We’re driving to the Algarve, leaving Ericeira behind as the sunset light bathes our little Volkswagen UP in a golden glow. The journey ahead is not just any trip; it’s the continuation of a European road adventure that began last fall – and one that will keep us going till the end of April 2023.
That roadtrip, I know now, will end up being one of my favorite travel experiences ever. It was the freedom and the joy of making it to mainland Europe’s southernmost tip that is one of the moments that is engraved in my mind. It’s an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
After spending a month in Sagres, in the Algarve, our travels bring us to Tamraght Morocco. We surf, make new friends, we enjoy discovering a new part of the country that we visit often and love. We also make our way to two old favorites: Ourika and Marrakech.
Returning to the mainland, we spend our last 6 weeks on the road wandering through Spain’s Vejer de La Frontera, Tarifa, Granada, Zaragoza, and France’s Biarritz, Les Landes, and Hossegor. The blend of Arab and European architecture and cuisine in southern Spain never fails to inspire me and I loved being able to photography all of our journey, while enjoying the gentle climate of Southern Europe before heading back north to the Netherlands.
The rest of the year takes us too many more beautiful places and bring us joy, adventure and so much more. Erik and I start building our second home in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. We grow closer together, even after all these years. We plan our wedding for 2024. Make new friends. I learn to let go just a little bit more in so many processes, and my business grows. It’s just been a really, really good year and I am so thankful for it all.
As I pen this recap, I can’t help but smile. My hands want to type what sounds like some sort of a virtual acceptance / thank you speech: and I’ll let them:
I want to thank Erik for being the best travel and life companion I could ever wish for. For always supporting me, cheering me on, for letting me be free. I want to thank my family for their support, my friends for growing with me, into a part-time long-distance friendship while still deepening bonds. You reading this – for caring about what I have to say. For your kind replies on social media and our encounters in person, wherever it was in this beautiful world of ours.
As we look to 2024, my heart is set on deepening connections – with you, my audience, with the people I love, and with myself. I’m committed to nurturing my health, evolving my surf skills, and embracing Spanish more fully. I will keep optimizing my routine to incorporate yoga and walks to keep me grounded, and can’t wait for everything the new year will bring.
I wish you a great year ahead, and again want to thank you for everything. Enjoy today, stay safe, enjoy life to the fullest!
x
Behind the scenes: these are some of my favorite personal travel moments, caught on film.
Curious about my favorite portraits I made and brand photography I did? I made another blog post with all of those. You can find it here.
Recap 2023 / Adventurous travel photography by Raisa Zwart
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