Into the Andes
RECONNECTING THROUGH DESIGN & ADVENTURE
In early June, I made a big decision: I moved deeper into the Andes. It wasn’t exactly planned—but life tends to unfold in ways we least expect.
Career-wise, it’s been tough lately. Finding remote work as a digital product designer has gotten significantly harder. With massive layoffs across the industry, even talented designers with extensive experience find themselves struggling. At four years in, I’ve loved this career—but the search for a stable position has taken a toll on my confidence, energy, and overall sense of direction.
To complicate matters, my partner recently faced a family emergency in the US, and with visa constraints, they can’t return to Ecuador until the end of the year. Weeks slipped by without a breakthrough, and as stress mounted, something completely unexpected surfaced.
My friends Byron and Claire—whom I met volunteering during the wildfires in Vilcabamba last year—offered an unusual opportunity. They needed help developing their brand: designing, marketing, and sharing their story through social media. Their products come straight from the land—organic probiotic drinks, rich coffee, pure ingredients sourced from their own mountain property. Even the water is crystal-clear, cascading down directly from a waterfall at the property’s peak.
The catch? No pay yet—but a unique chance to live rent-free off-grid, surrounded by lush nature, with enough flexibility to continue applying for jobs. I’d live immersed in a beautiful, isolated paradise while building a meaningful project from scratch. A true adventure in creativity, nature, and personal growth.
As I write this, it’s my third week up here, and I can honestly say this place is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The first thing you notice is the silence—the peaceful, steady flow of the river and cascada, bees quietly buzzing nearby, the occasional distant bray of a donkey, or a soft moo from a wandering cow. Compared to the chaotic pace of modern life, this serenity is both strange and soothing.
Life here comes with its responsibilities, too. My daily routine now includes feeding our four-legged companions: two horses, one mule, and one donkey. Every few days, I hike uphill to the water source to ensure it’s flowing clear and strong. Supplies come in by horseback—each journey a fresh adventure. Heavy rains appear out of nowhere, daylight slips away faster than anticipated, and I find myself navigating muddy paths guided only by moonlight.
But I'm not alone in this journey. My three yellow dogs—lovable Vilcabamba mutts—keep me good company, joining me on frequent walks around the property. Together, we gather fruits, yuca, and herbs, reconnecting with rhythms that feel deeply familiar yet long forgotten. Memories of my teenage years on the farm return vividly as I feel the earth beneath my bare feet—something I've rarely experienced during the busy, screen-focused life I left behind.
Every Saturday, I head back down to Vilcabamba to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes and restock my groceries. It’s the only day shoes really become necessary. The rest of the week is barefoot, hands-in-the-soil living, balanced by quiet, focused design work. Through it all, I've set a personal intention to re-explore something that has been calling me deeply—the art of storytelling. My goal is to master it, to craft narratives that are authentic, heartfelt, and beautifully human.
The distance from my family and uncertainty in my career have been profoundly challenging, but this mountain sanctuary gives me stability, clarity, and space to rediscover who I am and who I might become. I’m excited for the days ahead: building this brand, refining my craft, and sharing more stories about this special place.
Stay tuned. The adventure is just getting started.
Much love—see you in the next one.
—Alan
Also, check out Mi Jardín—a soulful brand I’m helping shape from the roots up, blending organic ingredients with a story that’s pure magic.