D. J. Stanton
illustrated by Julie Stone
In 2023, Julia and Daniel felt their lives were drifting into a monotonous routine. But what happens when you decide to trade stability for spontaneity and an everyday life for a wild leap across the globe? You find yourself working on the vibrant, sprawling landscapes of Chile and Argentina.
In this honest and humorous travel story, the couple leaves their predictable lives behind to take on unexpected roles from mastering vineyard management in the Andes to assisting with rural construction and managing animals on a remote Guacho ranch outside of Buenos Aires. Their journey is a testament to the entertaining trials and hilarious tribulations that arise when you step completely outside your comfort zone.
Despite language barriers, comical mishaps, and unexpected physical challenges, they learn more than just new skills. They discover a deeper appreciation for each other and find that the greatest adventure of all is the one that shows you who you can be when you take a chance.
About the author
Daniel is a Bournemouth University graduate, a public health advocate, and a dedicated work-exchange traveller. Trading a conventional routine for years of grit and discovery across South America and Texas, he channels his experiences into honest, engaging storytelling. His writing captures the humour and heart found in the unpredictable moments of life over the horizon.
About the illustrator
Julie (Julia) completed her masters in illustration at Arts University Bournemouth and has been a professional illustrator for over a decade. Her works are inspired by a contemporary fusion of Japanese prints and vintage aesthetics. She uses soft gradients, muted colour palettes, and dreamlike environments. She frequently blends human figures with fluid, surreal natural elements to explore themes of mindfulness, resilience, and personal growth. The resulting aesthetic is both tranquil and emotionally grounded.
Reviews
5
"...it left me wanting to go and do something equally badly planned. I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it. Definitely earns its five stars."
Pete Bennett
4.5
"Perfect for fans of experiential travel with calloused hands, not curated feeds."
Donna
5
"What a great read. It doesn't sugar-coat the realities of working abroad, but that's exactly what makes it so engaging. The mix of humour, hard work, and unexpected adventures kept me turning the pages, and Julia and Daniel were easy to root for throughout. A great read if you've ever dreamed of taking a chance and seeing where it leads."
Claire Harris
5
"Great book. I took this with me on the sleeper trip from London to Edinburgh and I woke the people up below me from the some of the laugh out loud moments. I also read Bill Bryson, ' notes from a small island', and the humour in this is similar."
Ashley
5
"Leaving a comfortable life always sounds romantic until you’re the one standing there tired, confused, in the wrong language, doing work you never imagined doing. That’s the part that made this feel real. It doesn’t sound like a glossy “we left everything and found ourselves” story. It sounds more like two people stumbling through something bigger than they expected and learning as they go."
Atlas
5
"It’s one of those books that feels like sitting down with someone who is actually living a life worth hearing about. The mix of travel, near-misses, genuine awe and quiet self-reflection makes it incredibly engaging, especially because the writer is so honest about the exhaustion, uncertainty and strange joy that come with stepping off the map."
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