ESCAPE VELOCITY
The SoulWandering project is the brainchild of a group of friends of various nationalities, with a deep connection to Spain, who have rediscovered the ancient art of walking from different perspectives.
We are aware of the need of escaping the velocity of urban life and its routine, to reconnect with nature and the landscape, and to increase awareness and mindfulness.
Through walking, we reclaim a deeper relationship with place: its history, its people, and its cultural, culinary, and wine traditions.
We believe in sustainability and reduction of environmental impact, circular economy, digital disconnection, cultural nomadism and social responsibility.
Luigi
After running a marathon in less than three hours a few years ago, he decided to learn to go slower. A passionate trekker, he has walked on all five continents and done several variations of the Camino de Santiago. He has studied buddhism during his master degree in philosophy and has been practicing meditation for years. He has written a narrative guide to the city of Barcelona , now in its second edition. When he is not walking, he translates novels and collaborates with National Geographic magazine.
Mechelle
The American counterpart within the Soul Wandering collective, Mechelle is the founder of Achieve It Fitness. For over fifteen years, she has guided people through challenging hikes, transformational retreats, and pilgrimages, uniting physical challenge with mindfulness, ritual, and inner exploration. From training hikers for Half Dome to stewarding the Camino de Santiago, she approaches walking with presence, and deep respect for this ancient and shared human practice. When she's not supporting humans on their journeys, she's likely in the water, snorkeling, boogie boarding, or soaking up the sun & sand in Mexico.
Peter
An eclectic and not conventional soul, his interests focus on the relationships between art, territory and culture, new media and the environment, the food chain and a conscious approach to nature. The walking projects he has developed in recent years are characterized by a special emphasis on the tactile and symbolic storytelling of landscapes as an aesthetic tool for collective memory and knowledge. He is also a certified Thai-Yoga masseur, Tai Chi and meditation practitioner, and a great cook.
Roberta
Drawn to landscapes and the stories they hold, she has traveled across different countries and continents, approaching places through travel photography. In recent years, she has developed a passion for cycle touring, riding several routes between Spain and France and completing the Camino de Santiago by bike. She works as a digital communication and branding consultant. She is deeply interested in gastronomy and wine as cultural heritage and meaningful ways to discover territories and the people who shape them.
Pepe
Pepe is known for his warmth, humor, and ability to make every journey feel like a good time. A key member of Achieve It Fitness since 2010, he ensures the safety and well-being of participants on retreats in Mexico and supports the training for Half Dome hikes. Grounded, attentive, and deeply spiritual, Pepe is always available for guidance, presence, and prayer, bringing a balance of protection and heart to every transformational experience. When he’s not walking or guiding, he can often be found pursuing his passion for fishing.