About Me and my Travels
Everywhere I traveled, documenting my journey, the culture that warmly welcomed me and the breathtaking scenery the place offered has always been an embedded part of the adventure itself.
Documenting for me means...
Journaling
Documenting for me means journaling, not only keeping track of my movements and the places I visited, but also writing about the stories I got to learn from the local people, the history and customs of the place I am a guest of.
Titicaca Lake, Peru 2024
Photography
Most importantly, I find photography is the best way to document my travel experience. On paper, photography is immobile and instantaneous, in reality, a picture can allow the observer not only to see, but also to smell, taste, touch, hear what is going in that specific scene. It has the power to remove any geographical, cultural, linguistic distance, and in doing so, it brings people together; the photographer and the photographed subject, the observer and the faraway place that is being observed.
Wat Mahathat, Thailand 2015
Bundi, India 2023
Traveling for me means...
Learning about Traditions and Culture
I believe every difference is an occasion to learn something new. Travelling is a constant confrontation with a world, a way of thinking and a way of life that is different from one’s own, that is the beauty of it. I try to pack light, but some things I always bring with me on every trip are an open mind, humbleness and lots of curiosity.
Amantani Island, Peru 2024
Connecting with the Local Community
The best way to learn about the local culture and traditions is of course through the local people. On my trips, I seek and cherish every opportunity to get in contact with the locals. A smile, a quick exchange of greetings, some curious questions can go a long way and can create bonds that will last long after the return flight. Connecting with the local community for me means respect, exchange of cultures and laughs, and the start of new friendships.
Yunnan, China 2019
Venturing Off the Beaten Track
My only two real evergreen travel companions are the colorful backpacks my parents used to travel with before I was born, and the Lonely Planet guide book of the country I am visiting. I like to travel very low budget, I plan the least possible before the start of the trip and I generally prefer less known destinations to the most touristic spots. I tend to avoid big cities at all costs, I can wander around local markets for hours surrounded by curious glances and I end up spending most of my travel days in little villages where time is slow and sightseeing spots are very few.
Dambulla, Sri Lanka 2016
Passion for Life
Last but not least, travelling for me means passion. I am lucky enough to have started travelling young and immediately fell in love with it. From that moment, I made travelling a priority in my life decisions, by choosing a job over another, by saving money, by planning the year accordingly, and ultimately, by just jumping and booking the flights. I have traveled in different ways, with different (or no) travel partners and to many different countries across four continents, and I am just so excited to keep adding to the list!