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It all seems so fantastic. Our photos, videos, and stories. But things aren't always so Instagram-friendly for us. The past few weeks are certainly a case in point. You can read what happened in this blog post. Onderweg in Duitsland On the road in Germany Where should I begin? Perhaps with the most devastating news for me. In the past two months, seven people close to me have been told they are terminally ill. Three of them have also passed away within those two months. This has hit me hard. Some are, of course, more distant than others, but there are a lot of them. Several of these acquaintances are also my own age. So it all hits very close to home. You know, I've already shed several tears over this. Especially, of course, for those left behind. Own ailments Actually, this blog could end here. The rest of what's yet to come is completely out of proportion to the above. Anyway... At the end of my last trip, I had bursitis in my right elbow. I never knew it was so painful. Four months have passed, and it's still not completely gone. In addition, all that lugging around my father's house caused me to sprain my back. Although that resolved surprisingly quickly, it resulted in a pinched nerve in my neck, which has been causing me pain for weeks now. I went to the physiotherapist several times in the Netherlands, but that's still difficult while traveling. Flu It was over a week ago, you know. The flu. Neither Kelly nor I usually get sick easily, and we're certainly not complainers, but now we've been taking turns with it. So, last week we've been stuck in one place and mostly in bed. Guilt My time in the Netherlands was quite intense. We had, of course, rushed home, and within a week of arriving home, my father passed away. Arranging the funeral, clearing out the house, handling administrative matters. Busy. So busy that I feel like I haven't seen my children nearly enough and haven't been able to help them enough with their homes. That guilt has always nagged at me. I choose a nomadic life, but the downside is that I don't see my children much. My underlying feeling is that I've cared for them for 21 years, and now it's my time again. They're independent enough to take care of themselves. And yet... it nags at me sometimes. Even Globus2 is sick And then we're barely on our way when Globus2 refuses to start. The first morning, we discover that our jump starter is dead. The second morning, the newly purchased jump starter also fails to get Globus2 started, and we have to call the ADAC again. A new battery is installed, but that doesn't help either. The third morning, Globus2 won't start again. "What's wrong with you, man? What are you trying to tell us?" Back to the garage, where they finally discover that a computer causing the glow plugs to overheat is broken. After replacing it, we're eight hundred euros poorer, but Globus2 runs like a charm again. "We are all temporary. That realization makes every day infinitely valuable." Not a good start All in all, not a great start. Although we're also very good at putting things into perspective. All those people around me dying make me realize even more that I made the right choice. Retiring early to enjoy life. You never know how much time we have left. Ultimately, we're all terminal, we just don't know how much time we have left. Every day we've enjoyed, no one can take it away from us. Support us: Click on this banner and buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Slow down Globus2 broke down in Germany. What luck! Our VW couldn't think of a better place to break down. Imagine if this had happened in Tunisia. Would it have been resolved so quickly? The trip was delayed for four days by the Globus2 issue. A delay that was extended by another week by our flu in Northern Italy. Wasn't this exactly what we wanted, and perhaps needed even more than we thought? 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 .

Now that we know our next trip is to Tunisia, we can start preparing. We've gained considerable experience with everything that needs to be arranged, but it's still good to consciously reflect on this again. Every trip requires a new level of attention. As if preparation is also a form of coordination. Kelly druk met de voorbereidingen voor de reis naar Tunesië Since we're traveling to a country outside of Europe, we're starting with the paperwork. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia is currently designated yellow. So, no problem. Our passports are still valid for the time being, our car insurance covers damage in Tunisia, and our travel insurance with European coverage is also valid there. Once all these things have received another imaginary green checkmark, the fun part begins for us: searching for places we don't want to miss. In Tunisia itself, but also on the way there. Everything gets a pin on Google Maps, so it won't get lost in the flood of impressions along the way. Practical matters Once the paperwork is checked off, the practical matters follow. In December we have Globus 2 We've had it inspected again, and the water tank has been thoroughly cleaned. The first aid kit has also been replenished, and the spare insurance box is back in its proper place. The gas tanks are perhaps the most important point of attention for us. Sufficient gas We travel with two Dutch gas cylinders, each weighing eleven kilograms, on board. We use them exclusively for cooking. Experience has shown that this will last us about six months. It's important for us to know exactly how much gas we have left when we leave the Netherlands. Dutch gas cylinders cannot be refilled abroad. Most other countries have different types of cylinders with different connections, and refilling is not permitted. Sensors Since we started using the E-Gaslevel from E-Trailer, things have become much easier. The sensors accurately indicate how full the gas bottles are. A small sensor is located under each gas bottle, which is connected to the starter pack . We easily read everything via the E-Trailer app. This is not only convenient before departure, but we also regularly check the status while on the road. This allows us to make timely adjustments if necessary. All of this is possible without a subscription. If you also want to be able to remotely monitor the gas tanks (and other E-trailer products) with the app, you need the starter pack plus in combination with a subscription. To adjust Adjusting our steering sometimes means reducing our fuel consumption. Fewer stews that take longer to cook, boiling water in the kettle first. Sometimes it also means finding a fill-up point along the way, whether official or not. Besides the E-Gaslevel, we use other E-Trailer modules that have become indispensable. With E-Level, we can see if Globus 2 is level, and E-Pressure warns us if tire pressure or temperature deviates. It gives us a lot of peace of mind. It's as if the technology is keeping a close eye on things. " Globe 2 is ready. The rest can arrive on the way. " Groceries Water and groceries are usually easy to replenish along the way. However, there are always a few items we find hard to find abroad and therefore always take with us. Think satay sauce, curry sauce, and nasi spices. Small, familiar flavors that can suddenly become powerful when traveling. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Ready for departure Finally, it's time to say goodbye. Say goodbye to family and friends, map out the route for the first few days, and then the moment has arrived. Ready to depart. For us, travel doesn't begin at the border, but with the willingness to leave our familiar surroundings and people behind for a while. Tunisia awaits. And we're moving towards it, step by step. 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 .

For weeks, we've been talking about where our next trip will take us. We're thinking about various countries, looking at each other, putting ideas aside for a while, and picking them up again later. There's no rush, but that's precisely why choosing is so difficult. There are so many beautiful places that draw us. Globus2 tijdens onze reis door Marokko One thing was immediately clear: we want warmth. The past two months in the Netherlands and the preceding months in dark Scandinavia have left their mark. We're noticing the lack of light taking a toll on us, especially our energy. We long to go outside without a coat again and take lovely walks in shorts. In mid-November, we cut our trip short. The death of Richard's father forced us back to the Netherlands. After saying goodbye, there were many arrangements to be made. It was a period when travel plans were put on the back burner. The funeral has since taken place, and the family home is almost completely cleared out. Slowly, there's room for new energy and new plans. We've now decided that our next trip will be to: Tunisia We chose Tunisia. The trip we made to Morocco early last year brought us more than we could have imagined. The culture, the landscape, the way life plays out there. It took some getting used to and slowing down at the same time. That experience has left us wanting more. Africa feels different to us than Europe. Raw at times, but also open. Tunisia seems like a country not yet overrun by tourists. It's a country we're very curious about, without knowing exactly what we'll find. Without travel description During our preparations, we noticed that there's hardly any Dutch information available about traveling through Tunisia by campervan. It's remarkably quiet online. There are also almost no Dutch-language stories on YouTube. That makes it exciting, but also appealing to us. We'll do what we always do: document our experiences. Write about what we encounter and film what we see. " Globe 2 is ready. The rest can arrive on the way. " Just look at the map Most people have a rough idea of where Tunisia is. But without a map, it quickly becomes a mystery. Just south of Europe, on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea, lie the countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Our route will likely pass through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Italy. In Palermo, we'll take the boat to Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Because it's still early in the year and the weather in Italy probably won't be great yet, we'll quickly drive through there on the way there. We'll really take our time exploring Italy later, on the way back. More than a holiday destination When people think of Tunisia, they often think of beach resorts and swimming pools. Or of the Arab Spring, which began with a dramatic event in December 2010. However, the country also has another side. Tunisia boasts one of the world's largest amphitheaters , a vast salt flat you can drive through, and landscapes so empty and expansive they feel almost surreal. It's no wonder several famous films, such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones , have been filmed here. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. The desert is drawing near again We'll also be exploring the Sahara again on this trip. The desert has made a deep impression on us before. Not because there's so much to see, but precisely because there's so little. No distractions. No noise. Only space. We look forward to meeting her again. Perhaps we'll even take a Globus 2 ride through the desert sand. Sometimes we're asked if the desert isn't boring. We haven't found it that way. It's precisely in that emptiness that something happens. You slow down. You see differently. You listen better. Plus, the desert has a certain allure because of its unpredictable dryness, heat, sudden sandstorms, and cold nights. Travel with us We don't know exactly what this journey will bring. We do know, however, that we will continue to record and share everything we experience, naturally in our blogs and videos. If you'd like to follow us, you're more than welcome to subscribe. This way, we stay connected along the way and you help us keep doing what we do. You can subscribe to our blog at the bottom right of this page You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here Hope to see you soon! 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 .

Over the past six months, we traveled with Globus 2 across Europe: Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Almost 20,000 km, through familiar and unfamiliar countries. We traveled leisurely and lingered longer where we felt comfortable. In this blog post, we look back. Not as a travel guide, but as travelers. We share both the positive and negative experiences. Atlanterhavsveien Noorwegen Review by country Let's go through the countries one by one, but we won't be covering Germany. After all, we just drove through there as quickly as possible to get to Poland. Prefer to watch video? Our YouTube channel has all the videos we made during this trip. Poland 🇵🇱 Poland surprised us. Not with the landscape, which we found somewhat dull and monotonous, but with the sense of safety and cleanliness. The cities were cleaner than we expected, much cleaner than the larger Dutch cities. However, we did miss the lively atmosphere and bustle in these cities. There are a few places we'll always remember: the Adršpach Rocks, just across the Czech border, where the rock formations feel like a fossilized fairytale. Auschwitz , which takes you back to the events of WWII. Don't forget to book in advance, as it's often fully booked. And then Gdańsk: unlike the other cities we visited, we found color, life, and character here. Don't forget to try the pączki , a delicious filled doughnut. Or the freshly made pierogi at a local restaurant. Stołowe Mountains net over de grens in Zuid-Polen Baltic countries: Lithuania 🇱🇹 , Latvia 🇱🇻 , Estonia 🇪🇪 The countries (don't call them states!) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia created some healthy tension beforehand. Is it safe? What exactly is the toll in Latvia for cars over 3,000 kg? In hindsight, this was completely unwarranted; here too, we felt safe everywhere and didn't pay a toll anywhere. While in Poland we primarily felt the effects of the former German occupation, here we sense the USSR past. Old Soviet apartment buildings, Orthodox churches, the KGB museum , and memorials to the silent resistance, such as the Baltic Road and the Hill of Crosses, made a deep impression on us. De breedste waterval van Europa , Ventas Rumba in Kuldīga The landscape remained flat, yet slowly changed. More and more forests and more silence. We also saw more and more animals: cranes, storks, foxes, deer, badgers, and even brown bears. That makes our hearts beat faster. Watch our video about photographing brown bears here . Free camping is also well-organized in Estonia. Campsites deep in the greenery, with wood already laid out for the evening fire. Beren spotten in noord Estland Would we return to any of the Baltic countries? Probably not. It was a beautiful experience, but not worth repeating. "The real home of man is not his house, but the road." Finland 🇫🇮 Finland means forests and lakes. Endlessly hilly with forests and lakes. Peaceful and sometimes a bit boring. And mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes, which have had a rather negative impact on several of our hikes. Anyone who absolutely loves Christmas should definitely visit Rovaniemi, where Santa Claus lives. Yet, the country has a certain purity. Free camping, well-marked trails, fire pits by the water, often with already-cut firewood. And of course, you'll encounter the first reindeer from the Arctic Circle. Connecting with the locals isn't easy. Finnish is, of course, completely incomprehensible, but the Finns are also very private and don't stop for a chat. In Finland, they don't engage in small talk at all. Children have to learn that when they have English lessons at school. For those who want to slow down, fish, or disappear, this might be the perfect country. We missed the ruggedness of the mountains. Rendieren in Lapland Far North of Norway 🇳🇴 As soon as you enter Norway, everything changes. The mountains take over the landscape. In summer, the sun refuses to set. This does something to you. You have more energy, and you might as well take that mountain hike in the middle of the night. And that ruggedness—that's what we love! The number of reindeer we saw here is staggering. Overal vrij kamperen in Scandinavië We started in the Varanger region , far from most tourists. It's so raw and breathtaking. Along the Barents Sea towards Hamningberg, you drive along a seemingly endless coastline. Water, rugged rocks, and reindeer. We need nothing more. Then we head towards the North Cape, and then slowly descend along the coast south. The vibrant Sami culture is truly inspiring if you delve into it a little. We wrote this blog post about it in August. Wandelen op de Lofoten We feel so privileged to have been able to explore the Lofoten Islands for a full three weeks. There was no rush to get back in time for work. We took all the back roads and enjoyed several mountain hikes. The Lofoten Islands, however busy in summer, are a must-see on any trip to the far north. But the island of Senja and Vesterålen are also gems where you can easily spend weeks. If you're still in this area after September 1st, you have a good chance of seeing the magical Northern Lights. Something you'll never forget. Vanaf eind september kans op Noorderlicht We've skipped southern Norway (everything below Trondheim) for now. We chose to visit some more highlights in Sweden and return another time to explore the beautiful south of Norway. Sweden 🇸🇪 Sweden may be less spectacular than Norway, but it possesses the same vastness. The country exudes space, especially in the north, where young people are flocking to the big cities of the south. It's not always easy to connect with the older, less-populated population. Even if you do manage to connect, don't talk about your feelings; that's simply not done in Sweden. In central Sweden, the Wilderness Route is a must-see on any trip. We were there in September and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful autumn colors. Note: The Wilderness Route is usually closed from mid-October to early June, depending on snowfall. Kloof bij waterval Hällingsåfallet langs de Wildernisroute What surprised us was the sheer number of mystical places in the south. Burial mounds, stone circles, and tranquil landscapes that recall a time we can no longer imagine. Places that don't scream for attention, but whisper. Anundshög and Ale's Stones were well worth a visit. Mysterieuze plekken in Zweden Denmark 🇩🇰 Finally, Denmark. Just like every other time, we had mostly wind and rain. Perhaps we were unlucky, perhaps it's just part of it, but the sun barely showed up. It should be noted, however, that we didn't have much time for Denmark because we had to rush back to the Netherlands due to Richard's father's health. Copenhagen slipped through our fingers. Too wet, too crowded, not enough room for Globus 2. But we definitely want to come back for that. What was definitely worth visiting were the burial mounds, the dolmens , and the cliffs of Møns Klint. Even under a gray sky, they exuded a timeless quality. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Finally Six months on the road, ten countries. What remains is not the sum of places, but the understanding that travel always brings us back to one point: attention. To the landscape, to the moment, to the two of us, and to ourselves. Some countries asked for time and were given it. Others turned out to be primarily meant to be driven through. That's okay too. With Globus 2 as our home, we feel that this journey isn't the end point. It has become a way of life. As long as it feels that way, we'll keep traveling. 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 .

In northern Scandinavia, we were already in the thick of it. Autumn. Unavoidable. Trees were ablaze. Yellow, red, deep orange. The air was clear and crisp. The days were noticeably shorter. The landscape seemed to say: look closely, now I'm at my most beautiful. Driving with the seasons The further south we drove, the milder the weather became. The cold receded, and the days stayed longer. Suddenly, we were back in late summer. As if time had changed its tune. Or perhaps we weren't driving away from autumn, but taking it south with us. Our latest video featuring footage from Denmark and Germany The richness of autumn We've been to Scandinavia many times, and every season has its beauty. But autumn was more beautiful than we'd ever seen. So beautiful in color, so rich and raw at the same time. Not as a prelude to winter, but standing alone and full of pride. The seasons of a human life While driving, I thought about the sweat lodges I used to frequent. They say we humans also live through the four seasons. We often neatly divide them by age: spring, summer, fall, winter. But who says you only get one spring? Or that summer can't start over after a long fall? “Looking at the seasons, you see not only the landscape, but also yourself.” Spring Spring belongs to the east. Where the sun rises. The season of beginnings. Of ideas that present themselves without a clear form. An inner knowing that something wants to move. Spring is fresh and restless at the same time. It demands trust, not because you know where it's going, but precisely because you don't yet. Summer Summer is in the south. The sun is high. Everything is open. Energy flows more easily. What you've previously committed now carries you. Not because life knows no resistance, but because you feel you can handle it all easily. Autumn Autumn belongs to the West. The light fades. Things can no longer be held. The season of farewell, but also of harvest. Of seeing what has ripened. Of lessons that only reveal themselves if you dare to look at them. Winter And winter. The north. The silence. The return to the core. The period when nothing is necessary but takes on great meaning. On the surface, everything seems to have ground to a halt, but underground, work is underway. Prepared. Without haste. My father's winter My father recently passed away. We had to cut our previous trip short to say a final goodbye. Looking back, he was in the winter of his life. His world shrank, his body slowed down. Much of what had previously guided him disappeared. And yet, beneath that silence, all sorts of things happened. Things were wrapped up, perhaps for him, but certainly for me. His death felt not only a loss, but also a completion. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Against the calendar According to the calendar, we're undeniably in winter right now. But it doesn't feel that way to me. If I'm honest, I'm currently living in spring. All sorts of things are emerging, yet still without clear outlines. A new trip is about to be planned! We're traveling again, but where to? The center point Perhaps what concerns me most is who within me observes all this? Who determines which season I'm in? There's something that can observe, that can distance itself. The Native Americans call it the center point. The place from which you can observe without merging with what you feel. You're not angry, you act angry. You're not sad, you act sad. And you're not a season. You move through it. What season are you in? 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 .

The world is full of mysterious places. Everyone knows the pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge, or our own dolmens in Drenthe, but there are also places that are much quieter. Places that whisper only to those who are willing to listen. Sweden is full of them. During our trip, we went to such hidden places, not to seek answers, but to feel what happens when you open yourself to the unknown. Ales Stenar , Zuid-Zweden What places of power do to us Places of power have raised questions for centuries. What actually happens there? Why do you experience silence and clarity in one place, while you feel unsettled in another? Some people say the veil between the worlds is thinner there. That the energy is more intense, as if a deeper layer of the earth is briefly revealed. Whether this is true, we don't know. But we do know that we always breathe differently in such places, as if something in our bodies recognizes something older than we can even comprehend. Our latest video featuring images of the power places in Sweden The Earth as a living being Just like humans, the Earth is a living being. That idea may seem vague to some, but for us, it's actually quite earthy. From a spiritual standpoint, the Earth has a body, a soul, and perhaps even a form of consciousness. Its energy flows along lines and nodes, just like our meridians and chakras. The places where this energy converges are called power points, while the pathways along which it moves are called ley lines. Perhaps it's poetry. Perhaps it's science we don't yet understand. But whatever you call it, it changes the way you see. " The earth holds secrets that will only be revealed when you do." Sweden as a mystical landscape Sweden exudes nature. Forests that seem endless, lakes that reflect the sky, rocks that hold stories. The country carries a quiet magic, as if every stone still remembers what it was like when the world first began. No wonder the stories of elves, gnomes, and trolls are still alive here. While searching for special places, we discovered that the country is full of mysteries, both great and small, that are far from all covered in the tourist guidebooks. Anundshög, the breath of the past Our first stop was Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound. A place where footprints have lain for thousands of years. You don't just sense history there. You sense a presence. It's as if the mound and the stones themselves breathe. Ales Stenar, ship of stone From there, we headed all the way south to Ales Stenar, the stone ship that towers high above the sea. The stones are arranged in an oval formation reminiscent of the skeleton of an ancient Viking ship. Some say it's a calendar, others call it a sacred place. What it truly is, no one knows. Perhaps that's precisely its power. It invites us to look without trying to understand. Labyrinths, tombs and other riddles There were more places like this. Bruadungend, where ancient graves lie that may be much more than just resting places. The Tibble Labyrinth, whose original purpose is unknown. An initiation, perhaps. A ritual welcoming spring. Who knows. Where lies our own strength? In silence, we wondered where our own power actually comes from. Do we always have to be far from home for that? We often think so, but that turns out to be a misunderstanding. The Netherlands, too, has its own mystical places. Increasingly, dolmen excursions are being organized where the focus isn't just on stones as burial chambers, but on stones as carriers of energy. This does require an open mind, but perhaps that's precisely what these times demand. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. The compass that points inward Perhaps that's the true magic of such places. That they teach you to see anew. That they show you a compass that points not north, but inward. 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 .

And then came that one phone call that suddenly changed everything. We were still driving somewhere between forests and lakes when the bus fell silent. The world outside continued as usual, but inside, something shifted. Without many words, we knew enough. The plans we had, the route we still had, gave way to a single goal: back to the Netherlands. Ochtend in Zweden Let's get straight to the point: the call was about my father. We heard he wasn't doing well. He hadn't eaten or drunk anything for three weeks and wouldn't get out of bed. So, every reason to accelerate and rush back to the Netherlands. We were almost at the end of our trip, so this wasn't so bad. We arrived in the Netherlands two weeks earlier than planned. To assist When we arrived at my father's home, we saw him deteriorating further each day. We were so grateful that we arrived so quickly, that we could support him, and also provide some relief for my sister. She had already provided so much care these past few months. Perfect timing It's fair to say that my father has perfect timing for us. If we had received this phone call while we were in Morocco or just on our way to the North Cape, things would have been very different. We were already planning to stay in the Netherlands from mid-November to mid-January. That fits the rule that you must stay in the Netherlands for four months a year, otherwise you have to deregister. "The journey doesn't stop when you return. It simply changes direction." Comfortable The most important thing now is to make my father as comfortable as possible. Someone is with him almost 24 hours a day, he receives pain medication, and he is well cared for. Advertisement: Click on this banner and then buy something at bol.com A small percentage of your purchase goes towards funding this website. Planning Our plans to leave again in mid-January will likely be postponed a bit. No problem, of course. We have time to ourselves, no rush, and even for these kinds of moments, you have to take your time. Perhaps this is precisely what traveling is all about: being able to turn around when life demands it. 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 .

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 .