Biography
Becky's true love of Latin America began when aged 19 she followed her best friend out to Brazil for six weeks during the summer holidays. She travelled extensively in that first trip but knew that she would return. She then went to the University of Birmingham where she studied Spanish and French spending her third year of studies living in Havana which will always remain very special to her. After graduating she travelled the world for a year concentrating her time in South America and visiting Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Since joining Audley she has returned to Brazil and Argentina several times to get to know many of our guides and hotels as well as exploring Uruguay. She has re-visited Cuba and been on two trips to Mexico, a country for which she has found a new passion. Most recently of all she has travelled to Guatemala and Belize where she was bowled over by the beauty of Lake Atitlan and swam with sharks in the turquoise waters off Ambergris Caye.
My Most Memorable Experience
"My most memorable Audley experience to date is in the Argentine Lake District, near Bariloche, with the Aukache team. I set off for the day without a clue as to what I was going to do, other than it required sensible shoes.
First a short walk through the forest, which was a mass of glorious colours because it was mid-autumn. Then Alex and I went scrambling up some rocks. We reached quite a height after a while and the views of the lakes and forest were spectacular.
Then I was asked if I wouldn't mind abseiling down the 50 metre cliff face below me. It wasn't easy and my legs were like jelly by the end but the sense of achievement was great.
The best part of all was that at the bottom was a table perched on a rock where we sat and ate one of the best three course lunches I've ever had. This was a day I'll never forget and how food that good was cooked outside on the edge of a cliff I'll never know!"
My Favourite Destination
"Salvador is one of Brazil's biggest enticements for me, and believe me it's hard to choose. I think it's because it's such a feast for the senses.
I love to walk around the cobbled streets of Pelourinho and everytime I'm struck by the rich smell of palm oil emanating from the little food stalls there, manned by Bahian ladies in their ample white dresses wearing smiles as wide as the sky.
I also love to watch the Capoeira; a mixture of martial art, fight and dance. Such strength, poise and elegance I'd never seen."
My Favourite Accommodation
"Candelaria del Monte is a wonderful Estancia about an hour and a half from the centre of the Argentine Capital.
The hospitality from Ines and Sebastian is warm, meals here are sublime and the setting in the wide open pampa is conducive to an extremely relaxing stay.
The decor here is definitely an acquired taste. In the main suite matching floral pattern covers floor to ceiling, but I like it, it gives it a real personality.
A stay here in the summer is fabulous, lying out by the large open air swimming pool and strolling through the extensive grounds is blissful. You can even enjoy an authentic Argentine asado.
A stay in winter however is just as delightful, enjoy tasty Argentine steak by the roaring fire in the oversized sitting room and cosy up with a cup of wine and a good book."
