Following a breakup, I felt defeated and drained. Once again, everything I had worked to build had crumbled. I had been striving for independence, attempting to break free from the system. Sadly, external circumstances and my trusting others’ choices caused my plan’s collapse.

Later I realized that I was having trouble letting go…

I had tried my best to avoid working under a boss, but it was inevitable that I had to get back to it. Going back to work made me feel somewhat ashamed, even though I wasn’t entirely sure who or what  I was ashamed of. I felt like I had failed, and my motivation hit rock bottom.  Later I realized that I was having trouble letting go of the situation and therefore felt like I had failed. It was as if I had to relearn the basics of life, from walking to reading and writing. With a heavy heart, I began the job search and eventually returned to the workforce because I knew it was necessary to achieve my dreams of independence and ultimate freedom.

I ended up working as machine operator in a textile factory that produces and distributes fashion fabrics, for the West and Central African market. Having managed my own working hours for over a decade, I had to readapt to the routine of a 9-to-5 job once again.

In this new environment, the daily work routine and the camaraderie with my colleagues played a significant role in helping me find myself again. My coworkers, mostly regular guys, all from different cultural backgrounds, possessed practicality, humor, and a strong work ethic. Their attitude had a positive impact on me.

Seeing my colleagues show up every day, despite their own challenges and demotivation, made me realize that my own problems weren’t that bad as they seemed. It was still tough, and I had to adjust to the three-shift schedule with 15 more months to go, but the support of my colleagues at work helped me gradually regain my footing, both professionally and personally.

But… last Friday (8 dec), the corridor rumors proved true. The company was facing challenges, leading to layoffs. Unfortunately, I was among those affected, as my contract wasn’t extended. This didn’t bother me at all, as my original plan was to work for just one year to save up for travel. Surprisingly, they allowed me to stop working immediately, and they’ll reimburse all my expenses until my contract ends in February. What initially seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After 10 months, I’m done working. I was quite happy about that. But, of course, it meant saying goodbye to my coworkers. The next day, I brought a cake to the evening shift to say a proper and respectful goodbye.

Interestingly, my colleagues have no idea how much they contributed to my recovery. This blog is a way to express my gratitude to them and acknowledge the often unspoken challenges that men face in society. They may not talk about it, but they continue to show up every day, and for that, we should be more thankful and appreciative.

With deep appreciation, I extend my gratitude to all of my colleagues.

HPPY TRVLS

June travels

THAT’S ME!

F.a.q.

TAKE ME THERE!

50 random facts about me

EVERYTHING YOU NEED KNOW

Hi there! Welcome and nice to see you here on my first blog.

My name is June and I was born on the island of Curaçao on October 18th 1975 by Venezuelan (mother) and Surinamese (father) parents. And growing up on Curaçao has its advantages, like… we speak standard 4 languages, namely; Papiamentu (native), Dutch, English and Spanish. Pretty cool huh? When I was ten years old I moved to the Netherlands where I grew up and lived until my 30s. Then I move back to live on Curaçao for 7 years where I worked at the local TV station and later my own video production company where I produced numerous commercials, infomercial and TV programs. Also a self-produced travel program called Travel Info. This was an attempt for me to fulfill my passions whilst satisfying my urge to travel.

Fast forwarding 7 years, life happened and I was back again in the Netherlands. Bought a old motorhome and motorcycle and the intention was to travel around Europe.

But then… I ran into an old love. We reconnected, moved in together and soon the travel plans with the motorhome were canceled. The camper was sold, I bought a Macbook and started to work on my digital nomad career. We traveled together to Venice, Barcelona and in 2016 we traveled for a month to the country of her origin, Morocco. We landed in Marrakech and 5 minutes in the taxi I immediately fell in love. It felt like I’ve been here before.

We covered a total of 3550 km in one month with our trusty rented Dacia Logan.

Moroccan roadtrip

3550 km

After 5 days in Marrakech, we rented a car and started our Moroccan roadtrip adventure that lead us to cities like: Essaouira, Agadir, Tiznit, Sidi Ifni, Taroudent, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarazazate, Casablanca, Rabat, Cheffchauen, Fes and Ourika. We visited all of the beautiful places like Legzira beach, Mausole Mohammed V mosque, Tannaries of Fes, Akchor and many more. We covered a total of 3550 km in one month with our trusty rented Dacia Logan. The most fuel economic car I’ve ever experienced. We stayed at some wonderful riads and ate some amazing tajines along the way.

Morocco inspired us so heavily that we started a business together and moved to Marrakech in 2018. The company was doing amazing, but there where many challenges in our relationship. 2020, Covid-19, lockdown killed us. The relationship could no longer be saved according to her. We broke up, she fled and I decided to stay in Marrakech and try continuing with the business. But it was only for a short period of time, it was like poking a wound with a needle.

I took the plunge and quit the business and chose for myself. I had enough giving up everything for others and in the end all I was left with was sadness. I am a hopeless romantic and have no luck with women. So I decided to pick up my old idea and that was traveling around Europe with a motorcycle. This time I will proceed no matter what… so I sold everything, bought a motorcycle, kit it out with panniers and more!

On this website I am going to share all my experiences, challenges, happy and sad moments with you. You can also follow my journey and stories through my socials:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

Please bear in mind tho, i’m not an award winning accomplished writer yet. But hey, everything is possible… right?

Explore // Experience // Learn // Live

HPPY TRVLS