8 months, 15 countries, one incredible experience

The last time we spoke to him he was about to embark on the last leg of his journey. Now, he’s in Toronto, so we had a quick chat to find out where he’s been recently and what’s still to come:

So Will, where have you been since we last left you?

The second leg of my adventure began in Australia! I spent two wonderful weeks in Sydney, enjoying the glorious sunshine and my favourite moments were parasailing over Manly cove and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
I then flew to New Zealand where I made my way from Auckland to Queenstown. Visiting Hobbiton was one of my favourite experiences; it really felt like you were in the Lord of the Rings films. I also took on the grueling Tongariro Crossing, a 20km hike that leads you right past Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom!).

After New Zealand came South America. Starting in Chile, I made my way through Peru where I visited Lake Titicaca and embarked on the four day Inca Trail to reach the Lost City of the Incas! Watching the sun rise over Machu Picchu was one of my most memorable experiences.
I made my way into Argentina where I explored Buenos Aires – and had the best steak in my life! I popped into Uruguay to Montevideo to do some horse riding and to visit the famous Punta Del Este, the Monaco of South America. I then headed to Brazil to see the magnificent Iguassu Falls. The “Devil’s Throat” waterfall was the most commanding and majestic natural phenomenon that I have ever seen.

After Iguassu Falls I visited the tropical islands of Paraty and Ilha Grande where I snorkeled and relaxed on white sand beaches. I ended my time in South America in Rio de Janeiro and it was by far one of the best cities that I have ever been to. I saw the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, went to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, hang-glided over Copacabana beach and explored Rocinha, the largest Favela in South America.
I’m now in Toronto where I’ve visited the spectacular Niagara Falls, climbed the CN Tower (the third tallest tower in the world) and before I leave I’ll go and see a famous Toronto Blue Jays baseball game!

Wow, that’s a lot of travelling. Where’s next and where have you chosen as your second experience at AXA?

From Toronto I fly to my final destination – California! I am so excited to be able to live in San Francisco for seven weeks and to begin my AXA Lab experience. I’m really looking forward to learning about new technologies and the trends that will revolutionise insurance. I’m going to be at the forefront of new territories and advancements, bring it on!
I really looking forward to meeting the AXA Lab team and to hearing their vision of how we are going to innovate and change the way we see the future. I’m also looking forward to being immersed in the start-up culture and seeing what ideas it sparks in me!

As our very first winner, what would you say have been the best parts of being the Great Global Adventurer so far?

You get to see the world, make incredible contacts along the way, and you’ll become a very adaptable and skilled individual.