A Conversation with . . .
Carolina Silva , Trip Experience Leader on Iberian Voyage : Lisbon to Barcelona
Trailblazers
By Laura Chavanne
Laura is Editor-in-Chief of Dispatches and a lover of all things Portuguese .
O . A . T .: Can you share a bit about your background ?
Carolina : I am Portuguese and grew up in Porto , where I lived until 2016 . Then I met the love of my life , Manuel , in Malaga , Spain ! So I became a “ Malaguena by heart .” We don ’ t have any children yet , but who knows what might happen in the future .
My mom is a retired teacher , and my father was a tour guide . Growing up I was always surrounded by books , and discovered my passion for culture and traveling . I also love languages and started learning English at age 10 — I also speak Spanish , French , a little bit of Italian , and a tiny bit of German .
O . A . T .: Describe your journey toward becoming a Trip Experience Leader .
Carolina : When I was 14 , I decided to become a tour guide , and chased my dream through high school and university . I have a degree in Tourism and became a licensed guide in 2007 . In 2014 , I started working for O . A . T . and Grand Circle .
I consider myself a “ people person ,” and that is probably what I enjoy the most about being a Trip Experience Leader . I surround myself with great people , and I have the chance to exchange experiences and communicate with my travelers , often creating lifetime bonds .
O . A . T .: Do you have a favorite memory from an O . A . T . adventure ?
Carolina : I always get excited when local celebrations take place in the locations we visit . One time , we were in Seville during the month of April and I made some arrangements to go with travelers to La Feria de Abril , the most popular festival in town . We saw all women with colorful dresses full of ruffles and polka dots , and men with sombreros riding horse carriages . But the best part was when we were invited by some local ladies to join them at a caseta to sing and dance flamenco with them ! It was a privilege because these casetas are private areas only accessible for local people with special invitation . We had a blast , and all the locals were delighted to have the U . S . travelers doing their best to become Sevillanos during that evening .
O . A . T .: What do you want most for your travelers to understand about your homeland ?
Carolina : When traveling to Spain and Portugal , you will be introduced to our history , particularly from the golden age of exploration when brave sailors with big dreams navigated around the world and established amazing cultural exchanges . But both countries also lived under dictatorships during the 20th century , experiencing decades of repression , pain , and sacrifice .
These two moments shaped who we are now , so if you visit us you will easily meet people on the streets willing to interact and to show their genuine and welcoming character . And as I mentioned , you might also have the chance to stumble upon a parade or local festivity , where you ’ ll see us celebrating life and being joyful !
O . A . T .: What do you love most about where you live ?
Carolina : Visit us , and you will experience great weather , peaceful countryside landscapes , excellent gastronomy and wines , history , monuments , and colorful tiles everywhere . But the true beauty and immersion into the culture of Portugal and Spain can be found in its unique and friendly people . I am very proud to be one of them !
Born in : Porto , Portugal
Resides in : Malaga , Spain
Languages Spoken : Portuguese , English , Spanish , French
Hobbies : Gastronomy , hiking , snorkeling , seeing live music ( and singing out loud )
See why Carolina has such passion for her homeland during Iberian Voyage : Lisbon to Barcelona .
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DISPATCHES • JUNE 2023 21