In this latest episode, I present to you, Stewart Gatsi, a true renaissance man who has reinvented himself several times over. World traveler architect, ex-pat, musician, teacher, and now author. We share similar backgrounds so l was eager to chat with him, and it was good!
Rough Guide To Planet Earth:
We had both been born in Africa, Nigeria for me, and Zimbabwe for him, then it was on to America. He landed in Kansas City, and l assumed it must have been a hard adjustment for him, but it didn’t sound like it. Practically the same for me in Boston. Listen to the podcast and hear about his jam-packed life so far.
A fascinating interview with a well-traveled, and soft-spoken man who has recently released a memoir of his life titled Rough Guide To Planet Earth, a great read, and one that once again confirms something l have always believed. Life comes in bites, and it’s up to us to decide if and when it’s time for the next bite of life! (get it?
Highlights of the podcast:
- Growing up in Zimbabwe
- Moving to the U.S as a teenager and how it was adjusting to life in America.
- College life, a degree in archtecture, bad experiences, and the decision to leave America because the rose-colored glasses came off.
- Cyprus, the next destination, differences between the two sides of the island and feeling welcome.
- Making lifelong friends, but time for a change after some years.
- Dubai beckoned, and he heeded the call. For a while.
- Going back home to Zimbabwe and the reverse culture shock.
- Struggling to survive financially and finally listening to an elder’s advice.
- South Africa, football, and finding his place in the world for a while.
- Getting robbed as a welcome, and ultimately deciding that Johannesburg was just not for him.
- Trying out Cape Town, a place he loved but one that did not love him back.
- Vietnam, and finally finding a stable, friendly environment and where he remains five years later.
- Life in Ho Chi Minh City and pivoting to work as an English language teacher.
- His love for singing and how it came about.
- Cost of living in Vietnam and if it’s enough to live on, and save money.
- Advice for others who want to change their lives.
I absolutely enjoyed this chat with Stewart and l apologize as l think this is the longest interview so far, over an hour, but l just found it so fun and informative.
I have read his memoir, and l absolutely loved it. I was nodding my head while reading some paragraphs. I hate to be insensitive, but a lot of Americans are really, really uninformed. I get that the news is sort of biased, but not having the curiosity to learn about the world is mind-boggling to me.
I also understood his reasoning for wanting to leave the States. It’s only been recently that we have been hearing of all the horror stories involving the police and their treatment of black men. It’s been something that has always happened, and his book came out last year before it all blew up. I urge you to get a copy. It’s a short read and quite good.
Find Stewart’s book, “Rough guide to planet earth” here on Amazon:
Listen to the podcast here:
Or watch on YouTube:
You can find Stewart on these platforms:
My favorite song of his on Youtube called “Beautiful Heart“. A young Seal l proclaim! 🙂
Other podcasts of interest:
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I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as l did making it. I love hear peoples stories on how they go about making changes in their lives. Once again, life is what you make it. Stewart has a great attitude and l admire the fact that he is an exemplary experimental expat.
How are things with you? Planning on any changes or travel in the near future?
Kemkem, I really enjoyed watching this podcast on Youtube. Wow…Stwart has had an incredible life and has lived so many different experiences, he looks so young for someone who has already has had so many great life experiences.
Interesting that in America he found his confidence…and yes everything is supersized and bigger in America. Interesting to hear about his motivation for changing his life, moving to another place, and starting again…and again. Going back to his home country of Zimbabwe and the reverse culture shock he felt. It is inspiring to hear how he goes after his goals, follows his dreams, but balances the work-life balance also.
Sounds like he is feeling quite happy living in Ho Chi Minh City for now and I can totally understand since I think it is a great city to live in, but also that he has many other places in mind.
Keep going Stewart and keep having fun, I will be checking out your book.
I enjoyed the interview very much Gilda. What a fascinating life so far, and he is only in his 30’s, so a very determined young man. Haha! Everything is monstrous in the states. I think it’s so admirable to keep on trying to find your place, the one that makes the most sense for you.
Vietnam definitely sounds like it suits him fine now. Never been, but l have heard great things and l remember your travels before everything went to balls up :-). I’m sure he appreciates your checking out his book. I really enjoyed it.