My artistic aspirations take me to places I have always dreamed of visiting. 

Growing up travel consisted of road trips with my folks to California and cruises to Mexico, Canada and Alaska. Other than these trips I was sequestered most of my life until I began international travel at 43.

My first trip abroad was with two friends to Rome. I fell in love with it’s rich history, the dazzling culture and my favorite, pesto sauce . Listening to locals speak the whimsical language, riding on it’s maze-like metro system, or strolling down a dimly lit cobblestone street surrounded by centuries old architecture – Bellisimo. Italy left a permanent mark on my psyche.

My first international trip alone was to Thailand in 2014, I discovered the wonder of figuring things out, made friends from all over the world and felt reborn. The new presented a stint of learning and growth after a lifelong period of the familiar.

I had an intense curiosity for Asia particularly Japan, a few years later I went. I began with Tokyo then to Hiroshima, Okinawa, Kyoto, Hakone, Osaka, and more. Japan is filled with endless and breathtaking landscapes from the countryside to the city. While there I met photographers whose work inspired me, I had to acquire a pro-grade camera. In Tokyo I came close to purchasing one but which? Sony, Canon or perhaps Fuji. Upon returning to the states photographer friends of mine all said, get a Sony, so I did just that.

Back in Las Vegas, my hometown, I began shooting throughout the city but quickly lost interest. Seeking new subject matter led to West Coast weekend trips to National Parks and cities, and up North to the Canadian Rockies.

It wasn’t long that shooting images domestically no longer removed me from my element. I desperately longed to escape the comforts of western society. Show me a different world, not a strip mall, a trendy restaurant chain or a retail giant. I don’t want to comprehend the language or decipher the writing, I want to get lost then find my way back, see new sights, experience rich culture and immerse in the present.

International travel is an extravaganza for the senses. I began traveling abroad as much as work allowed for. Europe, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panamá, Guatemala, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Then Israel and back to Europe again.

My eye evolved to more fluently capture and frame images, seeking out new and thought provoking subject matter. Walking for hours on end, exploring neighborhoods, venturing down narrow alleyways, traversing unfamiliar streets or perusing centuries old temples and churches.

In 2020 my adventures abruptly ceased during the Coronavirus pandemic and kept me holed up in Vegas for a year. When international travel opened back up, elated I immediately set off to Croatia. Upon returning home depression kicked in and ensued for months, I no longer wanted to live in the US. I preferred adventuring abroad capturing images but work kept me from leaving. I felt empty inside and was bored out of my mind.

When gyms closed in 2020 my company its focus shifted to remote work online. Realizing I no longer needed a physical location for my business, I wanted to move abroad and work remotely. I made the decision in mid 2022 to sell all my material possessions, permanently close my gym and booked a one way ticket to Colombia to start a new life.

Since leaving the US I’ve travelled to Mexico, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Spain, France, Morocco, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Japan, Dubai, Romania, Copenhagen, Germany and Istanbul.

How do I decide where to go? Instagram, research or simply looking at a map and good weather, but most of my decisions are a result of chance encounters with locals or conversations with other travelers. I go with the flow and allow life to unfold, for example I had no plan to visit Ukraine but while in Croatia I made a new friend who struck a curious chord in me to explore her country. I booked a ticket and off I went.

The rewards of international travel are priceless and life altering. I am thankful to partake in these rich and fulfilling life experiences. I crave adventure and I am curious about the world and it’s cultures.

Thank you for taking time to read my journey, it is my sincere hope you visit again as I regularly update the site with new images as my travels continue and I would be honored if you fancy my photos enough to hang them up at home or work. Hope to see you at my exhibition.

- Pablito