Hindsight is always 20/20. I love writing and sharing my photos, but in the whirlwind of a year filled with travel, escapism, and personal growth, I completely forgot to do both.

Now, as I sit down to reflect, I realize how much I want to document the places I’ve been, the moments I’ve captured, and the things I’ve learned along the way. So, consider this my attempt to make up for lost ground—a recap of a year that took me across 13 countries and taught me how to shoot film photography (medium format & 35mm).

Winter 2024: Iceland & Canada

Kicking off the year in the deep cold, I found myself chasing frozen landscapes and moody skies. Iceland’s dramatic contrasts—black sand beaches against white snow, waterfalls partially frozen mid-cascade—felt like stepping into another world. Meanwhile, Canada reminded me that winter isn’t just about the cold; it’s about cozying up in cafés, watching snowfall through fogged-up windows, and embracing the quiet stillness that only winter can bring.

Summer 2024: Netherlands, Turkey, Spain, UAE & the UK

Summer was all about movement. From cycling through the charming streets of Amsterdam to the chaotic yet beautiful sprawls of Istanbu & Dubai, I experienced two vastly different energies. Spain was filled with golden sunsets, tapas, and the hum of late-night conversations, while the UK gave me a mix of historic grandeur and modern vibrancy. I carried my film camera & digital camera everywhere, learning patience with every shot—waiting for the right light, the right movement, the right story to unfold in a frame.

Fall 2024: Brazil, China, Malaysia, Singapore & Japan

As the seasons shifted, so did my surroundings. Brazil was all rhythm and color, a place where even the air felt alive. China was a deep dive into history and modernity colliding, from ancient temples to futuristic skylines. Malaysia and Singapore offered a blend of cultures, food that left a lasting impression, and cityscapes that felt straight out of a sci-fi film. Japan, my last stop of the season, was a masterclass in contrasts—chaos and tranquility, neon lights and peaceful shrines, tradition and innovation.

Winter 2024: Guatemala

Closing the year in Guatemala felt fitting—an unexpected but welcome pause. The colors, the warmth, the volcanic landscapes, and the slow pace of life gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and soak in everything the year had brought me.

What I Learned Along the Way

• Film photography forces you to slow down—each frame is intentional, each shot a lesson in patience and trust.
• The best travel moments aren’t always the ones you plan; they’re the ones that surprise you.
• Movement is addictive, but so is stillness—learning to balance both is key.
• No matter how many places you visit, there’s always more to see, more to learn, more to feel.

2024 was a year of motion, of exploration, of documenting the world in a way I never had before. Looking back now, I realize that while I didn’t write or share much in real-time, the memories, the photos, and the lessons will always be there.

So here’s to belated reflections—and to whatever comes next.