Trailblazers
Erin Fahy was born in Boston , MA but developed the “ gift of the gab ” during a childhood trip to Ireland . She hasn ’ t been able to stop talking about travel since .
A Conversation with . . . Pablo Milano , Trip Experience Leader on The Wilderness Beyond : Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords
Born in : Buenos Aires , Argentina
Resides in : Villa Belgrano , Cordoba , Argentina
Languages Spoken : English , Spanish
Hobbies : Soccer , cooking , watching movies
Explore Patagonia with an expert like Paolo when you join O . A . T . for The Wilderness Beyond : Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords .
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O . A . T .: First , tell us a bit about yourself .
Born and raised in Buenos Aires , Argentina , I come from a family of Italian immigrants who arrived in this country in the early 1900s . Being a frustrated soccer player ( ha !), my other passion has always been traveling .
I worked for a decade for an airline in the Buenos Aires International Airport ( EZE ), then as a local guide in the city . And for the past 17 years , I ’ ve been a Trip Experience Leader leading groups around South America , especially to Patagonia and Antarctica .
O . A . T .: Why did you decide to become a Trip Experience Leader ?
Call it a coincidence or maybe an act of fate , but a leave of absence from the airline led me to a job offer working as a guide onboard a cruise line . Suddenly the idea of sharing this part of the world with other people — introducing the history , culture , and local tastes — started calling to me . That ’ s when I became a Trip Experience Leader .
O . A . T .: What ’ s your favorite part about the job ?
My favorite part about being a Trip Experience Leader is watching the travelers connect with our region . The breathtaking views of Perito Moreno Glacier , walking through Torres del Paine National Park , exploring the pristine and solitary wonders of the Patagonian fjords — all these places provide incredible moments of connection for our travelers . We share these moments with them so they can return home knowing the essence of our lands .
O . A . T .: What do you like to do for fun on the weekends ?
On the weekends , I often go with my family to any of the rivers around where we live and have some mate tea with cookies .
My youngest son plays soccer for the town ´ s team in the regional league , and so we go to see him play almost every Saturday . Then on Sundays , we cook an asado , or Argentine BBQ . This is a weekly ritual for our family and friends , one we look forward to all week .
O . A . T .: What ’ s one thing you would recommend to a first-time visitor to Argentina or Chile ?
Beside the many natural wonders that we share in the Patagonia region , don ´ t miss the local flavors , like Argentine steaks or Chilean fish and seafood . As a bonus , both “ national ” wines — Malbec for Argentina and Carmenere for Chile — are worth a try !
O . A . T .: Why do you love where you live ?
Although I grew up in Buenos Aires , I moved to Villa General Belgrano in Argentina ’ s Córdoba Province eleven years ago . It ´ s a beautiful town , surrounded by 2,400-foot tall sierras , rivers , and streams . A peaceful valley , surrounded by nature , it is a great place to raise our kids .
But I am still a city person at heart , so once in a while , I go down to my beloved Buenos Aires to feel the rhythm and even the traffic ( ha !) of my city . I love to stop in at one of the many coffee houses there to enjoy a cortado ( a milk and espresso drink ).
20 DISPATCHES • AUGUST 2022