2024

Bariloche
( Argentina )
Mt. ChampaquĂ­
( Argentina )
Here are highlights from my year. Enjoy!

Full Disclosure: This page contains links to affiliates, products I've created, and companies I'm invested in.

Overview

This has been a year of vibrant exploration and growth—a journey marked by breathtaking travels, creative breakthroughs, and moments of profound self-discovery. From traversing the diverse landscapes of Argentina and Kenya to diving into transformative cultural and personal experiences, each step has enriched my understanding of the world and myself.

This review has highlights of a year spent balancing passion with purpose. Intersections of travel, art, health, and personal development come together with lessons learned along the way.

Highlights

  • Seeing 30 movies with Julia ( Lima, Peru )
  • New Years hiking ( CĂłrdoba, Argentina )
  • Trekking in ( Bariloche, Argentina )
  • Travel to 4 countries ( 0 New )
  • Completed: On Life Bucket List
    • ✅ Learn to bake really good bread

Photos

CĂłrdoba ( Argentina )

During my stay in Córdoba, I hiked three of the region’s most popular trails: Cerro Uritorco, Los Gigantes, and Cerro Champaquí. Each offered its own unique landscapes and challenges, from the mystical energy at Cerro Uritorco to the rugged rock formations of Los Gigantes and the breathtaking summit views at Cerro Champaquí.

Mendoza ( Argentina )

Argentina offers me such a variety of experiences, from relaxing in its rugged natural landscapes to touring lush vineyards and enjoying the sparkling blue waters. These moments capture the region’s breathtaking beauty and highlight just how diverse each adventure can be. for a couple of seconds

Argentina offers a variety of experiences in Mendoza, from relaxing in its rugged natural landscapes to touring lush vineyards and enjoying sparkling blue waters. This region’s breathtaking beauty highlights just how diverse each adventure can be.

Bariloche ( Argentina )

Mendoza’s Valle de Uco stands out with its stunning vineyards nestled against the backdrop of the Andes, offering serene views of both nature and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the rugged terrain of Aconcagua National Park reveals the majesty of South America’s highest peak, inviting exploration and awe-inspiring scenery. for 4 seconds

From the pristine shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi to the lush canopy of the Arrayanes Forest, Bariloche’s natural wonders offer breathtaking views. The vantage from Cerro Campanario reveals sweeping panoramas of sapphire lakes and majestic mountain peaks that showcase the region’s unrivaled beauty.

Baking ( Peru )

Cooking and baking have provided an unexpected yet rewarding creative outlet, allowing me to hone new skills with just a few ingredients. Each dish, crafted with patience and precision, is a reminder that even the simplest recipes can be transformed into art through experimentation and practice. for a couple of seconds

I learned the basics of baking in Peru by following YouTube tutorials and reading recipes, crafting everything from simple bread to homemade pizza. Despite the minimal ingredients, each creation turned into a flavorful masterpiece, proving that baking truly is an art.

Title

This year has repeated journeys to familiar destinations—from South America’s vibrant landscapes in Argentina, Chile, and Peru to visiting family and friends in my childhood home in the United States.

It marks the year’s standout adventures, including checking off my travel bucket list with memorable hikes in Bariloche and a rejuvenating retreat in the Amazon.

Title

Life thrives on balance, and fun serves as an essential space for recalibrating and recharging. It fosters creativity, relaxation, and emotional well-being, helping us disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with ourselves. This section highlights the various ways I’ve embraced fun and rejuvenation this year, exploring new experiences that fueled my spiritual, emotional, and creative growth. From transformative in-person retreats to calming practices like reiki and sound healing, each activity has not only recharged my energy but also inspired new perspectives. for a few seconds

Fun is not merely a pastime—it’s a vital space for recalibrating, recharging, and sparking creativity. Embracing fun allows us to step away from routine pressures, reconnect with our inner selves, and nurture the imaginative spirit that drives us forward in life.

This section celebrates experiences that blend adventure and introspection. Whether it’s exploring vibrant cities on free walking tours or engaging in transformative in-person and online sessions like a Tantra Retreat in Mendoza or EFT Tapping in CĂłrdoba, these activities offer a refreshing break and a chance to rediscover the joy of living.

  • Tours
    • Free Walking Tour ( CĂłrdoba, Argentina )
    • Free Walking Tour ( Mendoza, Argentina )
    • Free Walking Tour ( Santiago, Chile )
  • In-Person Sessions
    • Tantra Retreat ( Mendoza, Argentina ) : Spiritual practice emphasizing connection and intimacy
    • Ayahuasca Jungle Retreat ( Iquitos, Peru ) : Disconnect from technology, internet, & technology for 7 days
    • Reiki ( Lima, Peru ) : Energy healing through touch and intention for balance.
    • Sound Healing ( Lima, Peru ) : Using sound vibrations for physical and emotional balance
    • Meditation ( Lima, Peru ) : Mindful mental practice for relaxation and self-awareness
  • Online Sessions
    • Portuguese Tutoring with Preply.com ( Lima, Peru )
    • Soulmate Portrait Drawing ( Lima, Peru )
    • EFT Tapping ( CĂłrdoba, Argentina ) : The 12 meridian points of the body

Soulmate Portrait ( Gallery )

I spent five bucks online getting artists to doodle my soulmate prediction. Their quirky sketches, filled with odd vibes and hilarious twists, made me laugh and wonder if destiny’s got a killer sense of humor.

Each drawing felt like a fun peek into a future where love meets comic relief. This experiment was a playful adventure and a reminder that a small splurge can spark big laughs and unexpected magic.

Title

Maintaining good health is fundamental for a balanced and fulfilling life. It not only supports physical strength and mental clarity but also serves as the foundation for achieving personal and professional goals. By prioritizing my well-being, I ensure that I have the energy and resilience to face everyday challenges, reinforcing the idea that a healthy body nurtures a vibrant mind.

My approach to eating well is all about balance and enjoyment. I focus on incorporating nutrient-rich foods that fuel my body while also embracing the joy of eating—yes, I do indulge in plenty of desserts! Alongside a mindful diet, I make regular exercise a key part of my routine, which helps me stay active, manage stress, and maintain overall vitality. This holistic blend of wholesome eating, occasional sweet treats, and consistent physical activity keeps me energized and ready to take on life.

  • 1 Million Annual Calories Burned – Fitbit Versa 4
  • Intermittent Fasting – 8 months complete of 16:8
  • Workouts
    • Running 3 x weekly ( Argentina )
    • H.I.T. 2 x weekly ( Peru )
    • Hiking 2 x weekly ( CĂłrdoba / Mendoza / Bariloche, Argentina )
  • Therapy
    • Professional Coaching ( CĂłrdoba, Argentina )

Title

According to Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural tradition, the direction in which you sleep can significantly influence the quality of your rest. This system suggests that aligning your head in the right direction—favoring the south for relaxation and the east for positive energy—can promote sound sleep and good health, while north and west are generally discouraged as they may disrupt the body’s magnetic field.

In this section, I delve into these sleep direction insights, sharing my personal experiments and observations. The results are showcased both in a chronological order and by quality ranking, offering a visual and experiential guide to understanding how simple changes in sleep orientation could potentially enhance overall well-being.

  • Vastu Shastra tradition says head-direction during sleep matters.
    • North & West – Discouraged. Disrupt the body’s magnetic field. Bad sleep
    • South – Promotes relaxation. Sound sleep
    • East – Positive energy. Good health
  • My Results
    • Chronological order (See images)
    • Quality order (2, 3, 1, 4)
1. Mendoza, Argentina – S
2. Bariloche, Argentina – W
3 Santiago, Chile – E
4. Lima, Peru – E
Compass Directions

Title

In today’s digital age, media connects, inspires, and documents our lives—transforming everyday moments into memorable experiences. Digital platforms like Instagram and YouTube not only shape our perspectives but also empower us to share our journeys with the world.

This section spotlights my best of the year, from the breathtaking landscapes of Bariloche in Argentina to the creative impact of @WhatsNextSam on Instagram.

  • Animals
    • AirBnb-pets in ( Bariloche, Argentina )
Milo, Lupe, Marty McFly, Nino
  • Music Venues
ManĂĄ, San Marcos, Lima, Peru

Title

Creativity is the spark that fuels my passion for innovation and expression. This year, I updated my websites to inspire and showcase my projects, published 74 YouTube videos, and expanded my GitHub portfolio with new games and tools.

Whether it’s creating educational content or exploring artistic endeavors like poetry, creativity has been my outlet for sharing knowledge and ideas with the world. For me, creativity is about transforming thoughts into tangible work that connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact.

Title

My worldview is grounded in the belief that we are all born perfect, with life offering opportunities to rediscover that inherent beauty. This year, I reflected on personal growth, authenticity, and aligning my actions with my spirit.

Following my heart has been a guiding principle, leading me closer to my own sense of purpose and perfection. Through introspection and learning, I’ve gained clarity on what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, centered on being true to myself and others.

We are born perfect (not wrong, not sinned, not bad) and during our life or lives, we rediscover that perfection. Each individual works at a different pace in rediscovering that perfection and that pace may change over time. Our spirit is perfect and our mind and body try (or not depending on the situation) to follow that perfection. Being authentic (to our spirit) is the most direct path to realizing that perfection. The more we can be true to our spirit, the closer to our own perfection we are. Following our heart (i.e. spirit) is most perfect. ⭐

My Diagram

Decision-Making

Found Video

Title

In 2024, my volunteering efforts took a quieter turn compared to previous years. I scaled back my involvement, and two events I organized were ultimately cancelled due to scheduling conflicts, reflecting a shift in focus this year.

Nonetheless, teaching two full courses in Spanish became a true highlight. These classes not only allowed me to engage deeply with the community but also rekindled my passion for sharing language and culture, making a meaningful impact despite the overall reduced volunteer activity.

  • 1162 Open-Source Project Commits ( Unity, C++, Godot, Html5 )
  • Create & deliver Level Up LatAm
    • Taught in Spanish at (PCUP) Pontifical Catholic University of Peru ( Lima, Peru )
    • Topics
      • ÂżPor quĂ© Unity sigue siendo el mejor motor?
      •  IA Generativa en el desarrollo de juegos

Title

As I transition through this second phase of life, the focus naturally shifts from active income generation to building and managing passive income streams. This shift provides the financial freedom to choose projects that foster personal growth and interest, rather than being solely driven by the necessity of paying bills and securing daily needs. Early retirement arrives when financial concerns no longer take priority in how I spend my time, allowing me to explore and invest in meaningful pursuits. It’s then that I’ve redefined work—no longer a necessity for survival but a choice that aligns with my passions and long-term goals. This year has been a mix of passive and active income projects, from releasing on-demand courses on Udemy to developing new game features with Foresight Sports. I also focused on growing my YouTube channel and releasing asset store packages for Unity, while embracing the valuable opportunity to shape the next generation of developers through Udacity courses. for 7 seconds

In this second phase of life, the focus has shifted from generating active income to building sustainable passive streams. This luxury allows me to choose projects that fuel growth and ignite my interests, rather than simply covering the bills.

Early retirement, for me, means that financial concerns no longer dominate my priorities—finance has moved off the top of my list, freeing up space for creative exploration and personal fulfillment. The projects listed below illustrate this evolving journey, balancing both active and passive pursuits in a way that nurtures my passion and long-term vision.


Title

This year, I made significant strides toward diversifying my financial portfolio by adding various streams of active and passive income. I engaged in investments across assets like interest, dividends, stocks, ETFs, and crypto, alongside exploring wealth management and retirement planning tools that helped streamline my financial strategies. Services like PersonalCapital.com and iTrustCapital.com proved invaluable in optimizing my financial planning, making it a highly productive year in terms of investment stability and returns. A noteworthy addition to my portfolio was fractional investment in fine art, including iconic pieces such as “Dark Milk (1986)” by Jean-Michel Basquiat and “Agency Job, Gleaners (2009)” by Banksy.

This new approach to wealth building allowed me to tap into an increasingly popular asset—art—while complementing the broader scope of my investments. Through platforms like Masterworks.com, I became part of an innovative model that allows for partial ownership of priceless artworks, further diversifying my investment strategy. Looking ahead to the future, I plan to explore different avenues to further expand my financial horizons.

Over the past year, I significantly diversified my income streams by adding a robust mix of both active and passive revenue sources—from traditional instruments like dividends and stocks to more alternative avenues such as crypto investments and publishing royalties. This multi-pronged strategy not only stabilized my finances but also opened up new opportunities for growth and reinvestment.

Art Portfolio ( Fractionalized )

Dark Milk (1986)
Agency Job, Gleaners

I also embraced modern wealth and retirement planning tools, leveraging platforms like PersonalCapital.com and iTrustCapital.com to fine-tune my financial strategy. My investment journey expanded into private equity, crypto, and even fractional art investments through Masterworks.com, highlighted by acquiring notable pieces like Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Dark Milk and Banksy’s Agency Job.

Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited to explore fresh opportunities: first, to expand into sustainable and ESG-focused investments that align with my values; second, to dive deeper into emerging digital assets such as NFTs and DeFi projects; and third, to launch educational content—like a blog or podcast—to share my financial journey and empower others to build diversified portfolios.

Investing Highlights

  • Added streams of active and passive income including; interest, dividends, stocks, ETFs, commodities, mutual funds, US pensions, EU pensions, crypto, publishing royalties, affiliate programs, advertising income, real estate maturity, startup equity maturity, & active business
  • Private investment, equity investment, crypto investment
  • Tooled wealth management via PersonalCapital.com. Highly recommended!
  • Tooled retirement planning via iTrustCapital.com. Highly recommended!
  • Fractional Investments in Fine Art via Masterworks.com ⭐
    • Dark Milk (1986) – Jean-Michel Basquiat
    • Agency Job, Gleaners (2009) – Banksy

Title

In the later phases of life, I’ve discovered that giving becomes more essential than taking. True abundance isn’t found in what we accumulate, but in what we give to others, and this realization has deepened over time. Through Kiva, I’m proud to have distributed 725 microloans totaling $19,730, empowering others and learning so much about the transformative impact of small contributions. It’s just one way I’m exploring how generosity can enrich both my life and the lives of others. for 4 seconds

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
– B.T. Washington

In the later phases of life, I’ve discovered that giving becomes more essential than taking—true abundance comes from sharing what we have learned and continually growing in generosity. I’ve learned so much along the way and am still refining my approach, finding joy in the act of giving.

This practice is inspired by the enduring traditions of philanthropy. Throughout history, two general types of charities have stood out:

‱ Educational Charities: By fostering learning and empowerment, these charities have helped transform lives and build brighter futures.
‱ Healthcare Charities: Focused on healing and relief, they have been the cornerstone of community care, offering vital services during times of crisis.

This year, I also extended support through microloans on Kiva, empowering communities and nurturing hope one loan at a time.

  • 2024 Donations: Tithe % of total local expenses in countries lived
  • 2024 Microloans: Distributed via Kiva.org/lender/srivello
    • Lifetime Loans Count: 725
    • Lifetime Loans Amount: 19,730$

What's Next, Sam?

Stay tuned for more!