Three colors of Tenerife @ Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, October 23, 2018
Playa de Torviscas, South Tenerife Teide National Park, Central Tenerife San Cristobal de La Laguna, North Tenerife Three colors of Tenerife Canary islands is a Spanish archipelago, which is actually closer to West Sahara than continental Spain. Among other things, my general fondness for warm islands and the low-fare airline ticket helped me make the impulsive decision to visit there. In fact, the history of Korean immigration from the 1960s to 80s to La Palma, one of the seven main islands, had also intrigued me for...
@ Lyon, France, October 16, 2018
Arrived in Lyon, France. I drove for 5 hours today from Luxembourg. Because Europe is densely populated with countries, I usually don’t need to drive as much as 5 hours a day, but I’m speeding up to catch a flight in Spain. I had a hostel reservation as a backup, but this street parking spot, which I’ve earned after a desperate search, has a nice view of the city. So I am camping tonight. @ Lyon, France, October 16, 2018
the car came back @zaanse schans, the Netherlands, October 2, 2018
After 42 days, the car came back to me. It traveled in a container from Montevideo, Uruguay to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The shipping process in Montevideo was almost hassle-free, but in the Netherlands, there were unexpected complications, time and money-wise. International container shipping procedures are complex and full of unfamiliar vocabulary, and in the end, individual customers usually have no other option but to accept unplanned delays or costs. But I had not been particularly anxious while waiting. Although the vehicle has emotional value to...
Hiking to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway
Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock in English, is one of the most popular Fjords hike destinations in Norway. I had the pleasure of experiencing it, and the hiking to the rock was highly enjoyable on its own, with unusual landscapes and flora. @Preikestolen, Norway, September 12, 2018
Valeria, Olga (Belarus) @Copenhagen, Denmark, September 16, 2018
I’ve met many travelers while staying at hostels but it has not been the case every single time. Often times, I don’t get to meet a single person in one of the busiest hostels. I assume many factors are involved: my mood at the time, other people’s moods, the dynamic of the room, and the hostel’s vibe, etc. But when I met these friends, it took us one second to start a conversation. Because the moment when I entered the room, Valeria, as she was coming...
Nat (USA) Amsterdam, the Netherlands, September 25, 2018
The first time I met Nat was in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was three years ago and I was a vacation tourist then. Nat says I asked him for directions but I actually do not remember. There was a street parade going on on the avenue so we watched it together for about 10 minutes then we said good-bye. About a year ago, I noticed on facebook that we’d become long-term travelers around the world and I thought it was an interesting coincidence. Recently, while...
Gadissa (Ethiopia) @Delft, Netherlands, September 22, 2018
At first, I was not excited about having to move from Rotterdam to Delft. Not only did I find the city charming, I just got used the surroundings there. But I realized that all the hostels had been booked for the weekend – I was slow. Still, I wanted to stay close to Rotterdam, because the container at the port could be made accessible any day. So outside of Rotterdam, Delft was the best option. But as I was approaching Delft, I was very glad that...
Roman (Czech Republic), Johana (Czech Republic)
Ever since I Left Finland, I had been a lonely backpacker and had been missing good conversations with people, and they “happened” intensely one day in Oslo. And we ended up hanging out from around noon to midnight! Now in my head, you two are associated with whale meat, too realistic statues at the Vigeland Park and the chilly and windy street walking in Oslo in the evening. Wish you best luck with your studies and work. Hope to see you again in your home country....

