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

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

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

This is completely free.
Subscribe to my Youtube channel or sharing is caring. Just share my videos, share it with a friend who will find it great. So together we bring more attention that there is a “Yu di Kòrou” doing something extraordinary.

You are more than welcome to make a donation and fill up my gas tank. Click on one of the following buttons:

And if your donation is 20 euros or more, i’ll send you a souvenir of the country i’m in at the time.

On store.jtrvls.com you can find different merchandise of my brand: iTrvl.
Like bags, t shirts and etc… that promote travelers. Great for yourself or a gift. So help me travel around the world and grow my youtube channel in Papiamento.?

Thank you.

HPPY TRVLS

jTrvls Merch Store

For so long, this dream has lived inside my head, fueling my creativity and inspiring me to push boundaries. Now, it’s all coming to life, thanks to your unwavering support and the hard work of an amazing team. It’s a surreal feeling to see my vision transform into tangible products that I now can share with all of you.

My merch store will be a reflection of my passion for travel, adventure, and exploration. From cozy wanderlust-inspired apparel to travel essentials that’ll accompany you on your journeys, there’s something for every kindred spirit who shares my love for wanderlust. These products are not just items; they’re a way for us to connect, to carry a piece of the adventure with us, and to inspire more explorations.

The journey continues, and it’s about to get even more exciting!

Make sure to check it out let me know what you think.

HPPY TRVLS