I have never met Harry in person. In fact, alike many other people around the world, I met him on Instagram, a photo sharing app for smartphones sharing photos through hash tags. He left the work world behind him to fulfill a dream we all have, that was to travel the world. He did this for 5 years, seeing different faces in different places around the world experiencing adventures of a lifetime day after day. Through Instagram, I as well as millions of others have had the opportunity to get a glimpse first hand of what the beautiful world has to offer in the world of travel. Occasionally we would get great insight and feedback from this great man.
After returning from that trek, he went to set off on another journey, one that is identical to a journey I am preparing for in the near future. He purchased a motorcycle to set off on a ride of a lifetime through Central and South America en route to Brazil for the World Cup. I have the same dream to travel through Central and South America, only I desire a cultural experience moreso than an international event. Sadly, Harry Devert went missing shortly after leaving the United States in a know-to-be dangerous region on the pacific coast of Mexico in January of 2014. And while working behind the desk of the very job that is funding my future trip, his picture is displayed on national TV of his death.
According to new reports, he was found in two plastic bags along with his motorcycle in the region he went missing. Words cannot explain how upset and sad I feel for him and his family. It just comes to remind us that no matter how much of a positive vibe we try to create and share with this world, the world IS still cruel and a very real place. I have no doubt that Mexico as well as many places around the world deemed dangerous have amazing cultures to experience. But unfortunately, there are life threatening factors that are far from worth it to consider venturing off to. But on a general note, anything can happen to anyone at the wrong place and the wrong time, anywhere.
Taking a step back, I will not only remember him as an inspiration, but as a legend in the world of travel and as a human being as a whole. His bravery, his kindness, and his push to follow his dreams is enough to push me to do the same for myself. When I am ready to set off on my adventure, I will not only get the cultural experience I have been seeking all of my life, I will travel on behalf a legend in the world of travel. May you rest in peace Harry. You inspired and will always inspire us.
