Traveling isn't just about going to a new country and seeing the sights. It's about experiencing and understanding different cultures. The people you meet whilst traveling can have a big impact on you. And these are the things that make our travel experiences unique. Whether it's just meeting someone in a hostel or a local helping you with directions. We all have something special to tell after our travels so I hope you enjoy my stories and maybe it will give you some inspiration.

The golden hours

Throughout the year's s I have witnessed many sunrises and sunsets, from the beautiful coastline of Southern France to the epic canyons of the USA. No matter where you are in the world their is always an opportunity to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. Waking up on a -10 degree morning in Iceland doesn't sound like fun for most people but, I witnessed the most stunning sunrise of my life. The morning was calm and, the sky was full of rich colours. It felt like that someone painted the perfect sunrise. As sunsets go, I have seen a lot more of them. My favourite was only 10 minutes down the road from where I live. It was the most gorgeous and peaceful sunset I had ever seen. It just shows that you don't have to travel far to see something beautiful. For me, the simplest things in life are the best. The golden hours of the day are moments that we should all cherish.

The tough times

The coronavirus pandemic created situations that were unthinkable back in 2019. Quarantine, nation lockdowns and furlough were a part of everyday life. It is hard to believe that there were many restrictions. People had to adjust to a new way of life. The travel industry changed dramatically and, the idea of entering another country seemed impossible. Countries had their own set of rules for travellers. When I entered Cambodia (October 2021), I had to undertake seven days of quarantine in a hotel. It was the most surreal week of my life. On the first day, I was terrified of being isolated from everyone. The thought of being stuck in a single room for a week was too much at first. I knew I had to keep myself busy and have a routine in place. Bodyweight exercises, doing work on my laptop and, reading kept me occupied. Talking to family and friends on the phone got me through it. I can't imagine doing that again.

Travelling whilst the world is going through a pandemic is a unique experience. Airports are quiet and famous sights are empty. It's nice to have a place to yourself. However, it is sad to see a lot of businesses abandoned. The coronavirus affects more people indirectly than directly so, I hope that people understand that life needs to carry on. We can't have lockdowns and restrictions forever.

Brave or stupid?

Back in 2016, I was planning my nine-day trip to the west coast of Norway. I came across an image that had a boulder wedged in a mountain's crevasse. Kjeragbolten, in Sandnes municipality Rogaland country, looked like something I had never seen before. Instantly I wanted to have a photo of myself on top of this boulder. So part of my trip to Norway was based on getting a photo. On the day of seeing the boulder, there were things I didn't consider. I had to hike 4.8 kilometres on tough terrain. I didn't pack enough food and, I was hiking on my own. The weather got worse as I continued. And when I finally got there, it was pouring. The ground was slippery and, visibility was awful. However, I still thought it was a good idea to stand on the boulder, even tho it had a 1000 meter drop. I was happy that I got the photo but, I still had to hike back. I was wet, cold, and exhausted but, I managed to get back to the starting point before dark. So, always do your research and do not just go somewhere for a photo. The world of Instagram is fake and doesn't tell you the complete story.