In the vast, vibrant heart of Kenya, amidst sprawling savannahs and under the watch of the majestic Kilimanjaro, I embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of my creative voyage. Organized by Across Wilderness, a local tour company renowned for their personalized and immersive safari experiences, my adventure through Kenya’s wilderness was nothing short of magical.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, Across Wilderness welcomed me with unparalleled hospitality and an innate passion for their homeland’s natural wonders. Their expert guides, with years of experience and stories that breathe life into the landscape, were companions, educators, and guardians of the wild, all in one.

The safari itself was meticulously planned, weaving through the most breathtaking locations Kenya has to offer. Each day unfolded a new chapter of discovery: from the thunderous herds of the Great Migration to the silent, haunting elegance of a lion at dusk. The wildlife was spectacular, the landscapes were awe-inspiring, and the sunsets were a painter’s palette of dreams.

But it was more than just a safari; it was an odyssey. Inspired by the untamed beauty and the raw, unfiltered slice of life in the wilderness, I began capturing moments, not just through the lens of my camera, but through the eyes of an artist. Each photograph, each note, became a stroke on the canvas of what would eventually become my book – a visual odyssey through the heart of Kenya.

Across Wilderness didn’t just offer me a tour; they offered me a journey of the soul, a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form, and inspiration that flowed as freely as the rivers through the savannah. Their dedication to conservation and deep respect for the wildlife and communities touched me profoundly.

For those yearning to experience the magic of Kenya, to explore beyond the beaten path and to be inspired by the raw beauty and rhythm of life in the wilderness, I cannot recommend Across Wilderness enough. Their commitment to creating personalized, unforgettable experiences shines through in every detail of the safari.

To embark on your own journey of discovery with Across Wilderness, reach out to them at info@acrosswilderness.com or visit their website at https://www.acrosswilderness.com. Let them guide you to the heart of Kenya, where adventure awaits and inspiration is endless.

And if you wish to dive deeper into the wonders that Kenya has to offer, to get inspired by the vivid tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, fun facts, and stories that make up this incredible country, I invite you to order my book on Amazon, “Kenya Unveiled: A Safari Adventure.” It’s not just a book; it’s a visual odyssey of my safari adventure, designed to transport you right into the heart of Kenya’s wilderness. Join me on this remarkable journey and let the adventure inspire you.

Kenya Unveiled…

Luxury Edition

By Thomas Holmengren

Book Preview

Embark on a Safari Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey with “Kenya Unveiled: A Safari Adventure,” a vivid photographic odyssey that captures the heart and soul of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Discover Kenya in all its glory – a land of contrasts, color, and life. This book is an invitation to experience the magic of a Kenyan safari, to witness a world where nature writes its own rules, and every moment is a testament to the splendor of the wild.

Kenya Unveiled…

Luxury Edition

By Thomas Holmengren

Book Preview

Embark on a stunning visual safari with ‘Kenya Unveiled,’ bringing Africa’s heart to your home. Experience luxury in every page.

These immortal words and the phrase “to travel is to live” is attributed to the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Obviously it does not mean that you do not live if you do not travel. It means that traveling can be a way to enrich your life and gain experiences that may not be possible in your everyday life.

This is a phrase that suggests that by traveling you gain experience and knowledge that can enhance your life. It may also suggest that life is enriched by exploring the world, trying new things and meeting new people.

In my humble opinion traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It allows us to explore new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. It can also be a great way to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.

Sometimes we get stuck in our every day routines and traveling can be a great way to break out of our everyday routines and explore the world. It can be a great way to learn more about different cultures and gain a better understanding of the world. It can also be a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories. I have made lots of great friends throughout my travels and made many long lasting memories.

It can also be a great way to relax and unwind. Taking a break from our everyday lives can help us to recharge and come back feeling refreshed and energized. It can also be a great way to explore new hobbies and interests. It is essentially what you make it to be.

Traveling can also be a great way to gain a better understanding of ourselves. Exploring new places and cultures can help us to gain a better understanding of our own values and beliefs. It can also help us to gain a better understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses.

It can also be a great way to gain a better understanding of the world. Exploring different cultures and places can help us to gain a better understanding of the world and its people. It can also help us to gain a better understanding of the different challenges and opportunities that exist in the world. Sometimes we need things to relate to. People like to travel for a variety of reasons. Some people may find joy in discovering that their own culture is shared by others around the world.

For some, it is a way to escape their everyday lives and experience something new and exciting. Other people may travel for cultural enrichment, or to gain insight into other countries and societies.

Overall, I think that traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It can be a great way to explore new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. It can also be a great way to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. It is essentially whatever you want it to be. “To travel is to live”

During my birthday week in 2019 I invited few of my at that time dear friends to the wonderful island of Aruba to celebrate my yet another anniversary together with me. I rented a beautiful 4 bedroom house with a pool and invited six of my friends to join me. There were very kind enough to accept the invitation and fly to Aruba with me to help celebrate yet another anniversary of mine.

Aruba beaches

Aruba is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. It is known for its sunny, dry climate, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular tourist destination.

There are several things that make Aruba unique and special. Its location to start with Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, which means that it is less prone to tropical storms and hurricanes than many other Caribbean islands. This makes it a great destination for travelers who want to enjoy warm, sunny weather without the risk of inclement weather.

Culture and natural beauty are another things that make Aruba special. Aruba has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history as a Dutch colony and its proximity to South America. This is reflected in the island’s food, music, and art. Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters. The island also has a unique natural landscape, with cacti-studded deserts, serene lagoons, and rocky cliffs.

While on the island we enjoyed lots of outdoor activities like horseback riding, 4×4 ATV drives through the desert, boat ride, beaches, live music and great food.

Aruba is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities including snorkeling, diving, kiteboarding, and hiking. The island is also home to several national parks, including Arikok National Park, which covers about 20% of the island and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Overall, Aruba is a unique and special place to visit, with a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. I am looking forward to visit it again at the beginning of February 2023, although this time it would be just for one day as part of my yearly Caribbean Cruise.

One of Swedish biggest cherished traditions is Midsummer, which is when Swedes truly celebrate no matter where they are in the world. As we like the world to be well ordered so Midsummer is always a Friday between 19th and 25th of June. And it happens every year believe it or not.

Swedes take the longest day of the year and make it a celebration to welcome summertime and the season of fertility. Yes, fertility. Who doesn’t like to have some romance in their life during those hot summer nights? There are many studies that have found that summer is an especially fertile season. And Swedes like to welcome it and celebrate. Especially as the summer doesn’t last very long in Sweden.

Swedish Midsummer Celebration

People often start the day by picking flowers and making beautiful wreaths to place on the maypole, which is a key component in the celebrations. Stockholm, capital of Sweden, with its 30,000 islands makes a stunning Midsummer setting.

But regardless if you are in beautiful Stockholm or Dalarna or Blekinge or any other place in Sweden or any other place in the world for that matter the Midsummer dance must take place. People gather around the maypole and dance. It’s magical. It’s customary to dance around the pole and I recommend everyone to take part in the Små grodorna (The Little Frogs) dance when everyone pretends to be frogs and start jumping around the pole. It must be experienced.

Life happens and within a blink of an eye passes by us. Yes we are living and busy with our day to day tasks and it seems like it was just yesterday I wrote my last blog about the love for a dog and it was back in 2016, which is 6 years ago.

Of course there are so many things that we should just do and not talk about and I guess that’s what happened. Every now and then we reflect on a day and our past and think what to improve and do better in the future. One of those things I am trying to improve is to keep up with my blogging and keep writing about things I like and even those I don’t like.

Some other social media apps like Instagram and tweeter might have taken over and made it easier to just a snap a picture and publish. Give a comment or an opinion. But people have been writing for a very long time now and been sharing their experiences. They have helped me and maybe others without even realizing or knowing. And that’s why I think it’s important to write about certain topics because we never know who might find them helpful. In any case this random post helps me now to put my thoughts on a paper and to start writing about travel and other topics of interests to me.

The gates are open

“Some things just fill your heart without trying.”

I guess that all dog owners think that they have the best dog ever, and quite honestly none of them are wrong, because we all do have the best dogs or as best they can be in our own eyes, and we love them with all our heart because we know that they give us their unconditional love.

When I was younger I could not really understand when people cry about the loss of their dog or when they constantly talking about their wonderful dog or when they in rush and need to run home just to be with their dog; all those things I couldn’t understand until I met Bolt, my dog, the love of my life.

He was only 2 months young when I saw him for the first time, and instantly I fall in love with him. He was so adorable, so small, so sweet, and so fragile that I was being so extremely careful with him. He was very excited to be part of my life; that’s at least what I like to believe. He was so very energetic, and he still is 2 years later. Very playful, and wanted to play and run all the time. He was only 2 months when we first went outside of the apartment for a short walk, and I remember I didn’t put the leash on him, and he did not run away. He was listening to everything I said, learning, and walking always next to me. Well, even at that young age of only two months he thought me unconditional love, and that’s when I realized if I can have that in my life, then things won’t be too bad.

On November 1^st 2016 it is going to be Bolt’s 2^nd birthday. I can honestly say that I love this little furry friend of mine more than anything, and of some odd reason the more I get to know people the more I love my dog. My affections towards my dog are returned by him sleeping next to me, by him cuddling with me even though there is plenty of space on the bed, by him just staring at me with his beautiful eyes and that’s his way of hugging me and telling me he loves me. The best feeling in the world is when I return home and he sees me and starts to jump of happiness just because he saw me even though we were separated for 5 minutes. Then he runs away and grabs his favorite toy and brings it back to me.

That feeling when you are in bed or watching TV and your dog comes to you and lays down next to you is my idea of absolute happiness. That love bond with a dog is everlasting. And all they need is food and little affection. They indeed can sense love and that you love them, and only your love can make the dog wag his tail. Another wonderful thing is that they can sense your mood and they can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you might be in much faster than you can think of.

As Josh Billings once said “a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself”, and I strongly agree with that statement. Bolt is my living proof for that.

Traveling together

Halloween 2015 Costume

His favorite toy to bring me

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

These amazing and unforgettable words were said by Theodore Roosevelt over 100 years ago at the Sorbonne in Paris, 1910, and no matter how many times one might read these words, you feel a tingle, an inspiration. It is time to shine, and today is a day for reflection. Today is a day for us to find within ourselves the power and the energy that we need to achieve great things. Today is also a day for us to consider what we will do with the liberty that has been given to us. Are we going to be that man or woman in the arena that Theodore Roosevelt was talking about, and refuse to take what the critics have to say?

Well, today, as I have done many times before, I took inspiration from Roosevelt’s calling to the great devotions with great enthusiasms, and started to write a new chapter in my life. Today is just another day and it is time to shine again. There are always going to be people to put you down, to be negative or to produce negative energy. There are always going to be people to talk behind your back, and we need to learn how not to worry about what people say behind our back; they are the people who are finding faults in our life, your life, instead of fixing the faults in their own life.

Today is the day when I have reminded myself once again how wonderful this life is. It truly is. The most important thing is to have great health. Once one has great health everything is possible. I am very dedicated with my new projects, new adventures and new amazing upcoming travels. The key is to stay focused, determined and to be passionate about everything we do. No matter what task, big or small, interesting or boring, we must tackle every task with dedication and passion. Then the rest is easy.

 

“We don’t remember days, we remember moments.” ~ Cesare Pavese

Black sand beaches, crystal clear waters and whitewashed villages that cling to volcanic cliffs make the island of Santorini a wonder to behold. Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion that occurred in the 16^th century BC. This wonderful and very small island of about 16,000 residents belongs to Greece.

A very interesting fact is that the island of Santorini does not have any rivers and there is insufficient amount of water. Therefore a desalination plant is providing running, yet non-potable, water to most houses. Desalination is basically a process that removes minerals from saline water. Since rain is rare on the island from mid-spring till mid-autumn, many plants depend on the scant moisture provided by the common, early morning fog condensing on the ground as dew.

Since cities like Fira are on the top of the cliff, one can either walk about 600 steps in zig-zag pattern, take a cable car or ride a donkey. Donkey transportation was introduced way before cable car was built and it’s still a tourist attraction. The donkeys, very patient and strong animals that have been used around the world as working animals for about 5,000 years were indispensable for the building of hotels and houses on the top of the cliff and they transferred the material and the tools needed for the buildings and contributed to the touristic development of Santorini. Even though some people have expressed their disagreement on the way the donkeys are used nowadays because the animals are considered to have a bad time, one must take into consideration that these wonderful and strong animals are an inseparable part of the locals’ life and both humans and animals co-exist in a perfect cooperation. The islanders respect the donkeys for their perseverance.

There are many things one can do in beautiful and spectacular island of Santorini. One can spend a day at the beach, do a catamaran ride, visit a winery, dive into crystal clear water, climb an active volcano, experience real meaning of dinner with an amazing view of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, drink wine and cocktails till sunset and dance till dawn. Or simply have a small picnic basket and find a great spot to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. That’s the moment you will definitely remember for the rest of your life.

Many visitors come to Santorini to uncover the mysteries of the lost kingdom of Atlantis, while others revel in its relaxed mountaintop atmosphere to enjoy the scenic water of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Regardless of the reason one will definitely have an amazing time.

 

Beautiful View

Santorini

Lunch with an amazing view

Just enjoying life

Santorini, Greece

Island of Santorini

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ Saint Augustine

Capri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples with population of about 13,000 is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from fashion designers to Italian limoncello and beautiful handmade leather sandals. Originally this beautiful island was colonized by the Greeks and at later point was adopted as a possession of Naples, Italy.

To get to Capri we took a ferry from Napoli. It is a quick an hour boat ride. Capri is amazingly beautiful island and the best way to explore it is do it the Italian way, on a moped. As they say “when in Italy, do as Italians”. So we rented a moped and drove around the island. We discovered and saw amazing and beautiful places. We swam in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea that emerges around the island. The Sea was very deep. As soon as you step into the water, the water is above your head. It is great for diving; however, one must be careful because there are lots of rocks in the water that one wants to avoid.

I really recommend a visit to Capri.

Driving around Capri, Italy

Lunch overseeing Mediterranean Sea

Posing in front of the lighthouse

Capri, Italy