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Career breake 2024-2025
  • Martina Bukowska
  • Maciek Cieslik
  • Martina Bukowska
  • Maciek Cieslik

Career breake 2024-2025

En 218-dags äventyr från Martina & Maciek Läs mer
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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    Kaituna rafting 🏞️

    30 januari 2025, Nya Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Some plans are made well in advance, and today was one of those days - celebrations of Maciek and Martyna name, and a long-awaited bucket list item: rafting down the Kaituna River with Tutea Falls, the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at seven meters.

    The Kaituna River flows through lush native forest, cutting through deep gorges and waterfalls. In Māori, “Kaituna” means "eat eel", a reference to the river’s past as a rich food source. It also holds deep spiritual significance - before setting off, our guide led a karakia, a traditional Māori prayer, thanking the river for its waters and asking for safe passage. Standing in the humid air, with the sound of rushing water all around, it felt like a moment of connection with something much older than us.

    Then, it was time to go. Helmets tight, paddles ready, onto the rafts - and hold on! The water was warm and fast-moving, carving through the canyon as we tackled rapid after rapid. Our group included a bunch of Australians, and with their energy (and maybe a bit of madness), our guide decided to take us straight into the biggest waves. Tutea Falls itself was an instant of pure adrenaline—one sharp drop, a second of free fall, and then a surge of water as we disappeared under the spray.

    By the time we pulled our raft onto the shore, soaked and grinning, it was hard to believe that it’s already January 30th. Time in New Zealand seems to be moving too fast    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    22

    Night in the Pinnacles mountains 🌄

    31 januari 2025, Nya Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Our name day ended with a spontaneous decision - to spend the night in the mountains. A quick online search and a booking later, we were on our way to Pinnacles Hut, the largest mountain hut in New Zealand. The hike took about three hours, starting with a mandatory shoe-cleaning stop. This region is home to the ancient kauri trees, which are threatened by a deadly fungal disease, so special cleaning stations help prevent contamination.

    The trail itself was stunning - swing bridges over rushing streams, small waterfalls hidden in the forest, and an endless number of steps. Luckily, we made it before dark. Since we don’t have sleeping bags, we carried a duvet instead, along with some basic gear - a plate, a mug, a knife, and a bit of food. The hut was cozy, and we quickly bonded with a friendly Kiwi couple traveling with their baby.

    Sleeping in a proper bed (without the cramped van space) was a luxury, even if the night was disturbed by Maciek’s wild visions - whatever that means! Before dawn, we started the final push to the summit. The climb to The Pinnacles was steep, with ladders and metal rungs fixed into the rocks. The effort was worth it - the view from the top stretched over the Coromandel Peninsula, with the coastline to one side and layers of misty peaks on the other.

    From there, it was a straight descent back to our JUCY - sadly, our last drive with it, as we had to return it in Auckland. I’ll miss this little home on wheels!

    The day ended on a dramatic note - back in the hospital, this time with a broken toe and I took it pretty hard😓. But I guess that’s just part of the adventure🧐.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Auckland

    1–3 feb. 2025, Nya Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After days of traveling, Auckland gave us a chance to slow down. Apart from the waterfront, the museum, and some really good ice cream, not much held our attention.
    A stupid accident made walking a challenge, but we found a creative solution - a scooter. Maciek took on the role of my personal driver, rolling me around the city.
    One of the most memorable moments was attending a Māori church service. The congregation was tiny, but that only made the experience more special. Small communities seem to have a stronger bond. A children’s section in the back kept the youngest ones busy, and after the service, everyone gathered for a shared meal. The female priest came over to chat with us, making us feel welcome.
    We also visited the Auckland Museum, where we saw a stuffed moa - one of the giant, flightless birds that once roamed New Zealand but went extinct hundreds of years ago.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    🌳 Kauri Trees

    4–5 feb. 2025, Nya Zeeland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    After a few days of rest in Auckland, we picked up a car (and also a bedroom😮‍💨) and headed north. Our goal was to see the legendary kauri trees, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. These ancient giants once covered huge parts of New Zealand, but heavy logging in the past reduced their numbers drastically. Today, they are protected.

    The highlight of the day was seeing Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree. It is around 2,500 years old, stands 51 meters tall, and has a trunk almost 14 meters in circumference. The Māori name means “Lord of the Forest,” and for the Māori people, this tree is sacred. According to legend, Tāne Mahuta was the god who separated the earth and sky, allowing life to flourish.

    A Māori woman at the site shared stories about the spiritual importance of kauri and sang a traditional waiata (song).

    Kauri wood has long been used for waka (canoes) and carved meeting houses, but today, efforts focus on protecting the remaining trees rather than using them. Seeing one of these giants in person, it’s easy to understand why.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Waitangi Day 🇳🇿

    6 februari 2025, Nya Zeeland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our journey through New Zealand has come to an end, but the last day turned out to be a special one. By pure luck, we were there for Waitangi Day, the country’s most important national holiday. It marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, which laid the foundation for modern New Zealand.

    The celebrations started early in the morning with the Waka Parade, where large Māori war canoes, or waka, were paddled across the water in a powerful and impressive ceremony. Throughout the day, we had the chance to experience Māori culture - watching traditional haka performances and listening to beautiful waiata (songs).

    One of the most fascinating things about Māori culture is their ta moko - traditional tattoos. Unlike Western tattoos, these are deeply personal and tell the story of a person’s ancestry, status, and achievements. Men often have tattoos covering their faces, while women typically have designs on their chins or lips. The patterns are unique to each individual, almost like a fingerprint.

    The day ended with a final ceremony, where the waka were carefully carried back to the wharenui (meeting house). It was a reminder of how strong Māori traditions still are. We were struck by how welcoming and family-oriented the Māori people are - proud of their heritage and happy to share it.

    Before heading to the airport, we took a swim at Hobson Beach. Later, we cooked our own dinner on one of the country’s endless, deserted beaches.

    New Zealand is home to only 5 million people, but it feels even quieter - just nature, mountains, beaches, and space. It’s a stunning, peaceful place. If it weren’t so far away, I could easily imagine living here.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Kangaroo Valley 🦘

    7–8 feb. 2025, Australien ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C

    What was supposed to be just a layover turned into a five-day adventure in and around Sydney. With a rented car and a few camping essentials - mattress, blanket, pot, utensils, and a gas bottle - we were ready to explore.

    The first day was all about escaping the city. Grand Pacific Drive took us along coastal views, ending with a night on Austinmer Beach. Waking up to the sunrise over the ocean was worth every bit of sand in the car. Breakfast at a local surfer café completed the perfect start to the day.

    Next stop: Kangaroo Valley. Winding roads led to Belmore Falls, a double-tiered waterfall. Driving through the valley, the long-awaited moment finally happened - a wild kangaroo, just casually hopping across our path🦘

    The night was spent at Bendeela Recreation Campground, right by Kangaroo River. A quick swim in the cool water, followed by rain, gave the perfect excuse to stay in the car, sip some wine, and listen to the raindrops. And just when the day seemed over - more kangaroos appeared, and then, wombats!

    With all Australian wildlife encounters checked off the list, the trip already feels like a success. And it’s only just begun.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Sydney Opera House

    9 februari 2025, Australien ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The day was a mix of sun, sea, and a little bit of luxury. First, Greenfield Beach in Jervis Bay - known for its unbelievably white sand and clear turquoise water. A lazy day of swimming and sunbathing, with just enough motivation to book flights to Singapore in between.

    By evening, a complete change of scene. Back in Sydney, dressed up and smelling fresh, ready for a night at the Opera House. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, with its unique shell. Up close, the structure is even more impressive, covered in over a million white and cream-colored tiles. The performance was a selection of opera classics, and during the interval, Maciek treated me to a glass of Prosecco on the balcony. The city lights, the harbor, and the music made it a pretty fantastic date♥️.

    And then - back to reality, or at least back to the car. Wild camping on an air mattress felt like the perfect contrast to such a fancy evening. A bit of elegance, a bit of backpacker life, and a fantastic Sydney Opera House experience.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Sydney by bike 🚲

    10–11 feb. 2025, Australien ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    The last two days in Sydney were packed with exploration. Cycling through the city was an easy way to take in its atmosphere, from the historic district of The Rocks - where Sydney’s first European settlement was built - to the lively waterfront. A visit to the Australian Museum gave insight into Aboriginal culture.
    The Sydney Fish Market with a busy stalls serving everything from oysters to sashimi. At Wild Life Sydney Zoo, there was a chance to see some of Australia’s most unique animals. Koalas napped in the tree, prehistoric Cassowary and a Tasmanian Devils paced around its enclosure. But the highlight was the Platypus swimming in its tank😍.
    Just before heading to the airport, there was one last stop - the beach. Our air mattress had been useful over the past few days, but nothing beat the fun of floating on the waves. We almost paddled all the way to Singapore!
    Australia was a great experience - beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and amazing wildlife. A trip to remember☑️.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    🇸🇬 Singapore with Paulina&Michal

    12 februari 2025, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Visiting Singapore was planned around meeting Paulina and Michał - who, by the way, was celebrating his birthday. Getting there was quite a journey: a seven-hour flight from Sydney, landing at 3 AM. The last few hours before sunrise were spent sleeping on the floor in a quiet corner, wrapped in a blanket. By the time we made it to the city center, exhaustion was obvious, but there was no time to rest. Too much catching up to do! Our friends had been to Taiwan and Thailand, we had our own stories to share, and in between, we wandered through the city.

    Singapore is modern, structured, and hot. A wealthy metropolis with strict social discipline - bans on chewing gum, high fines for jaywalking - though in reality, these seemed more like deterrents than everyday threats. That said, we definitely ignored most traffic rules while cycling.

    At one point, Michał asked what I missed most during our travels. The answer came easily: moments like this, meeting friends.

    Singapore has an interesting history - it’s a relatively new city, built from scratch, with old neighborhoods squeezed between glass skyscrapers. It’s more of a controlled state than a democracy, but people seem to accept it, given the country’s financial success and high standard of living. Personally, the city didn’t quite captivate me, except for one thing: the Supertrees! These towering structures in Gardens by the Bay are futuristic vertical gardens, covered in plants, glowing with changing colors at night - easily the most magical part of Singapore.

    Beyond that, the city left me impressed but not enchanted, especially with super painful broken toe.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    Christ the Reedemer

    Among the Batak people 🧟‍♂️

    15–23 feb. 2025, Indonesien ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, stretches between the green hills of Sumatra. In the middle lies Samosir Island, home to the Batak people, who lived in isolation for centuries. Their culture is unique-known for elaborate wooden houses with curved roofs, powerful vocal music, and strong traditions of ancestor worship. In the past, Batak society had a darker side, including ritual cannibalism, but today, they are famous for their hospitality and rich traditions.

    A week in a lakeside homestay feels like a retreat. The water is warm, the air fresh-25 degrees feels almost like a summer day by a Polish lake. Unlike the humid heat of the rest of Sumatra, this place is comfortable, quiet. It’s the rainy season, so there are almost no tourists, but the occasional showers don’t matter. There’s time to ride water scooter or paddle a kayak across the lake, even to visit a barber on the shore. Walks through the villages reveal beautiful Batak houses, each decorated with intricate carvings. There is also time to see a local football match with Batak players, a few locals watching under a small roof, and a vendor selling fried bananas. No stadium, no crowd, just a simple game in the rain. And that’s what makes Toba special - slow, quiet, and real.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Sumatra Jungle Trekking

    24–25 feb. 2025, Indonesien ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last untouched jungles in the world, stretches across the northern part of Sumatra. It is a vast, dense rainforest, home to an incredible variety of wildlife, towering trees, and thick undergrowth. The air here is heavy with moisture, and the jungle hums with the sounds of countless unseen creatures. Spending three days trekking through this wild, ancient landscape was an unforgettable experience.

    The jungle is alive in every sense. Gigantic strangler figs wrap around towering trees, their roots twisting like serpents. The ground is soft with layers of fallen leaves, and the humid air carries the scent of damp earth and blooming orchids. Every few steps, the vegetation shifts—lush ferns, enormous dipterocarp trees, and hanging lianas create a world that feels completely untouched by time.

    Three days in this jungle felt like stepping into another world—one where nature still rules, untouched and untamed. The endless green, the symphony of jungle sounds, the feeling of being completely immersed in something so ancient and alive—it was a journey not just through the rainforest, but through time itself.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Wild paths of Gunung Leuser

    26 februari 2025, Indonesien ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Gunung Leuser is full of life, and the deeper into the jungle, the more there was to see. Gibbons moved fast through the canopy, their long arms making it look effortless. Thomas leaf monkeys, with their funny mohawks, sat watching before leaping away into the trees. Macaques were everywhere - sometimes curious, sometimes a little too bold.

    On the forest floor, things were just as lively. A snake lay completely still, waiting for the right moment to strike.

    Huge ants were locked in battle, beetles marched in a perfect line, in the hollow of an old tree trunk, wild bees buzzed around their hidden hive, disappearing inside before darting back out into the thick, humid air. At night, cicadas were so loud it was hard to believe such small creatures could make that much noise. Fireflies blinked between the trees, and strange moths with heart-shaped patterns rested on the leave 🌱.

    And then there were the orangutans. They moved slowly, carefully, their long arms stretching between branches. Seeing them in the wild felt special. Their jungle is getting smaller every year, and they can’t just move somewhere else. A mother orangutan raises only one baby every eight years - there’s so much to learn, and the young stay with her for a long time. That’s why it’s so hard for their population to recover. Watching them swing through the trees, completely at home, made it clear how much they belong here - and how much they need this place to survive.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    Sleeping in the jungle

    27 feb.–2 mars 2025, Indonesien ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Spending two nights deep in the jungle was an experience like no other. Our camp, built from wood and plastic sheets, stood right by the river. It was simple but had everything needed - shelter, a cooking area, and space to sleep. Sahril, our guide, led the way through the forest each day, while another guy took care of the cooking. There were also a few other travelers, all adjusting to the slow rhythm of jungle life.

    Trekking through Gunung Leuser was tough. The paths were steep, covered in deep mud, tangled roots, and dry leaves that made every step unpredictable. Slipping was almost guaranteed at some point. Leech socks helped keep the bloodsuckers away, but checking legs became a habit anyway. The heat was relentless - clothes were soaked with sweat within minutes. At least there was the river. We jumped in every chance we got, cooling off in the fast-moving water.

    Somewhere in the jungle, hot springs bubbled up from the earth. Sahril, always full of small tricks, boiled eggs right in the steaming water. But most of the time, we moved quietly - every sound could mean missing a hidden animal.

    Evenings were the best part of the day. When the cicadas finally quieted down, the jungle felt peaceful. Dinner was eaten by candlelight, and the nights stretched on with long conversations. Sahril talked about Sumatra, the jungle, and the people who live here. But life in the rainforest moves slowly, and there was plenty of time to just sit, watch, and take it all in.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    The Shamans of the Mentawai Tribe

    4–6 mars 2025, Indonesien ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    The past three days have been unlike anything before. Deep in the rainforest of Siberut Island, among the Mentawai people, time seemed to flow differently.
    The Mentawai are one of the last indigenous groups in Indonesia still living according to their ancient traditions. Their shamans, called Sikerei, are not only spiritual leaders but also healers, dancers, and guardians of the tribe’s knowledge. Covered in intricate tattoos, they believe that body art connects them to the spirits and strengthens their bond with nature.

    During our stay, the shamans showed us how they prepare poison for hunting arrows - an old technique using the sap of the Ipoh tree. Every step required precision, as the poison must be deadly for animals but safe to handle. We also gathered sago worms, an important protein source, digging them out from rotting palm trunks. At first, it felt strange, but after a while, it became just another part of the jungle experience.

    One of the most fascinating moments was the monkey dance. The shamans performed it with incredible energy, mimicking the movements of monkeys jumping through trees. It was both a ritual and a way to connect with the spirits of the forest. Later, we all sang together - each in our own language. Their songs were rhythmic and nostalgic, while our Polish melodies felt stronger and chaotic;). But somehow, it all blended into something unique.

    Despite their deep connection to traditions, the shamans had a great sense of humor. They laughed often, played tricks on each other, and enjoyed taking photos together, finding endless amusement in seeing their own faces on the camera screen.

    Before leaving, I asked a question: What is your biggest dream? The Shaman answer was simple yet profound. For my family to stay together. In a world that constantly pushes towards change, his words carried a weight that was hard to forget.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Inside the Uma

    7–9 mars 2025, Indonesien ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The last two days we spent with a Mentawai family in their traditional Uma. Daily life here revolves around family: chatting, endless sweet coffee and tea, jokes, feeding the pigs and chickens, carving wooden tools, preparing sago, and weaving baskets. I even joined them for a somewhat tragic shrimp and fish hunt, dressed in banana leaves. Hours were lost playing dominoes (losers get coffee grounds smeared on their faces).
    Life here is undeniably simple. No electricity, internet, or toilets (just the river). Outside the Uma, there's only endless forest, mud, and insects. Sleeping is on the floor under a mosquito net. Food must be caught and cooked over a fire. Yet, there's something about it. In my home, we don't have as many visitors in a month as the Uma had in two days. People constantly arrive (and stay overnight, given the distances). They share food and gifts, and the warmth is genuine. Even with the language barrier, I felt like part of the family after a short time. We became quite close with them, and leaving was really difficult 😥 .
    The journey back was challenging: a trek through muddy jungle, a canoe ride to the village, and then a ferry to Sumatra. Exceptional experience 😌🌱.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Urban jungle: Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾

    9 mars 2025, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    After exploring the dense rainforests of Sumatra, it was time to dive into a different kind of jungle - the urban one. Before reaching our next travel destination, we decided to stop by two major cities: Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

    Our time in Kuala Lumpur was short - just an evening and a night. We headed straight to Bukit Bintang, a lively district famous for its shopping malls, street food, and nightlife. There, we tried Curry Laksa, a rich and flavorful noodle soup that, much like the city itself, blends influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Later, we took a walk to the Petronas Twin Towers, the iconic symbol of the city. The towers shone brightly against the night sky, but after midnight, the lights went out - too late for a good photo😓. The city’s fast pace and chaotic energy were a bit overwhelming, but overall, it left a positive impression.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    🐉 Hong Kong 🧧

    10 mars 2025, Hong Kong ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I had been eager to visit Hong Kong, especially after reading The Asian Saga, which tells the story of the city’s origins.

    With only one day to explore, we started with breakfast: a Sichuan-style meal, bursting with bold, spicy flavors. One of my must-see spots was Temple Street Night Market, a historic marketplace famous for street food and everything that you can imagine. To get a feel for the city, we hopped on one of the iconic double-decker buses, riding through different districts, including Sham Shui Po, known for its street markets and old-school Hong Kong atmosphere.

    Navigating the city on foot proved challenging - at one point, it took an hour just to exit the underground metro system and reach the street level. Everywhere, towering skyscrapers dominated the skyline, adding to the city’s overwhelming density.

    The most impressive sight, however, was the port - a massive hub of activity, filled with endless cargo ships and shipping containers. Hong Kong’s port is one of the top ten busiest in the world, a lifeline for its economy.

    As night fell, we headed back to the airport. Next stop: the Philippines!    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    21

    Siquijor, Philippines 🇵🇭

    11–12 mars 2025, Filippinerna ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Getting here took some effort – a flight to Cebu, a tiny plane to Dumaguete, then a ferry to Siquijor. But stepping off the boat, it already felt different. The island has a mystical reputation, known for its healers and shamans. Local traditions blend animism and Catholicism, and some people still believe in love potions and protective amulets.

    As soon as we arrived, we rented a scooter, dropped our backpacks at our beach bungalow, and set off to explore. The island is a mix of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons (reminding us of Vang Vieng in Laos), and small but beautiful Spanish-era churches. Hammocks sway in the breeze, and after two weeks of barely any sleep, we’re done. Finally, a well-earned break🏝️.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Snorkeling in Tubod Marine Sanctuary

    13–14 mars 2025, Filippinerna ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

    One of the main reasons for choosing the Philippines as our destination was its marine life. The country is famous for its coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity. This is why we explored Tubod Marine Sanctuary on Siquijor Island. This protected area is known for its coral gardens and diverse marine species. The underwater world did not disappoint - colorful corals, swaying sea anemones, and countless fish surrounded us. We spotted clownfish (Nemo!), parrotfish, beaked coral fish 🐠 , and even a curious pufferfish 🐡 . The reef was full of life.

    The day ended at Pitogo Cliff, where we had a picnic while watching the sun sink into the horizon. The view was stunning and the sea was warm🏊‍♀️.

    Then morning brought a small surprise - my bank card was missing, and a quick account check showed some unauthorized transactions (about 400 PLN). Not exactly the best start to the day... Traveling isn’t just sunsets and paradise-like views; sometimes, it’s a reminder that life happens everywhere, no matter where you are.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1
    1

    Whale Shark 🐋

    15 mars 2025, Filippinerna ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    The day started early – a 4 AM wake-up call, followed by a long wait in line. Oslob Whale Shark Watching is one of the most famous attractions in Cebu, and it was clear we weren’t the only ones interested. After getting our number and paying the 500-peso fee, we finally boarded a small boat and paddled a short distance from the shore.

    And there they were - whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Despite their enormous size, they moved gracefully, their spotted skin creating a unique pattern, like a fingerprint. Up close, they seemed almost unreal, gliding slowly through the water. But their power was undeniable; even the slightest movement of their massive tails sent strong waves through the sea.

    It was an incredible experience, being so close to these gentle giants. But looking around, the other side of the picture became obvious - tourists everywhere, boats surrounding the animals, local fishermen feeding them to keep them near the shore. The encounter felt less wild, more like a controlled attraction.

    I’m grateful for the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close, but it left me with mixed feelings. Nature should be admired, not turned into a spectacle. The beauty of the moment was real, but so was the cost.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    Sardines & turtles in Moalboal

    16 mars 2025, Filippinerna ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Moalboal is famous for its sardine run, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Just a few steps from the shore, massive schools of sardines moved like a single organism, twisting and shifting in perfect sync. The way they catch the light makes the whole scene look almost unreal. Every now and then, a sea turtle would glide through, completely ignoring the chaos. No need for a boat or a guide - just grab a mask, swim out, and you’re in the middle of it.

    Maciek put in a heroic effort to dive down and get himself into a video with a turtle, fighting against the salty water and strong currents. The turtle, of course, couldn’t care less and drifted off gracefully, while he kept trying not to float right back up.

    The town itself is small but full of life, with plenty of beachside bars and cafés. It was a good place to catch up on work and, less exciting but necessary, deal with taxes before heading to Japan.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Goodbye Philippines 🇵🇭

    17 mars 2025, Filippinerna ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    The Philippines were supposed to be just a short stop before Japan, but this country turned out to be much more than a layover. A week was too little to explore it properly, but enough to get a taste of its beauty. Three places, each different, but all showing the richness of marine life, the warmth of Filipino culture, and the ever-present sunshine. It felt like only scratching the surface, so coming back one day for a proper diving course seems like a good idea 🤿.

    Now, leaving the ☀️ sun behind (and the millions of insects, smelly & dirty toilets), it’s time to head north🥶🥹.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025
    1

    Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷

    18–21 mars 2025, Sydkorea ⋅ ☀️ 5 °C

    Among the big cities we’ve visited recently, Seoul turned out to be the most friendly and interesting - even if the freezing weather almost froze us solid.

    A few days were just enough to enjoy the amazing food: kimchi (of course), bibimbap, famous mandu dumplings, rice cakes with different fillings, and sweet red beans (pat). For street food, we explored areas like Itaewon Market, Yongsan, Insa-dong Street, and the busy Myeongdong Night Market. We walked countless kilometers, often traveling by Seoul’s efficient subway system - always packed with people glued to their phones, even when stepping off the train.

    Besides food, we also explored Korea’s love for fun and cuteness: endless shops with plush toys, keychains, photobooths with costumes, arcades, karaoke towers, and even indoor shooting ranges. Everything full of people - Koreans clearly know how to have fun. And of course, tons of clothing shops and cheap but great skincare products.

    Along the way, we came across little street fortune booths offering horoscopes and readings. Couldn’t resist - we both had ours done. A fun and strange little moment to remember.

    We visited Bukchon Hanok Village too, but it didn’t impress much.

    Our last night ended past midnight at a tiny street bar with soju (Korean vodka) and snacks. We shared the table with Huan and Jo - two friendly locals who added a nice final touch to our stay. Thanks, guys! Though… flying to Japan with a hangover was a challenge😵.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    A glimpse of the North Korea 🇰🇵

    19 mars 2025, Sydkorea ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    A short trip from Seoul took us to one of the most unusual places we’ve ever been - the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Bringing passports was mandatory, since for a few hours we were technically outside South Korea.

    The area is full of history and quiet tension. We stood on the Bridge of No Return, once used for dramatic prisoner exchanges, and visited the rusted locomotive at Dorasan Station, still bearing over a thousand bullet holes from the Korean War. From the Dora Observatory, we looked across barbed wire fences into North Korea. Photos were strictly forbidden, but the view left a deep impression - a vast, silent land so close, yet locked away from the world.

    The most powerful moment was walking inside the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in the 1970s. It’s long, dark, and narrow - dug by North Korea to allow surprise military attacks on Seoul. There are at least four of these tunnels, and probably more still undiscovered. Today, they serve as grim tourist sites - reminders of how real and recent the tensions still are.

    The whole experience was moving and heavy. Seeing North Korean land, knowing what kind of suffering happens just beyond the border, brought a wave of sadness. The human tragedy there feels like a slow, silent holocaust - except this time, the camp is an entire country.    Läs mer

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  • Career breake 2024-2025

    Fuji-san, Japanese! 🇯🇵

    22–23 mars 2025, Japan ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Finally, Japan 😍
    This trip has been a dream for a long time, and the timing was chosen carefully - just as the Japanese spring begins. In many places, plum and early cherry blossoms are already blooming, and while the air feels fresh and soft, some snow still lingers in the mountains.

    We landed in Tokyo but decided to save the city for the end of the journey. At the airport, we picked up our campervan - home for the next few weeks - and hit the road straight to Mount Fuji.

    Fuji-san, as it’s respectfully called here, is Japan’s highest mountain (3,776 meters) and a sacred symbol. For centuries, it has inspired poets, monks, and artists. Interestingly, it’s technically a stratovolcano, last erupting in 1707. Today, it’s one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks - and it’s easy to understand why.

    Early in the morning, we went to see Fuji from Chureito Pagoda, the famous red pagoda with a view. It was beautiful - and very crowded, of course. But just above the pagoda, we found a steep trail leading into the forest. After about an hour of hiking, we reached Turtle Rock and then the summit of Mount Koubou. From there, we had a perfect, peaceful view of Fuji - just us and two other guys we met along the way. No noise, no selfie sticks. Just silence, a perfect blue sky, and Maciek quietly taking photos with his old film camera.

    Later, we drove to the village of Oshino Hakkai, known for its clear ponds and traditional atmosphere. We tried grilled rice cakes filled with red bean paste and others with a miso glaze - delicious and unexpectedly filling.

    The day ended by Lake Kawaguchi, watching Fuji in the golden light of sunset. And then, the perfect ending: an onsen! It was incredibly relaxing. Afterward, a quick massage on one of those magic Japanese massage chairs, and we parked the camper at a free michi no eki parking spot by the lake. Not a bad first day in Japan.    Läs mer

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