Münster, Germany - Home Again

The trip of a lifetime has come to an end.

When I was asked what it felt like to be home, my immediate answer was: "As if you have just woken up from an incredibly amazing dream".

This is how it felt. I couldn't believe that 17 months of travelling were over. The time has passed way too quickly and sometimes I can find myself asking: "Did all of that really happen?" Of course it did, and that trip, those memories, those experiences, those cultures, the people I met on the way, the sights that I could see with my own eyes, the things I touched, the food I tasted - all those things will stay with me forever. And I have not a single ounce of regret of going on this epic trip.

I was also asked about my highlights, which is an impossible question to answer. How do you compare a hot air balloon ride over the Masa Mara to the Silver Mines in Potosi for example. There are a few things, though, that I tend to talk about more often than others, which, I guess, is a sign that those were my highlights. In no particular order (except the first three experiences:

Top 3: Antarctica (no.1 because it was absolutely mind-blowing), diving with bull sharks in Fiji (because it's crazy) and visiting the Silver Mines in Potosi (most eye-opening experience of my life!).

After that, it starts from the safari and hot air balloon ride in Africa, Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Ha Giang Loop (Vietnam), viewpoints in Vang Vieng, island-hopping in the Philippines (my new fav country), New Zealand's mountains/Hobbiton, island life on Fiji and Samoa, my time in Antigua (my fav place in the world), Lost City Trek in Colombia, Galapagos and Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Huacachina/Inka Trail and Cusco in Peru, Death Road/Uyuni Salt Flat Tour in Bolivia, hiking Patagonia/Jujuy with my dad, helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls and enjoying life/carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

And this is a short list in which I have probably forgotten quite a few things. I could easily extend this list by probably 40 more items.

Each place has its own story, its own kind of magic that sometimes I was able to see and sometimes not. For example, to me Asia is incredibly beautiful, while South America is absolutely wild and ridiculously adventurous.

I think one of the most profound things I have learned - especially during my travels in Latin America - is that people can have an incredible love for life. To take every opportunity possible to celebrate life, to laugh and see the world (or the neighbourhood) with an open heart and embrace it - even if or especially when things are hard. To find joy, to dance in life, to be with your friends and family. This is what life truly is about.

Yes, we all have to work, we all have to earn money and we all want a secure and comfortable life. There is nothing wrong with that and it is the basic fabric that keeps our society functioning. But we can do that with joy - that is what I am missing in Germany, as people here often take life too seriously, are in a bad mood, complain about the smallest things and how life has become so difficult and everything is about work. Life is not about work (unless you love what you do!). It is about living, about enjoying this one period of time that we have on this earth.

I know that the lottery of life has been kind to me. Born in Germany, worked in a good job in London, saved a lot to travel the world. That is a privilege that I am deeply aware of. So, I am trying to use that privilege to enjoy this one life, as much as I can. I owe that to myself and to life.

In fact, I have already booked my next little around-the-world adventure. For 5 months I will be touring the world again. After that, though, I definitely need to find a job!

Making a 17 months long story short. I love this life and intend to live it with joy and a smile on my face. Travel is what I love and I will keep doing that until my legs can't walk me anymore and my hands cannot reach for the stars.

From Nairobi to Rio de Janeiro (Nairo2Rio), I have found myself stepping foot on all seven continents and 25 countries and being part of this beautiful planet we call home.

Thank you world, for that you are the most incredible thing that I had the absolute pleasure to get to know!Leggi altro