Hosting The Gastronomad Experience in different countries around the world is an honor and privilege for me and Mike. From envisioning and crafting once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventures to welcoming and hosting our guests, to meticulously choosing our welcome gifts, we pour our hearts and souls into every aspect of creating an unforgettable experience for all.
It’s hard to envision a life any different from the one Mike and I chose 18 years ago. Our decision to live around the world was driven by a deep-seated yearning to experience life more profoundly by embracing a nomadic life of global exploration.
We had no idea of how incredibly rewarding and fulfilling our global lifestyle would be. In the process, we serendipitously discovered an amazing world of community and connection, which unintentionally created a path to The Gastronomad Experience.
It’s been an incredible 18-year journey so far, filled with extremes, from the most mundane moments to the most awe-inspiring adventures. There have been times of pure elation and wonder, but also long periods of profound sadness, challenge and hardship.
This span of time has encompassed the full spectrum of human existence: the ordinary and the extraordinary, the heartbreaking and the exhilarating. It has been a period of immense personal growth, discovery and transformation.
Exploring this magnificent planet and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us has been profoundly inspiring, meaningful and rewarding. We never imagined how much it would change us.
But it all began with just a dream that required walking away from a job (which I mostly enjoyed and and which paid very well) for a life of adventure, roaming the world. It was a leap of faith. Mike and I had decided to pursue a life of nomadic living without any idea what the future held for us. Looking back, we were probably naive, maybe even reckless, but we knew this is what we wanted more than anything else; more than the stability of a permanent home and a permanent job or the allure of material possessions.
We weren't afraid to trade convenience and stability for freedom and excitement. It involved an uncertain future, but we did it to fulfill the promise we once made to each other to travel full time.
We were willing to step outside of our comfort zones for the experiences we could gain from embracing the unknown.
Even now, the more we travel, the more we understand the sheer vastness and complexity of the world we inhabit. And yet, as we’ve wandered this wondrous planet nearly full-time, we’ve come to realize just how little we truly know.
With each passing year, our appreciation for the breathtaking beauty of this planet, its diverse landscapes, its fascinating cultures and even the awareness of our ignorance only continues to grow. It is both humbling and grounding in the most beautiful and meaningful way. We are driven by a sense of curiosity and passion for travel and the alluring beauty of other countries and their landscapes, culture, architecture, traditions and cuisine.
My words can't express the profound gratitude that fills my heart so fully and completely. Every morning when I wake up, I feel immense gratitude for the privilege of living the life of my dreams with the man I love and also for the honor of doing work that I’m truly passionate about.
That’s not to say that our life is perfect, simple or easy or without its challenges and difficulties — far from it. And our lifestyle is certainly not for everyone, but it’s pretty darn great for us within the context of our own circumstances.
Life and work are one and the same for me. My life is my work and my work is my life. It fills me with a profound sense of purpose. It’s the essence of how I choose to live.
I feel deeply inspired by my work and our way of life. Every Gastronomad Experience is a wellspring of inspiration for me. I cherish every single day we get to wander someplace far from our roots.
Each new culinary adventure, each encounter with local cultures and traditions, is a source of creative energy. The very act of exploring the world, of meandering through diverse landscapes experiencing the richness of global cultures, is a gift that I treasure wholeheartedly.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what I love — to learn and grow with every new culinary travel adventure. I feel incredibly fortunate and thankful for the privilege of having your trust to share the beauty of our world with you through the lens of The Gastronomad Experience.
With love and adventure,
Amira
