My passion for travel began when I traveled to Sri Lanka with my family when I was younger. I was captivated by the stunning landscapes and colorful way of life and continued my fascination of cultures through to university, where I graduated with a degree in anthropology from UCL.
In the years since then I’ve explored the many wonders of Latin America — hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, horse riding in the stunning Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and sailing up close to the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Chile, Argentina and Brazil have captured my heart, and I find this part of the world and all it has to offer incredibly fascinating and exciting.
My love for Latin America is rooted in admiration of the landscapes, histories, culture and people that shape this extraordinary region.
Q&A with Anna
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
In the quirky port city of Valparaiso, Chile, I went on a local cooking class where I learnt to cook authentic empanadas. To begin, I was taken to a local food market where we shopped for ingredients; there are so many smells, sounds and colours to observe, coming together in a perfect chaotic assault on the senses. Empanadas are baked or fried pastries which are a staple across many Latin American countries, with different countries having their own traditions and fillings. These particular empanadas were filled with a delicious mixture of minced beef, peppers, onion, and seasoned with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, before being baked in the oven. These were washed down with a classic pisco sour.
What's your most vivid travel moment?
Most most vivid travel memory was horse riding in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Having climbed onto my gorgeous horse, Bufon, I was led by a gaucho (a skilled horseman) across grassy hills and under tree branches, before climbing a steep incline and emerging into a clearing where the Linda Lagoon Lake spread out in front of me with views of the three Towers del Paine. The striking difference between the blue skies and the dark, snow-capped mountains left me almost breathless. Experiencing this phenomenal landscape on horseback was truly something special.
Where would you love to travel next?
I’d love to travel to islands in the South Pacific. After visiting Easter Island, I was completely captivated by the culture, history, and stunning landscapes The island has such a unique vibe and feels distinctly Polynesian, despite being part of Chile. I’m drawn to visiting islands such as French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands, where I can learn more about the ancient traditions and vibrant culture.