Last Friday, the time had finally come. We set off for Barcelona to pick up Nacho from storage. At the end of my previous trip, I had left him there and flown back to the Netherlands. The plan was to continue traveling from Barcelona… but plans changed.

A good friend of mine, Jeff, had just finished converting his van into a camper, built to carry his motorcycle. Together with his brother, Marlon, they joined me on this trip. We left on Friday, March 27 at midnight and drove non-stop to Barcelona. Every three hours we switched drivers, stretched our legs, grabbed a drink, and occasionally refuelled.

The weather was terrible. Through Belgium and France we dealt with heavy rain and even wet snow. About three hours before reaching the Spanish border, the weather finally cleared up. It was obvious we had entered the Mediterranean region. But then came strong wind gusts, so we could not maintain high speed. We arrived in Barcelona around 9:30 PM after about 21 hours of driving.

I had saved a few parking spots on Google Maps, but the first one failed immediately. No vans or campers allowed, only trucks. We had to find another option. Parking security suggested a spot 8 km away, which was not practical. Two of our phones were dead, and the third had only 6%. My phone, with the saved locations, was also dead.

In the back of the van, Jeff had a large battery, but we needed the key to open the side door to access it. At the same time, we were afraid to turn off the engine. Earlier, during a fuel stop, the van would not start, and when it finally did, the battery warning light came on, indicating it was not charging. Still, we had no choice. We turned off the engine, opened the side door with the key to reach the battery, and quickly started the van again. Everything worked fine. It turned out heavy rain had caused a temporary connection issue. Relieved, we charged the phone, found the saved parking spot, and drove there.

If you know Barcelona, parking is difficult, especially for tall vehicles. But this spot worked. It was just behind Las Ramblas, so we carefully navigated the narrow streets and parked safely.

That gave us an instant energy boost. The Barcelona effect.

Jeff had the idea to bring our bicycles, so we all brought our own. Once parked, we grabbed the bicycles and rode to the Airbnb. That gave us an instant energy boost. The Barcelona effect. We were exhausted but happy to have made it.

After checking in, we dropped our bags and bicycles and went out for food. Despite being extremely tired, morale was high. We walked around the city and ended up at Marula Café for a drink before heading back. We fell asleep within a minute.

The next day, Sunday, we woke up slowly. No tight schedule. After breakfast, I played tour guide and showed them around Barcelona by bicycle. The weather was perfect. Sunny, not too hot, not too cold.

We visited the gothic neighbourhood, Cathedral de Barcelona, admire the Pont del Bisbe, Casa Batlló, Arc de Triomf/parc and the finally finished Sagrada Familia, where we sat on a bench for almost an hour just watching people. Then we rode to Barceloneta and relaxed by the beach. After that, we had an amazing paella at Bar Cal Chusco, a traditional restaurant in de La Barceloneta neighbourhood 3 minutes from the beach.

Later, after some resistance, I convinced them to ride to Plaza de España to catch the golden hour from the steps of the National Art Museum. It was a long ride, but the view was worth it. They complained, but now they have a story to tell.

Monday was the day to pick up Nacho and head back to the Netherlands.

That morning started chaotic. Someone tried to steal our bicycles parked outside the Airbnb. Jeff heard it, confronted the thief, and suddenly all three of us were outside in our underwear chasing him. He managed to escape, which was probably for the best. Meanwhile, we stood there half-naked, frustrated and disoriented, in front of a hotel restaurant full of people having breakfast. Not our finest moment.

After that, we laughed it off. We checked out, had breakfast, and rode back to the camper. Loaded everything up and headed to pick up Nacho.

It was close, but with Barcelona traffic it took about 20 minutes. At IMTBike Barcelona, they recognized me immediately and guided me to Nacho. There he was, happily waiting. Or maybe I was the happy one.

We loaded him into the van, secured him, talked a bit with the staff, great guys, very friendly and helpful. Then it was time to head back.

The return drive went smoothly. Dry weather allowed us to keep a good pace. We left around 1 PM and arrived home in the Netherlands at 7 AM. About 18 hours of driving, but it felt much faster.

That was the journey to pick up Nacho. Long, exhausting, but full of laughs. Barcelona always gives energy. Now I have also infected two of my friends with the Barcelona virus, I am sure they will go back again.

In the coming days, I will give Nacho some attention. Oil change, new filter, and a few small fixes. Then he goes up for sale so I can upgrade.

Thanks for reading.

HPPY TRVLS

So in 2026, I can finally move forward with my plans and dreams.

After my Euro trip in 2024, where I truly tasted the freedom I aspire to, something shifted. I did not change my plans. I refined them. I sharpened the focus and committed harder to making them real, exactly the way I want them to be. And for that, I need to go into monk mode for a while.

That means working and saving with intent. Fuck status! This is about building real wealth and real freedom for myself. At 50, designing my future life matters more than ever. Let’s be honest. If money were not an issue, nobody would work. I wouldn’t either. But that is not the reality. So for now, I hustle with a clear vision, consciously and sustainably, to build the life I aspire to. Think freedom. Motorcycle adventures, Hikes, Traveling. Doing things that bring me joy, when I want, where I want, and for as long as I want.

It is ironic. I have to temporarily give up freedom to reboot freedom later.

That is where monk mode comes in. Focused. Quiet. No distractions. With a little help from AI, I even created an image to capture the feeling. So if you do not hear much from me for a while, now you know why.

When the plans move from vision to execution, I will document them on video. Until then, stay tuned.

Are you working on your future life?

HPPY TRVLS

When you travel the way I did, on a motorcycle and sleeping in a tent as often as possible, you start living at the most basic level of life. Where am I sleeping tonight. What am I going to eat. Do I have enough water. When will I wash my clothes. Simple questions, yet they shape your entire day. Not calendars, not notifications, not the constant noise we have normalized at home.

Modern life is built to remove friction. One tap and food arrives at your door. One button and your laundry disappears from your awareness. Convenience everywhere. Comfort everywhere. And without noticing, we lose touch with the value of simple actions.

On the road, that comfort fades. Cooking becomes a conscious act. You feel the ingredients, the heat, the time it takes. Washing clothes by hand is no longer a chore you outsource to a machine, but a moment of presence. Water matters. Time matters. Effort matters.

I noticed how these basic rituals brought me back to my core. There was clarity in repetition. Calm in simplicity. A quiet satisfaction in taking care of the fundamentals yourself. No rush. No shortcuts. Just doing what needs to be done.

That is the magic of basic living while traveling. It reminds you that happiness does not come from speed or abundance, but from awareness. From being involved in your own life again.

When everything is reduced to the essentials, you start to feel grounded. Alive. Connected. And you realize that the simple things were never small at all.

This experience was something I truly needed. It did not happen instantly. It took time, about three to four weeks, before I fully dropped into that rhythm. But once I did, it was gold. A real return to the foundation of who you are.

But the truth is, everything happens exactly when it is meant to. No sooner, no later.

I deeply value that I allowed myself the time to go through that process instead of rushing it. Even today, I still feel the calm it brought into my life. A lasting sense of inner quiet that stayed with me long after the journey continued.

Looking back, I could say I should have done this much earlier. But the truth is, everything happens exactly when it is meant to. No sooner, no later.

Disconnecting from the world, work, noise, and expectations and returning to the core is something I would recommend to anyone. Step away from it all. Strip life back to the basics. It will do real wonders.

HPPY TRVLS

The ride from Potes to León via the N-621 in Spain is pure magic for motorcyclists. This road cuts straight through the Picos de Europa and the Montaña de Riaño, delivering winding asphalt, constant elevation changes, and a deep sense of freedom.

Right after leaving Potes, you enter the dramatic Desfiladero de la Hermida . A 21 km gorge where towering cliffs rise on both sides while the Deva River flows alongside you. The road twists effortlessly through the rock, pulling you deeper into the mountains.

Not just a road you ride, but one you carry with you.

As you climb higher, the landscape opens up at Puerto de San Glorio at 1,609 meters. This is a mandatory stop. Crisp mountain air, endless views, and that quiet moment where you realize how special this ride really is.

Then comes the heart of the journey: Montaña de Riaño. Rolling green mountains, calm stretches of road, and the breathtaking Riaño Reservoir, often called the Spanish Fjords. Riding here feels almost unreal, like the world has slowed down just for you.

The final stretch toward León gradually shifts from rugged mountain scenery to wide Castilian plains. The road relaxes, but the feeling stays. The N-621 blends flow, height, curves, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Not just a road you ride, but one you carry with you.

Have you ever ridden this road?
If not, it’s absolutely worth adding to your list

HPPY TRVLS

While organising my photos, I came across fun memories from the past. There were also sad ones, pictures of people no longer in my life and family members who have passed. The photos from my 2024 Motorcycle Euro Trip truly make me happy. That trip was the best thing I could have done for myself, and I cannot wait to hit the road again… to be continued.

Now I have more peace in my life, which gives me space to focus and enjoy the things that truly matter.

Going through the photo’s of my trip reminded me of all the places where I worked on content for my vlogs and blogs. It gives me a deep sense of fulfilment. It is exactly what I was looking for, freedom. With every mile, I felt like shedding my old self like a snake. All the pain, frustration, and limiting beliefs fell off my shoulders. Now I have more peace in my life, which gives me space to focus and enjoy the things that truly matter.

These photos represent that feeling every time I look back. I often revisit my vlogs just to enjoy the memories. I highly recommend making videos, taking photos, and writing blogs or journaling. The future you will be thankful. Today it’s Friday, the perfect moment to write a blog and share some of the weirdest, most memorable places where I worked during my 90-day Motorcycle Euro Trip.

Now I am curious, are you also a nerd like me who archives everything on a self-made dedicated server? How do you do it? How do you archive your photos and videos?

HPPY TRVLS

A Mix of Backgrounds, But No Sense of Belonging

My heritage is diverse: my mother is Venezuelan, my father is Surinamese, and I was born on the island of Curaçao. At the age of ten, I moved to the Netherlands. For many, this would create a rich cultural identity, but for me, it never felt like a foundation. Instead of feeling at home anywhere, I always felt like an outsider, not because I was excluded, but because I never intrinsically belonged.

For a long time, I questioned why. Why didn’t I feel the same emotional attachment to culture as others? Why didn’t I have the deep-rooted need to hold onto traditions or collective identities.

After much self-reflection, I realized that my identity is not defined by culture but by something much deeper, who I am on the inside. To me, culture is just a variable; it can have an influence, but it does not define me. While others find security in traditions, dogmas and group identities, I seek my own truth. I gather knowledge and experiences from different sources and shape my own ideology.

This has always made me different. In a world where most people need a collective identity, encountering someone who thinks completely autonomously can be unsettling. And that comes with challenges.

Because I don’t conform to group thinking, I’ve often noticed that people feel uncomfortable with my way of thinking, expressing and living. Society is built on communities, on the idea that you belong somewhere, think certain way and share the same imposed beliefs. But what if you don’t? What if you choose to carve your own path?

Over the years, I’ve seen that people I met both in friendships and romantic relationships, eventually gravitated back to the safety of culture, the system, and dogmas. And every time, a disconnect formed because I simply didn’t feel the same need. This led to many relationships, both platonic and romantic, falling apart.

In the past, this made me sad. The feeling of rejection and misunderstanding was painful. But as I grew older, traveled more, and gained wisdom, I became stronger. I learned that my path is one I must walk alone. Not necessarily because I want to, but because it’s simply the reality of who I am.

Cosmopolitan: The Only Label That Fits

If I had to place myself in a box, I would call myself a cosmopolitan, a world citizen. Not because I have no origins, but because I refuse to be defined by them. I don’t feel at home in one culture but rather in the world as a whole.

Perhaps there are people out there who truly resonate with my way of thinking, who view the world as freely and independently as I do. But so far, I haven’t met them. And that’s okay. For now, this is my solitary journey not loneliness, but a conscious choice to stay true to myself. Because in the end, that’s what matters most to me.

Have you ever felt like you don’t fully belong to any one culture? How do you define your identity?

HPPY TRVLS

I hope you’re having an amazing weekend. It’s been 5 months since I got back from my motorcycle trip through Europe and about 3 months since my last vlog/blog post. Time to catch you up!

Things are moving along here, and I’ve been busy working on recordings that I’ll share with you next year.
It’s a podcast, don’t tell anyone, okay So, keep an eye on the site or my Facebook page or subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already!

For now, I thought it’d be fun to share two older short travel videos with you.

The first one is from Barcelona in 2015—my very first visit to this amazing city.

The second video is also from 2015, and it’s about my first time in Venice—another incredible city.

I’d say, sit back, enjoy, and let me know what you think.
Did these videos inspire you to visit one of these cities yourself?

HPPY TRVLS

On the motorcycle, you feel every vibration, bump, and subtle shift in the weather, immersing you even more deeply in the journey. This truth struck me once again on my recent journey from Granada to Almería, a route that didn’t fails to amaze me. As I drove along the Carretera Nacional A-348 through the Sierra Nevada National Park, the ever-changing scenery was a continuous source of wonder and awe.

One of the highlights was passing by the Embalse de Canales, a stunning reservoir near Vélez de Benaudalla, Granada. The turquoise waters set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains were nothing short of breathtaking. I found myself compelled to pull over, just to take in the view and let the serenity of the place wash over me.

The Tabernas Desert feels like stepping into another world.

Continuing on the road to Almería, the landscape transformed dramatically as I entered the region of Tabernas. Known as the only desert in Europe, the Tabernas Desert feels like stepping into another world. The arid, rugged terrain, with its unique rock formations and endless horizons, evokes a sense of solitude and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s no wonder this area has been used as a backdrop for countless films its raw beauty is cinematic in itself.

Each twist and turn of the road offered new surprises, whether it was the sight of the almond trees in full bloom near Guadix or the expansive views of the Mediterranean as I neared Almería. The journey urged me to slow down and engage all five of my senses, truly absorbing the environment around me.

Experiences like these do more than just create memories; they leave a lasting impact. The beauty of nature has a unique way of grounding you, helping you appreciate the world in its most authentic and purest form. And secretly, I’m finding myself increasingly addicted to this feeling the rush of freedom that comes from overland travel. 

This journey from Granada to Almería, along with many of the early routes on my trip around Europe, didn’t just fulfill my wanderlust; it satisfied a deeper need for absolute freedom and connection to the world around me. Each trip reinforces this desire, making every overland adventure not just a journey through space, but a journey within as well.

What’s your perspective on this?

HPPY TRVLS

Days traveling

90

Total distance

8310 km

Fuel used

579L

Campsites

32

Countries

Belgium
France
Spain
Portugal
Morocco
Gibraltar

However, after 32 campsites where I never quite got the rest I needed, fatigue started to set in. I noticed it especially when I re-entered Spain from Portugal; my enthusiasm for exploring began to wane. The heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius, didn’t help either. I had to force myself out of my tent or Airbnb each day. I made a clear agreement with myself: things need to stay fun and enjoyable. As soon as they start feeling like a burden, it’s time to make a change.

And that’s exactly what I did. Ever since Valencia, I had been thinking that I needed to take some time to rest. But staying longer in one place would cost me money. On top of that, my rear tire was due for replacement. It’s designed to last about 5,000 km, but I had pushed it to 7,500 km. ?

So I thought I’d replace the tire in Barcelona, rest for a few days, and then continue on my way. But when I started looking for an ideal place to pause my journey, store my bike, and fly back home, the options were limited. Since I’m already somewhat familiar with Barcelona, and it’s an easy city to fly in and out of from the Netherlands, I thought, “You know what? This is a good moment to stop, rest, and process all the amazing experiences I’ve had.” Even good memories need time to be fully absorbed.

So that’s exactly what I did. I arranged storage for Nacho, where he can stay safe, dry, and well taken care of. I booked a cheap ticket and spent a few more days chilling in Barcelona.

I think it’s an amazing city! I even shed a tear when it was time to leave. I didn’t want to stop or go back. But my body thought otherwise. And so did my bank account. Due to a couple of unexpected expenses with Nacho, my trip got shortened a bit. But don’t get me wrong… I’m not complaining, and these aren’t excuses. My journey was, in one word: I N C R E D I B L E !

My journey was, in one word:
I N C R E D I B L E !

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I can now say with certainty that this is the freedom I’ve been searching for. Sure… there were days when I didn’t speak to anyone… So I spent a lot of time in deep conversation with myself, revisiting and re-examining past situations. With every kilometer I traveled, it felt like I was shedding old layers, like a snake shedding its skin. This process made my soul feel lighter and gave me more room to simply be and enjoy life. So, if there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this: take that trip. You don’t have to do it on a motorcycle like I did, but go on a solo journey and see the world. It will do you a world of good! As for me… I’m going to make this my career. Hahaha, seriously!

But aside from that, I had the time of my life. I saw and experienced amazing things. Traveling by motorcycle means you feel every bump in the road and every temperature change as you move through different landscapes. All of this made my experience even richer. Now I’m even more certain that I want to see the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, that requires money. So now, I’ll rest for a month, then start looking for work. I’ll work for about 10 months, and then I’ll be off again! 

The great thing is that I now have plenty of wonderful memories to savor. As I’m busy editing the rest of my videos, I get to relive everything all over again, and that feels amazing. So if you haven’t subscribed to my channel yet, now’s your chance! From Seville to Barcelona, I’ve got lots of exciting experiences to share with you.

But you, as a reader, can challenge me too! Feel free to ask me questions about my experiences, the places I’ve visited, and more. You can ask your questions here. I will collect them all an I’ll answer them in a separate video.

And if like what i’m doing and you’d like to support me, check out this page where you can read all about how to do that.

HPPY TRVLS

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Thank you.

HPPY TRVLS