Alicia Lomba

A Journey of Self-Discovery: From Introversion to Global Impact

Alicia’s story is one of resilience and the transformative power of travel. A young woman, marked by a difficult past, finds solace in the vast landscapes of the world, connecting with nature and the diverse cultures she encounters. Her journey is a testament to the beauty of human connection and the healing power of embracing the unknown.

The Beginning

First of all, thank you very much for allowing me to tell my story. For me, this is a hard exercise of opening myself to let others get to know my story. There are only a few people who know this part of my story, and there are some parts and details that I have never told anybody. This is the result of years of introspection and a long healing journey. I hope opening myself and spreading my deepest feelings can help anybody see they are not alone and show a perspective of hope and love.

Even the darkest places of our minds can sprout the brightest part of our souls.

I grew up in a small city by the sea in the north of Spain. I have good memories of my childhood and I remember being a happy child with nothing to worry about.

Since I was little I have been an introverted girl, I always guide myself by following my instinct and my intuition and the vibrations I feel around people. I liked spending time by myself and I did not bother if I had to do things alone if the other option was to do them accompanied but not feeling comfortable and in peace.

These are characteristics that have defined my personality since I was a kid and that I think have conditioned my relationships, my life and my decisions.

What sparked your interest in exploration and adventure?

My teenage years were as difficult as they are for every teenager. I remember being a happy teenager but I struggled a lot with the feeling of being different and not being part of the group. I struggled a lot with that, and it turned really hard sometimes. As an introvert, I used to feel like I was weird and odd. I used to dream about living in another place in the future, being independent and not feeling weird around others. I used to find comfort in thinking that there was something else waiting for me out there, but at the same time it was frustrating because I couldn’t do anything but wait for the day when I could start experiencing something exciting, and that made me feel trapped.

Being an introvert has greatly shaped my personality and has made me very observant and analytical, which I like to be, but it has a good and a bad part. It makes me analyse every situation, being aware of everything that happens around me. It’s like seeing things from the outside, which allows me to understand people's behaviour, see the feelings they experience and know who people are like.

But at the same time, I overthink a lot, which sometimes turns out to be too much, causing so much pain. This is something that has happened to me since I was a kid. I am trying to learn to not think over things that much.

I used to go to summer camps as a child and in my early teenage years and I loved it. Visiting other places and spending some days surrounded by new people made me feel free and I loved going out of the routine. Especially when it came to mountain camps: sleeping in a tent, and carrying only the essentials was so fun for me, it made me feel like no one was judging me for anything.

During summers, my parents also used to take my sister and me to the family house in the countryside. There, the summer felt infinite. Spending all day outside, riding bikes, swimming in the river or running through the mountain until the last rays of the sun went down. There we could do whatever we wanted, and that was where I began to connect with nature and that feeling of freedom that comes from being in contact with it.

I had the luck that my parents used to take us on trips when we were kids and teenagers. And I fell in love with the freedom that I experienced traveling.

What were the challenges you faced during your early to mid-twenties, and how did they shape your life?

After my teenage years, I went to college, and I struggled with the same feeling of not being part of the group and the feeling of missing something out there. I had the hope that something good was waiting for me, but the frustration and sensation of losing time that I felt was really hard to manage sometimes.

I liked doing the same things that people of my age were doing, partying, spending time with friends and things like that, but that didn't complete me.

In 2018, at the young age of 23, my world turned upside down. During my first year of master's studies, a doctor discovered a tumor, sending me on a harrowing journey through surgery and years of medical uncertainty. The diagnosis was a crushing blow, a stark reminder of life's fragility.

The following two years were a blur of tests, analyses, and surgeries. Each procedure felt like a gamble, a constant battle against the unknown. The waiting for results was agonizing, the fear of recurrence a heavy weight on my shoulders. The initial surgery quickly became three, each setback pushing me closer to despair.

Isolation crept in, fueled by the exhaustion of constant medical appointments and the disconnect from a world moving too fast for me to keep up. The fear of relapse became an obsession, casting a shadow over every aspect of my life. I felt trapped in a nightmare, powerless against the relentless onslaught of medical interventions.

But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. My last doctor, unlike the others, took the time to truly connect with me, offering a much-needed sense of understanding and confidence. Her care and compassion gave me the strength to face another surgery, and this time, it was a success.

The road to recovery was long and arduous. The physical healing was relatively swift, but the emotional scars lingered. The fear of relapse continued to haunt me, making even the simplest activities feel like a gamble.

Yet, through it all, I learned to embrace the present moment, to cherish the good things in life, and to allow myself to be vulnerable. This experience, though painful, forced me to confront my mortality and to live with a renewed sense of purpose.

The desire to travel, a dream I'd always held, became a burning passion. I realised that life was too short to wait, to let fear dictate my choices.

Embarking on solo travels was a daunting prospect, but the longing for freedom and the desire to experience the world outweighed my anxieties. I found the strength to step outside my comfort zone, to embrace the unknown, and to discover the world, one adventure at a time.

This journey, though born from adversity, has ultimately led me to a place of resilience, self-discovery, and a profound appreciation for the precious gift of life.

Could you describe your first solo travel experience? What were your feelings and thoughts during that time? And where did you go?

My journey of healing after a challenging health battle ignited a deep desire to experience the world and embrace the present moment. I realized that life was too short to wait, that I had a responsibility to make the most of every opportunity. This newfound perspective led me to embark on solo travels, a decision that initially filled me with both excitement and trepidation.

My first solo adventure was transformative, a profound experience that I will forever cherish. It solidified my love for travel and the profound sense of freedom it brings. However, the journey didn't end there. A sense of gratitude for the help I received during my illness, coupled with a desire to give back, began to take root within me.

As an engineer, I wanted to use my skills to make a difference. I sought out opportunities to volunteer and found a perfect fit with the foundation of my company, which focused on bringing solar power to remote communities lacking basic services.

My heart leaped at the chance to volunteer in Peru, a country I had always dreamed of visiting. The selection process was nerve-wracking, but the news that I had been chosen filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and purpose.

My journey to Cusco was a whirlwind of emotions. The anticipation was palpable, the excitement bubbling over as I stepped off the plane into a new world. The beauty of the Plaza de Armas de Cusco took my breath away, a moment of pure wonder that I will never forget.

My volunteer work took me to the Echarati and Inkawasi regions, deep within the Peruvian jungle and high mountains. The conditions were challenging, but the impact of our work was undeniable. We installed solar panels in remote communities, bringing light and hope to families who had lived without basic amenities for generations.

The people I met were incredibly resilient, living in harsh conditions with limited resources. Their stories of struggle and perseverance were humbling, a stark reminder of the vast inequalities that exist in the world.

This experience opened my eyes to the importance of global cooperation and the power of human connection. The warmth and generosity of the Peruvian people touched me deeply, reminding me of the inherent goodness that exists in the world.

My time in Peru was a turning point, a catalyst for personal growth and a commitment to making a difference. I fell in love with the country and its people, and I will forever carry the lessons I learned in my heart. This journey has not only deepened my appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world but has also instilled in me a profound sense of purpose. I am committed to using my skills and resources to help others, to make a positive impact on the world, and to continue embracing the adventures that life has to offer.

What were some of the most memorable places you visited during your early travels? What made them stand out to you?

The Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca in Peru holds a special place in my heart. Climbing to such a high altitude, feeling the thin air with every step, was a profound experience. Reaching the summit, at over 5000 meters above sea level, was a testament to the strength and resilience of my body, a victory over the fears and insecurities that had plagued me after my illness.

That day, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection with myself. The journey to the top was a metaphor for my own life's path, a reminder that I could overcome any obstacle, heal any wound, and embrace the beauty of the world around me. It was the happiest I had felt in years, a feeling of pure joy and liberation.

The hike ended with a poignant story from our mountain guide, an Inca belief about the soul's journey after death. He said that our souls would return to the places we loved in life, ensuring that Vinicunca would forever hold a place in my heart.

Another unforgettable experience was hiking on the Skaftafell glacier in Iceland. The sheer beauty and power of the glacier captivated me, surpassing even the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. It was a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of nature and the incredible forces that shape our planet.

And then there was Paccaypata, a small, humble town nestled in the Peruvian mountains. We spent a couple of days volunteering there, sleeping in the homes of locals who became our guides and treated us like family. The peace and tranquility of that place were palpable, a haven of simplicity and genuine human connection. I felt a sense of belonging, a feeling that I could have stayed there indefinitely, content with the essentials and the warmth of the people.

These places, Vinicunca, Skaftafell, and Paccaypata, are more than just destinations on a map. They are woven into the fabric of my memories, each holding a unique significance, each contributing to the tapestry of my journey of healing, self-discovery, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world.

Did you encounter any difficulties or obstacles while traveling alone? How did you overcome them?

Sometimes while travelling our path crosses with that of other people. All of us are different from each other, we see the world from different perspectives and each one carries different experiences in their backpack that shape our personalities. Sometimes such differences are difficult to manage, but I think that travelling and meeting the diversity of people has given me the ability to better manage those differences without leading to conflicts.

At the same time, I have learnt that sometimes it’s better to take a step aside and put distance so that one’s own peace is not distorted by third parties. 

I’ve learnt to be more tolerant and accept all kinds of people, even the ones that are very different to me. To accept that people will not always act the same way that I would, and that that's okay, we are different and it's a good thing to be, it’s something we can’t fight against.

All this has enriched my personality and is a learning that has allowed me to know people better.

I have seen the kind side of people and life. Everybody has a good side and I can have a relationship with people who are different from me.

It has helped me to open my mind. In any way, it has helped me to relativize life see the good side of things, and understand that when something is denied to us, it doesn't mean that it will be worse and the end of everything, it will only be different from the preconceived idea that we had imagined. When something doesn’t happen, we will find something else that will fulfill us in the same way.

How has your perspective of the world changed as a result of your travels? In what ways has it broadened your horizons?

I think that travelling is when you get to know people, it’s when you see their personality and if you are compatible with them. But also is a chance to know yourself and do introspection. On each trip, I find myself more and more and I discover aspects of myself that I didn’t know.

Travelling, but also the experiences that I have had to live, have changed my mind in many ways. Now I value experiences and living a full life much more compared to material objects. I have more and more desire to continue travelling after each trip, and I will do so as long as I can.

I encourage everyone to live experiences and travel, with as much or as little they can save, because we can lose our money, we can lose a house or any material thing, but the memories stay with us forever.

Did you have any specific goals or objectives for your travels, or did you approach it with a more spontaneous and open mindset?

I don’t have any specific goal, the main reason why I travel is because of the feelings I experience while doing it.

I love learning about different places and different points of view on life, and travelling allows me to learn about both. I love seeing the differences in people and cultures that you can find from one place to another, and the feeling of freedom that surrounds each trip.

Every time I visit a new place I can see myself living there, and that’s something that pushes me to continue visiting new places because I have the feeling that I need to see them all.

The more I connect with different people, the more I embrace our differences and how important it is to connect with people of all kinds and places to enrich our souls.

Can you share a story or experience from your travels that deeply impacted you or taught you something valuable about yourself or the world?

Peru blew my mind.

Although I was already aware of the number of people living in need in the world, seeing it in the front row and seeing how extreme the situation of many of them is, is something that does not leave anyone indifferent. I feel helplessness and frustration about it and I have the need to denounce it whenever I can and encourage all those with desire and motivation to help to volunteer to cooperate for development in underdeveloped countries.

Looking forward, where do you see yourself traveling to next in the future?

Now I'm planning to volunteer in the Philippines in May, in the same project as in Peru, which I am so excited about. But I am waiting for the result of the selection process, as this is the second time I have applied for a place in the program I am a substitute (priority is given to people who sign up for the first time so that we all have the opportunity to participate), so I have fewer chances of being chosen.

If I finally don’t get a place to volunteer, I will go backpacking in different places in Europe. I plan not to spend many days in each place, because I love the feeling of not settling.

Then in October, I’m going on a road trip to the US and Canada. I will drive along the East Coast from New York to Montreal.

Other trips I have very much on my mind lately are Vietnam and Nepal, I feel that visiting Annapurna is something I should do… those mountains are calling me, but that will have to wait until 2025.

To continue following our explorer Alicia’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with Alicia on the following accounts:

Instagram: @lomba.alicia 

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