In August 2023, I made a decision that would change my year. I decided to spend two months traveling through Europe during the summer, exploring some of the continent’s most beautiful places. I felt a spark of excitement when I bought my return ticket to London, taking the first step on this adventure.

Next, I had the fun task of picking the cities I wanted to visit. I loved imagining myself strolling through the charming streets of Europe and carefully planned my itinerary to include Costa Brava, Sicily, Ischia, Croatia, and the South of France.

What made this journey special was that I would be traveling alone, especially to Ischia. I was drawn to its stunning views and peaceful vibe, making it the perfect spot for a solo trip. This time alone wasn’t just a break; it was an opportunity to reconnect with my creativity and focus on photography.

When I returned to New Zealand, I started sharing my travel experiences and photos with friends. To my surprise, they loved the images and encouraged me to take my project further. That’s when the idea of having a solo exhibition and selling large-format prints from my trip began. Their excitement and support gave me the confidence to follow this dream. What started as a personal journey turned into an exciting project that would not only showcase the beauty of these amazing places but also inspire others to dream about their future summer adventures.

This project became more than just a collection of photographs; it was a meaningful representation of my journey, filled with creativity, exploration, and self-discovery.