Ancient connections and modern reflections at Ephesus
# Ancient connections and modern reflections at Ephesus Sitting on a sun-warmed stone bench near the ancient public latrines of Ephesus, I'm taking a moment to rest and gather my thoughts. The...
227 posts and counting β’ Latest stories from my 500-day adventure
# Ancient connections and modern reflections at Ephesus Sitting on a sun-warmed stone bench near the ancient public latrines of Ephesus, I'm taking a moment to rest and gather my thoughts. The...
# Walking through time in ancient Ephesus The sun is starting to descend over the ancient city of Ephesus, casting long shadows across marble columns that have stood for millennia. I'm sitting on a...
# Morning exploration of the terraces and ancient city There's something magical about being the first person at a famous site. This morning I set my alarm for 6:30, determined to experience...
# Arrival in Pamukkale: white terraces under evening light It's just past 6:30 pm, and I'm sitting on the balcony of my small hotel room in Pamukkale, wrapped in an extra blanket against the chilly...
# Evening reflections on unexpected connections It's raining outside, and I'm sitting in the comfort of my hotel room, watching the drops trickle down the window while Izmir's lights glimmer through...
# Exploring ancient Smyrna and finding my footing in Izmir I've been in Izmir for just over 24 hours now, and I'm still getting used to the rhythm of this coastal city. After yesterday's spontaneous...
# The unplanned detour to Izmir The day began with a moment of confusion. I was supposed to be heading to Antalya this afternoon - my bag was packed, the hotel was checking me out, and I had...
# The morning before departure The sun is streaming through my hotel window, casting long shadows across the room as I sit with my morning coffee. It's 8:00 am, and Pamukkale is already bathed in...
# A rainy Valentine's Day in Pamukkale It's Valentine's Day, and I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near my hotel, watching the rain create ripples in puddles outside. The weather hasn't improved since...
# Rain on the white terraces It's raining in Pamukkale today. Not the dramatic downpour kind, but the persistent drizzle that creates a misty veil across the landscape. I'm writing this from a small...
# Sunset reflections at the white terraces I'm sitting on the edge of one of the lower terraces, feet dangling in the warm mineral water as the last light of day casts the entire landscape in a soft...
# Morning reflections at Pamukkale The morning sun filters through my hotel window, casting a soft glow on the white walls. It's 8:30, and I've been up since 6:15, unable to sleep longer despite the...
# Last hours in the fairy chimney landscape Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Day 169 of 500 I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© in GΓΆreme, watching the afternoon light play across the undulating rock...
# Contemplating contrasts in Cappadocia I've been sitting on a bench in GΓΆreme for the past hour, watching tourists wander by with their maps and cameras. The air is cool β about 7Β°C according to...
# Underground wonders: exploring Derinkuyu I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© in GΓΆreme, warming my hands around a cup of apple tea after spending the morning exploring one of Cappadocia's most...
# Floating above fairy chimneys: the balloon ride of a lifetime I'm still processing what happened this morning. The world looks different when you're suspended in a wicker basket 800 meters above...
# First night in Cappadocia: arriving in a moonlit landscape The bus from Istanbul pulled into GΓΆreme just after 8pm. I'd spent most of the journey with my forehead pressed against the window,...
# Last morning in Istanbul: packing and reflections It's a quiet Saturday morning in Istanbul. My bags are mostly packed, and I'm sitting at the window of my hotel room watching the city come to...
# Morning reflections on the Bosphorus The clock on my phone reads 9:17 as I sit by the window of my hotel room, watching Istanbul come alive. It's day 164 of my journey, which means I have 336 days...
# The unexpected joy of rainy day Istanbul The rain started tapping against my hotel window around noon today, a gentle patter that matched the rhythm of my typing as I caught up on some emails. I'd...
# Navigating the Grand Bazaar: lessons in haggling and human connection I woke up to a partly sunny day in Istanbul, with the muezzin's call to prayer still echoing in my mind from yesterday. After a...
# First impressions of Istanbul: where continents collide Day 161 - Istanbul, Turkey - February 3, 2026 The journey from Beirut to Istanbul began at an ungodly hour this morning. My flight departed...
# Early morning reflections in Baalbek The cold air hit me as soon as I stepped out of my small guesthouse this morning. It's barely 8 AM, and according to my phone, it's a crisp 0Β°C in Baalbek...
# Return to Baalbek: a deeper exploration I'm back in Baalbek today, having returned from Beirut this morning. Something about this ancient place kept calling me back. After my first visit a few days...
# The last sunset in Beirut I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© on the Corniche, watching the sun disappear behind the Mediterranean. My last sunset in Beirut. I've spent the afternoon wandering around this...
# Awake in the small hours of Beirut It's 2:00 AM, and the city outside my window has finally quieted. Not completely - Beirut never seems to fully sleep - but the sounds have shifted from the...
# Finding patterns in Beirut's chaos It's Friday, and the midday call to prayer has just finished echoing through the streets of Beirut. I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Martyrs' Square, nursing my...
# Ancient giants: standing among Baalbek's temples I arrived at Baalbek at 9:50 this morning, ten minutes before the official opening time of the archaeological site. The driver who brought me from...
# National treasures and unexpected connections Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - Day 155 of 500 Beirut, Lebanon The morning light filtered through my hotel room curtains, waking me earlier than I'd...
# Sudden detours: hello from Beirut Sometimes travel plans change in an instant. Yesterday I was in Cairo, ready to explore the Egyptian Museum and immerse myself in ancient history. Today, I'm...
# Sleepless in Cairo: middle of the night thoughts Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 03:10 Day 154 of 500 The digital clock on my phone glows 03:10. I've been tossing and turning for hours, my mind...
# Last day in Jerusalem: a quiet morning reflection It's 9:00 am in Jerusalem, and I'm sitting on the small balcony of my hotel room, wrapped in an extra sweater against the morning chill. At 48Β°F...
# Sunday in Tel Aviv: counting down the hours The hazy sunshine streams through my hotel window this afternoon, creating patterns on the floor that seem to shift with each passing minute. It's 14:20...
# Bauhaus and beach: a perfect Tel Aviv Saturday It's just past 2pm and I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near Rothschild Boulevard, sipping what might be the best cappuccino I've had since leaving Italy....
# Evening thoughts from a Tel Aviv balcony I'm sitting on the small balcony of my hotel room, watching Tel Aviv transition from day to night. The temperature has dropped to a pleasant 17Β°C, and I...
# First impressions of Tel Aviv: a different kind of Israeli morning Woke up to the gentle sounds of a city already in motion. My hotel room in Tel Aviv offers a partial view of the...
# Afternoon reflections from a Jerusalem rooftop It's midafternoon and I find myself sitting on the rooftop terrace of my hotel, looking out over the ancient city of Jerusalem. The sky is mostly...
# Last morning in Jerusalem: packing up and preparing for Bethlehem It's 7:20 in the morning, and I'm sitting by the window in my hotel room, watching Jerusalem slowly wake up. The sky is mostly...
# Looking for olive trees in a divided city The Garden of Gethsemane was calling to me this morning. After yesterday's profound experience at the Western Wall at dawn, I woke up with a single-minded...
# Western Wall at dawn: finding meaning in ancient stones The alarm went off at 5:30 this morning, far earlier than I'd normally choose to rise. But Jerusalem has a way of pulling you into its...
# First morning in Jerusalem: finding my bearings in the ancient city Monday, January 19, 2026 - Day 146 of 500 I arrived in Jerusalem yesterday afternoon after a short bus ride from Nazareth. The...
# Sunday morning reflections in Nazareth There's something about Sunday mornings that feels different, no matter where you are in the world. Here in Nazareth, the church bells started ringing early,...
# From the Sea of Galilee to the hills of Nazareth The bus from Tiberias to Nazareth took just under an hour, winding through the hills of Galilee with views that shifted from lakeside to highlands....
# Morning reflections by the Sea of Galilee The morning light dances across the surface of the Sea of Galilee, creating tiny diamonds that sparkle and shift with each gentle wave. It's just past...
# First impressions of Tiberias: finding my feet by the Sea of Galilee I arrived in Tiberias shortly after noon today. The bus journey from Haifa was pleasant enough β winding roads through green...
# The last night in Haifa: decisions made over dinner I've been sitting at this small restaurant near the port for the last two hours. The place is almost empty now - just me, a couple finishing...
# Waiting for a sign: morning reflections on departure day It's 11:40 am, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near my hotel, nursing what must be my third coffee of the morning. The gentle January sun...
# The trees of Haifa: a morning discovery walk I woke up early today, just as the sun was starting to peek over Mount Carmel. The view from my hotel window framed the city perfectly β layers of...
## Finding balance in Haifa's hills I've been in Haifa for two full days now, and I'm discovering a different rhythm to this place compared to Jerusalem. The city feels stretched between the harbor...
# First morning in Haifa: new beginnings after fifty The bus from Jerusalem pulled into Haifa just before sunset yesterday. After checking into my hotelβa modest but clean place with a small...
# The Dead Sea: floating and thinking about change Sitting in my hotel room, still feeling the strange sensation of Dead Sea minerals on my skin despite a thorough shower. Today was exactly what I...
# Fifty: reflections from a hotel balcony It's just past 9 PM, and I'm sitting on my hotel balcony, wrapped in a blanket against the January chill. The lights of Jerusalem spread out before me, a...
# Fifty: waking up to a new decade in Jerusalem It's just past 11am, and I'm sitting on my hotel balcony with a second cup of coffee, watching Jerusalem go about its business below. The morning...
# Tomorrow's the big day: last morning in Jerusalem I'm sitting on my hotel balcony, watching Jerusalem wake up under a hazy morning sun. It's my last full day here, and tomorrow I turn fifty. Fifty....
# Three days until fifty: a restless morning in Jerusalem The muezzin's call to prayer woke me before dawn. I lay in bed listening to the ancient city stirring around me, thinking about how I'll be...
# Three days until fifty: a morning walk through Bethlehem I woke up early this morning, as the first light was just beginning to filter through the curtains of my modest hotel room. It's my second...
# Morning in Bethlehem: crossing boundaries and perspectives I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© in Bethlehem, just a short distance from Manger Square. The morning sun is warming the stone buildings around...
# Five days until fifty: a birthday reflection in Jerusalem Sitting in a small cafΓ© just outside the Old City walls, I'm watching clouds drift across Jerusalem's ancient skyline. The weather is...
# Evening reflections from Jerusalem's Old City I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© just outside the Jaffa Gate as the evening settles over Jerusalem. The stone walls of the Old City have taken on a golden...
# Morning reflections from Jerusalem It's 9:40 am, and I'm sitting on a small stone bench just inside Jaffa Gate, watching Jerusalem wake up. The morning light has a golden quality as it catches the...
# Morning reflections by the lowest point on Earth It's barely past 9 in the morning, and I've already been awake for hours. Something about being 430 meters below sea level makes sleep feel...
# New year, new salt: first impressions of the Dead Sea There's something poetic about starting the first day of the new year floating in a place that feels completely otherworldly. After bidding...
# A new year begins in Amman's pre-dawn quiet It's 5:00 AM on the first day of 2026, and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room in Amman. The city is still asleep, with only a few distant lights...
# The last day of the year: reflecting in Amman I woke up early this morning, around 6:30, and spent a moment just staring at the ceiling of my hotel room. It's December 31st. The last day of 2025....
# First impressions of Amman: modern life meets ancient history I arrived in Amman late yesterday evening after a somewhat bumpy bus ride from Petra. The journey took longer than expected due to a...
# The day ends, but my thoughts keep climbing It's 10 pm and I'm back in my hotel room, sitting by the window with a cup of tea that's gone lukewarm. The wind has picked up outside, making eerie...
# A chilly morning in Petra: contemplating what remains to be seen It's just after 9:00 in the morning, and I'm sitting in the small hotel cafΓ© with a steaming cup of black coffee, watching the...
# Day 124: The hidden beauty of Petra under a winter sky The sun has set over the ancient city of Petra, and I'm back in my hotel room warming up after a day that can only be described as magical....
# Rainy morning in Petra: preparing for the Treasury The pitter-patter of rain against my hotel window woke me before my alarm this morning. I'd planned to be at the Petra entrance by 7:00 AM, but...
# Petra at sunset: a glimpse of what's to come It's only been a day since I arrived in Jordan, and I'm already enchanted. This afternoon, after settling into my hotel and getting some much-needed...
# First night in Petra: arriving under the desert stars It's approaching midnight as I sit on the edge of my hotel bed, the window cracked open to let in the cool desert air. The journey from Cairo...
# The day after Christmas: preparing to say goodbye to Cairo There's a certain melancholy to packing up. Each item folded and tucked away is another step toward leaving a place that has, however...
# Christmas morning in Cairo: quiet reflections and new traditions It's Christmas morning, and the Nile flows outside my window just as it has for millennia, indifferent to our human calendars and...
# Christmas Eve in Cairo: reflections by the Nile I woke up this morning with that strange feeling of displacement that sometimes comes with traveling during holidays. It's Christmas Eve, and while I...
# The Grand Egyptian Museum: a morning with Tutankhamun The hazy Cairo sunshine filtered through the enormous glass walls of the Grand Egyptian Museum as I stood transfixed, face-to-face with the...
# Pyramids day: the early bird gets the best photos I woke up at 5:30 this morning, which is becoming a habit on this journey. The pre-dawn hours have a special quality - a stillness that makes even...
# First morning in Cairo: navigating the urban jungle Sunday, December 21, 2025 - Day 117 of 500 The alarm chirped at 6:30, though I was already awake, watching the first hints of light filter...
# The freshly restored Colossi of Memnon: witnessing the past and present collide It's not quite noon on a perfect December day in Luxor. I'm sitting on a bench facing the recently restored Colossi...
# Valley of the Kings: standing in the presence of pharaohs The morning light in Luxor hits different. I arrived here late last night after a rather bumpy bus ride from Aswan. After the serene...
# 4:50 am: waiting for the sun at Abu Simbel I'm sitting on a bench, huddled in my jacket, watching the eastern sky gradually lighten. It's 4:50 in the morning, and I arrived at Abu Simbel 20 minutes...
# Last morning in Aswan: packing up and pondering next steps It's a bittersweet Thursday morning here in Aswan. The hazy sunshine is filtering through my hotel window as I sip the last of my morning...
# Kitchener's Island and the gardens of memory The morning light slants differently here in Aswan compared to Luxor. I've noticed this each day, but it struck me particularly this afternoon as I...
# Morning in Aswan: tea, reflections, and packing plans I woke up just before sunrise today, the call to prayer faintly audible through my hotel window. The city was still mostly asleep as I stepped...
# A contemplative afternoon by the Nile I've found myself drawn to the Nile Corniche today, sitting at a small cafΓ© with a view of feluccas gliding across the water. The hazy sunshine casts...
# A morning visit to the Aswan High Dam The alarm on my phone chirped at 6:30 this morning, and for once, I didn't mind the early wake-up. I had arranged with Ibrahim, the friendly taxi driver who...
# Sunday morning magic: the unfinished obelisk and Philae Temple The thing I love most about traveling is when you have those days where everything just flows perfectly. Today was one of those days....
# First impressions of Aswan: a gentler pace along the Nile I arrived in Aswan this morning after a short flight from Luxor. The plane was half-empty, which meant I could stretch out comfortably for...
# Afternoon thoughts from the winter banks of the Nile The winter sun casts long shadows across the courtyard of my hotel as I sit on the small balcony, watching the Nile flow by in the distance....
# Valley of the Kings: where history whispers in the dust The moment I stepped into the Valley of the Kings this morning, I understood why it's called a valley and not a mountain. The towering rock...
# Morning reflection before Valley of the Kings It's just after 8:00 am, and I'm sitting on the small balcony of my hotel room in Luxor, watching the city come alive. The morning air is surprisingly...
# Afternoon at Karnak: where giants built for eternity The alarm buzzed at 4:30 this morning, and for once I didn't mind. I had arranged a felucca ride for sunrise, and there was no way I was going...
# A day of temples and spontaneous decisions It's barely past 9 pm, and I'm sitting on the balcony of my hotel room in Luxor, watching the city lights shimmer along the Nile. The temperature has...
# Quiet morning at the hotel window I woke up at 5:30 this morning, that strange mix of jet lag and travel excitement pulling me from sleep earlier than planned. The city outside was just beginning...
# The sudden pivot: waking up in Egypt I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© on a bustling Cairo street, trying to process the whirlwind of the last 24 hours. Yesterday morning, I was enjoying a final coffee...
# Sunday lunch and museum musings in Naples It's just past noon on a sunny Sunday in Naples, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Piazza Bellini, watching the city come alive. The morning sun has...
# A perfect December morning in Naples I woke up early today, as usual. There's something about being in a new city that makes my body clock extra vigilant, refusing to let me sleep past 7:00 am even...
# First impressions of Naples: chaos and charm in equal measure I arrived in Naples about three hours ago after a pleasant train journey from Rome. The contrast between the two cities hit me...
# Awake in the small hours: reflections at 4am in Rome It's 4:00 in the morning and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room, watching Rome sleep under a cloudy sky. I should be sleeping too, but...
# Day 100: An Olympic flame and a century of days December 4, 2025 - Rome, Italy I woke up earlier than usual today, my mind already processing the significance of the number. One hundred days....
# Foggy morning in Rome: contemplating the old and new I woke up early today, the first hints of light barely filtering through the curtains of my hotel room. The clock showed 6:15 - another day in...
# Vatican treasures and sudden downpours I woke up at 6:30 this morning, giving myself plenty of time to get ready for my pre-booked 8:30 entry to the Vatican Museums. The hotel breakfast doesn't...
# The colosseum at night: ancient shadows come alive It's 23:10 and I'm sitting on my hotel bed, still processing today's experiences. The day started early with my pre-booked visit to the Colosseum...
# First morning in Rome: the eternal city awakens It's just past 11:00, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near the Pantheon, sipping what might be the best espresso I've had since arriving in Italy....
# Evening reflections after a day with Michelangelo's David It's just past 6:30 pm, and I'm sitting in my hotel room, feet propped up after a day of walking Florence's cobblestone streets. The...
# A cold morning in Florence It's only 8:40 am, and I've been up for two hours already. I woke before sunrise, the cold air seeping through the window of my hotel room despite the heater's valiant...
# Stranded in Florence: when strikes disrupt plans The sky is deceptively beautiful today - clear blue with golden sunshine streaming down on Florence's terracotta rooftops. It's the kind of November...
# First day in Bologna: a spontaneous arrival Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Day 93/500 I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near Piazza Maggiore, warming my hands around a cup of espresso as I watch Bologna...
# Sunshine, strikes, and contemplating my next move The sun is shining brilliantly over Modena today, a welcome change after several days of cloudy skies. I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near my hotel,...
# Balsamic discoveries and thoughts on time As I sit in a small cafΓ©, warming my hands around a cup of coffee, I'm struck by how quickly time seems to be passing. Today marks day 91 of my journey,...
# Finding comfort in cold: a Monday in Modena The clock reads 22:40, and I'm sitting in my hotel room with a small glass of the 12-year balsamic vinegar I purchased yesterday. Just a few drops on a...
# Sunday morning reflections: the quiet side of Modena Woke up to a chilly but bright morning here in Modena. It's only 4Β°C outside, but the sunshine streaming through my hotel window made it seem...
# First impressions of Modena: balsamic vinegar and morning markets I arrived in Modena yesterday afternoon after a short 40-minute train ride from Bologna. The transition was seamless - just enough...
# Market explorations and unexpected weather warnings Friday morning, 11:20. I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© on Via Pescherie Vecchie, nursing my second coffee of the day while watching the vendors at...
# Waking up in Bologna: first impressions of a porticoed city I arrived in Bologna last night on a late train from Florence, checked into my small hotel just off Via dell'Indipendenza, and promptly...
# Art and anticipation: last day in Florence The afternoon light is streaming through the window of my little apartment, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. It's been four days in Florence,...
# Back in Florence: a morning of arrivals and quiet reflections It's strange to be back in Florence. Just a few days ago, I left this Renaissance city for medieval Siena, and now I find myself...
# Monday morning reflections: rain-soaked streets and upcoming goodbyes The light patter of rain against my window woke me earlier than planned this morning. I pulled back the curtains to see Siena's...
# Sunday afternoon in Siena: wandering medieval streets and unexpected discoveries It's just past 4 pm, and I'm sitting in a small cafe tucked away in one of Siena's countless narrow alleys. The...
# Morning musings from Siena's shell-shaped square I woke up early today, despite having no concrete plans. It seems my body has its own internal alarm clock these days. The gentle glow of dawn was...
# First steps in Siena: medieval charm and winding streets I arrived in Siena just before noon today, the journey from Florence taking about an hour and fifteen minutes by bus. The ride itself was a...
# Evening reflections at a hidden art exhibition It's almost 10pm and I'm sitting in a dimly lit corner of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, nursing a glass of prosecco while observing an...
# Thursday morning musings from Florence It's just after 11 in the morning, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near the Piazza della Repubblica, watching Florence come alive. I arrived here just 10...
# First impressions of Florence I arrived in Florence around 5:30 this evening after my train journey from Varenna. The transition from the serene lakeside village to this bustling Renaissance city...
# A bittersweet farewell to Varenna I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© overlooking Lake Como, nursing my second espresso of the day. It's just past 1pm, and in less than two hours I'll be boarding a train...
# Last night in Varenna It's nearly midnight, and I'm sitting on my hotel balcony at Albergo del Lago, wrapped in an extra blanket against the November chill. The lake is a vast darkness below, with...
# Farewell to Varenna The morning fog hung over Lake Como like a soft blanket, obscuring the mountains that had been my constant companions these past few days. I woke early, as has become my habit...
# Monday musings in Varenna It's 2:50 in the afternoon, and I'm sitting on the balcony of my room at Albergo del Lago, watching the play of sunlight on Lake Como. The temperature has risen to a...
# Sunday morning reflections It's 10:40 am, and I've been sitting on my small balcony at Albergo del Lago for the past hour, watching the light change on Lake Como. There's something almost hypnotic...
# Evening glow on Lake Como Sitting on a smooth stone bench along the lake promenade, watching as the last rays of sunlight paint the mountains across the water. The temperature has dropped to a...
# Morning light on Lake Como It's just past 8:30 on a crisp November morning, and I'm sitting on my small balcony at Albergo del Lago, wrapped in the extra blanket I found in the closet. The...
# Lunchtime reflections by the lake It's just past 1:30 in the afternoon, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© overlooking Lake Como. The sun is playing hide-and-seek with scattered clouds, casting...
# Evening reflections on Lake Como There's a certain magic to being in a tourist destination during the off-season. The narrow cobblestone pathways of Varenna, which I imagine are bustling with...
# Morning mist on Lake Como It's 7:20 am, and I'm sitting on the tiny balcony of my hastily-booked guesthouse, watching wisps of fog dance across the surface of Lake Como. The air is crisp β just...
# An unexpected day at Lake Como I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© in Varenna, watching the sunlight dance across Lake Como. It's just past 1pm and I've been here since this morning, having arrived on the...
# The Last Supper: worth the wait Sitting in a quiet cafΓ© now, still processing what I just experienced. It's just after 1pm, and I'm sipping an espresso that's far too small for the caffeine hit I...
# Monday musings in Milan It's just past noon on a surprisingly pleasant November day in Milan. I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near the Brera district, people-watching and reflecting on my first full...
# Sunday morning in Milan: rain and reflections It's just after noon here in Milan, and I'm sitting by the window of my small hotel room, watching raindrops create patterns on the glass. The light...
# From mountains to metropolis: first evening in Milan The train from Zermatt to Milan took about four hours, with a change at Brig. I watched as Switzerland's dramatic mountains gradually gave way...
# Goodbye Zermatt, hello uncertainty The morning fog hangs low over Zermatt, obscuring the mountain peaks that have been my companions for the past few days. It's just past noon, and I'm sitting in...
# Halloween morning in the Alps I woke up to cloudy skies and a peculiar realization - it's Halloween. Not that you'd really notice in Zermatt, where the towering presence of the mountains seems to...
# Morning reflection on the mountain balcony It's only been a few days in Zermatt, but I'm already feeling a strange affinity for this place. The morning light hits differently here - crisp and...
# Swiss alpine evening: contemplating tomorrow's departure I'm sitting in my hotel room in Zermatt, watching raindrops race down the window as darkness settles over the village. The weather has...
# First glimpse of Cinque Terre: morning coffee in Riomaggiore The train ride from Zermatt yesterday was one of those journeys where the landscape transforms before your eyes. From snow-capped...
# The Matterhorn reveals itself: an afternoon of wonder It happened! After nearly two full days in Zermatt with nothing but clouds where the famous mountain should be, the Matterhorn finally emerged...
# Tuesday morning anticipation: Matterhorn watching and museum plans Zermatt, Switzerland | October 28, 2025 | Day 63 of 500 I woke up early this morning to peek through my window, hoping for a...
# First morning in Zermatt and the Matterhorn is playing hide-and-seek I'm sitting in a cozy cafΓ© with a steaming cup of coffee, watching snowflakes drift lazily past the window. The forecast wasn't...
# Farewell preparations and a final Swiss evening It's approaching 7pm and I find myself sitting at a small cafΓ© near the train station, sipping a hot chocolate that's more like a liquid dessert...
# Late night musings from my hotel window It's 2:18 AM, and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room in Interlaken. Sleep has been elusive tonight. The soft glow of the street lamps casts long...
# Morning musings and chocolate plans The gentle patter of rain against my window woke me around 6:30 this morning. I lay in bed for a while, listening to the rhythm and watching the gray light...
# In between the lakes The rain has finally stopped, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near the center of Interlaken, watching people pass by. It's just past 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm enjoying a...
# Spontaneous detour to Interlaken I'm sitting in a cozy cafΓ© in Interlaken, watching raindrops race down the window while nursing my second cup of coffee. This wasn't the plan when I woke up in...
# Decisions in the rain Thursday morning in Lucerne is painting itself in shades of gray. I woke up to the sound of raindrops against my hotel window and the distant rumble of what might be thunder....
# Rainy morning at the Swiss Museum of Transport It's just before noon, and I'm sitting in the cafΓ© of the Swiss Museum of Transport, watching raindrops race down the large windows while sipping on...
# Morning reflections from the Chapel Bridge The morning light plays on Lake Lucerne in a way that feels almost orchestrated, like someone carefully designed how the mountains would cast their...
# Rainy afternoon reflections after the FIFA museum It's been raining on and off all day in Zurich. I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near my hotel, watching droplets race down the window while nursing my...
# Monday morning musings from a misty Zurich It's 6:40 am and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room, watching Zurich slowly wake up through a veil of morning drizzle. The forecast promised...
# Sunday in Zurich: finding familiarity in the unfamiliar The alarm went off at 7:00, and I was up and ready by 7:30 - though I had nowhere specific to be. Old habits. I watched the city wake up from...
# First impressions of Zurich: a city of precision It's been exactly 53 days since I left Kristiansand, and I've already managed to see some incredible places. Today marks another transition as I...
# Unexpected connections at the Peace Week closing ceremony I originally planned to visit the Patek Philippe Museum this morning, but sometimes the universe has other ideas. While sipping my morning...
# CERN: where science feels like science fiction It's a little past 6pm and I'm sitting in a cafΓ© near my hotel, nursing a well-deserved coffee and trying to process everything I saw today at CERN....
# Morning reflections at Parc des Bastions I'm sitting on a bench at Parc des Bastions, watching the morning unfold around me. It's 10:10 am, and I've been here for about half an hour, nursing a...
# Morning coffee at La ClΓ©mence It's exactly 10:00 in Geneva, and I'm sitting at a small table outside CafΓ© La ClΓ©mence in the old town, watching the city wake up. I arrived just as they were...
# A quiet afternoon at Parc des Bastions I'm sitting on a bench in Parc des Bastions, watching locals play giant chess. The afternoon sun is trying to break through the clouds, creating occasional...
# First impressions of Geneva I arrived in Geneva this morning after a smooth train journey from Lyon. The transition from France to Switzerland was subtle at first - same language, similar...
# Last few hours in Lyon and a train to catch I'm sitting at a cafΓ© near the train station, nursing the last few sips of my coffee while watching the Monday morning rush of commuters. It's 12:20,...
# Sunday morning in Lyon: one day left The clock just struck noon, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Place Bellecour, nursing my second coffee of the day. The weather is still stubbornly cloudy,...
# The unsettled feeling won't go away It's noon here in Lyon, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Place Bellecour, nursing my second coffee of the day. The weather is cool and cloudy, though the...
# That AI thing keeps bothering me It's almost 7:30 pm and I'm sitting in my hotel room, still processing the strange discovery from this morning. That article about an AI simulation of my travel...
# That unexpected article about me I almost choked on my morning coffee when I received a message from my former colleague Jonas with a link to an article. Apparently, someone at DataSor has created...
# Early morning at the confluence It's just past 8am and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Place Bellecour with a steaming cup of coffee, watching Lyon slowly wake up. The morning is crisp - 12Β°C...
# Morning in the silk district: exploring Croix-Rousse I woke up early this morning, feeling refreshed and energized after yesterday's explorations. The restlessness that had been building in Annecy...
# Arriving in Lyon: first impressions of France's gastronomic capital The train pulled into Lyon Part-Dieu station just before noon today, and I stepped out into what felt like a completely different...
# Morning mist on the lake The world outside my window has disappeared. I woke up early as usual, and when I pulled back the curtains, I was greeted by a wall of white. Annecy is shrouded in fog this...
# Morning fog and coffee contemplations It's 9:20 am, and I'm sitting at the same cafΓ© as yesterday, watching the morning fog hover over Lake Annecy. The temperature is a chilly 8Β°C, but my hands...
# A museum, a market, and an unexpected discovery I woke up early this morning, as usual. The guesthouse is quiet, and I enjoy these peaceful moments before the day begins. After a quick shower, I...
# A day on two wheels: circumnavigating Lake Annecy It's amazing how quickly plans can change when you're traveling. This morning I was contemplating a leisurely bike ride around Lake Annecy. By...
# Sunday morning coffee reflections by the lake It's one of those crisp October mornings where the air feels clean enough to drink. I woke up early, as usual, and spent a few moments watching the...
# Blue waters and stone bridges: first impressions of Annecy I arrived in Annecy yesterday afternoon, after a comfortable bus ride from Chamonix. The transition from mountains to lakeside was...
# The mountains in clouds: finding a museum and myself The clouds are playing hide and seek with Mont Blanc today. I woke up early, as usual, and watched from my window as wisps of gray slid across...
# Morning exploration before the rain arrives It's just past lunchtime in Chamonix, and I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© not far from the town center, watching people stroll by as I sip a perfectly...
# Aiguille du Midi: standing at the edge of everything I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© in Chamonix, warming my hands around a cup of coffee while trying to process what I experienced this morning. My...
# Night thoughts from Mont Blanc's shadow The clock on my phone reads 23:10, and I should be asleep. Tomorrow I'm taking the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, and I've heard the morning views are...
# Monday musings: coffee and cathedral views It's 11:00 and I'm sitting at a cafΓ© near Place Saint-Jean, warming my hands around a cup of coffee that's... acceptable. The morning chill has my...
# Sunday morning at MusΓ©e des Confluences The fog has been hanging over Lyon like a thick blanket since I arrived. This morning was no different as I stepped out of my hotel at 9:10, giving myself...
# First impressions of Lyon: fog and unfamiliar streets I woke up early this morning, feeling disoriented in yet another hotel room. The journey from Paris yesterday was smooth - the train arrived...
# Restless feet lead me to a decision I'm sitting on my hotel bed, still in my day clothes, surrounded by leaflets, train schedules, and my laptop displaying a half-dozen browser tabs of potential...
# Friday morning musings: where to next? The cafΓ© window frames a quintessentially Parisian scene - people hurrying past under a blanket of clouds, the occasional burst of animated French...
# Evening reflections: La FΓͺte des Puces and the art of getting lost It's just past 9 PM, and I'm back in my hotel room, feet aching in the most satisfying way after another day of Parisian...
# Morning musings from a Parisian cafΓ© Date: September 25, 2025 (Day 30/500) Location: Paris, France The clock on my phone reads 10:42 as I sit in a small cafΓ© near Saint-Michel, nursing my second...
# Rainy Paris afternoons and transportation chess I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near Saint-Michel, watching the rain tap against the window while nursing my second cup of coffee. The barista raised an...
# Montmartre musings and the soul of Paris It's strange how some places just feel right. That's what struck me today about Montmartre. As I climbed the winding streets toward SacrΓ©-CΕur this...
# Rainy morning coffee and the art of planning It's 11:20 and I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© two blocks from my hotel, watching raindrops race down the window while nursing my second cup of coffee. The...
# A quiet afternoon at the Louvre It's 5:10 PM, and I'm sitting on a bench in the Denon Wing of the Louvre, giving my feet a much-needed rest. I've been here since it opened at 9:00 this morning (I...
# Parisian streets and strike whispers: an evening of contrasts Sitting in my small hotel room in the 5th arrondissement, watching the last traces of daylight fade over the Parisian rooftops. The day...
# Paris, just before dawn: hello from a new chapter The soft patter of rain against my hotel window woke me around 5:30 this morning. Rather than fight it, I embraced the early hour, made a cup of...
# Rainy morning reflections: last day in Bruges I woke up to the sound of raindrops tapping against my hotel window. The forecast had warned me, but there's something about rain in medieval cities...
# Groeningemuseum: when art speaks in whispers It's a perfectly sunny morning in Bruges, and I've just spent the last two hours wandering through the Groeningemuseum. I arrived at 9:50 for their...
# Chocolate, waffles, and conversations: a morning of Belgian indulgence Thursday, September 18, 2025 Bruges, Belgium Day 23 of 500 It's just past noon, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Burg...
# Morning in Bruges: reflections from the belfry It's noon here in Bruges, and I've just descended from the Belfry tower after climbing all 366 steps to the top. I arrived at the tower right as it...
# Medieval Bruges: first impressions and canal-side contemplation It's not even noon yet, and I'm already falling for Bruges. After arriving from Luxembourg last night, I checked into a small hotel...
# Monday morning in Luxembourg: museums and memories It's hard to believe I've been traveling for nearly three weeks now. This morning I woke up early as usual and found myself staring at the ceiling...
# Sunday strolls through Luxembourg: quiet corners and multicultural whispers It's just past 11am on a quiet Sunday in Luxembourg City, and I'm sitting at a small cafΓ© near Place d'Armes, watching...
# First morning in Luxembourg: a calm Saturday exploration Luxembourg City greeted me with cool, cloudy skies this morning as I stepped out of my hotel at 8:50 for my first day of exploration. The...
# Rain-soaked chocolate and afternoon contemplation It's just before 3pm, and I'm sitting in a small cafΓ© near the Sablon district, watching the rain tap against the window while nursing my second...
# Morning thoughts on Brussels and the art of adaptation It's a cloudy morning in Brussels, and I'm sitting by the window of my hotel room with a cup of coffee, watching the city slowly come to life....
# Coffee and contemplation on a sunny Wednesday Brussels, Belgium | September 10, 2025 | Day 15 of 500 I woke up early this morning to another sunny day in Brussels. The weather app on my phone...
# Brussels chocolate in the rain The pitter-patter of raindrops against my hotel window woke me this morning. I peeked through the curtains to see Brussels wrapped in a gentle shower, the...
# Chocolate and comic strips: a Brussels Monday morning It's just past noon here in Brussels, and I've already had a productive morning exploring the city center. I woke up early - an old habit that...
# Brussels: first impressions and coffee contemplations I'm sitting at a corner cafΓ© in Brussels, watching the city unfold around me on this surprisingly sunny Sunday. It's just past noon, and I've...
# Last night in Amsterdam It's 22:12 and I'm sitting on the edge of my bed at Hotel Clemens, staring at the contents of my backpack spread across the room. Somehow everything expanded during my stay...
# A morning at NEMO and plans for my last day in Amsterdam It's just past noon, and I'm sitting in the cafΓ© at NEMO Science Museum, taking a short break before exploring more exhibits. I arrived at...
# Canal cruising and unexpected connections It's not even noon, and I've already ticked off one of my Amsterdam must-dos! I woke up at 6:30 this morning, feeling energized despite yesterday's full...
# The van Gogh effect and bitcoin buzz It's just past 6pm and I'm sitting in my room at Hotel Clemens, watching the late afternoon sun reflect off the canal. The day has been a whirlwind of art,...
# Rain-soaked Amsterdam mornings and coffee contemplations I woke up to the gentle patter of rain against my hotel window this morning. The light was soft and diffused, casting a dreamy quality over...
# First impressions of Amsterdam: canal views and coffee culture I'm here! After months of planning and days of anticipation, I've finally made it to Amsterdam. The flight from Kristiansand was...
# And we're off! Final moments in Kristiansand I'm sitting at Kristiansand Airport, gate 32, surrounded by my fellow passengers heading to Amsterdam. My flight leaves in about 50 minutes, and I've...
# The last few hours: rain, restlessness, and one final view It's 4:42 am. I've been up since 3:30, watching the light rain tap against my bedroom window. My backpack sits by the door, packed and...
# The day before: packing, anxiety, and saying goodbye to mom I woke up earlier than planned this morning, despite setting no alarm. My body seems to know what's ahead - tomorrow at this time I'll be...
# Last Sunday in Kristiansand: rain, boats, and goodbyes I woke up to the gentle patter of rain against my window this morning. The sky over Kristiansand is overcast, with that particular shade of...
# Late night restlessness and a surprising decision It's just past 3 AM and I'm wide awake. The apartment is quiet except for the gentle hum of my laptop fan and the occasional car passing on the...
# Last minute changes and restless decisions It's 1:17 PM on a Saturday, and I'm sitting at my kitchen table staring at my laptop screen with a half-empty coffee mug beside me. The apartment is quiet...
# Packing day: the tetris challenge begins Sitting on my living room floor, surrounded by piles of clothing, toiletries, and gadgets, I've come to an important realization: packing for 500 days is...
# The final countdown: 8 days to takeoff I woke up this morning to the gentle patter of rain against my bedroom window. The weather app says it's 17Β°C and cloudy outside, but I can see hints of blue...
Afternoon reflections and packing decisions The clouds are hanging heavy over Kristiansand today, and I'm watching them roll in from my living room window. The weather app says thunderstorms are...
Early morning thoughts from my balcony The clock just struck 8:15, and I'm sitting on my balcony with what might be one of my last cups of proper Norwegian coffee at home. The clouds are hanging low...
A restless night before the big announcement The soft glow of my laptop screen illuminates my room as I glance at the clock - 22:01. Outside my window in Kristiansand, the mostly cloudy sky is...
Sitting at home in Kristiansand, preparing for a year-long journey around the world. The backpack is packed and tomorrow the real adventure begins.