World 50 is the project and life story of Sergio Plumari, a 57-year-old Brazilian who decided to take a turn with his style and pace of life.
Sergio left behind a life that at first glance seemed very comfortable. He was a director of a multinational company and had a very good economic background that apparently gave him access to many privileges. However, appearances are often deceiving…
The first thing he did was quit his job. Then he sold absolutely everything and started a two year motorcycle trip that took him from Brazil to Pakistan.
Now, on his way through Argentina with a super truck, where he has been for several weeks after leaving Brazil and passing through Chile, Clarín was able to interview him at the stand that Volkswagen Camiones y Buses has in Pinamar Norte.
-What was it that led you to change your life?
The click happened when I turned 50. I wanted the second half of my life to be different. Living in a simpler and calmer way, traveling and exploring the world and addressing essential topics such as sustainability, healthy eating, quality of life and sport.
I encouraged myself to do things that until then I had been unable to do. For example, I always had a fear of heights and now I am a powered paraglider pilot. I also kitesurf and surf, extreme sports that I really learned after I was 50.
-Who accompanies you on trips?
I travel alone, although I often open them so that other people interested in the project can share this model of life with me.
It is also an opportunity to have an income, because I offer it as a temporary rental (Airbnb type). During that time, the person accompanying me lives in the truck, experiences life on the road and my type of diet, among other things.
I also have the support of 14 sponsors who provide me with financial support, with parts and spare parts.
Sergio has almost 94,000 followers on his Instagram account @50-worlds, where he shares his experiences. And every time he opens the offer he always finds people to accompany him. “A week ago my last companion left. He was on board for 19 days,” he told Clarín.
-How long have you had the truck?
I bought it four years ago and I have had it conditioned and prepared as it is now for two years. I made the decision during my motorcycle trip, when I saw another adventurer who was traveling the world by truck.
I thought it would be ideal for me, because it is a noble, safe and low maintenance vehicle. What’s better than traveling in a house with wheels.
-How is your travel itinerary going?
The idea is to start by uniting the three Americas until we reach Canada. It is important to note that I do not have goals in terms of time; I stay what I want in each place, giving talks and also learning by meeting new people.
Then it will be Europe’s turn, starting from Germany. The odyssey will continue through Africa and then continue through Asia and end in Oceania.
What is the super truck like?
The Expedition Truck is a Volkswagen Worker 15,210 4×4, which Sergio bought with only 2,000 kilometers (it now has about 35,000 km). It is equipped with a six-cylinder engine that delivers a power of 206 horsepower and a torque of 660 Nm.
Its Dakar-style stance is represented by the enormous mining tires. It also has a 500-liter water tank that, if stranded in an inhospitable place, would allow you to survive for up to 25 days without having to get water from elsewhere.
The walls are covered with PVC panels and foam glass for thermal insulation. While on the roof it has seven solar panels that can generate enough energy for the batteries that power all the electrical appliances it has (oven, air conditioning, refrigerator, heating, washing machine, etc.)
In turn, up to four people can enter the “apartment”. It measures 5.40 meters long, 2.40 m. wide and 2.20 m., and has a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom.
-How did you create the truck design?
The great masters of Expedition Trucks are the Germans. I studied a lot what their trucks are like and received recommendations from many specialists.
With the idea in mind, Sergio contacted Estrela Mobil, a Brazilian firm specialized in the manufacture of motorhomes that carried out the customization for almost two years.
“I am following my path and building a story, learning, teaching and living one day at a time. That is the great reason for the trip, which can last five or 15 years. I don’t know”
