S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S
SAUDI ADVENTURER
Sami Altokhais A psychologist by degree, photographer and natural explorer by choice. By Johara Almogbel
Sami Altokhais did something quite impressive: He quit his job in banking to travel in South America. Since we only dream of quitting our jobs to travel the world (hi, bosses, we’re just kidding we swear) we immediately bombarded Altokhais with requests of how he did it. You’re welcome.
I have always had chronic wanderlust. I was born in the US and most my life was spent going back and forth to Riyadh, due to my father’s studies in the US. When I grew up, traveling extended outside the two countries.
What brought up the idea of traveling to South America?
I love Latin America: the history, culture, landscapes, people and food. I have had a lot of Latino friends and we got a long very well. My first trip there was in 2008 when I went to Guadalajara, Mexico. The second trip was in December 2012 when I attended a friend’s wedding in 26 DESTINATION RIYADH DECEMBER 2015
Guatemala. I fell in love with the country and decided to come back four months later to study Spanish. I went back in March 2013 and stayed in the colonial town of Antigua for a full month. After going back to my job in Riyadh I decided to plan my Latin American trip for the following year. I wanted to experience longterm travel that wasn’t tied to specific dates or locations.
STAFF PHOTO/
When did you first find out you have a permanent case of wanderlust?