The days were intense, with little sleep and loads of adventures, experiences and knowledge to absorb—an immersion in nature and photography. I'm here to write the retrospective memories of this unforgettable journey. In parts, I want to share what we've seen, what we experienced and the feelings it brought up in me.

After spending three weeks on the cacao coast in Brazil, here is what I learned about this sweet delight - from the production to the terminology to the benefits of consuming it.

It has been two months now since I arrived in Brazil. Always when I come back, it is a time of transformation. A rollercoaster of emotions. A period of contemplation about various elements (internal and external). 

A little retrospective. 2022 was a compilation of accomplishments, frustrations, epiphanies, growth, moments of desperation, development and learnings, all between cries and spurs of complete happiness. 

After 2,5 years without a proper routine, adapting to a new location every ten days and mostly eating restaurant food, my body and mind started asking for attention. A change is needed. A break from all. A step outside the buzz to realign routes and understand how to make this lifestyle more sustainable.

Switzerland, oh Switzerland…We’ve always had a bit of a special relationship. What initially started as excitement soon transformed into hate until I gave you a second chance and tried again.

Experiences and encounters that make their mark. A philosophical talk with a mountain sweeper on the famous hiking routes of Zermatt and the life learnings retrieved from it.

What initiated as a stream of uncertainties and question marks was a pivotal turning point to a life I did not know before even existed - a creative reality where you can choose your steps or simply let it freely flow if you prefer.

Two years ago, because of the pandemic, she lost her job at a restaurant in the Czech Republic and moved to Switzerland. Little did Sarka know she was about to unveil a hidden talent and passion.

The work in the kitchen is all about speed, focus, coordination and collaboration. Each one is responsible for their station - starters, protein-related ingredients, side dishes, patisserie…and the one who assembles it all. The timing must be perfect ⏰

The month of May has been mainly dedicated to networking, restructuring, realigning and working on administrative and “behind the scenes” tasks 🚀 here to my favourite sport in Zurich to focus.

The unusual patchwork beauty of in-between seasons. It’s the second time I find myself in the mountains in this in-between season. Old snow still resides in a few areas, and the village is empty of visitors.

Exactly 12 years ago, on February 20th, 2010, I woke up in Switzerland for the first time without knowing when I would leave again. Not knowing that this would be the place I would call home for the following 12 years.

I'm sure we've all been there in one or another way. That feeling of not belonging. Of being an outsider, feeling out of place, a little fish out of the water.

Do you know those moments of epiphany? When suddenly everything seems to make more sense? A moment of realisation.

After two months in my home country, Brazil, spending time with family and friends, recovering the energy and aligning thoughts, it is time to properly kickstart the year.

Coming back to where I've spent my childhood and adolescence always comes with memories of how things once were. A certain kind of nostalgia and flashes of who I once was and the reality I used to live.