If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation. -Lao Tzu
Aloe Driscoll, aka Savila
Hi, I’m Aloe Driscoll, also known as Savila (pronounced sa-vee-lah), the Spanish name for the Aloe Vera plant. Underneath Savila’s thick, spiky skin is a cool, soothing gel that can heal numerous ailments, from cuts and scrapes to burns and rashes. This hearty cactus subsists primarily in harsh desert environments, making due with rocky, nutrient poor soil and very little water, resilient in the incessant burn of the scorching sun. Savila survives stubbornly – flourishes – producing a sturdy bud which strikes out like a sword at the menacing sun, blooming with crimson flowers that wilt and retreat.
It is my go-to remedy at home and my first aid kit when traveling. I drive around scanning the landscape (or the neighborhood) for Savila, relying on it for reef cuts, sunburn, mosquito bites, and the wisdom in its virtues.
Traveling Solo Through Central America
In the summer of 2014, I made a bucket list of things that I would do if I had adequate money and time. Then I outlined the steps that I would need to take to reach each goal. The longer I thought about it, the more doable everything seemed. An extended surf trip through Central America and Mexico was one of the things on the list. I had to let go of a lot to do it, but it was worth every sacrifice. And some of the things I let go of, I’m better off without anyway. The most important thing I’ve discovered is that I have all of the things I need. I carry them with me everywhere I go, and not in my backpack or my board bag – they are me and I am them.
My reasons for taking the trip were simple. Happiness. Integrity. Wisdom. Friendship. The courage to be genuine. I found all that and more. Sure there were ups and downs, it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, as they say. But what’s an adventure without some adversity, and some food poisoning? This blog is the story of my journey.
Learn More
- Read the first post, to see how it all started. Use the arrows at the bottom of each post to scroll forward to the next one.
- Check out a Map of my travels, and the posts linked to each location.
- Have any questions or comments? Need some travel tips? Click here to contact Aloe Driscoll.
Hi Kandy! Thanks so much for reaching out. I have never been to South Carolina before, maybe one day I will make it there 🙂
Hi Aloe, so happy to receive the Savila Surf. You look soooo much like your Mom…like twins. Have heard so much about you from your Grandma. Always wanted to meet you. I am living in the Hilton Head south Carolina area now and love it. It doesn’t sound like you will ever visit here because you are doing so many more exciting things. I have had lots of dealings with the Aloe plant. While in the British Virgins, I got very very sunburned and was healed by aloe that a native gave to me. Enjoy everything Aloe and I will follow you thru these email pages.
I have a vivid memory of a one year old blonde haired tot frolicking along the beach at the Mauna Lani resort on the Big Island circa 1984. One very cool feature about that hotel at the time were the lush gardens lining the pools and walkways which included many aloe vera plants. We stayed a week and on a few occasions had a bit too much sun. The staff invited us to simply pick the aloe vera leaves, break them open and rub the green jelly like substance on our sun burn. It worked. It was a gift of nature. To anyone who reads this incredible blog, I just wanted to share a paternal recollection that traces your connection with Aloe to your pre-surfing days. Look forward to reading more installments for years to come.