A few days ago we announced a fun mystery contest from our friend John Roa. Now you get to learn a little more about the man behind #wheresJohnny, AKTA Web Studio and the really cool nonprofit, Digital Hope. Learn more about John’s adventures below and don’t forget to enter his contest!
Name: John (or Johnny) Roa
Tell us a little about yourself: I own AKTA Web Studio and am the Founder/CEO of Digital Hope- a 501c3 nonprofit that performs volunteer projects around the world, funded and fueled by social media. I am a true web geek who has been starting digital companies since my teenage years. I am now preparing to trade a life in the big city for one living out of a backpack as I prepare to lead the international team for Digital Hope. On the road, I will be working hands-on with each of our projects (at organizations like orphanages, wildlife sanctuaries and schools), as well as still working with AKTA remotely. I’ve spent months backpacking Europe, South America, etc. but nothing near what 2012 is going to look like.
Favorite city you’ve been to: Toss up - Valparaiso, Chile or Lisbon, Portugal. Both are completely beautiful, authentic and big adventures.
Favorite restaurant: Can’t say I know exact names…But any restaurant on the Grand Canal in Venice, or an authentic local steak shop in Buenos Aires.
Best place to relax: This isn’t going to sound like a nomad/backpacker thing to say, but I think the most relaxed I’ve been in my entire life was on a cruise ship sailing the Mediterranean. Sitting Titanic-style on the bow of the boat, with just moonlight (how romantic right?) and watching the water and shore go by (with a big glass of wine in hand, of course).
Best place to have fun: Punta del Este, Uruguay. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Hell of a party!
Best trip you’ve ever taken: I took mum to Europe this past May for her birthday. She had never been to Europe. We visited Paris, and then took a cruise along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Venice. It was an amazing trip and an experience I will never forget.
What one piece of advice do you have for travelers? Be open-minded. The point of traveling is to truly experience new things. If you are fixed on your current tastes, beliefs or customs, you are not properly traveling. Past that, get lost. It’s the best way to explore a new place.
Where else can we find you on the web?
seejohnnygo.com (there is a fun contest here too where you can win great prizes for guessing where I am!)
Tags: AKTA, Digital Hope, Featured Traveler, gtrotter, John Roa, whereisjohnny