Marrakech, often called the “Red City,” is a vibrant hub of Moroccan culture and cuisine, where traditional flavours are celebrated with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. At its heart lies the iconic tagine, a slow-cooked stew that embodies the essence of Moroccan cooking. Made with tender lamb or chicken, dried fruits, and a medley of aromatic spices, the tagine is a testament to Berber and Arab culinary traditions. The design of the tagine pot, with its conical lid, allows for condensation, ensuring the dish remains succulent in the arid desert climate.
Marrakech also offers the opportunity to explore the pastilla, a sweet and savoury pastry filled with an exquisite combination of flavours.
Additionally, a cooking class in Marrakech provides an immersive experience, allowing you to learn the secrets of preparing tagines and other Moroccan specialties while gaining a deeper appreciation for the culture and traditions that make these dishes so extraordinary. It’s a hands-on opportunity to unlock the culinary heritage of Morocco and savour the flavours of the “Red City” for a lifetime.
Some traditional foods and dishes commonly enjoyed in Marrakech:
Tanjiya: A slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in, Tanjiya typically features meat (often beef or lamb), vegetables, and a blend of spices.
Couscous: A staple of Moroccan cuisine, couscous is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as vegetables, chickpeas, and a flavorful broth.
Méchoui: Roasted whole lamb, seasoned with traditional Moroccan spices, providing succulent and tender meat.
Pastilla: A sweet and savory pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and a mix of spices, often topped with powdered sugar.
Harira Soup: A hearty soup, particularly enjoyed during Ramadan, made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of spices.
Kefta Tagine: Minced meat (usually lamb or beef) formed into meatballs, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce.
Bissara: A thick soup made from dried fava beans, seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and cumin.
Makouda: Deep-fried potato fritters, often served as a popular street food snack.
Khobz: Traditional Moroccan bread, round and flat, served with various meals.
M’hanncha: Also known as “Snake Cake,” M’hanncha is a coiled pastry filled with almonds, sugar, and cinnamon.
These traditional dishes contribute to the rich and diverse culinary experience one can enjoy while exploring Marrakech.
Awakening in Fes to the mesmerizing sounds of the call to prayer echoing through the ancient medina is a unique and spiritual experience. Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, offers an unforgettable breakfast setting as you sit overlooking the medina’s labyrinthine alleys, surrounded by the soulful melodies of the call to prayer. This city is also famous for its culinary traditions, and one dish that shines is its intricate couscous. This delicate semolina pasta is steamed to perfection and served with rich stews and an array of vegetables. The preparation and presentation of couscous in Fes are steeped in tradition, passed down through generations, and it’s a true culinary art form. The meal isn’t just a feast for your taste buds; it’s a cultural immersion that connects you to the spiritual and culinary heart of Morocco.
Some traditional foods and dishes commonly enjoyed in Fès:
Bastilla (Pastilla): Delicate pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices, topped with powdered sugar.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables: Moroccan couscous served with a hearty vegetable stew, including carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas.
Harira Soup: Nourishing soup with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of spices, particularly enjoyed during Ramadan.
Mechoui: Slow-roasted whole lamb seasoned with traditional Moroccan spices for tender and flavorful meat.
Tagine with Prunes and Almonds: Slow-cooked stew with meat (commonly lamb or chicken), prunes, almonds, and aromatic spices.
Fekkas: Moroccan cookies made with almonds, sesame seeds, and anise, often served with mint tea.
Makroud: Sweet pastry filled with dates and nuts, fried until golden, sometimes coated in honey.
Briouat: Triangular pastries filled with a mix of meats, vegetables, or nuts, commonly served as appetizers.
Khlii: Preserved meat, typically beef or lamb, air-dried and preserved in a mixture of oil and spices.
Rfissa: Dish made with lentils, fenugreek, and shredded msemen (Moroccan pancakes), often prepared during special occasions.
These traditional Moroccan dishes capture the essence of Fès’ culinary heritage, showcasing a rich blend of flavors and textures.
Nestled along the Atlantic, Essaouira stands as a coastal gem and a seafood haven. Grilled sardines, fried fish, and seafood tagines take center stage in markets and seaside eateries, embodying the town’s deep connection to the ocean and reliance on the region’s rich marine resources. Beyond seafood, Essaouira entices with fresh fruits like dates, figs, and pomegranates, complemented by the renowned argan oil, enhancing salads and dips. Adding an artistic flair to the gastronomic adventure, the town is celebrated for its thuya wood crafts, where utensils and platters seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic charm. Amidst the market hustle, a unique charm unfolds as local cats gracefully navigate the narrow lanes, becoming silent observers of daily life.
Some traditional foods and dishes commonly enjoyed in Essaouira:
Grilled Sardines: A local delicacy, sardines are often grilled with aromatic spices, reflecting the town’s seaside character.
Fried Fish: Fresh catches are expertly fried, providing a crispy and flavorful seafood experience.
Seafood Tagines: A quintessential Moroccan dish, tagines in Essaouira are infused with the rich flavors of the ocean, combining various seafood with spices.
Dates, Figs, and Pomegranates: Essaouira’s markets boast a variety of fresh fruits, including dates, figs, and pomegranates, offering a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Argan Oil: Renowned for its unique nutty flavor, argan oil is a local specialty used to enhance salads and dips.
These traditional foods reflect the town’s coastal identity and the broader Moroccan culinary heritage, creating a diverse and flavourful gastronomic experience in Essaouira.
Wandering through Rabat’s markets feels like entering a lively world of colours, sounds, and smells. The medina is like a maze full of Moroccan treasures, with stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to beautiful ceramics and handmade textiles. Among the hustle and bustle, the food stalls are a highlight, offering a taste adventure. You can hear the sizzle of tagines and catch the whiff of freshly baked pastries. Each stall tells a tasty story, making the market more than just a shopping spot – it’s a snapshot of everyday life. Haggling with friendly vendors, trying local street food like harira soup, or treating yourself to sweet goodies makes the market visit come alive. Rabat’s markets aren’t just places to buy things; they’re lively hubs pulsing with the city’s traditions and daily vibes.
My immersion into Rabat’s culinary traditions unfolded during my stay with a local family in Morocco’s capital city. Around their dining table, I discovered the intimate practice of eating with hands, a time-honoured tradition that added a personal touch to every culinary experience. Communal moments were shared not just over a tagine, but also in the simple act of tearing into warm, freshly baked bread to savor the aromatic flavours. This seemingly unpretentious gesture heightened my connection with the food, accentuating its cultural significance. Passing around a couple glasses of water further emphasized the togetherness ingrained in every meal, transforming it into a palpable celebration of tradition that transcended language and culture. In Rabat, the culinary journey isn’t merely about flavours; it’s a shared and tactile adventure, where the act of eating with hands becomes a poignant thread weaving bonds that go beyond borders.
Some traditional foods and dishes commonly enjoyed in Rabat:
Mechoui: Slow-roasted lamb, seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices, providing tender and flavourful meat.
Pastilla: A sweet and savory pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and a blend of spices, typically topped with powdered sugar.
Harira Soup: A hearty and nourishing soup, especially enjoyed during Ramadan, made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a mix of spices.
Couscous: A staple in Moroccan cuisine, couscous is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as vegetables, meats, or fish.
Zaalouk: An eggplant and tomato salad seasoned with garlic, cumin, and coriander, serving as a flavourful side dish.
Tagine: Slow-cooked stews of meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, a quintessential Moroccan dish.
Rfissa: A dish made with lentils, fenugreek, and shredded msemen (Moroccan pancakes), sometimes topped with chicken.
Briouat: Triangular pastries filled with a mixture of meats, vegetables, or nuts, commonly served as appetizers.
Khobz: Traditional Moroccan bread, usually round and flat, served with various meals.
Makroud: A sweet pastry filled with dates and nuts, fried until golden, and sometimes coated in honey.
These traditional foods contribute to Rabat’s culinary landscape, reflecting the country’s rich gastronomic heritage and offering a delicious exploration of Moroccan flavours and traditions.
I recently came across a quote that struck a chord with me. It reads, ‘If I rest, I rust,’ words spoken by Helen Hayes, a celebrated American actress who achieved numerous accolades in her lifetime, including an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. She was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts. It’s truly remarkable to think of her achievements. Wow…
“If I rest I rust.” Well surely Hayes didn’t rest nor did rust.
Since I left the comfort of my mother’s nest and moved out west, I’ve consistently craved more. I’ve tasted the freedom, adventure, and passion of life lived on my terms. Always planning the next adventure, continuously adding new destinations to my bucket list each year, and nurturing unyielding dreams that refuse to fade away. I’ve traveled the world, lived and worked abroad,volunteered in far-flung communities, and even started my own business. I’ve been fortunate to explore the great outdoors with my dogs and immerse myself in the vast playground of the Pacific Northwest. I lead a spontaneous and adventurous life with amazing people by my side, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. Yet, the hunger for more persists. Is it selfish to admit this desire?
“My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.” – Buffalo Bill
When slowing down isn’t enough
Getting older has made me slow down. Having senior dogs also keeps me closer to home. While being rooted in one place, I do my best to break the monotony by changing familiar sights and diversifying my days. I’ll explore a new trail, visit a new town, camp at a new spot, try out a new recipe, or delve into a new craft. I’ve even taken up playing the Ukulele in reverse and am re-learning my Spanish.
However, the region where I reside is becoming increasingly busy, and after a while, the places I cherish start to feel a little too crowded for my wandering spirit (I guess that’s the price to pay for living where people vacation).
Certainly, my heart always pangs for something new to get excited about.
Oddly, I’m usually the one encouraging others to savour the present moment. I’ve always believed that we must learn to slow down time and be fully present if we want to truly live. Inevitably, when I commit to something, I’m there 100%, or at least I try to be.
So, why does a constant yearning dwell deep within me, urging me to explore places I’ve never been? Why am I frequently distracted by my dreams? Why does my mind endlessly wander, longing for familiar places and homesick for locations I’ve never visited?
“You are free to dream as big as you want, but always remember that every big dream comes with some big responsibilities. So be willing and courageous enough to step out of your comfort zone.” ― Edmond Mbiaka,
Is there all there is in life?
I once read that the evolved human brain constantly seeks purpose, meaning, adventure, and happiness. Some of us create bucket lists, others climb the ladder toward specific goals, while some find contentment in the way things are.
I wish I could find contentment in one place. I try. But my desires are ceaseless. I always yearn for more and remain unsatisfied with what I have. The truth is, this fervent desire keeps me close to my dreams.
“Man is the only animal whose desires increase as they are fed; the only animal that is never satisfied.” – Henry George
Wanderlusting and the ceaseless yearning for an extraordinary life
Sorting through my boundless wanderlust, I find myself longing for a life spent at sea. Diving everyday with sea life, eating the fruits of nature, volunteering in communities, away from the mainstream, waking up and going to sleep with the sun, living with the pulse of the ocean, one wave at a time… To me it calls for freedom, peace, simplicity, a dream lived awake. Careful what you dream for, right?
I recently took a wonderful trip to Japan, with an incredible layover in China. It’s been a while since I stepped out of my country and explored a different part of the world. Far away from home I felt at home… in the uncertainty, in the unknown, in the newness. I came back refreshed, revitalized, rebooted. It was extraordinary. And it leaves me with exceptional memories. But coming back to my beautiful home the travel blues hits. Instantly. Back to ordinary. Two weeks was way too short. And I’m back on a severe case of wanderlust.
“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
Fear of settling down
In the past years, I’ve been stuck in a routine, living a predictable life, filled with small pleasures and frolic adventures. But I’m afraid to get a stable job and be locked in one place. I’m afraid to upgrade my living situation, afraid to jump into the mortgage world, have payments, have commitments. I’m afraid of settling down.
The slightest bit of idleness affects me. I’m afraid to rest for too long. I fear stagnation. I fear to see the years blend into one another and forget to move forward and progress.
Maybe I just need that one big adventure. To get it out of my system, before I slow down again and put my feet on the ground. Or maybe not. Maybe I’ll always be restless. Maybe I’ll always chase this extraordinary life. And maybe that’s okay.
”Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you.”
If I rest, I rust
I’ve been trying to find good enough reasons to be satisfied in the present moment. I try to do the things that make me happy on a daily basis. But I can’t ignore that ache for more. It exists for a reason.
If living the journey is the goal, if pursuing a life well lived is the path we are on, it will not be restful. It will not be comfortable. Nor will it be easy. But it will be exciting. It will be valuable. It will be worth it.
So I’ll keep pursuing the most important things that my heart aches for, even as crazy as they are. Because as long as I can feel, I am living – and as long as I am living, I’ll keep moving.
“They told me to grow roots, instead I grew wings.’ – Lou
Being capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is the nation’s political, economic, and cultural center. Located in north China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. It is now known as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.
24-hour Visa-Free Transit
The 24-hour Visa-Free Transit in China, also called the 24-hour Transit Without Visa (24-hour TWOV for short), regulates that visa is not required for air, train, and ship passengers transiting in mainland China for a stay of no more than 24 hours before heading for a third country or region. It is also possible to get a 72 or 144-hour transit visa with similar terms and restrictions.
Since our flight from Canada landed in PEK at 4:25pm, and our connecting flight to our final destination in Japan departed at 3:45pm the next day, we had nearly 24 hours layover time. I had booked a hotel near Wangfujing, hired a chauffeur for the next day, and had all detailed information of our planned layover in Beijing in both English and Mandarin, putting all chances on our sides. We only carried a small backpack each and had our luggages sent directly to our final destination. After reading loads of forums about mixed situations that happened to Canadian travellers during this political dispute, we were quite surprised that the whole process went so effortlessly (at least it did for us). We got our transit visa approved in no time, and passed customs successfully. We exited the airport and walked to the taxis. I was glad to have our hotel printed in Mandarin –it made up for an efficient, timely and appreciated communication with the driver.
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is the rich affluent shopping area of Beijing including many famous western brands and stores. After walking down the main street, we arrived to the snack street.
Wangfujing Food Street is Beijing’s local foodies paradise. Amongst locals and tourists, we meandered through the crowd, our eyes wandering with curiosity on all to see such as scorpions, snakes, bats, and tarantula on sticks. We weren’t brave enough to try much (after being sick in the Sahara Desert, I sadly tend to be more hesitant of what I eat when I know I’ll be away from restrooms for a longer period of time – however this is a personal experience and I encourage everyone to try street foods), but I couldn’t be on Wangfujing Snack Street without trying out a scorpion. So I did it! The feeling of the fried legs touching the roof of my mouth was scarier than the taste itself. JF had 2 and I’m sure he would had have more. I was content with my one bite. It’s those little things on my bucket list that make me so happy to check off. 🙂
Food
When I was traveling in Tibet back in 2010, the food was surprisingly challenging for me to appreciate. I consider myself an adventurous foodie, always willing to try whatever is presented before me. With this culinary curiosity, I’ve had the opportunity to savor some marvelous (and highly intriguing) flavors from around the world. However, my experience with Chinese cuisine in China, not the Americanized version, didn’t quite align with my palate. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects was deciphering the menu, which was often solely in Mandarin. Even though photos were somewhat helpful, they didn’t always provide a clear picture of the specific meat or ingredients used in the dishes. I did notice a unique fragrance in the dishes we ordered. My partner opted for three meat dishes, while I went with three vegetarian plates. I found my veggie options quite tasty, but I could only manage a small taste of his dishes (plus, I’m not a big meat eater). Despite the initial challenges, I would absolutely love to return to China and further explore its diverse culinary world.
Great Wall of China
Previously, back in Canada, I hired John Yellowcar whom I found on TripAdvisor. John is a Beijing, English speaking native who’s been chauffeuring visitors around the city for nearly 20 years. My correspondence with John the weeks prior to our trip reassured me. He gave us valuable information on taxis, airport customs, translation, etc. John picked us up at our hotel the morning of January 1st at 6:45am in his clean and spacious vehicle. At our great astonishment, the roads were empty due to New Year’s Day (January 1st). It took us around 1 hour to reach the Mutianyu entrance of the Great Wall. John helped us get tickets and directed us to the entrance where we had the liberty to venture on our own. By 8am we were in the gondola heading up to the stoned path.
John picked us up at 11:30am where he had dropped us off. We headed back to the airport in no time. By 1pm we were back in PEK going through customs. Hiring John allowed us to see a great wonder of the world with a peace of mind. I would highly recommend him, or any great driver, if you have a layover in Beijing.
PEK Airport
PEK Airport doesn’t stand in my top favourite airports. But it’s not bad. Bathrooms are decent, offering both western and squat toilets. Although not very big, PEK offers a few shops and restaurants. Wifi is free, but remember that Internet censorship in China is among the most extensive censorships in the world due to a wide variety of legal and administrative regulations (social medias, YouTube and Safari didn’t work, although we managed to play Words with Friends). If you have a long layover, I strongly encourage you to look at ways to get a Visa-Free Transit to explore some parts of Beijing rather than spend it at the airport.
Safety in Beijing
It’s challenging to form a comprehensive opinion of a place after just a day. However, my general impression is that the streets felt much safer than I had expected. Throughout this layover, I never felt threatened or harassed. I’m not sure if the increased police presence near Wangfujing was related to the Western New Year, but the crowds were cheerful, the merchants were helpful and friendly, and the streets were relatively clean. Even though I was accompanied by my boyfriend, I felt that it would have been safe for me to travel solo. Once again, I chose to get around by taxi and hired an English-speaking private chauffeur to streamline things and save time. Like in any other major city worldwide, it’s always wise to exercise normal caution.
Conclusion
The cleanliness of the streets, the kindness of the people, and the safety of the neighborhoods certainly enhanced my perception of China. If you ever have the opportunity for a long layover in Beijing, seize the chance to explore the city’s rich historical treasures. I know I will return, hopefully for a longer stay than just a layover.
In 2015, I chose not to travel overseas in order to save money and focus on other projects. It was a tough decision, since I have been travelling around the globe annually for the past 14 years. It was something I had to do, in order to financially get back on track and work on my future. But not travelling doesn’t mean not exploring. I am fortunate to live in an area that offers such an incredible playground. So at the beginning of the year, I challenged myself in doing at least 20 adventures around the beautiful Pacific North West.
#19. Night iceskating under the full moon at Joffre Lakes.
But the most amazing adventure of the year:
#20. I bought my first home (on wheels)! I am now living off the grid, a lifestyle I’ve always dreamt about.
It is important to pause once in a while and look what’s around us. We don’t always have to travel across the globe to explore new paths and be treated with incredible views. Beauties are within reach and waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, it is the people who tag along, our home buddies, furry friends or family that make the journey worth of all beauties.
I am excited for 2016. I am well-rested, projects in hand and ready to move mountains! I wish you all a safe journey to the new year, filled with new beginnings, new dreams and new adventures!
Raised by a single mother and with an older brother that took on his freedom filled life as soon as I was born, I never really had the chance to understand the term “family vacation”. Of course my mom always made sure we would go on road-trips and explore the beautiful corners and cultural gems of the province of Quebec. It was always a memorable mother-daughter vacation, sometimes tagged with our furry friends.
My brother settled in British Columbia 15 years ago where he met his wife and her family. My first solo flight was when I was 15, to go and visit him on the other side of the country. I got really close to this new circle, a reconstructed family of many siblings. Now that my brother and I both live in the province, he on the island, and I in the mountains, we don’t see each other as often as we wish, but I try to commit to once a year since he now has two beautiful blooming boys. So, when my brother and his wife invited me to their annual family vacation on Hornby Island, there was no way I could miss this special reunion.
We left Whistler on Friday afternoon after work. We boarded the 5:20pm ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. The 1:40min scenic ride through the Gulf Islands was refreshing and relaxing, soothing a long work week.
Once in Nanaimo, we drove north on Highway BC-19A. I had booked a campsite at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, just to make the trip less cumbersome and more enjoyable. Rathtrevor Park is located along the shoreline, in the city of Parksville. The campground is very clean and the sites are large, well-maintained and just few steps from the beach.
In the morning, Juno and I went for a stroll. We traversed the short path to the beach across an old-growth forest. The low tide left us with many treasures to find on the golden sand. I took deep breathes and soaked in the fresh air.
After everything was packed up, we head back on the Oceanside Highway and drove north towards Buckley Bay. We hopped on the ferry towards Denman. Then drove accross the island and took another 10min-ferry onto Hornby.
Hornby Island has a small community of less than 1,000 residents, mostly artists, retirees, bohemians, and any lovers of the remote rural island life. We followed the road that hugged the sandstone shorelines, making our way to the northeast of the island. We arrived at Tribune Bay Campground, where we set up camp. The clouds slowly covered the sky, predicting a heavy rain. We set up a large tarp above our site, making our cozy home for the weekend.
The rain arrived at the same time as my family. We greeted under the protecting trees. We built a shelter from pop-up tents and tarps where we found dry refuge for the afternoon. After dinner we sat around the fire-pit, catching up with the grown-ups while grandma told stories to the kids.
The weather cleared out the next morning and we spent the day at Tribune Bay Beach. The kids played in the waves, leftover from the stormy weather.
In the evening we headed to the Pizza Galore. We sat on blankets on the soft grass in the middle of an orchard. Under an apple tree we opened our bottle of wine and enjoyed delicious homemade pizzas. A live band paired our meals with notes of beautiful music while kids played hide and seek, and others played boardgames under the trees.
The sunbeams scattered the sky. We spent another night around the fire pit, telling stories and playing games. And when the night reached its deep darkness, we took a stroll on the beach. We watched the constellations grace the night as the shooting stars ignited one by one.
We woke up to a stunning sky. The rain evaporated from the heating ground. The kids rushed through breakfast, ready to hit the beach. We headed to Helliwell Beach, located on a headland at the southeast of the island. The sand is white, the beach endless, and the water of a crystal clear blue I have never seen in Canada.
It was a beautiful day skimboarding, kayaking and paddleboarding.
The girls even opened up a sand spa for anyone keen of a natural seaside massage.
It was time for me to head back. I kissed and hugged deeply everyone goodbye. As we drove away, I waived a last farewell to my brother still standing on the beach watching me depart.
The 3 ferries home gave me the time and the space to imprint all those beautiful memories I had made. I thought about my dear mother, who I wished could’ve made the trip from the East. I am so privileged to have the mother and the brother that I have, along with all my consanguinity family. I am also so grateful to be part of this circle of people that I have met at 15 years old, half way through my current life. I hope to many more family vacations.
Whether they are your parents, sibblings, family members, affinities, friends, or whoever with there is a sense of belonging, unconditional love, mutual respect and care, acknowledge who those people are and make time for them, as often as you can. Family is not an important thing. It’s everything. Now if you excuse me, I’m going to call my mother.
I just dropped my best friend at the airport shuttle in Whistler. Along with all her necessary belongings and a one-way ticket to Panama, she is leaving a place she called home for the past 11 years, and taking the plunge to start a new chapter.
I met Julie on a friend’s boat on July 1st, 2005. It was 35ºC and she wore wool leg warmers up to her mini-skirt, rocking her unique fashion style in the heat of summer. Her free-spirited nature amazed me and I knew right away a long friendship was about to begin. In the past 10 years we have adventured often, such as road tripping Hawaii to backpacking Central America and exploring the wilderness of Canada’s West Coast. Julie has always been my invaluable companion on so many escapades.
My friend is one special human being. The kind that lives unconventionally and pursues the things that make her feel alive. By following her heart, she ventured around the world, living and working in places such as Europe, Australia and now Panama. She has a collection of To-Do Lists and manages to check them off on a regular basis.
I will miss my friend. But I find comfort in the inspiration she instilled in me. I will follow her journey through life as I walk my own. And I will always be grateful for those things she taught me:
1. Don’t let the world harden you
In a world of routine, hold true to who you are. Be flexible, spontaneous, playful and independant. Take healthy risks, taste experience to the utmost and live authentically. Do not let the world take away your zest for life and your sweetness.
Julie called me early on a Sunday morning, “Any plans today? If not, grab a towel, your swimsuit and bottle of champagne and meet me there”. Little did I know we were going to fly in a heli over the icefield to the hot springs, then to an inlet by a waterfall to pop champagne and watch the sun set over the ocean. Best impromptu Sunday adventure!
2. Stop worrying about what people think
We tend to over-think what people might say about what we do or we don’t do. We act like this as a way to protect ourselves. But sometimes, putting too much energy into those thoughts prevents us from fulfilling our greatest potential and from enjoying life to its fullest. Life is too short to worry about what people think. Start living now! Express yourself, be bold, smile often, have FUN, shine brightly. Like story-teller Oriah Mountain Dreamer once said: “Look like a fool, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.”
Another spontaneous trip led us to an unplanned camping and road trip in Hawaii. Julie packed a bunch of random stuff like those glasses that sat on the noses of the people we met. Always a fun time with this lady.
3. It’s okay to be scared
Whether it is being afraid of taking a big step forward, afraid to try a new experience, afraid of the change and transition, being scared generally means opportunities for growth. As long as you don’t let the fear overpower your mind and control you. Once you overcome your fear, you feel a sense of pride and independence. You get closer to who you are and discover what you are capable of. It makes you stronger, it makes you flourish. So get out there and create new boundaries. Test the limits. Make the impossible possible. Make mistakes, make discoveries. Believe in yourself. Being scared makes life exciting: It makes you feel alive.
Julie about to conquer the raging waves of El Zonte during our trip to El Salvador.
4. Discover what you love and do it often
What is it that you ache for? What makes your heart beat? Where do you feel the most alive? Whether you follow or cultivate a passion, the idea here is to do the things you love, and go after the things you want. Whether it is a job, a hobby, or an activity, it is important to have passion infused into your life. You can have a very successful job, yet feel unfulfilled. Like explains the author Gretchen Rubin: “What you spend time doing can also tell you what you should do. Because sometimes the things we do without thinking really are things we naturally enjoy or are good at. ” It’s about finding what draws you in and what makes you shine and feel beautiful. And once you find it, embrace and cultivate it.
A thirst for life and all the beautiful things in it. That’s what Julie has. The way she lives her life to the fullest is greatly inspiring. Picture taken during another impromtu canoe camping road trip, this time in British Columbia.
5. Just Do It!
Ever wanted to learn how to surf? How to dance salsa? How to play piano? Ever dreamed of travelling the world, owning a business, living on the beach? We live in an era of many possibilities and opportunities. If we can afford the essentials in life and have the privilege of having of choice, anything is possible. And you’ll never know until you get up and try. Stay curious and keep learning. Challenge yourself. It’s never too late. Just get up and do it!
Learning the ropes in Belize. Little did she know she was about to move to Panama, buy a sailboat and run her very own charter business!
6. Be free
Being a free-spirit isn’t a trend, or something you want to be. It’s about being you. It’s about creating your own freeway and not following the conventional path. Accept and be happy with who you are while continuing to blossom into the best version of you. Be honest with yourself and lead the life YOU want to live. Take the time to explore your heart, your soul, and your goals. In doing so, you will find peace. And once you do, spread your wings and fly. The world is yours, and you are free.
Be free and happy Julie! And bon voyage ♥
∞§∞
If you ever make a trip to Bocas Del Toro, on the Northeast Coast of Panama, check out Julie and John’s charter business:Pretty Like Sailing.
Footloose Diary 