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There are moments along the way when everything comes together. The landscape, the light, the silence, and then suddenly… movement. A shadow among the trees, a glimpse in the waves. As if nature itself is looking back at us. Read about all the animals we saw and, of course, check out the photos. Papegaaiduiker in Noord Noorwegen Travel slowly, see better We've been traveling through the far north with Globus 2 for a while now. Slowly, step by step, without haste. And the slower we go, the more we see. Not because there's more to see, but because we're finally taking the time to look. The magic of small moments Small, swift, and elusive, sometimes it's the little moments that linger. A squirrel leaping like an arrow from a pine tree, the great spotted woodpecker making the forest vibrate with its rhythm, the badger rummaging through the wet grass in the evening. Sometimes we see them only briefly, but it's enough to feel something: wonder. And a deep understanding that we are guests in their world. Puffins on the cliffs On the cliffs of the north, we encounter puffins. Clowns of the sea, with their colorful beaks and clumsy wingbeats. They seem to laugh at the wind. Their presence softens the roughness. Reindeer and a hidden moose In Lapland, we see our first reindeer. They're everywhere—grazing along the road, wandering through villages, sometimes tucked away in the landscape like living shadows of the north. They belong to this land, as if they know they are the true inhabitants. And just when we think nothing can surprise us anymore, we see one hidden among the trees, half-buried in the greenery. A moose. Majestic, large, unfazed. We hold our breath. It's an encounter that leaves us speechless for a moment, and lingers long in the memory. “Whoever is silent enough can hear life breathing.” Brown bears up close We see brown bears up close. Not threatening, but curious, searching for berries in the late evening light. A moment when you realize how small you really are. And how special it is to share the same forest, the same sky. Whales and dolphins along the coast Orcas swim close to the coast, black and white shadows cutting gracefully through the water. During a whale safari, dolphins swim Right next to our RIB, a sperm whale appears, and moments later, it rises from the depths. Its enormous back slowly breaks the surface, followed by its deep, audible breath. Other encounters along the way Along the way, countless other animals cross our path: a curious red fox, deer at the edge of the forest, sheep blocking the path, a stubborn dachshund, cormorants, beetles, jellyfish, ants, and of course, tons of mosquitoes. Each creature has its own place in this living entity. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. The silence that remains Now that our journey is slowly drawing to a close and we're heading back to the Netherlands to embrace family and friends, we feel how rich this journey is. We haven't just seen the North, we've felt it. In the eyes of animals, in the breath of the wind, in the silence of the forests. And soon, when we leave again, we'll take that feeling with us. Because once we've truly come face to face with wildlife, we know: nature doesn't live outside of us, but within us. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Northern Norway is known for its rugged landscapes, vast fjords, and endless roads. During our trip with Globus 2 , we discovered that this part of Scandinavia is full of surprises, often still relatively unknown to tourists. This blog post features the most beautiful spots and many useful practical tips. Kirkeporten near the Nordkapp Varanger – the silent northeast Anyone who thinks the far northeast of Norway is dull and barren is mistaken. Varanger is rugged, empty, and pure, and at least as beautiful as the Lofoten Islands, but with far fewer tourists. You'll find vast plains, unique bird species, and small fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The long, dead-end road to Hamningberg is truly fantastic. Be sure to visit the Witches' Monument in Vardø , an impressive memorial to the victims of the witch hunt of the 17th century. crossing rendeer in Lapland The North Cape – the very tip of Europe The North Cape is one of those places you simply must visit, even though it's not as special as you might expect. You're no longer allowed to stay overnight, and you have to pay a parking fee as well as an entrance fee to the souvenir shop. But hey, you've been there! The road there does make you feel like you're driving to the end of the world, a beautiful experience. Much more enjoyable is the walk to the true northernmost point of mainland Europe. Or a short hike to Kirkeporten , a natural rock archway overlooking the North Cape. Not far from here lie the Trolls in Trollholmsund : impressive rock formations in the water that take you back to the trolls of Norse mythology. A photogenic and mysterious highlight not to be missed. A little further south, you'll also find Silfar Canyon : an impressive gorge with turquoise water that has carved deep through the rock. A hidden gem where almost no one stops. Watch our video about Vasterålen Senja is often called "Norway in miniature," and rightly so. Here you'll find it all: high mountains, narrow fjords, white beaches, and charming fishing villages. The route along the west coast is spectacular and among the most beautiful drives in the country. Be sure to stop at Tungeneset and Bergsbotn for breathtaking views and drive the Bergsveien for a cinematic stretch of coastal road. On Senja , you'll feel the power of nature and the tranquility of simplicity—precisely what makes traveling in the far north so special. "In the north, the light and the silence teach you to see the world differently." Vesterålen – quieter than Lofoten The Vesterålen archipelago lies just north of the Lofoten Islands and is just as beautiful, but much quieter. Here you can hike endlessly, go on whale watching safaris, or simply enjoy the silence. The nature is vast and open, with rolling mountains and bays where the light constantly changes. In Andenes , with a bit of luck, you can see whales and dolphins, and you'll hardly encounter anyone along the way. We even saw moose here. On top of one of the mountains in Lofoten Lofoten – dramatically beautiful The Lofoten Islands are famous for their dramatic mountain peaks and photogenic fishing villages like Reine , Hamnøy , and Nusfjord . Explore the islands at your leisure, with time for spontaneous stops and hikes. If you have a drone, you definitely have to visit the football pitch in Henningsvær . Finally, a few mountain hikes are a must. If you're in Bodø , be sure to take a drive to Kjerringøy , a beautiful stretch of coast full of atmosphere and history, absolutely worth it. The magical northern lights Deepening and natural phenomena While you're in Lapland , learn about the Sámi people , Europe's last indigenous people, who still herd reindeer and keep their traditions alive. And would you like to experience the Northern Lights ? From late August onward, the chances of seeing this magical spectacle increase. Especially on clear, cold nights outside the villages, the Northern Lights are a sight you'll never forget. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Practical travel tips Gasoline and coffee A small but handy tip: buy a special thermal mug for about €60 at a gas station, and you can get a fresh cup of coffee from that brand at any gas station for a year. Be aware of fuel prices: they can vary significantly from station to station and even change by the day or hour. Fuel up strategically, especially in remote areas. Crossings to the Lofoten Islands You can cross from Bodø to Moskenes for free when traveling via the island of Værøy. This way, you can enjoy an extra bit of nature while still enjoying a free crossing. This is because all crossings with fewer than 100,000 passengers per year are free in Norway. The entire coastal route (Route 17) has also become considerably more affordable as a result. Mosquitoes and insects In Scandinavia, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance. Their bites are incredibly itchy. We discovered Bite Away : a small device that makes the itch disappear almost instantly. A real lifesaver, especially during hikes or at campervan sites near stagnant water. Blueberry picker A handy tip for the summer months: a blueberry picker makes picking berries incredibly easy. Often readily available in supermarkets, they're ideal if you want to enjoy fresh blueberries along the way. The famous photo spot Hamnoy on the Lofoten Islands Overnight stays and wild camping Norway is known for its Right of Public Access, which allows you to camp freely in many places off private property. Choose remote spots near fjords or lakes for a peaceful night. We used the P4N app extensively, but it's also fun to discover places on your own. Food and treats Don't forget to try Smash . It's too good to pass up! Also definitely try brunost , a sweet Norwegian goat cheese, delicious on crackers, for example. Tip: groceries in Sweden are often much cheaper than in Norway. So if you're in the area, pop across the border to stock up on some bargains. Experience the far north I've been to Northern Norway several times, and it never gets old. This time we had the time to truly enjoy the far north, pausing everywhere to absorb the landscape. I was able to take photos to my heart's content, and we went on countless hikes through mountains, fjords, and tranquil valleys. The sense of space, tranquility, and untouched nature makes every trip here a new adventure, no matter how many times you've been. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Are you truly living the way you want? Or are you mainly doing what's expected of you? Sometimes it feels like life is passing you by, while deep down you know you'd like to make different choices. But how do you take that step? How do you dare to truly listen to yourself and go for what you value? This blog shares my journey. Enjoying a free life Looking back, I realize I never would have dared to take the step to truly live the way I do now. Yet, I do. A large part of that change came from personal development and coaching. These sessions taught me to look at myself, my fears, my beliefs, and my core values. More importantly: what norms and behaviors are associated with these? Do I truly live according to these core values? And how do I translate that into my daily life? My outdoor coach training in 2023 Discovering outside yourself I took an Outdoor Coach course, where I literally went outside myself, similar to the intensive programs you know from, for example, Kamp van Koningsbruggen or Special Forces VIPS . Sleeping in a tent in the Swedish forests at minus 10 degrees Celsius. Learning to survive in the cold while simultaneously developing self-awareness. It became crystal clear there: all fears, limitations, and beliefs are only in our heads. Our video of Lofoten, Norway Limiting beliefs and fears Limiting beliefs and fears are often your biggest obstacles. Thoughts and opinions based on past experiences. You once found a way to cope, a strategy that worked at the time. Yet, that way is so ingrained that you can hardly shake it. With every event, in the here and now, such an unconscious strategy is automatically activated. “Freedom begins when you dare to live according to your own core values, instead of the stories you tell yourself.” Rewriting your old story During the Outdoor Coach training, we focused heavily on what they called " your old story ." Can you see the things you've experienced differently? Can you write a new story that helps you move forward? To do this, we looked at five key areas: Attachment & Meaning – What is your attachment style ? How is your interaction with others ? Identity & Effectiveness – What are your core needs ? What is your adapted self? Talent vs. Limitation – What are your talents and how do you compensate for your weaknesses? Body and mind are one – how does your physical and mental state influence your behavior and beliefs? Process capabilities – Vulnerability-stress model Photos of the Wilderness Route in Sweden Freedom starts with you By exploring these areas, I realized that freedom doesn't start with circumstances but with the way you see yourself and the stories you believe. Meeting yourself It wasn't, and isn't, always easy. Breaking old patterns is painful. It takes courage to face yourself, to examine the (limiting) beliefs you've kept hidden for years. But the reward is immense: clarity about who you are, what you value, and the confidence that you can make choices that truly suit you. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. The process step by step So my process actually began with clarifying my core values. What norms and behaviors correspond to them? Next, I defined my biggest dream for this life. After that, I examined which limiting beliefs were preventing me from doing it yet. These were mostly beliefs from the old story I told myself. Then I wrote a new story that better reflects who I am now and who I truly want to be. The freedom that resulted isn't dependent on circumstances, but on me. If I can go through that process, so can you. What story are you telling yourself? And do you dare to rewrite that story? Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Driving through the far north, we can't escape the Sámi culture. Colorful flags flutter in the wind, reminding us of the original people who have called this place home for centuries. It's the last remaining indigenous culture in Europe. It's often thought that indigenous cultures are disappearing due to modernization, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sámi en hun traditionele kleding In Lapland, Sámi culture is still very much alive. Reindeer herding, the joik and living with the seasons are still part of their way of life. And these days, they even have their own parliament. Sápmi The Sami live in the vast Sápmi region, which spans Norway, Sweden, Finland, and a small part of Russia. They were originally a nomadic people: in summer they herded reindeer into the mountains, and in winter they sought shelter in the forests. Symbols used by the Sámi people History of oppression The Sámi have long been oppressed and discriminated against by the government and the non-Sámi population. Under a policy of assimilation, they were forced to adapt to the prevailing culture and were not allowed to speak their language. Their faith was suppressed when the state church was imposed, and their culture was dismissed as "pagan." Racist theories even declared them an inferior race; skulls and bodies were measured to "prove" this. It is a dark chapter in Northern European history. (Film tip: Sami Blood ) Bekijk onze video over Noord Zweden Excuse In Norway apologized and established the Sámi Parliament. Sámi culture is currently experiencing a revival, with recognition of their culture and traditions, although challenges remain, such as conflicts over land and mining. Sámi Parlement, Kárášjohka Noorwegen People in motion Today, the situation has changed. The Sámen are modern, use quad bikes and snowmobiles to round up their reindeer, and are recognized by both the people and the government. Yet, their existence is anything but romantic: reindeer herding is hard and often dangerous work. Especially in the spring, when the reindeer need to be rounded up and the snow begins to melt, serious accidents occur regularly. A fact that might surprise you: it's not done to ask a Sámi how many reindeer they own. That's like asking how much money someone has in their bank account. Soul of the joik One of the most beautiful expressions of Sámi culture is the joik. This style of singing is often wordless, yet it touches the soul directly. A joik can express emotions, people, animals, or nature in repetitive sounds and rhythms. Listen, for example, to this well-known joik song, written in honor of a deceased friend. It still gives us goosebumps. Originally, joik was performed without instruments, except for the shaman's drum. During colonization, many shamans were murdered and their drums destroyed. Only a few examples remain on display in museums. Although shamans still exist, they often don't practice in public; the fear of the past runs deep. Bij de souvenierswinkel Shamanism and sacred places Shamanism, however, lives on. For example, a Sámi woman told us that as a baby, she cried inconsolably until her mother called upon a shaman for help. The shaman predicted that the girl would sleep uninterruptedly for 24 hours, after which the crying would cease. And so it happened. Stone circles on a sacred sacrificial mountain Sacred rocks Sacred places can be found throughout Sápmi. Rocks and mountains where people ask for help or make offerings. Around such a mountain, you often see artifacts lying around: crystals, notes, or other objects. According to the Sami, the rocks carry ancient wisdom; they were there long before humans and will still be there long after we are gone. Stone circles, which you encounter in the landscape, are also often ancient sacrificial sites. "To joik someone is not to sing about them, but to let their spirit live in the sound." But beware: don't anger the spirits. When a sacred rock was blown up during construction of the North Cape Tunnel, a Sámi reindeer herder warned in advance that this would bring bad luck. Avalanches, accidents, and fires soon followed. Finally, on the Sámi's advice, the contractor laid flowers at a nearby sacred rock to ask for forgiveness. Read the Norwegian article here . Symbolism of the flag Anyone driving into the far north can't miss it: the Sámi flag proudly flying from houses and public buildings. The flag reflects the colors of the traditional costume (gákti) and features a circle symbolizing the sun and moon, taken from ancient shamanic drums. Red → fire Blue → water Green → nature Yellow → sunlight Circle → sun and moon Typical Sámi bracelets Samen or Inuit? The Sami are sometimes confused with other indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit. There are similarities, but also clear differences. The Inuit live in Greenland, Canada, and Alaska and traditionally lived by fishing and hunting marine mammals, with the igloo as their iconic symbol. The Sami, on the other hand, are associated with reindeer herding in Northern Scandinavia and Russia. They lived primarily in tents (lavvu). Mirror for ourselves Sámi culture is sometimes still described as primitive, a label more often applied to indigenous cultures. But a closer look reveals something different. While the West often focuses on technology and economic growth, the Sámi live in balance with nature, community, and spirituality. They take only what is necessary from nature, do not pollute the air or soil, and possess a deep ecological knowledge. And then the question arises: what is truly primitive: a culture that lives in harmony with the earth, or one that exhausts it? Perhaps Sámi culture is a mirror in which we can recognize ourselves. Previous Globus 2 videos featuring the Sami: In this video we visited a souvenir shop of a real Sámi In this video we took a walk to a Sami sacrificial mountain In this video we see a Sami sacrificial circle Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Nature provides everything: air to breathe, water to drink, food to live. Yet it's not just that that moves us, but also the moments of silence and wonder. A landscape that embraces you, an unexpected encounter, the feeling of being one with nature. What is it that makes nature so deeply touch us, time and again? Potvis gaat duiken Nature, of course, provides more than just food, water, and warmth. It also offers us healing powers. Plants, roots, minerals—age-old allies in healing our bodies. I'm proud to have worked for fourteen years as a director at Weleda, a company that fully relies on this natural wisdom. There, we produced, and still do, 100% natural medicines. These remedies are aimed at healing, not at treating symptoms that often cause side effects, which in turn require new medicines. They are based on knowledge that is sometimes thousands of years old. We have more and more knowledge and we know less and less And yet… we humans often want more. More security, more stuff, more comfort. We don't just take what's necessary, but pile up supplies, build houses bigger than we can handle, and fill closets beyond our means. We grab as if nature were inexhaustible. Bekijk onze video over regenachtig Noorwegen Less is often enough Along the way, we realize how little is actually needed. A small supply of food, water in the tank, the warmth of a blanket, and a view that never gets old. Life in the camper forces us to be simple. Every liter of fuel, every bag of groceries, every piece of trash is visible and tangible. “Nature speaks softly, but who listens?” Just watching Sometimes we can gaze at nature endlessly. Without wanting or needing to do anything, just simply observing all that beauty. Orcas swimming by, reindeer migrating over the hills, moose secretly peering at you from the forest, curious foxes, bears foraging at night, sea otters playing in the waves, a stoat prowling the rocks, and so much more. Animals instinctively know which plant to eat for a toothache or which herbs help with another ailment. An inner knowing that we humans have largely lost. For us, these are the moments when life naturally feels simpler, when it is enough to receive without having to give anything in return. Risso dolfijn Not more Catholic than the Pope At the same time, we're no more Catholic than the Pope. We travel in a diesel campervan that pollutes the air. That bothers me. It bothers me that I contribute just as much to that pollution, just because I desperately want to travel, because I desperately want to live on the road. How can I look myself in the mirror? It's an uncomfortable realization, but facing it honestly feels better than pretending it doesn't exist. Groceries We simply do our grocery shopping at the supermarket. And there, somewhere between the fjords and the mountains, the shelves are filled with products from… the Netherlands. Apples from the Betuwe, cheese from North Holland, tomatoes from "our" greenhouses that we've left thousands of kilometers behind. It sometimes feels almost absurd: being so far away, in the midst of the rugged silence, and then suddenly encountering Dutch products in the shops. Smaller than before And yet, we feel our ecological footprint is smaller than when we lived in a house. No endless attics and sheds to fill, no overcrowded schedules demanding energy, more stuff, more everything. Life in our Globus 2 shows us that less is often enough, and that enough can even be abundance. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Consciousness and gratitude Perhaps that's the key: not striving for perfection, but for (self)awareness. Recognizing that nature sustains us and that we always have the choice to give back. That can be small: picking up trash along a fjord, consciously choosing local food, or simply being still and grateful. Enough is abundance Because whoever is grateful needs nothing more. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

A year ago, we quit our jobs. Not for a sabbatical or a fixed plan, but to live in confidence, without an end time. Our self-built Globus 2 became our home, the landscape our backdrop. Today, I realize this may have been the greatest decision of my life: the choice for freedom. Noorderlicht op de Lofoten Let me start this blog with a big thank you. Several people have, through this link , treated us to a cappuccino or clicked on the Bol.com banner and then made a purchase. We use this contribution to fund our website. Thank you so much! The first steps Our first trip took us to Northern Spain and Portugal. For three months, we tasted freedom. It still felt safe, a soft landing. We learned to adjust to a rhythm no longer dictated by schedules, but by the sun, the weather, and the mood of the day. "Freedom begins where the clock loses its power." The jump Then, on our second trip , came Morocco. For three months, we immersed ourselves in a world of new smells, colors, and sounds. We were challenged, sometimes even pushed out of our comfort zones. But it was precisely there that we discovered how much growth comes from daring to embrace the unknown. Within six months we will be walking in the Sahara and seeing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle The North Calls Now we're on our way through Scandinavia, via the Baltic States and Finland to Norway. We've been staying on the Lofoten Islands for a while now. That feels special to me. I've been here three times before, but always on holidays of three to four weeks. That meant almost endless driving days and then a few days in the Lofoten Islands. Hungry for impressions that I wanted to absorb as quickly as possible. Now it's different; we've been here for two weeks. No clock ticking, no to-do list. Time feels endless, as if the islands are truly showing me their souls this time. Photographing in freedom I finally feel the peace and quiet for my greatest hobby: nature photography. No more quick snapping along the way, but waiting for the right light and watching until the landscape reveals itself. Photography is a way for me to slow down, and only now that I have all the time do I realize how much richer it makes me. So, in this blog post, a few more photos than you're used to :-) The mirror Along the way, we meet more and more people who have made the same choice – from young to old, and even entire families who are venturing out into the world together. Yet we also often hear: "Oh, I'd like to do that too." Many people hold themselves back with beliefs like " it's impossible, it's not allowed, it's too uncertain." But are those beliefs really true? Of course, this life demands saying goodbye to certainties, habits, and the familiar life close to family and friends. In return, there is a freedom so much richer than we could ever imagine. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. What this year taught us Last year showed us that life isn't about control, but about trust. It was also a stark reflection: living together in a few square meters isn't always easy. You take yourself everywhere with you, with all your beauty and all your flaws. Making the decision to let go of our jobs and all the security wasn't easy either. But we don't regret it for a moment. No matter how life unfolds, this year no one can take it away from us. Preparing to let go At the same time, this life didn't just fall from the sky. There was a plan at its core, built over years of preparation. We created a foundation, a form of passive income, so we could truly embrace the freedom we now experience. It's precisely that combination of preparation and letting go that makes this life possible. We're not on vacation. This is our life. No end time We don't know where the road will take us next year. Perhaps back north, south again, or further southeast. It doesn't really matter. As long as we keep listening to our hearts and to each other, the path will open itself. There's no end in sight. What place in (or just outside) Europe can you recommend? Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

We continue towards the North Cape with our Globus 2. Here, above the treeline, lies a world where the landscape is stripped back to its essence. No tall trees, no lush forests, only wind, rock, moss, and grass. We drive across barren plains. Fjell, they call it in Norway, or fjäll in Sweden. It simply means plateau, above the treeline. No more trees, only birch bushes that stay low to the ground, as if bowing to the harsh wind and the snow of winter. Het landschap in het noorden van Noorwegen Tundra or steppe? The barren plain beneath our wheels resembles other vast spaces we've seen before. And yet, every shape is different. Is this a tundra or a steppe? Tundras Tundras are found at the edges of the world. In Alaska, Siberia, Greenland, and Northern Scandinavia. The ground there is always cold. Even in summer, only a thin top layer melts: the "active layer." Beneath this lies permafrost , frozen earth that sometimes extends hundreds of meters deep. No trees grow here. Only mosses, dwarf shrubs, and a few hardy herbs. The soil draws itself with polygons, geometric shapes formed by the perpetual freezing and thawing. Steppes Steppes, on the other hand, exude drought. Grassy plains without trees, but not because of frost – because of a lack of rain. You find them in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, the Ukrainian plains, and even in parts of North America. The wind rustles through waving grass. Occasionally, a shrub grows, but trees are scarce. Two worlds without trees, yet so different. Tundra: cold and wet. Steppe: dry and temperate. Senja, vanaf de top van Husjellet Fjell It's amazing how landscapes have their own words. Words that defy translation because they carry a feeling, a memory of a people. Fjell is such a word. It refers to the barren mountain ranges and plateaus above the coniferous forest border in Scandinavia. Not tundra, not steppe, but something in between. Rugged perhaps, more rugged. The two of us While the world outside is empty and vast, the two of us live in a few square meters. Sometimes it's a search for space within ourselves and silence within each other. In such a small living space, there's no escaping each other's rhythms, words, and moods. But precisely because everything is so close, we're invited to be honest and stay connected. To name what's wrong, but also to cherish what's right. The other becomes our greatest mirror, not always easy, but illuminating. Just like the landscape, living together in Globus 2 requires us to return to the core: what do you truly need? What do you let go of? What remains? "Peace comes not from space around you, but from space within yourself." Satisfying Maybe it's the silence or the vastness, but this environment makes me sentimental. As if the cold and emptiness touch on something I often forget in the midst of life. Here, where almost nothing grows, I feel more. More gratitude, more wonder, more connection with what truly matters. And perhaps that's what these landscapes offer us: not answers, but space to reflect on what we otherwise so quickly pass by. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Those of you who have been following us for a while know we're still in the process of slowing down. We've been on this journey for a year now, and we still have that uneasy feeling of constantly having to push ourselves further and further into our system. Or is something finally changing? Rendieren in Fins Lapland With our Globus 2, we're crisscrossing the far north of Europe. There's a softness in the air. The days are long, the silence deeper. As if nature is inviting us to slow down. Standing still is not standing still We've been searching for slowing down for a long time. Not just in kilometers per hour, but in our entire being. Needing to do less and feeling more. But we haven't succeeded yet. There was always the temptation or urge to keep going. As if we ourselves still had to get used to the idea that rest isn't lazy and standing still doesn't mean standing still. And now, here in the Varanger region in the far north of Lapland, it seems as if it's working out just a little bit. This rugged, silent landscape against the icy Barents Sea, with its endless tundra, whispers: stay a little longer. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Rhythm is determined by the seasons We are in Sámi territory. Not a legacy of the past, but a living culture. Here, in northern Lapland, the reindeer are still herded exclusively by the Sámi people, who live with a deep connection and respect for nature. Their rhythm is determined by the seasons. It recalls something ancient and essential. Something we have partly lost, but which is still tangible here. Slow down to no longer be a slave to time, but to be in the moment. What happens if we ease off the accelerator for a moment? If we don't try to "check off" as many boxes as possible, but instead truly let a few things sink in? Finally, the peace and quiet to take photos again. To launch the drone and capture the landscape from a different perspective. We've also stopped writing weekly blogs. Not because we have nothing to say, but because we don't want to write from a place of obligation, but from a place of purpose. From inspiration. From a place of peace. That, too, is slowing down. The little voice that says And yes, we regularly feel the unease again. That little voice that says, "You could be much further along by now." But where else are we heading? To what destination are we actually rushing? And what if we're already in the right place? “Just as the reindeer follow the seasons without haste, so the soul finds its way in the rhythm of silence.” In a world driven by speed and efficiency, slowing down is almost an act of resistance. A choice for quality over quantity. For breathing over scrolling. For being over doing. We're slowly getting used to the slow rhythm of our journey. Of days without a plan. Ever closer to ourselves Perhaps that is the greatest treasure of this way of life: that we learn to live with less, yet be more. That, by slowing down, we come ever closer to ourselves. To nature, where haste has no place. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

Moving into a campervan and leaving home and hearth behind means quite a bit of decluttering. An attic and shed full of things I had to part with. Only the bare essentials could be taken on board. Clothing, kitchenware, bedding—that goes without saying, but what items don't you need at home that are essential for us in Globus 2 ? Rendieren in Fins Lapland I still vividly remember having to part with almost all my belongings. After all, I wanted to live in an eight-square-meter van. Most things went effortlessly to the kids, the thrift store, Marktplaats, or simply the garbage bin. There were also things I had much more trouble with. Souvenirs, or how about the collection of stones I'd amassed? In every country I visited, I took a small stone home, and by then I had built up quite a collection. Parting I performed a ritual with those "difficult" items. I sat quietly with the item in my hand. I recalled the memory: where did I get this thing, who was there, what was the weather like, what did I smell, etc., etc. Then the next step: what feeling comes up? Can I really feel it, and where do I feel it? Finally, I let this feeling enter my heart. With that, the essence was transferred from the material to my heart, and I could easily say goodbye to the object. This might all sound a bit vague, but it really helped me let go of all my possessions. New stuff And then you're completely decluttered and you buy all sorts of new things you never needed in a house, but which are indispensable for us in Globus 2. Below are the ten items, in random order, that have proven to be truly essential for us. Omnia oven We don't have an oven in Globus 2. No pizzas, no cakes, no casseroles... Wrong! We have an Omnia oven . It's a kind of bundt pan that you simply place on the gas hob and functions like an oven. Kelly makes the most delicious casseroles, pies, rolls, and more. We use the Omnia every week! Thermacell Mosquito Repellent: If you go to Scandinavia, you're going to mosquito country. Finland and Sweden, in particular, can be quite grim. Forests and lakes (stagnant water) are the ideal habitat for our little biting friends. And I can never seem to keep my hands off those mosquito bites! We've tried everything from sprays and oils to spirals, but Thermacell is the only thing that really works for us. When we place this device in the opening of our sliding door, not a single mosquito (or even a bun) gets in. The Thermacell comes in different versions and works with small poison capsules that you slide in at the bottom. It also has a scented sponge that releases a scent we can't detect. It protects up to 20m². We also tried it while walking, but unfortunately, that didn't work as well. Even the locals swear by it! Jump starter. Especially when I was still working and staying at the same campsite for extended periods, I sometimes found the battery dead and couldn't start my Globus 2. The jump starter has saved me several times, getting me back on the road within 5 minutes. Make sure you buy one that's heavy enough for your car. Skotti BBQ Everyone knows that space and weight are key in a campervan. Taking a BBQ with us simply wasn't possible. That is, until we discovered the Skotti BBQ . This simple kit is so flat it fits in a small bag. Once assembled, it's a decent gas grill. We use the Skotti regularly; we love barbecuing outside in nice weather and enjoying the beautiful weather. Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: The amount of cleaning in an 8 m² van is very manageable and doesn't take much time. On the other hand, it does need to be swept every day. Of course, we don't have a hallway to enter, so all the street dirt under your shoes ends up in the house. Kelly faithfully cleans this every day with our dustpan and brush. However, we're missing a good handheld vacuum cleaner that can also get into the nooks and crannies. So if you have a good tip for the ideal camper vacuum cleaner/handheld vacuum cleaner, please let us know! Kijk onze video Dwars door Finland We never needed these either when I lived in a single-family home to ensure we could sleep comfortably level :-) Since we camp off-grid as much as possible, it also means the ground is almost never perfectly level. Now, we don't mind that as long as we sleep with our heads up. Still, we regularly bring out the ramps so we can still find that perfect spot and sleep soundly. Spirit level . Following on from the previous point, a spirit level is of course also indispensable. I've already mentioned that we've now installed an E-Trailer system in Globus 2 , which allows us to see exactly how level we are with a single click. This is truly incredibly convenient. Starlink. I find it almost embarrassing to admit, but internet connection is practically a basic necessity for us nomads, especially for writing our blogs and uploading our YouTube videos . Before we started making videos, we were still able to get by with the Odido subscriptions we had in the Netherlands. We had a total of 150 GB available per month. Now, however, that's definitely not enough, and our Starlink is truly a godsend. Unlimited internet anytime, anywhere. Well, everywhere... we obviously shouldn't park Globus 2 under too many trees. In a country like Finland, that can be quite a challenge sometimes. E-reader. Something we don't currently have, but might need to get, is a good e-reader. We both love reading and prefer to do so with an actual physical book. It's hard to break us of that. You need to be able to hold a book, to smell it. But honestly, in a camper with limited space, a pile of books is just incredibly inconvenient. So, which e-reader would you recommend? OBD2 diagnostic scanner. We also have an OBD2 diagnostic scanner with us. If a dashboard warning light comes on with Globus2, we can use this inexpensive device to read all the data and reset it if necessary. It's incredibly handy. This scanner works on all cars manufactured after 2004. "Essentials aren't just things you carry; they're what carry you to new horizons" Standard camper equipment Of course, we could make an endless list of things we use. The solar panels, the leisure battery, and the diesel heater allow us to stay off-grid for days. But these are pretty much standard camper equipment. We could also create a whole list of smartphone apps we use regularly. That might be something for a future blog post. We're really curious to see what other items we could add to this list. So let us hear from you! Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you'll receive an email no more than once a week when we post a new blog post. If you'd like to support us financially so we can keep this website online, please donate via this link .

During our stay in Estonia we went on a 'hunt' for brown bears. Not with guns of course, but with our cameras at the ready. Hoping to catch a glimpse of these impressive animals in their natural habitat. And with success! Exciting? Absolutely. Scared? No, not really. Just as exciting as when we drove a bit through Russia, completely legally, without a visa or any passport control. Many people ask us: "Are you never scared?" Searching for bears, driving along deep abysses and crossing the Russian border... Op berenjacht in Estland The answer is: almost never. But of course I do sometimes squeeze him. Like that one time in Portugal, on a steep, muddy hairpin bend. Globus 2 refused to climb any further and we slid closer and closer to the ravine. Or in the High Atlas of Morocco, where we were driving on a narrow dirt road, a rock face on the right, an endless abyss on the left. Those are the moments when I feel the fear. But I feel the most tension when we Globus 2 have to leave behind in a busy city. Because if Globus 2 disappears, we will not only lose our means of transportation, but also our house, our home. Who let fear in? Fear is a natural emotion. It warns us of danger, helps us stay alert. But haven’t we become a little too afraid? Afraid of animals, of unknown places, of each other. Not because that fear is real, but because we have become so far removed from nature and from ourselves. As a child, I didn’t know that fear. Who let it in? And why do we so often let it take over? Bruine beer, Estland Disaster scenarios Our society is set up for control and security, literally and figuratively. Fear rules. From warning signs and fences to NATO that sketches disaster scenarios every day. If we let this fear in, can't we also decide to let it out again? "Fear knocked on the door. Trust opened the door. No one was there." Borders and barbed wire During this trip we drove a bit through Russia. No border control, no passport check, just a piece of road between two countries. Yet there are high fences, terrifyingly decorated with barbed wire. Not put up by the Russians, but by 'us'. Are we so afraid that someone will come our way? If tanks ever come, those fences won't stop them, right? Klik op de video om hem te bekijken St. Petersburg It's bizarre when you think about it. Why can't we as humans just move freely around this earth? Who decides that a certain piece of land belongs to someone and that you can't go there unless you have 'permission'? We wanted to travel to Finland via St. Petersburg. Instead, we opted for the 'safe' crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small % of the purchase goes towards financing this website. Fear or Love? In the course I am currently taking I learn something simple, yet powerful: there are only two basic human states: Fear and Love. All other emotions stem from them. Anger, sadness and disgust stem from Fear. Joy, connection and wonder stem from Love. And maybe… isn’t Fear really just a cry for Love? Alexander Nevski-kathedraal, Talinn Love And then I ask myself the question: what if we would choose Love more often? For trust, openness, connection with each other, with nature, with ourselves? What if we were not guided by the darkest scenario, but by the most beautiful? Maybe then, like the bears in Estonia, we would live a little closer to our origins. Fearless, free and connected. Because ultimately that is what traveling reminds us again and again: that the world is not 'ours' but that we are its. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you will receive, maximum 1x per week, an email when we place a new blog. If you want to support us financially so that we can keep this website online, donate an amount via this link .

After Lithuania we arrived in Latvia. For us it felt very different right away. But what makes it feel so different? Beforehand we had thought that the three Baltic countries would be more or less the same. Nothing could be further from the truth, as far as we are concerned. We visit the widest waterfall in Europe and in this blog the problems we had with Globus 2 . Holy Trinity Church, Riga Problems Let's start with the problems. You might think that everything is going smoothly with us. With our beautiful photos, videos and beaming looks, but not everything is just fine. That is also part of travelling on wheels. For example, in Poland we had to have our brake pads replaced. When braking, they squeaked enormously and it turned out that the 'clips' had been mounted incorrectly. And when the brake pads became a bit thinner, the clips touched the brake discs, which explained the squeaking. Solar panels The Victron electrical installation also failed for a day. There was something wrong with the solar panels, which caused the installation to restart every 5 minutes. Contacted the supplier who could read it remotely. Unfortunately, he could not find anything unusual. We then covered the solar panels with a large tarpaulin and the next day the problem had fortunately disappeared. AdBlue and grey water tank tap Globus 2 also reported that something was wrong with the AdBlue installation. It was still possible to drive 1,000 km and then it would be over. So back to the garage. The electro magnets of the kitchen cabinets also stopped working at a certain point. Fortunately, I was able to fix that myself. Finally, a stone (from the dirt roads here) damaged the tap of the waste water tank. This needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Fortunately, I can fix that myself. "Some problems are yours to deal with, but most of the problems you create yourself." Widest waterfall In North-West Latvia lies the widest waterfall in Europe. It is the Ventas rumba of 249 meters wide and can be found near the village of Kuldīga. A surprisingly nice village to visit by the way. The river was extra spectacular, because we were there at exactly the right time. Here you can see the bluenose fish jumping upstream in the spring, because their instinct sends them back to the place where they were born. They will spawn here and then die on the spot. In any case, I have entertained myself for a few hours with photography. By the way, we find the most beautiful spots with the help of the Travel Guide Baltic States that is available here . Feeling Latvia really evoked a different feeling in us than Lithuania. What did they both have and almost immediately when we drove into the country. While we had actually thought beforehand that the three countries would be somewhat the same. Where exactly does such a feeling come from? Is it the landscape that changed from mainly meadows to more forests? Or the people who perhaps looked a bit more western? Or is it 'just' the energy that hangs in a country? We heard from locals that Lithuania is very focused on Poland, Estonia on Finland and that Latvia is more internationally oriented. We think we can notice this. When we are looking for a place to stay and it doesn't feel right, we drive on and look for something else. Can we explain that? No, not really, it's a feeling. However, we hear from many campers that they rely on their feelings when finding a place to stay. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small % of the purchase goes towards financing this website. Declaration We are also always inclined to find an explanation for everything. But feelings cannot always be explained. It is intuition or perhaps just something that your soul picks up, without your head understanding it yet. And maybe that is not necessary. Traveling teaches us not only about other countries, but also about ourselves. About trust, letting go and listening to that still little voice inside that tells us: “This is good,” or, on the contrary, “Keep going for a while.” So whether you are on the road on four wheels or just traveling through life: dare to feel, dare to follow. Not everything has to be right or logical. Sometimes it is enough that it feels good. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you will receive, maximum 1x per week, an email when we place a new blog. If you want to support us financially so that we can keep this website online, donate an amount via this link .

We have left Poland and arrived in Lithuania. Here too, no border control thanks to the Schengen agreement. Even a border sign with cheerful EU stars on it is missing. Gediminatoten in Vilnius Menselijke keten Baltische landen Traveling through Lithuania, we notice that freedom and independence have not always been defended by force. Sometimes a courageous collective resistance is enough. An impressive example of peaceful resistance took place on August 28, 1989. Two million people formed a chain between the capitals of Tallinn (Estonia) - Riga (Latvia) and Vilnius (Lithuania). The human chain of over 600 kilometers was a protest against the Soviet occupation at the time. Not long after, Lithuania declared its independence. This was finally recognized by the Soviet Union on September 6, 1991. Hill of Crosses Another beautiful example of peaceful resistance is the Hill of Crosses . On a sloping hill in Northern Lithuania, there are thousands and thousands of crosses. From simple wooden crosses to crosses of gigantic dimensions. Each cross with its own story. The Hill of Crosses was built in the 19th century as a memorial to deceased insurgents. It was repeatedly destroyed during the Soviet occupation, but was rebuilt each time by local believers. Today, the hill symbolizes Lithuanian resilience, Catholic faith and peaceful resistance. Its thousands of crosses make it an important place of pilgrimage and cultural heritage. “Peace does not begin outside of us, but within ourselves” Peaceful camper life Our travel without end time is also generally very peaceful. We do not suffer from neighbourly quarrels or annoying colleagues and usually have nice interesting conversations with fellow travellers or with the locals. Globus 2 aan de Memel Peace comes from within What we increasingly feel is that true peace comes from within. Not from resolving conflicts or striving for world peace, but from peace within ourselves. When we are in balance, we look more gently at the world around us. Camper life helps us with that. The simplicity, the silence, the freedom – it invites us to return to the core. Far away from the hustle and bustle, we find space to simply be . It is precisely there, on the road in nature, that we experience it most strongly: peace does not begin outside of us, but within ourselves. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small % of the purchase goes towards financing this website. Pause button It may be easy to say when you are in a small bubble. In the peaceful camper life we do not have to take anyone into account and we do not know deadlines. This simple life makes room for peace in your head. Although we sometimes have trouble finding the pause button, slowing down remains our big challenge. Onze video over Litouwen EUROPAPA By the way, we notice that the people here, unlike us, are proud of their EU membership. The European flag flies in all major cities. At the same time, we also see many signs saying "made possible by the EU". Roads, city parks, monuments, all renovated with European funds. It is not really surprising that they are extra happy with the European Union here. Or do they simply do a much better job of EU marketing here? Bad roads Not all roads have been repaired with EU money... What a drama! The highways are generally fine, but the provincial roads are often very bad. The bad road surface is not repaved, no, only "plaster work" is done on the less good parts. This results in a patchwork of bits of asphalt and holes. Not exactly a nice relaxed drive. But hey, it is what it is, without fighting reality you experience more peace. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page and you will receive, maximum 1x per week, an email when we place a new blog. If you want to support us financially so that we can keep this website online, donate an amount via this link .