Meet Gurpal, a 33 year old teacher from Leicester who loves to travel. Gurpal charmed us with interesting stories from all around the world and his curiosity to explore beyond his comfort zone. Soon, he will be moving to Berlin to teach business in an international school and he claims that there’s no better way to learn about the world than while travelling.
Why teaching?
When I was 27, I went to travel around the world for a year. When I got back, I realised that I want to do something serious with my life. I liked the idea of teaching, because I figured that it was a nice way to do something professional that would also allow me to travel, because I am very passionate about it.
Where have you traveled so far?
I’ve been to a lot of different places all around the world. It is hard to even count all of them! Last summer, for example, I went to Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Sometimes I go to Israel. Switzerland is a very beautiful country. I have also been to South America, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru…
What do like the most about travelling?
I just love it. I love challenging what I know. I’ve realised that I didn’t know much about the world and that’s why I’ve started travelling on my own.
I am not interested in visiting the touristy places or partying. When I travel I want to explore the deep roots of different cultures. Since I am a very curious person, I like visiting politically problematic countries. I don’t want to only rely on media’s side of the story. For me – it’s just one source of information. I think that it’s my right to go out there and find out what is actually going on.
How do you explore those cultures?
I am not scared to ask questions, that’s why I like talking with local people to hear their side of the story. For example, before I went to Bosnia, I never knew that such a genocide was taking place so close to home. I met people there that told me a lot of interesting stories and shared their testimonies with me. I like hearing true stories, that we don’t know and don’t understand here.
Life Motto: Travel and learn.
Gurpal and the Beard
When did you start growing your beard and why?
I started growing my beard last summer and I like keeping it at this length. While I was travelling, I just let it grow and when I came back people were saying that it’s a really good beard, so I decided to keep it.
What do you like the most about your beard?
It makes me stand out more. I can see other bearded guys staring at me and having that beard envy. It’s like a competition at some point (laughs). But it also depends on the way the beard is taken cake of, not just the length.
What kind of products do you use?
I mainly use beard oil and a bristle brush or a comb, and I put some beard balm and moustache wax when I’m going out.
What beard tips would you give?
Back in the day when I started growing my beard, I didn’t know what kind of products I need or how to take care of it. So I looked some information up and most importantly, I asked for other bearded men for advice. That really helped me.
My biggest advice for the beginners is to oil your beard regularly and to brush it through. You need to take care of it. Also, it is very important to find the right barber.