#103 – When the spirit of adventure courses through your veins, every turn in the road presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the world in ways most people only dream of. Scott Gurian, a seasoned journalist and podcaster known for his work on the “Far From Home” podcast is no stranger to such experiences. He embarked on a monumental journey that would see him cover over 18,000 miles in a tiny car, participating in the famed Mongol Rally, driving from the UK to Mongolia, and back.
Photos Courtesy of Scott Gurian
Scott’s tale is not just one of distances crossed but of the human connections made along the way. His penchant for slow travel and immersive experiences allowed him to dig beneath the surface of the places he visited, turning what could have been a mere road trip into a profound exploration of culture and humanity. As he navigated the globe, he not only witnessed breathtaking landscapes but also experienced the world’s diversity, forming a tapestry of memories and stories that would resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the horizon.
During the conversation, Scott reflects on the life-changing power of travel. He recounts the Mongol Rally, an event less about speed and more about the journey itself. The rules of the rally encouraged participants to use small cars to ensure more authentic interactions with locals and presented challenges like breakdowns that they had to face without organizer support. It was in these moments of uncertainty and spontaneity that the true adventure unfolded.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Scott’s journey was the cultural encounters that left an indelible mark on him. He speaks fondly of the Iranian hospitality he experienced. Then there were the impromptu camping experiences in the frigid heights of Tajikistan and the instances where he found himself lost in Kyrgyzstan, all of which underlined the unpredictability and thrill of travel.
Scott’s adventures continued beyond the rally. In Peru, he met a curandero, a healer who introduced him to a quest for a healing stone and an ayahuasca ceremony that offered an introspective journey of its own. These personal quests, interspersed with his ongoing travels, demonstrate Scott’s deep-seated curiosity and desire to engage with the world on a meaningful level.
The podcast episode doesn’t just chart Scott’s physical journey but also delves into his aspirations, like his aim to become fluent in Spanish to further deepen his cultural experiences. His stories of traveling to places like Chernobyl and his interests in sustainable practices like house sitting paint the picture of a man whose adventures are as varied as they are enlightening.
For those with wanderlust, Scott’s insights act as a siren call, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown and find joy in the serendipitous moments that travel invariably presents. His advice to embrace the spontaneous is not just about international expeditions but also about finding adventure in our backyards. 
The tales that Scott shares are more than just anecdotes; they’re an inspiration, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and into the vast, open world. They remind us that our paths are ours to choose, and it’s along these roads that we find ourselves and the stories we’ll tell for years to come. As Scott discusses the ins and outs of an unforgettable rally, one thing becomes clear: it’s not just about the destination but the journey itself that shapes us.
In a world that often feels too small and interconnected, Scott’s adventures throw open the doors to the unexplored and the overlooked, inviting us to see the world through a lens of wonder and camaraderie. His narrative is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the profound impact it can have on our lives.