Global Travel Experiences: A Journey Through The World Traveler

In my early twenties, I reached a crossroads in my life. I was pursuing a Humanities major at Florida State University (FSU) while working at Cafe Cabernet, a fine dining restaurant in Tallahassee. Under the guidance of Chef Frank, I climbed the ranks from the dish pit to Sous Chef, and I caught the culinary bug. When a chance for a global apprenticeship on an organic farm in the South of France presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. I packed a backpack, grabbed a notebook to journal my cultural experiences, and traded the classroom for the world. It was a defining moment, to be sure.

I made my way to Robiac, a tiny village in the south of France, at a farm called La Noria. For room and board, I worked the fields, pulling potatoes, strawberries, and peppers by day, and chasing off wild boars at night. My 'suite' was an old farmhouse room with eight panels of glass (only four of which actually had glass) and a pull-out couch, which I had to check for scorpions every night before bed.  

It was humbling. Between working in the fields and trips to the local market to sell our harvest, I explored the region, immersing myself in cultural experiences: hiking through the lavender of Provence, navigating the tides of Mont Saint-Michel, and even playing craps steps away from the red carpets of the Cannes Film Festival. While working in the fields, I realized I wasn’t cut out to be a farmer, but I also learned I could survive anywhere.

The world became my classroom, offering incredible cultural experiences that enriched my global apprenticeship. I collected menus, sampled regional and varietal wines in their natural habitats, and experienced diverse cultures across three continents.

Geneva: I walked the halls of the United Nations and developed a lasting appreciation for cornichons and melted Gruyère cheese on a wheel. 

London: I learned to play the didgeridoo, ate my weight in fish and chips, and mastered the art of the soft-boiled egg. 

Venice: I bought a fedora from a street vendor and visited glass factories to watch artists twist fire into delicate art. At Harry’s Bar, I was even called a "young Hemingway" by a passerby.

Florence: This was the highlight. Every Humanities textbook I’d ever read came to life. I stood in awe of Brunelleschi’s Dome and found myself moved to tears by the statue of David. 

Rome: A chaotic, beautiful lesson in history and awareness. I saw the Coliseum, visited the Trevi Fountain, and learned to keep a hand on my wallet in the crowds. 

Singapore & Hong Kong: I witnessed the pristine discipline of Singapore (where I was careful not to spit or chew gum) and the palpable energy of Hong Kong. In a tiny shop in HK, I had a dress shirt custom-made. Surprisingly enough, it still fits today (though maybe not exactly the same way).

After more than six months of planes, trains, and automobiles, I returned to the States no longer a 'rudderless sailboat.' My travels opened my eyes to how the world connects through food, wine, and shared humanity. I landed on Clearwater Beach with a backpack full of journals and a clear realization: It was time to pay the bills I’d racked up, and I was ready to start building a life.

If you're interested in my cultural experiences gained through global apprenticeship and world travel, feel free to request a copy of my resume by simply emailing me at findchadfoster@gmail.com.