What was the last year like? For me, it was completely unplanned, although it might seem otherwise. Fortunately, I didn’t share my plans here because their execution varied greatly. However, looking back, the past year seems to have followed some sort of pattern.
Certainly, it was not the case because, more precisely, at this time, I was supposed to be living in another country on a different continent. In 2022, we had a visa and a plan to kick-start things. However, due to various circumstances, we couldn’t manage it. Perhaps it will work out next year (or maybe not).
Reflecting on this year, I realized that ten years ago, in 2014, I began searching for my “end of the world.” Back then, I went to the Turkish city of Mersin for the Erasmus program.
Someday, I will summarize these ten years, but for now, I’ll just write about how 2023 was. In one word: surprising. ?
Visited Places
Let me start with travels (after all, it is a travel blog!).
A lot happened this year, and I certainly can’t count the number of places I visited. The most important thing this year was that I had a great time. I revisited many attractions several times (Moszna Castle or Niemodlin), returned to others after years (Rock City in the Czech Republic). There were also new countries like Portugal, Kenya, or Thailand – fulfilling my dreams, such as safari or a visit to Disneyland.
- England / United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Germany
- Portugal
- Hungary
- Romania
- Kenya
- Czech Republic
- and, of course, Poland
I’m not counting countries where I set foot, like the United Arab Emirates or Austria. ?
2023 Professionally
I’ll start by saying that throughout the year, I did what I love and found satisfaction in it. I managed to complete several major (and many minor) projects that brought me both satisfaction and income.
In February and March, I worked remotely from Spain, specifically Catalonia. It was a pleasant and sunny time during which I could explore this interesting region and recharge my batteries for the upcoming busy spring (and summer) season.
I collaborated with many organizations and companies, achieving the intended results. Tangible results, high reach – I was also pleased that it turned out to be interesting. Many projects came ad-hoc, so I could test myself in organizing work while traveling professionally for a month (Paris, Switzerland, Thailand, Germany, and only free weekends for a campaign for Avis).
In May, I was chosen by the Thai Tourism Organization as the media representative from Poland at the TTM+ fair in Bangkok.
Apart from selling our photos to various companies, this year, my and Maciek’s photos appeared on postage stamps promoting Poland, specifically the Lubusz Voivodeship.
In August, my new book was released – “Guide for Those Considering Emigration,” which I co-wrote with a group of people living abroad. I am very proud of this.
I have often appeared in the media, talking about travels or my new book.
I returned to recording the podcast in a slightly different form – conversations and interviews.
I primarily do this part for myself so that I can see how much happened because I quickly forget and say, “Oh, I think I’ve been lazing around all year.” Later, when I tell Maciek, he can open this summary and say, “Well, I don’t think so.” ?
Unrealized Things
I won’t beat around the bush that everything went according to my plan. I had slightly different plans, and fate had its own way (perhaps even better). During the season, I had a lot of work, so I didn’t have time for social meetings (which I made up for as much as possible later).
It happened that a tentatively agreed-upon campaign was canceled just before (it happens). Sometimes it turned out that I didn’t fit the profile. On the other hand, I could have completed more projects that I didn’t take on. I rejected advertisements related to politics and inconsistent with my worldview. What saddened me the most was that after a month of traveling, a proposal for a cool two to three-week trip came up. During this time, I worked intensively on my new book and knew I couldn’t agree to it: a day has only 24 hours, and another trip would have harmed my relationship. Some things are important, and some are more important.
Sometimes I had too much on my plate; sometimes I had to argue about something, sometimes I learned a lesson I didn’t want. I made mistakes. But I won’t list how many things didn’t go according to my plan because it was a really good year, probably even better than my initial plan.
Good Things
The most joy (which makes up our lives) this year came from observing nature and long walks in search of wildlife, especially birds. I ate a lot of delicious things, and it’s hard to say what was the tastiest (probably mieng pla in Thailand), but the best wine I found in Germany and Portugal. This year, I met a lot of friendly and funny people whom I didn’t introduce here, yet relationships with people bring the most to my life. Traditionally, I spent the most time with Maciek, working, traveling, or doing nothing. ?
Thank You!
It’s already the New Year, 2024, and I would like to take a moment to thank you. It was an extraordinary year full of inspiration and challenges. Thank you for being with me over the past twelve months. Your questions and suggestions were a source of motivation for me to continue creating valuable content.
I wish you all the best in 2024! May it be as you dream it (or even better)!
