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An intuitive journey back to my solo travels

For the past few years I have had a fallback in writing. A lack of inspiration and a feeling that I had already written about "it all", or the things I really wanted to say at least. Perhaps it is the SSRI medication that for the past 4 years have been numbing (in a good way) my anxiety- but also keeping my head away from mind loops, or perhaps I just got to the end of it- let out all the biggest of Roars. 

But, whatever it is that has made me write less, I will make sure to not stop completely. I do enjoy this too after all, it is not only an outlet for something anxious, it was always supposed to be more than that. Something to lift spirits, bright up days, encourage others to live (or continue too) live their best and most for-filling lives.

So, I decided to go through my solo travels, one by one. Because what might not have been obvious through these text through the years (that is- mainly from the summer of 2016 forwards), is that I went on adventures, on my own (mostly) to some of the most incredible (far, isolated, friendly, wild) places I could think of. I might have mentioned my travels by a few sentences here and there, but I wanted to write to you what I felt, what I saw, what was easy what was hard- the bits that I still can remember of course. Take you (and myself) on a deep dive back. I wont share details on flights, ticket booking or any sort of detailed travel itinerary- those are for other blogs. But I want to go (and take you on) a journey. I love travelling, but rarely have the time (or even want too) focus on writing while experiencing it all- during that time I want to be there. But I love what ideas those trips can inspire, what they can bring back. 

I will write about adventures in the Faeroe Islands, Scotland, Stockholm, Finnish Lapland, A week in the middle of a forest and its Husky riding School, Lisbon (and that infamous ER day in Porto), Japan, South Korea, Canada and USA, Italy, Croatia, India, Nepal and Ireland. Mostly off the beaten (think tourist bus) path. I mostly make my own way (with careful planning) and use public transport wherever possible, and local advice as my guidance. 

Anyway, that will be then. 

Now a short catch up: I have been going to driving school for the past few months, just past the theory test on first try and have my driving test right ahead- just a few weeks away. I felt slightly ancient in class with all those 17-18 year olds, but a 60 year old motorbiker to be evened the score.To be honest it has actually been fun catching up with what I had left undone before, filling the gaps of my own youth. I also have far more patience and a grounded level in my head to be able to adjust too what driving and traffic requires from me. I am glad that I took the time.  

I terminated my rental agreement for my apartment where I have been living for over 5 years now. I will move out by then end of the year. I am going to New Zealand for 3 months (Working Holiday Visa). I figured I have still time before the clock turn 35 (the age-limit for a Finn to get a WH visa in NZ). The Economy is at a bad state there right now (as in everywhere), so I do not expect too much work with pay- but inspiration in the field of literature/bookselling, mainly volunteering/interning at independent bookshops of different kinds whilst exploring the breathtaking nature of Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand). In the far future (and in a better retail economy) I would want to open up, or co-run an inclusive and event hosting independent bookshop. Where is still an unanswered question. Until then I will be a nomadic bookseller- seasonally working (and finding inspiration) around the world. 

I translated a children's book that was recently published, The translation was from Swedish into English. The Translation has world English Rights, and I get 0,5 % royalty once its sold over 10 000 copies. 

I worked spring and most of the summer as a substitute at a residential family rehabilitation center. I really enjoyed the work and the people (mainly the team), but can not do shift work for long. Waking nights during the summer is tough enough, now we are just getting started on the darkest months up here in the north. Currently the sun sets around 4:30 pm.. 

I have worked at the annual book-fair this week, was mad busy. Other than that it has mainly been casual shifts in various social care settings (shifts are few and not often available until last minute due to the recent government imposed budget cuts in the care sector). But I am getting by, and can afford (and want to) live flexibly, so I feel lucky, despite the current circumstances. 

I just sold some of my furniture, and will sell some more, will aim to keep just a few boxes. Let go and start over once more. 

I have made sure to spend time and exercise with friends, a little improv theater, after work and brunch, whenever it fit their schedule or I wasn't down with a cold in my bed. I took part in facilitating a survival camp for grown up scouts and as it finished I swam in the lake (in the beginning of September), I felt alive. I did it spontaneously as the rays of the sun still warmed my back, I knew it would be the last time for this year, gave the light gratitude before it gradually went to hide. 

That is all for now, 
stay tuned for some upcoming adventure writing. 

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