I spent two and a half years living out of time in this vast, multifaceted country. After setting down my backpack for a while on Vancouver Island, I went on to explore the endless prairies of Saskatchewan, the bright midnight sun of the Yukon, the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, and the cultural richness of Québec. These lands, marked by the history of the First Nations, remind us that we were not the first to walk upon them, and that they deserve our respect. Along the way, I crossed paths with bears, bald eagles, whales and above all…warm and wonderfully funny Canadians.
I came back home, but my heart stayed there.
I spent a month wandering with my backpack through the state of Mexico, discovering a land that shares its name with its vibrant soul. Bursting with color, rich flavors, and the warmth of its people, Mexico feels modern yet forever cradled by its traditions. A true haven for artists, where every street, every corner, whispers inspiration. As powerful and fiery as its volcanoes, this country ignited a creative passion in me that I will never forget.
A month wasn’t enough to discover the beauty and vastness of this country, or the generosity of its people. A culture so rich in color, imbued with the mysteries of ancient civilizations. A people still somewhat preserved from the rush of the modern world, once you step away from the urban frenzy. From vibrant cities, endless beaches to mountain passes rising over 4,000 meters, I came back with my head full of illustration ideas and a few blisters on my feet.
My first journey so far from my roots, a whole year away from home. Based in Wellington, I stumbled through basic English at first then slowly found my confidence. I travelled across the New Zealand landscapes so dear to J. R. R. Tolkien, moving from farms to campsites and from one island to the other. The wild beauty of the South Island with its glaciers, fjords, and treks hanging above the wild Pacific coast…and the North Island, multicultural and volcanic. And most importantly, the history and legends of the Māori people, the land’s first inhabitants, whose presence one wishes were felt even more strongly.
The island of birds and sheep will always remain one of my most beautiful adventures.
