Thierry

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi there! I’m Thierry Felder, an apprentice wanderer.

I like to call myself that because this journey around the world, which I began in September 2024, feels like the real beginning of exploring life, different cultures, and even myself.

But let’s start at the beginning: who am I?

I grew up in Switzerland, part of a big family with four older brothers. Living in a bustling house, I quickly got used to lending a hand. My dad was the DIY type, so from an early age, I was tinkering alongside him—fixing bikes, working on a bit of motorbike mechanics, building a garden shed and a chicken coop, and taking care of all kinds of animals. At home, we had chickens, a dog, and some cats, and when I visited my uncle’s farm, I’d help out with his horses, donkeys, and even alpacas.

After finishing high school with a focus on biology and chemistry, I took a break to complete my mandatory Swiss military service in the infantry. It was an intense experience, but it taught me a lot—not only practical skills like survival, first aid, map reading, and driving light trucks, but also soft skills like camaraderie, leadership, and handling conflict under pressure.

After the military, I returned to study business, focusing on entrepreneurship. I loved how hands-on the program was—no long theory classes followed by exams, but real projects out in the world. A few highlights: I co-created a traditional Swiss cow sponsorship program that raised over 20,000 CHF (about $23,000) in its first season to support local farmers (https://www.edelalp.ch/notre-histoire); I led a small events team to organize networking gatherings for the Energypolis campus in Valais; and I finished by giving video production courses to small businesses with one of my best friends (https://www.laliberteprod.ch/formation).

Then, in September 2024, the same day I earned my bachelor’s degree, I bought a ticket to Argentina to kick off a year-long journey.

I’ve been studying Spanish in Buenos Aires and plan to continue in Bariloche to get comfortable in this new language. Next, I’ll head off into Patagonia with my backpack, ready to explore those stunning landscapes.

As for the rest of the trip, it’s still unwritten. Maybe I’ll end up sailing around the Caribbean after Patagonia—or I’ll just see where the wind takes me.

Interests

Technology

Team sports

Carpentry

Culture

Hitchhiking

Yoga / Wellness

Water sports

Sustainability

Pets

Events & social

Beach

Videography

Self development

Sailing / Boating

Nature

Outdoor activities

Mountain

Languages

Farming

Gardening

Hiking

DIY & crafts

Cooking & food

Camping

Adventure sports

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Growing up in Switzerland, I was fortunate to learn French and German from my family, which opened my eyes early to the value of connecting across cultures. School added English to the mix, a language that became essential for me in both studies and travel. Now, I’m diving into Spanish, which I find exciting both as a new challenge and as a way to deepen my experience during my travels in South America.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Gardening

Art Projects

Babysitting and creative play

House sitting

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

General Maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Teaching

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

- Video Production : I have given video production training to small businesses, equipping them to create content on their own only by using their phone.

- Woodworking and Carpentry: I have hands-on experience from summer jobs as a carpenter, where I worked with wood both manually and with power tools, including larger machines like aerial lifts.

- Barman : I've worked as a bartender, even serving at the largest festival in my hometown, an event that happens only once every twenty years, which taught me to handle high-paced, social environments.

- Basic Mechanics and DIY: Growing up with a hands-on father, I learned the basics of mechanics, such as fixing bikes and light motor work.

- Event Planning: I’ve led small teams in organizing networking events, a skill that has also helped me work efficiently in busy environments.

- Boat License and Sailing Knowledge: I hold a Swiss boating license (both motor and sail). I learned to sail in Brittany, so I’m familiar with navigation and know the basics of sailboat maintenance, although I haven’t yet trained in radio communication.

- Teamwork and Leadership: Coming from a large family and having experience leading projects, I enjoy working collaboratively, taking responsibility, and helping things run smoothly.

- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: My entrepreneurship studies taught me to be flexible and self-reliant; I’m quick to find solutions, or if needed, I know how to research or reach out for help.

Age

25

What else ...

I’m a nature lover and enjoy hiking and meeting new people along the way.
I’m also a fan of card games and have a few traditional Swiss ones I’d be excited to share! Sports are a big part of my life too; though I’m currently taking it easy after a recent knee surgery.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  I have a dust mite allergy, and also to certain animals. In particular, rabbits and guinea pigs have triggered stronger reactions in the past, while my allergy to cats is mild.

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  Special dietary requirements