On the 31th of March, I received my official letter of acceptance into university a moment filled with immense joy, gratitude, and excitement for the future. This milestone is the result of persistence, self-belief, and the support of everyone who encouraged me along the way. I feel proud, inspired, and ready to embrace the next chapter of my journey.

As Tristan and I were waiting in the ferry terminal because the one we wanted to take got cancelled, an old lady (78) started a conversation with us. Her English was really good because she and her husband (86) had lived abroad when they were younger. She asked us where in Wakayama (where they live) we were staying, and even called our hostel to explain it to her. She and her husband then insisted on driving us there, so we wouldn’t have to take a train! We ended up staying with them the entire ferry ride and it felt like they took us in as their own grandchildren. I was once again deeply impressed by Japanese hospitality and felt so grateful to encounter such a genuine connection!!

I have been exploring my city and visiting new places. I have come to a newfound appreciation for my city and a new connection to nature. Something about being in nature just feels so calming and fulfilling.

While searching for a woodworker who was going to gift me a marimba, I heard drums being played and walked in their direction. I stumbled upon our flutist Geoffrey, dancer Katalia, guitarist w/o a guitar Teo, and became the Djembe drummer myself! We walked around the island playing music and then went back to Geoffrey's place for tea and talk.

I was so anxious at first and immediately regretted saying that I had ever played drums. I felt like I was about to be exposed for the amateur I was, and that indeed happened! But it was wonderful!

Through simple rhythms and trial and error, we played a few different Congolese and French songs on our island tour. We tried to do the Lion King theme!

After having arrived to Namba, the main tourist district of Osaka, I was feeling very drained and unanimated. Surrounded by stores and masses of people touring the city, purpose and intention seemed lacking all around me. We headed to Dotonbori (the Times Square of Osaka) because... Why not I guess. What we found there was moving and inspiring: a group of Japanese grandpas' doing a peaceful protest in the name of peace. In the most transited point of the city. I admired and appreciated their courage. It felt to me like an anti-capitalism/power/injustice oasis in the heart of nonsensical tourist-land, like animation hiding in a cocoon in the middle of nothingness.

it was on my last day at a tiny coastal city in ecuador. my bus would live only on 10pm, so i made my way to the beach and waited there.

the minutes passed, and magic filled the air. the water darkening with the upcoming twilight, the sun staining its surface orange. yellow and purple clouds, fluffy as freshly wiped cream. the sun sent its last rays to the beach.

one of them arrives in a toddlers playing with a stick, drawing organic figures by the shore, its small footprints constantly swept my the smallest waves. his mom calls him and he runs, laughing at the sea.

seabirds fly in the last bits of day, their wings beating energetically - their fly, peaceful.

Iguazu Falls was never on my travel itinerary. I knew that it existed, but I had planned everything out, and I had convinced myself that I could miss it. Yet, as I continued working in my hostel, almost every guest would tell me that Iguazu was a must-see. The more I heard of its beauty, the more I knew I needed to be there - it was calling me. I decided to change my travel plans, cancel my flights and hostels, and go all in on Iguazu. This was the best decision I have ever made. The second I saw the falls, I was brought to tears. The overwhelming beauty, might, and absolute freedom of the water reminded me of the greatness of our world and the privilege I have to experience it.

Early on in my travels I met a girl called Annabelle. Her and I quickly became friends, and ended up travelling together for 3 weeks. When we were on Siquijor, we were visited by my very close friend Leopold (who I had met at Pearson College). It was so cool having my new, and old friends with me, and I was reminded how special, and enduring friendship is! On this particular day we went cliff jumping and it was just magical!

this saturday, we harvested mamei and limes and madarines and ocra. this saturday we pealed the coffee beans, we rosted amd grinded them we drank it hot in an afternoon cup of coffee. we mixed our freshly grinded cocoa powder with "panela" (cane sugar) and we heated it until creamy - we ate our chocolate with the banana harvested last week.

my hands were first dirty with soil and leaves, the acidic smell of fresh lime impregnating my skin. my heart was full with my nourished soul, being fed not only food but love, regenerative energy and growth.

we'll change the saying from now on. i did not have a farm-to-table experience. had a soil-to-soul moment.