Paco is doing gods work, living on faith and travelling 40 countries spreading the good word of bitcoin.
If Paco visits a location with no bitcoin meetup, he starts one 🤩!
We talk about his incredible journey and what he has learned.
To follow Paco, check out his YT channel https://www.youtube.com/...
## Paco's "Run with Bitcoin": A 40-Country Journey of Onboarding
Paco, originally from India, embarked on an extraordinary journey called "Run with Bitcoin" in August 2021, funded entirely by Bitcoin. Inspired by Felix Wies's earlier travels and driven by a desire to demonstrate Bitcoin's viability as "hard money," Paco sold his furniture and converted the proceeds (around $200-$400) into Bitcoin. His journey, which mirrors Wies’s initial travels, has taken him to 27 countries and counting, with plans to focus on Latin America after completing his 40-country goal. Paco's approach combines running as a form of meditation with actively onboarding people to Bitcoin, using it for everyday purchases like groceries and coconut water to illustrate its practical application. He's been supported by the Bitcoin community, receiving funding and encouragement along the way, and aims to transition into a Bitcoin-focused role after completing his travels.
The "Run with Bitcoin" initiative isn't just about geographical exploration; it's a mission to address critical issues within the Bitcoin space. Paco highlights the importance of accessible education, particularly in non-English speaking regions, and the dangers of "techno-colonialism," where technology is introduced without proper understanding. He also points out the distortion of information that occurs when translating Bitcoin concepts, and emphasizes that adoption is still in its early stages. Paco sees the North Star Protocol as a positive development, contrasting it with the centralized control of information by platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. He emphasizes a spiritual connection to Bitcoin, noting how many people resonate with its ideology and purity, and acknowledges the challenges of onboarding users, particularly in the context of Lightning Network issues.
### Main Topics Discussed:
- Bitcoin Adoption & Education: The critical need for accessible and culturally relevant Bitcoin education, especially outside of English-speaking regions.
- "Run with Bitcoin" Journey: The purpose, funding, and progress of Paco's 40-country journey using Bitcoin for everyday transactions.
- Techno-Colonialism: The potential pitfalls of introducing technology without proper understanding and context.
- Information Disparity: The challenges of translating and conveying Bitcoin concepts accurately across languages.
- Lightning Network & Wallet Issues: Discussion of the recent problems with the Blue Wallet (LND hub) and the ongoing debate surrounding custodial versus non-custodial wallets, including Paco’s experience opening over 500 wallets.
- Early Bitcoin Adoption: The current state of Bitcoin adoption and its potential for future growth.
- Community Support: The vital role of the Bitcoin community in funding and supporting Paco’s journey.
- Spiritual Connection to Bitcoin: The ideological and spiritual reasons people connect with Bitcoin.
- Onboarding Challenges: The difficulties in simplifying the onboarding process and the impact of technical issues.
### Key Quotes:
- "I read the book and I'm like, like the fire hydrant that opens into your mouth, and you're just like, whoa." (Describing his initial understanding of Bitcoin)
- "How do you know Bitcoin is hard money? By using it for day-to-day life."
- "It's purity, almost." (Describing the feeling many have towards Bitcoin)
- "We are unable to onboard. The process is onboarding." (Highlighting the need to simplify the onboarding process)
### People Mentioned:
- Paco: From "Run with Bitcoin" - Traveler and Bitcoin educator.
- Felix Wies: Early Bitcoin adopter and traveler who inspired Paco’s journey.
- Rajshri: Introduced Paco to the podcast.
- Satoshi Nakamoto: Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator, likened to a deity.
- A monk in India: Uses Bitcoin for teaching purposes.
### Bitcoin Price if Mentioned:
- $200-$400: Initial funding amount for Paco's journey.
- $60,000 - $16,000: Bitcoin's price drop during the start of Paco’s journey.
- $100,000: Approximate cost of a house in Mumbai.