I met Adriana Vazquez (47) in San Pedro de Atacama while spending some days together. She showed us around and proudly introduced us to the most beautiful spots of the Atacama desert. She was born in Mexico City, studied food engineering, but didn’t really like to work in the food industry. She started working with groups of indigenous people in Mexico & Central America to help them develop food projects. That’s how she discovered that travelling around and working with people is her cup of tea.
A few years later she met her husband and followed him to the Atacama Desert. There she discovered a new way of living, in close encounters with nature. For 15 years now she shows tourists all pristine areas and plunges into the nitty-gritty details of wildlife.
Adriana inspired me because of her attitude, her values and her knowledge about indigenous people. This is her view on the questions:
WHAT DOES ‘FREEDOM’ MEAN TO YOU?
To be blessed to live in a country without war, violence or repression.
WHAT DOES ‘FRIENDSHIP’ MEAN TO YOU?
Trust and understanding. to be able to talk about your most hidden feelings & fears, and get understanding back. It is a relief.
WHAT DOES ‘SUCCESS’ MEAN TO YOU?
To be able to achieve your goals by yourself, without harming anybody else.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST IN THE WORLD?
Animals and nature.
WHAT GIVES YOU ENERGY?
The love of my loved ones (2 and 4 legged loved ones), and the very warm sun and blue sky that Ii see and feel every day.
DO YOU HAVE A DREAM THAT YOU HOPE ONE DAY TO BE FULFILLED?
Good health and peace of mind.
IN WHAT ARE YOU A TALENT BY NATURE?
I’m glad to be responsible and respectful.
WHO DO YOU RESPECT THE MOST IN THE WORLD?
Animals.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GROW AS A PERSON?
Balance & tolerance. I thinkI need to be more grateful to life for what I am and for what I have.
WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER THEY SAY. DID YOU EXPERIENCE THIS?
Yes, all the time in my daily life, there are small and big challenges all the time.
DID YOU ONCE TAKE A LEAP AHEAD BY TAKING A SMALL STEP BACKWARDS? HOW?
I think I have, but I don’t remember, so perhaps this is something that I need to practice more, the ability to step backwards to go forward.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE IN THE WORLD?
I want people to go back and get respect to themselves and to others and personal values again.
I would like people not to be so aggressive and superficial, and be more considerate to other people and animals. I love animals and I would like people to love them and respect them the way I do.
WHAT IS THE MOST PRECIOUS FOR YOU?
Family, friends & pets.
IS THERE SOMETHING THAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO, BUT NEVER DARED TO?
To become a veterinarian.
WHAT DRIVES YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES? WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
Love and respect, austerity in this material world, nature, Ii think that Ii have what I need.