The Inquisitive Tourist

Surfing: One of the coolest hobbies anyone can have, right?
Are you a keen surfer? You'll enjoy listening to someone with a ton of experience.
And if you're hoping to get into it, you will benefit from some great advice.
My guest today is from Madrid, Spain. He has been surfing for over 25 years.
Welcome, Ruben Martin.

Episode highlights:

• [01:40] - started surfing as a teenager, canary islands
• [03:10] - his brother is a pro skater, compares skating to surfing
• [04:05] - advice for someone wanting to start. To be great is technical, but just start
• [04:56] - safety aspect of surfing. Advice on currents in the sea, Swim parallel to shore
• [06:40] - What board and wetsuit he recommends based on height & weight and skill
• [07:10] - Start with bigger board, 8/9 ft, helps with balance. Don't use small pro board
• [09:20] - He uses different boards based on how the waves are, has used 5"10 board
• [11:10] - 3/4m in Costa Rica, biggest wave he's done
• [11:38] - Took professional lessons from a great instructor in Sopelana, North Spain
• [13:00] - In one week a person can start catching waves and get some good feelings
• [13:32] - Lessons in Sopelana around €20-30 a number of years ago
• [14:25] - Explains method of teaching surfing
• [15:31] - Feeling of catching his first wave, a feeling you never forget
• [17:05] - lived in california 2 years, studied there and saw a surfing instructor school
• [17:56] - speaks about different surfing spots in spain, galicia, cadiz etc
• [19:20] - Portugal: Lisbon, Carcavelos etc. Great spots for surfing there
• [20:50] - surfing in canary islands, gran canaria, tenerife. Sometimes a walk of 30 minutes to the beach, some beaches inaccessible by car
• [23:00] - sometimes the waves aren't what you thought, so you have to move to another place, or sometimes you just have to change plans entirely and can't surf at all
• [24:35] - Some cool spots in california to surf: Huntington beach, Oceanside, Malibu, Venice beach, Redondo Beach, Tressels, Carlsbad. Favourite spot is Swamis, Encinitas.
• [26:28] - Huntington beach. WSL professional contest.
• [27:00] - Artificial wave machine near his house in Madrid, Spain
• [27:50] - feeling of real waves in nature irreplaceable
• [28:37] - working in sporting events, wants to save and reach his goal of living by the ocean and living off surfing, open an surf school
• [29:30] - what qualifications are needed to open a surf school or teach? Each country has its own rules
• [31:06] - social dynamics of surfing, great way to make friends
• [31:55] - Speaks about vibe / type of people drawn to santander, galicia, swamis, etc.
• [32:45] - Surfing fire in California, worked there as a surf instructor, since they needed someone who also spoke Spanish
• [36:00] - he will be back on the show to advertise his new surfing school
• [36:29] - Has been to both pacific & caribbean side of costa rica, preferred surfing on the caribbean side
• [37:22] - resorts for surfing or air bnb? Air bnb / own accommodation better, then find your own spots
• [37:50] - Scariest experiences when surfing
• [39:57] - important to be a strong swimmer to be a surfer
• [40:40] - gives final words of advice to those wanting to start

Recommended surf school in North Spain that Ruben used: 
w: www.escueladesurfsopelana.com

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The entertainment industry has been hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic. How have music professionals coped? Todays episode will focus on the life of a DJ, specifically how she has adapted her trade to cope with the new circumstances and offer her skills to help others continue to party despite the mess of 2020!
She does corporate events, weddings, parties, and other special occasions. She was raised in Miami Florida USA. Her name is DJ ZELDA.

Episode highlights:

• [01:27] - family Nicaraguan, absorbed cuban, haitian, puerto rican cultures from Miami
• [03:33] - DJ'ing side gig. Took risk by starting small whilst continuing her career
• [04:25] - average of 2 events per month
• [04:43] - lots of preparation time before each event, especially for weddings, meeting bride & groom. Same for corporate event.
• [05:30] - "It's not just hit play". Same with podcasting, lots of behind the scenes work & research
• [06:30] - lots of investment needed in good equipment, organisation is key.
• [07:15] - Sterotypes. What its like being a Female DJ. Business first, not just a hobby. Word of mouth is the highest compliment. Lots of marketing not needed.
• [09:10] - Has gained the respect of male DJ's
• [11:15] - Nice benefit of pandemic - collaborate with other female DJs.
• [12:45] - Now considered as 'just a DJ', regardless of male or female. Equality despite only 10% being female.
• [15:55] - as a female DJ you have to be really good, because of the bias
• [17:01] - will start to explore other genres, she attends new workshops for this, good way of CPD (continuing professional development)
• [18:19] - most embarrassing thing that's happened to her as a DJ. Happened at a wedding, Groom & his mother, wrong song! Funny story
• [21:39] - Audiences reaction at the wedding 
• [23:16] - Once covid started, did you and other DJ's assume it was the end of things for the time being?
• [24:29] - Zoom was easiest platform to use for online virtual DJ events & parties
• [26:30] - first two events were international. Interacting with the guests via spotlighting
• [27:30] - Re-energises by interacting and even dancing during other sets
• [28:52] - She collaborates with DJs from places such as U.S.A, Germany, France - bringing together different 'spices' genres & styles
• [29:35] - Equipment set up over zoom is easy than traditional real live event
• [30:42] - Technical issue despite sound check at national corporate event
• [32:15] - virtual not the same for their corporate event
• [33:00] - Zoom settings have to be on point
• [34:15] - 500-1000 people, from all over the world, cater for different music tastes, with people from all over the place. Keeping open mind is key! Knowing how rhythms tie together
• [35:53] - Greek music mixes well with reggaeton!
• [36:58] - travelling opens your mind to new music, be adaptable & humble
• [38:15] - Kompa (Haitian), Brazilian music & other communities 
• [39:38] - will leave her contact info for any shared dialogue
• [40:33] - How to feel the vibe / crowd over videoconferencing ?
• [45:30] - virtual vs normal party dynamics discussed
• [46:50] - can track cameras and judge peoples reaction & the chat for feedback
• [47:22] - breakout rooms labelled portuguese, spanish, toilet etc.
• [50:55] - Guest composition important
• [51:44] - DJ'ing / collaborating with others of different strengths/genres
• [53:40] - time differences on zoom
• [55:48] - lots of emotion, has pandemic changed you forever as a person & DJ? DJ world changed forever, virtual events continue?

Contact DJ ZELDA:
e:    [email protected]

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• [01:19] - Sancy gives us an intro, lives in Maraval, suburb of Port of Spain
• [01:55] - Financial hub of Caribbean, focussed less on tourism. Not as well known for its beaches unlike rest of Caribbean, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Vincent, Barbados etc.
• [03:01] - Economy based on Industrial : Fossil fuel, oil, natural gas, fertiliser.
• [03:26] - She works in Insurance industry, claims.
• [04:04] - Recent volcanic eruption in St Vincent, involved in claims.
• [04:39] - Education system in Trinidad similar to the British. Population of Trinidad 1.4 million
• [06:13] - Capital is Port of Spain, 40% of population, 550k.
• [07:10] - Port of Spain compared to other cities in T&T. All the high rise buildings here. Job opportunities.
• [09:10] - 'Get more yard' in country places, like south of the island for example.
• [10:32] - Political situation, Venezuelans coming to live in T&T, gives un update to the social implications, health and social care issues, how the government are treating them
• [11:10] - Trinidad closer to Venezuela (7 miles) than to its sister island of Tobago!
• [14:20] - Trini accent, which languages spoken there? Patois, Chinese, Spanish
• [15:10] - Hits us with some Patois!
• [15:38] - Birds in the background, beautiful!
• [17:11] - Population of Maraval just 5,000. 
• [18:08] - Staple foods of Trinidad. Doubles, Roti, etc. Great street food! At any Trini Party, Doubles stand always!
• [22:00] - Pilau, mix up / mash up of rice n pea n ting
• [23:02] - Roti best in Trini! Indigenous to Trinidad.
• [24:50] - 3 most famous dishes that people MUST try when visiting
• [26:25] - Main genres of music in trinidad: soca, chutney, calypso
• [28:20] - Everything turns into a party, carnival time, soca most popular
• [29:15] - Comparison of music between the islands
• [30:27] - sipping on Caroni Rum
• [31:21] - National music instrument: Steel Pan. Speaks us thru' history of its invention
• [34:58] - National instrument is a success story. Poor disadvantaged people succeeded over time to make instrument part of national culture. Legacy in T&T
• [35:44] - Ethic mixes of Trinidad: Afro, Indo, more Indo Trinidadian, half african half indian population also large (Dougla people), chinese, syrian-lebanese, Spanish 
• [38:40] - friendships / marriage / job opportunities, people of different groups get on? Yes! Amicable.
• [40:03] - Safety for men and women, developing country, does have its problems. Crime levels rising a little, usually related to gang violence.
• [42:19] - Touristic industry in Trinidad. Biggest at carnival time. Book hotel august previous year!
• [43:36] - Many visit for bird watching, hummingbird, pelican, etc.
• [44:41] - Teaches us some trini slangs
• [46:14] - Fam-a-lay! slang description of 'family'

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• [01:32] - Born in Brazil, moved with his family to USA. Grew up in both cultures.
• [02:45] -  Work / Life balance. Tourism, shipping & logistics. Closest city in Brazil to Europe.
• [04:40] - Job opportunites vs Sao Paolo?  Fortaleza fifth biggest city in Brazil.
• [05:47] - One of biggest waterparks in the world in Fortaleza, named Beach Park.
• [06:15] -  World championship Kite Surfing, city of Cambuco
• [08:20] - Weekend getaway big in Fortaleza. Part of the culture
• [08:50] - Relocation to USA: Tampa, Orlando, Miami.. compares to Brazil for opportunities. Orlando has the Disney parks, many opportunities there.
• [10:01] - Tampa growing exponentially because of cheaper quality of life. Cheaper Real Estate and great job opportunites.  People from northern states moving from the cold. Zoom / Remote working accelerating this
• [12:29] - prices in Tampa & Florida already on rise due to pandemic
• [13:52] - Many express desire to travel but trapped by financial commitments, Zelio gives his advice.
• [15:08] -  Life about priorities, choose them. Life never perfect. Sacrifice the big car, a bigger house.
• [16:18] - Being around new cultures helps understanding yourself better.
• [17:15] - Principle in economics, opportunity cost. Real cost is sacrifice, in place of another aquisition.
• [18:07] - Speaks us through his relocation to Florida & California  
• [20:52] - First focus on the goal you have then put the plan in action
• [21:25] -  Being based in the U.S. helped with contacts for sourcing passive & other income. Bachelors in Brazil, Masters in USA
• [22:45] - Richest people in the world didn't go to university, but had an idea
• [23:28] - Stocks & Shares, diversify income / portfolio, spread risk
• [23:59] -  Mathematics / Theoretical Physics, hedge funds & investment banking, or programming can lead to great income, but main reason for degree is love of academia.
• [25:15] - Passive income. How to implement it? How to build it? What if no capital? 
• [27:25] -  Technology age, with internet connection, many things are possible, e.g famous youtubers / youtube channels earning big income. Perfect era for entrepreneurs
• [28:21] - Find something you love and monetise it, make money whilst you sleep
• [28:50] - Crypto, de-centralisation, future of money
• [29:50] - Crypto currencies, how will governments get their cut? e.g. Bitcoin
• [30:40] - Digital Marketing, Business Administration. Media marketing consultant, now works freelance. Helps small business owners achieve their goals through Google, Facebook, Instagram & other Social Media Marketing
• [34:30] - Set up strategy for your business to grow  
• [35:12] - Digital marketing can be done 100% remotely
• [36:32] -  Buy/Sell business professionals, hire people online from anywhere
• [37:33] - Investing great way to start off but diversify and start slow!
• [40:00] -  All now done online from apps, no commission, easy to grow capital
• [42:10] - If you have a dream, Go! Pursue, then overcome obstacles. See where you can monetise!
• [42:54] -  Don't have a remote skill? Scared about investing? Sell other talents you have online
• [43:50] -  Emotional intelligence & personal growth through travelling
• [45:50] -  Be happy with the life you have right now! Have gratitude!
• [47:30] - High EQ helps with success!

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• [03:35] - Licensed for 15 years.
• [04:39] - when changing company, have to start over in lower seniority
• [05:54] - works on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft models
• [06:35] - Safety of both comparable, Airbus easier to work on, more maintenance friendly. Fault isolation better. Cockpit computer can self diagnose.
• [08:14] - Both generally as reliable. Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737. Workhorses of short haul flights. 737 rarely comes back to the gate. Airbus more comfortable for most passengers.
• [09:44] - Integrity of airframe the same on both.
• [10:34] - 5,500km range perfect for flights under 6 hours, prominent planes in our skies.
• [11:17] - Experience needed to work in your capacity? Schooling short. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires 2160 hours of classroom & practical training. 3 different exams done on a computer. Oral and practical on all 3 sections.
• [13:45] - What is involved in the practical part?
• [15:43] - What advice for someone wanting to train in this field?
• [17:06] - Training costs around $30,000 U.S, inc books / classroom time but not testing.
• [18:33] - Social dynamics / Shop culture of the job.
• [21:36] - cultural differences & pride can interfere with job being done safely.
• [24:27] - Amazon have many of the Boeing 767, servicing these planes is difficult. Older airplane uses antiquated technology. Compares it to old Ford or beat up Chevy.
• [25:00] - Airbus more digital airplane, Boeing less automated. Boeing still use cables for flight controls Vs. hydraulic actuators, more efficient way to fly.
• [26:15] - Will we move over to planes with more automation? Newer models of Boeing, 787 / 777 / 747-8 more advanced.
• [27:30] - Routine Daily check. Oils, filters, differential pressure indicators, tyres, brakes, leaks, no dents on airframe and wings. General overview electronically.
• [29:47] - Basic visual inspection takes ~ 20 minutes.
• [31:54] - How can certain crashes be avoided in future? Redundant systems and pilots being trained differently in future. Additional checks for maintenance.
• [35:24] - Do all pitot tubes have to agree? Speaks about margin of error.
• [38:20] - "Did I fit that bolt correctly?!"
• [40:58] - Has a plane you or colleagues worked on never come back safely?
• [42:52] - Stats on air travel are good. Passenger mile travelled flying much more safe.
• [44:40] - Examples of redundant systems
• [46:28] - Mutually exclusive redundant systems
• [49:22] - flying on RAT, last resort!
• [49:50] - Working under time pressure. Punctuality vs safety
• [51:54] - Not safe to fly vs pressure from management
• [52:53] - "Would you put your family on this plane?"
• [55:20] - Repairs in categories of urgency
• [58:36] - Has your industry been affected by COVID-19?
• [01:01:35] - How are you as a passenger? Less nervous or not?
• [01:04:22] - DUCT tape over the engine?! No, that's high speed tape!

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My guest Nathan Ponce tells us how he found love, unexpectedly, whilst performing humanitarian work in Dominican Republic. For those romantic ones amongst us, this will be a truly enjoyable episode. I was there myself and met Nathan whilst him romance unfolded in front of my eyes. Nathan is from San Diego, California, USA, and met Kathy from Vienna, Austria. They are now married and living together in San Diego, California, USA.

Episode Highlights:

• [01:55] - Beautiful love story, 2015, long trip and humanitarian work with Haitian Creole population.
• [03:14] - Dominican Republic & Haiti on island called Hispaniola.
• [04:27] - Favourite things about D.R., way of life, pura vida (pure life), beach, food, drink, laid back atmosphere
• [05:32] - Monday afternoon and mojitos on the beach!
• [07:20] - Wanted her on his volleyball team, she is 6"0, and he is 5"5.
• [09:05] - Dominican spanish vs. spanish from Mexico / Ecuador
• [10:27] - Favourite foods, caribbean foods with a dominican spin. Grilled chicken dishes with staple beans, and plantain. Drinks made of island fruits.
• [12:33] - Dancing, Bachata, Sala, Merengue. Logistics of 5"5 vs 6"0, logistical differences.
• [14:55] - Dancing popular in San Diego, but the demographics mean the focus is different at times, dancing styles in tropical dance not as popular.
• [16:10] - In New York, didn't shy away from any opportunity, if he saw a tall girl, he'd ask her to dance. He learnt some moves specific to tall girls.
• [20:14] - Met and quickly became good friends, best friends, but how long did it take to know this was special and going somewhere?
• [22:29] - All he ever wanted, not that he was specifically looking for a 6"0 Austrian girl.
• [23:50] - Cultural differences : Boy from San Diego meets girl from Vienna Austria in D.R. Three cultures are at play.
• [27:09] - Get to know each other without side influences, distractions from back home.
• [29:53] - Trip wasn't going to last forever, how did that dawn on you?
• [31:15] - 3 months in, Kathy says she has a guy friend from her hometown coming to the D.R., led to the start of a series of conversation and events.
• [34:48] - "I went in, I kissed her"
• [35:30] - Sometimes a third party can clarify an existing friendship into what's going on.
• [36:10] - She jumped back a bit, but how did Nathan react? He kissed her again.
• [39:20] - Last few weeks together on the island, speaks us through his emotions.
• [42:35] - When dust settled, Kathy back in Vienna, Nathan in San Diego, how were you both coping? Long distance dating is difficult. Time difference complicates things further.
• [44:43] - Meeting her family for the first time. How did they react?
• [47:33] - The height difference, people notice at first but not anymore.
• [49:25] - Plans for engagement.
• [56:44] - Nail salon, polaroid pictures, very romantic.
• [57:16] - Wedding in Vienna, how were the logistics of that organised, since his family and friends live in California, many thousands of miles away.
• [01:01:04] - Visa requirements when she came to live in USA.
• [01:05:10] - Cost of Visa, circa. $3,700.00 U.S., no lawyer needed necessarily.
• [01:08:08] - Now married for 3 1/2 years, how has Kathy settled into San Diego? Everyone loves San Diego! But it is expensive.
• [01:11:02] - Speaks to the audience, compares Los Angeles (LA) to San Diego. San Diego has it all!
• [01:13:35] - No current plans to return as a couple to D.R., before Nathan left he experienced an incident on the island. Despite this, D.R. remains one of his favourite places.

All in all, a beautiful love story of two travellers meeting, falling in love and getting married.

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This is a truly fascinating discussion. My Guest today is Nathan Mejia, who resides in Florida, USA. He is 27, and works in the computing industry after graduating with a degree in Computer Systems. Do you know anyone who has gone shark diving in a cage? Would you ever do it yourself? What if I told you that my guest today not only went shark diving, but did it without oxygen, and without a cage. Yes, you read that right.

Episode highlights:

• [02:14] - Nathan introduces himself
• [04:36] - Briefly compares colombian and dominican cultures, since he is 1/2 1/2.
• [06:44] - Deep dive on fascinating topic of shark diving experience, where and when? Jupiter, Florida, U.S.A
• [08:18] - Idea of diving with sharks, with no cage, normal amongst population or just you and your friends?
• [10:20] - Reviews online, or just word of mouth?
• [12:06] - No intellectual bias, reviews gave him confidence, despite mathematical probability that he could be eaten alive or injured. Bigger chance of death by vending machine.
• [13:06] - Description of show notes will show website of company he used (see below)
• [13:23] - What preparations be it mentally, physically?
• [15:05] - 1.5 miles out from coast of Jupiter, chum the water, establish controlled environment.
• [15:44] - Are sharks encountered on every outing?
• [18:06] - What previous diving experience have you had? Not certified Scuba, no need. Free Diving, build resistance in own lungs, less gear needed.
• [20:06] - The moment you break 6 feet, the sharks will come up to you.
• [21:19] - Sounds absurd, just need to swim, and you can be with these dangerous animals. No reviews seen of people losing limbs.
• [23:38] - If you dive nude, higher chance of being attacked?
• [25:56] - Each species of shark behaves and reacts differently to humans.
• [26:54] - If you dive when sharks are hungry, is there a bigger chance of being attacked?
• [28:22] - How much was the experience per person? Grand total $350.00 U.S. Includes professional photographs, videos.
• [31:04] - If shark decides he wants you for dinner, what can an instructor do?
• [32:25] - Bullsharks, Sandbar shark, Reef sharks.
• [35:00] - Eyeballing you, 8.5 ft shark, male vs female. Females larger, 400lbs plus.
• [37:20] - Do these sharks turn on each other in a predatory way? Bullsharks run the show.
• [38:01] - They even eat car tyres, Continental vs Michelin. Apex predators in their ecosystem.
• [40:20] - No cage. Movies with cage scenario vs excursion without a cage. Do some sharks necessitate a cage in all circumstances? A great white would probably require cage in most circumstances.
• [42:50] - How scared were you on a scale of zero to ten compared to any other life experiences? 7/10 rising to an 11/10.
• [44:39] - Always maintain eye contact, and don't turn your back. Don't show fear or panic even if you're terrified. Remain calm.
• [45:08] - 8 inches from my face!!! WHAT?!
• [47:03] - "I'm not food!". Fight or flight response vs. education.
• [49:30] - Just listen to the pros, even if you get nervous. Worse case scenario, die a legend.
• [51:24] - Would you do it again?
• [52:42] - Spear fishers In Hawaii encounter tiger sharks.
• [53:06] - Final question for Nathan, how did it develop you as a person? What did it teach you about life?

Shark Addicts - Company in Jupiter, Fl, U.S.A. //
w: http://sharkaddictsdiving.com

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