put yourself in challenging situations, many things can go wrong, but one thing is certain: you will only grow if you allow yourself to.
I prefer cold days for walking; the heat can be overwhelming at times. The good thing is that we always found water along the trail, and it always felt amazing to stop and refresh myself with cold, fresh water from the mountains.
I felt great physically. The biggest challenge is not getting trapped by your own mind, by the unknown. If you firmly believe you can do it, there’s nothing there to stop you.
On Day 11 or 12, we decided to combine two days into one, and walked 44 km. When we reached the 40 km mark, I was devastated. Not physically, but mentally. We had to walk all night. I thought we were lost and might not make it. It was a pivotal day for me during the trip because after I accomplished it, I knew I could overcome anything. And I did, the next day, when we walked 43 more km!
On Day 18, after walking 21 km, we reached a community of 6 people, and the house we planned to stay in wasn't available anymore. Another family offered us a plate of food, and I guarantee it was the best meal of my life. It’s amazing to encounter people who are so willing to give, even when they don’t have much.
As the trip was coming to an end, I experienced a very intense mix of emotions. I was happy that I had been able to complete it without any injuries, but I was also sad because I didn't know when we would be back in the field again.
It was exhilarating to see how much I had changed in such a short amount of time. I gained a new perspective on the culture of my own country, and on my own limits. It was a privilege to be able to do everything that we did.
