Melanie’s Seoul Search

Melanie, a dynamic senior manager at a Dublin tech startup, had always lived her life at a frenetic pace, but recently, moments of introspection about her personal life had begun to seep in. To clear her mind and gain new perspectives, she decided on a solo journey to South Korea, intrigued by its vibrant culture and the stark contrasts between tradition and modernity.
Landing in Seoul, Melanie was instantly swept up in the energy of the city. The mix of historical palaces standing proudly among towering skyscrapers seemed to mirror her own internal juxtaposition of career ambitions and personal desires. Her first stop was Gyeongbokgung Palace, where she wandered through the grand halls and vast courtyards, contemplating the complexities of her own life as she observed the simplicity of the ancient architecture.
Eager to dive deeper into Korean culture, Melanie enrolled in a short cooking class to learn how to make kimchi and other traditional dishes. The hands-on experience connected her with locals and fellow travelers, weaving the kind of human connections she often missed in her busy life. Each recipe told a story, much like the chapters of her life she was trying to author in a more fulfilling way.
In the evenings, Melanie explored the neon-lit streets of Myeongdong, where the youthful vibrancy of Seoul was on full display. Amid the bustling night markets, she tried street food like tteokbokki and hotteok, each bite a delightful explosion of flavors, reminding her of the diversity and spice she wanted to add to her own life.
A day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) offered a stark reflection on division and unity, prompting her to think about the divisions in her own life between her career and personal fulfillment. The quiet tension at the border was a poignant reminder of her internal struggles and the bridges she needed to build towards her own happiness.
Seeking tranquility, Melanie took a high-speed train to the coastal city of Busan. The change of scenery to the calming beaches and the sound of waves helped her to meditate on what changes she needed to make in her life. Walking along Haeundae Beach, she felt a sense of peace as she watched families and couples enjoy simple moments together, a lifestyle she realized she yearned for amidst her ambitious career track.
One of the most transformative parts of her journey was attending a traditional tea ceremony in a serene garden in Busan. The deliberate, thoughtful preparation of the tea and the quiet, mindful consumption encouraged her to think about the importance of being present and savoring the moment, not just in tea but in life itself.
Throughout her travels, Melanie kept a journal, documenting not just her daily experiences, but also her reflections and revelations. This journal became a trusted companion, capturing her evolving thoughts on balancing a career with personal happiness and relationships.
Returning to Dublin, Melanie felt revitalized. Her journey to South Korea had not only introduced her to a new culture but had also sparked a deeper understanding of her own needs and aspirations. She returned with a renewed commitment to finding balance, inspired to infuse her life with the same harmony and serenity that she had experienced in the tea gardens and palaces of Korea.
Back at work, Melanie shared her experiences with her colleagues, her stories infused with newfound wisdom and a sense of calm. She knew that the journey was just the beginning of a broader exploration of her life’s purpose and the paths she wanted to pursue, both in her career and her personal life.
…Scandinavian Adventure

Stacey had always been a woman with a deep sense of purpose. Working high up in a large charity in the bustling city of London, she dedicated her life to making a difference in the world. But there was another side to Stacey, a side that yearned for adventure and exploration beyond the confines of her office walls.
In her early 30s, Stacey was a vivacious and independent woman who had never settled down. Marriage and children had always been on the horizon, but they remained just out of reach as she dedicated herself to her career. Lately, however, the desire to start a family had begun to play on her mind more and more, and she felt the need to find a balance between her work and personal life.
One chilly autumn evening, while sipping on her favorite cup of Earl Grey tea, Stacey had a revelation. She realized that in order to find that balance, she needed to take a step back from her demanding job and indulge in the very thing that made her heart race – adventure. She decided it was time to embark on a journey, a soul-searching adventure that would not only rejuvenate her spirit but also help her come to terms with the idea of settling down.
Scandinavia had always intrigued Stacey with its rugged landscapes, enchanting fjords, and vibrant cities. The idea of exploring the region had lingered in the back of her mind for years. Now, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into a reality.
With her adventurous spirit reignited, Stacey began planning her Scandinavian adventure. She researched the best destinations, mapped out her itinerary, and booked her flights. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as she prepared for her journey.
Her first stop was Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Stacey wandered through the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the historic old town, marveling at the colorful buildings and charming boutiques. She explored the city’s modern side as well, visiting contemporary art galleries and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. It was a stark contrast to her busy life in London, and she relished every moment of it.
From Stockholm, Stacey ventured to Norway, where she explored the breathtaking Norwegian fjords. She hiked along the rugged trails, stood in awe of cascading waterfalls, and even took a thrilling ride on the Flåm Railway. The untouched beauty of the Norwegian countryside made her feel small and insignificant in the best possible way, reminding her of the vastness of the world beyond her career.
As she traveled through Scandinavia, Stacey met fellow adventurers from all over the world. They shared stories by the campfire in Lapland, marveled at the Northern Lights, and trekked through the Arctic wilderness. These connections reminded her that there was more to life than the daily grind, and she began to understand the importance of nurturing her own happiness and fulfillment.
Stacey’s Scandinavian adventure was transformative in many ways. It allowed her to reconnect with her adventurous spirit and explore the world with newfound enthusiasm. But it also gave her the clarity she needed about her personal life. She realized that while she cherished her career, the desire for marriage and family was still a part of her dreams.
Upon returning to London, Stacey found herself more balanced and content. She continued to work passionately for her charity, but she also made space in her life for socializing and dating. She knew that the right person would come along when the time was right.
Stacey’s journey to Scandinavia had not only been a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery. It had taught her that life was a delicate balance of work, adventure, and personal fulfillment, and that she could have it all, on her terms.
…How To Become a Travel Photographer

Do you enjoy traveling and remembering the places you visit? Do you like sharing those memorable moments with people? If your answer is affirmative to these questions, you might be destined to become a travel photographer. If this is something you’ve always dreamed about, follow the steps below to become a professional travel photographer and earn from it.
Set Your Goals
Before setting out to travel the world snapping photos, you must set your goals. First, decide which types of images interest you most and can also attract viewers. Next, decide whether you want to work as a freelancer and create a photo gallery or work with a publication agency. Lastly, work on your travel and equipment budget.
Take a Course In Photography
Taking professional photographs isn’t as simple as you might think. A lot goes into producing high-quality photos and even edit them. Though you can teach yourself to take photographs using the many available online resources, it pays to take a course.
When you enroll in a course, experienced professionals will mentor you and advise you on which niches are profitable. They will also help you choose the best photography equipment. You can get travel photography courses from KelbyOne, CreativeLive, Udemy, and YouTube, among others.
Go For an Internship
Once you complete a photography course, you need an internship opportunity to hone your skills. Studying under a professional photographer will provide you valuable experience that can help you choose your subjects and take stunning photos. For photography internships, visit Internships.com.
Pick a Photography Niche
For you to be more productive, you must narrow down to a particular niche. Being a jack of all trades can lead to burnout and poor sales. Picking a niche is as easy as finding your main interest. You can focus on architecture, food, cultural events and landmarks, art, people, wildlife, natural wonders, or landscapes.
If you have the energy, you can combine a few of those interests, but it’s advisable to pick the one that interests you most. Even after picking a niche, it’s still imperative to focus on a specific realm, aesthetic, technique, or subject matter so you can tell a story with your photography.
Purchase Photography Equipment
With the help of a mentor, you can buy all the pieces of equipment and accessories you need for your work. Always have a high-quality camera with high resolution. Preferably, you should have compact and waterproof cameras. Most professional photographers prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and Fujifilm X-T2. Also, get high-quality accessories like tripods, drones, bags, etc.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Before applying for a passport to travel out of your country, practice within your country until you are satisfied you can do a good job. Photography is an art that needs practice. Do not get discouraged when your first few shots aren’t impressive. The more photos you take, the better they will become.
Ask friends and family to review your photos and make suggestions. You can also study other photographers to see what they are doing. Pick photographers in your niche and try to mimic them. Photographers like Maggie Steber, Blake Gordon, Stephanie Sinclair, Palani Mohan, and Paul Nicklen can inspire you.
Travel and Take Photos
After training, completing your internship, buying equipment, and practicing, you are now ready to travel and start snapping. Choose exotic destinations that can draw viewers’ attention. Once you take the photos, you can promote them through your blog or online portfolio.
You can also use your social media profiles to promote your photos and participate in photography contests. You can earn money by selling the prints, posting your shots on stock image websites, or submitting them to lifestyle and travel magazines.
Final Thoughts
Being a travel photographer is not a difficult thing. It only takes hard work, passion and dedication. With the right knowledge, practise and consistency, you can become one of the best travel photographer in the world.
8 Best Music Festivals in Europe

Summer in Europe has been known to be fantastic for a long time. Fans from all over the world flock to the continent to share and enjoy music, courtesy of Europe’s electrifying music scene. Our removals guy is always going to music festivals. Hundreds of music festivals covering everything from hip-hop, electric, pop, and rock, to classical music, go down yearly, and music fans never have enough of the sunny season. If you are wondering what events top the European music scene, here are the best eight music festivals in Europe.
Tomorrowland, Belgium
Tomorrowland is on every music lover’s bucket list, sampling the best electronic music from the best worldwide. It is known for its extreme attention to detail, spectacular show staging, and an outstanding lineup that attracts quite a crowd. The festival takes place in July every year in Boom, Belgium, some 20 miles north of the capital, Brussels. It was first held in 2005 and has grown into a global marvel.
Glastonbury Festival, UK
Glastonbury is among the world’s most renowned performing arts festivals embracing all genres. Fans are served an exciting, life-changing weekend with an incredible lineup that keeps getting hotter every year. Melomaniacs flock to the south England town of Pilton in June every year, with over 200,000 in attendance. The festival is a worldwide wonder that tickets sell out very fast, so it is easier to book accommodation for the festival late than to get a ticket days before the event.
Exit Festival, Serbia
Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad is considered one of the best event venues in the world. This award-winning Serbian festival, held annually during summer at the Petrovaradin Fortress, treats fans to a four-day-long musical delight with spectacular stage setups and exhilarating performances from some of the world’s most prominent artists and DJs. In short, this is one of Europe’s hottest summer music festivals. You cannot afford to miss it.
AMF, Netherlands
Also known as the Amsterdam Music Festival, AMF has grown to become EDM’s main festival, with performances from the biggest names in dance music. The one-night event takes place in October in Jogan Cruijiff Arena, the largest stadium in Amsterdam, to accommodate the 70,000 plus EDM royalties from all over Europe and the world. Dance the night away as you enjoy the best dance music from a perfectly curated lineup and a playlist from top-performing EDM DJs.
Sziget Festival, Hungary
The Sziget festival is a magical music fest held on Obuda Island, right at the heart of Budapest. The 5-day festival attracts over 550,000 music fans from over 70 countries to witness over a thousand performances from the best of pop, rock, and indie music. Summer in Hungary has never been the same for almost three decades, and this grand multicultural festival improves yearly.
Time Warp, Germany
Time Warp is Germany’s flagship event held in Mannheim every year. For nearly three decades, the festival has treated electronic and techno music lovers with groundbreaking performances from the best in the techno music scenes. However, the 2022 edition of the Time Warp Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19 but is set to be back, bigger and better, in 2023.
Isle of Wight Festival, UK
The festival is a headline hitter, with its founders looking to change the face of festival cultures through the event. The festival features an insane lineup of legendary artists and has been on for over 50 years seeking to pay homage to its history.
Openair Frauenfeld, Switzerland
Openair Frauenfeld festival is one for the books. It takes place in the Swiss city attracting over 130,000 event goers since 1985. This is the largest open-air event in Switzerland and the most significant hip-hop music festival in Europe. Revellers can purchase camping or day tickets as the event is held in a secure nature reserve in Frauenfeld.
Final Thoughts
These are some of Europe’s most fancied music festivals, and tickets sell out days beforehand. Get your 2023 summer groove early enough by purchasing tickets to these magical events in advance.
10 best places to visit in Brazil
Brazil is an incredibly diverse and exciting country, full of beautiful natural wonders, vibrant culture, and extraordinary experiences. Here are ten of the best places to explore when visiting Brazil:

1. Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic cities in Brazil – it’s known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest-covered hills, and its famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Visit to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, cultural events like the Carnival, breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain or Corcovado, fun cable car rides at Pão de Açucar, and even some great shopping options.
2. Iguazu Falls: Located along the borders of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is among the world’s most impressive waterfalls. The combination of 275 individual cascades make up an overwhelming display of raw power that must be seen in person to truly appreciate. Take a boat ride beneath the falls for a close-up view!
3. Salvador de Bahia: Located on the northeastern coast of Brazil and known as “The Black Rome” due to its African influences (Bahia was one of the first entry points for slaves brought from Africa), Salvador has a unique energy with amazing architecture (like its baroque churches) and culture which bring locals out into the streets for music, dance and celebration! Plus fantastic food choices!
4. Amazon Rainforest: The largest tropical rainforest in the world stretches across nine countries including Brazil – offering some of the most incredible biodiversity anywhere on Earth. From remote indigenous tribes to piranhas to giant anacondas – there’s something here for everyone who loves nature! Kayak through flooded forests looking for wildlife or take part in conservation efforts while you explore this amazing place!
5. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: Named after its white sand dunes resembling an endless field of blankets (lençóis means “pillows” in Portuguese), this national park offers breathtaking landscapes unlike any other on earth – surrounded by bright blue lagoons created by rainwater pools among these dune fields! It’s also home to many endangered species so you can also observe wildlife like manatees and pink dolphins while exploring here too!
6. Pantanal Wetlands: As one of South America’s largest wetlands ecosystems located between Brazil and Bolivia – Pantanal is home to some incredible wildlife like giant river otters, jaguars & caiman! Whether you go on a safari by jeep or take it slow by canoeing downriver – this area offers great bird watching opportunities & fishing trips too if you’re looking for something more relaxing during your visit!
7. Bonito: Bonito is considered one of Brazil’s best ecotourism destinations – with pristine rivers teeming with fish so clear that you can see them swimming beneath you as you swim over them – plus nearby caves filled with crystalline rock formations waiting to be explored! There are plenty more parks & reserves around Bonito that offer trekking tours with local guides who can help show off all kinds of animals & plants as well as ancient petroglyphs scattered throughout this region too – making it a great place to learn about local history & culture while enjoying nature at its finest too!
8. Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: This remote island chain located off Brazil’s northeastern coast is made up mostly undeveloped islands surrounded by crystal clear waters filled with colorful marine life such as sea turtles & dolphins – plus plenty coral reefs waiting beneath the surface just waiting to be explored too!! If visiting in June-July there may even be chances to see humpback whales passing through during their annual migration route so keep your eyes peeled!!
9. Chapada Diamantina National Park: This national park located near Lencois offers fantastic hiking trails through canyons filled with waterfalls & rock formations ranging from sheer cliffsides towering above tropical jungles down below – perfect for both adventure lovers & photographers who want to capture this stunning scenery! There are plenty of local guides who can help you explore the park safely so be sure to book your adventure in advance if planning to visit this area!
10. Olinda: If you’re looking for a more relaxed, cultural experience while visiting Brazil – check out the town of Olinda! Located outside of Recife, Olinda features some amazing architecture and cobblestone streets filled with shops and cafes – perfect for enjoying some time off after all that sightseeing & exploring! Stroll through green parks and gardens or marvel at sculptures throughout the city as you unwind.