In this episode of DeMochilas, the journey toward China officially begins — not by arriving, but by preparing. This chapter focuses on everything that happens before stepping into a country that feels distant, complex and, in many ways, unknown.

I talk about expectations, assumptions and the mental preparation that came with planning this part of the trip. China wasn’t just another stop; it represented a cultural shift, a language barrier, and a different way of moving through the world. Research, logistics, conversations and doubts all played a role in shaping how we approached what was coming next.

This episode is about that in-between space: when the trip hasn’t started yet, but it already lives in your head. It’s about anticipation, uncertainty and realizing that sometimes the hardest part of a jo ...