Wandering Through Stories: A Journey Across Europe

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to Europe through the pages of books and the frames of films. The continent’s rich history, layered architecture, and centuries-old stories called to me from across the world in Aotearoa New Zealand. I wanted to walk the same cobbled streets where countless lives had unfolded long before mine.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to explore much of Europe - Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and soon, Slovenia. Each country offered something unique, but Spain holds a special place in my heart.

Puente Nuevo in Ronda, Spain

The Camino de Santiago

Walking the Camino de Santiago was a profound experience, born from a year of deep personal loss. My husband and I had both lost loved ones, and we realized that life was too fragile to keep postponing our dreams. Inspired by the film The Way, we set out to walk, reflect, and reconnect with the essentials: how far to walk, where to sleep, what to eat.

The simplicity was healing.

Curiosity for Travel

That journey reshaped how we travel. Now, even on shorter trips, we carry the same spirit of curiosity and presence. We slow down, observe, and try to understand how others live - without judgment. One of the most beautiful customs we encountered was how European cultures include children in everyday life. Playgrounds near restaurants, late family dinners. It all felt so welcoming.

Some places surprised us in the best ways. Prague in winter was like stepping into a fairytale, its untouched architecture whispering stories of resilience. A food tour there revealed how Soviet influence had once flattened culinary traditions, and how modern chefs are now reviving them. In Mallorca, a simple dish of gambas al ajillo eaten cliffside with crusty bread and cold white wine became a memory I’ll never forget.

Learning as you Go

Of course, we’ve had our share of travel mishaps. Our first trip was a comedy of errors: flying into Madrid only to stay near the airport, not booking accommodation in advance, and ending up in some questionable spots. But we learned. Now, I read reviews, follow travel blogs, and choose neighborhoods with care.

Some of our most meaningful moments came from connecting with locals - like staying with a Madrid family through a volunteering program and seeing the city through their eyes. These experiences remind me that people everywhere are more alike than different. We all want connection, safety, joy. Travel just makes that truth more visible.

Never Stop Exploring

Later this year I’m looking forward to visiting Romania for the first time. I’ll be attending the Brasov Forum in December and hope to explore the Christmas markets with my family. It will be our first trip to Europe with our young kids. We’re preparing them with books and stories, hoping to pass on our love of discovery.

We collect fridge magnets from every place we visit, and our fridge is now a mosaic of memories. We take photos, too, but the real souvenirs are the lessons we carry home.

The biggest one? Don’t travel just to tick off landmarks. Travel to feel something. Decide what matters to you - what you’re willing to wait in line for, and what you’re happy to admire from afar.

Because in the end, there will always be more to see.