So, let me just introduce myself: my name is Gabriel, I started this group, and I'm glad to see people are using it--lots of helpful stuff on the teaching language forum.
Anywho, my plan for the very near future is to pack my life (basically just my dog and a few instruments) into my van and drive south on a mission to finally learn spanish fluently and intelligently, learn more about latin american progressive politics, hopefully do some journalism, and make connections and do good where ever I go.
I'm actually trying not to make too many plans in advance but to let the trip lead me, still, any help, information, or advice would be much appreciated. I'm planning on starting in Chiapas (San Cristobal de las Casas) and then bouncing south from there as visas and financial situations dictate. I'm lucky enough to already have a number of friends I plan to visit along the route, but any other connections people could offer would be great (don't worry, I'm a very conscientious guest). Also, I imagine I'm going to have to work here and there (possibly teaching english, freelance journalism, ngo work, manual labor...?) to make ends meet and any suggestions of good organizations I might want to check out would be great (I've already found quite a few on idealist!).
So that's it--just wanted to put the word out there. I think this adventure could last anywhere between 3 months and 3 years. Right now my biggest concerns are visa issues and avoiding the areas that are truly unsafe to be in. Hope to hear from y'all,

GABE
REAL
BASS

Sounds like a real adventure! So will you be traveling on your own? I dont think I would have the guts to do it on my own, but it seems like it could be an experience. When are you going to take this trip? How does the visa thing work? I am planning to volunteer or work in latin or central america in the future and dont know much about the process. Anyway good luck and let us know how it goes.