Most people desire world travel yet manage to stay in their home country.
Through her frequent world travels Geraldine Joaquim achieved her dream by visiting more than 60 countries at age 54.
Her philosophy revolves around experiencing both the “good and the not-so-good” aspects of a country.
She believes in seeking authentic encounters rather than just a “sanitized version” of popular destinations.
Despite her many travels and passion for exciting places she has taken a lifelong ban on returning to this specific destination because it did not agree with her.
Joaquim traveled several countries throughout her life beginning in Tokyo Japan then continuing to New Zealand.
She has gone shopping in the lively markets of Marrakech and walked the Patagonia trails then sailed in the Mediterranean Sea.
Exploring multiple regions added new cultural understanding for her as she found different human ways of existing.
Despite his extensive travel experience Joaquim met setbacks on his travels.
She journeyed for business tasks when unexpected obstacles and new city evaluations transformed her view of that destination.
She took a flight from Montevideo in Uruguay to reach Caracas as her first stop before going to Venezuela.
Credit: (Wire Images)
She chose Isla Margarita for her last stop because it stands out with its Caribbean beaches and the energetic local life.
Joaquim booked both hotel and ground transfer arrangements in advance because she needed to sleep over in Caracas before reaching Isla Margarita.
The arranged transfer failed to show up when Joaquim arrived late at night in Caracas.
As planes left the airport she began to worry but stayed alone waiting for no one to show up.
She felt exposed because both her phone didn’t function and she was the last person remaining at the airport.
A man offering poor English suddenly showed up and introduced himself as her driver.
Though she felt better after watching him approach her the second man inside the vehicle made her tense up again.
Her inner alarm system warned her clearly what was wrong.
Since she had only a small penknife with her Joaquim held it securely throughout her 30-minute drive while staying prepared for danger.
She arrived at her hotel unharmed but could not sleep through the night due to her fear.
After a restless night Joaquim found another disturbing event waiting for her.
On reaching the airport she made payment to her driver but then a stranger took her bags.
Panicked, Joaquim chased after him, only to be told he was offering an informal “check-in service” and she had to pay him to get her luggage back.
She decided to pay the man for her bags when he seized them from her at the airport because she had no other solution.
When she evaluated the incident Joaquim determined the best course of action she needs to take.
She promised herself that her life would not include another visit to Caracas Venezuela.
After suffering intense fear during her Venezuelan adventure Joaquim chose to make Caracas the only destination she will never return to.
Credit: (Wire Images)
Her account shows that experienced tourists also experience unknown threats during their travels.
She tells everyone to check destination safety first before traveling and be ready with alternative plans for unknown areas.
Though Joaquim roams the globe she chose to stay away from Caracas permanently.
