Ideas in Progression

A digital space where music, travel, and storytelling converge.

  • Beyond the Postcard: Exploring Sri Lanka

    Beyond the Postcard: Exploring Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka: Where Asia Shines

    Several years ago, I found myself stepping off a flight into Colombo, little knowing what awaited me. What I discovered was not merely a holiday destination, but an experience that would linger in my memory long after departure.

    COLOMBO: FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER

    The capital city greeted me with unexpected charm.

    Contrary to any preconceived notions about South Asian urban chaos, Colombo struck me as remarkably clean and organised. There was an orderliness to everything that belied its vibrant energy. But more than the infrastructure, it was the people who made the deepest impression.

    Everyone I met on the streets sported a nice smile.

    A CULINARY ODYSSEY

    The local cuisine also proved to be very interesting to me. Sri Lankan food is a right mix of flavours and aromatic spices.

    I liked the rice and curry – not the single curries you might know, but several small varieties served alongside steaming rice, the kottu roti: chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meat, and the hoppers: bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, perfect with a soft-boiled egg nestled in the centre.

    SPIRITUAL HORIZONS: THE TEMPLES

    No exploration of Sri Lanka would be complete without acknowledging its sacred heritage.

    The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy stands as perhaps the most revered Buddhist site on the island, housing what is believed to be Buddha’s actual tooth.

    Then, there’s Ruanweli Dagoda in Anuradhapura, one of the tallest ancient stupas in the world, its golden dome gleaming against the tropical sky – a testament to over two millennia of continuous worship.

    Finally, the Galle Fort Dutch Reformed Church reminded me of the island’s colonial complexity, where Christian heritage sits alongside Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

    THE TEA CULTURE: MORE THAN JUST A BEVERAGE

    During a visit to the tea plantations I learned that Sri Lanka’s tea industry traces back to 1867 when Scottish planter James Taylor established the first commercial tea garden in Knuckles District.

    Before that, coffee dominated cultivation until devastating blight destroyed entire crops. The locals turned to tea – and they never looked back.

    Today, Ceylon Tea remains a global gold standard, grown at high altitudes across the hill country.

    SIGIRIYA: ASCENDING AN ANCIENT KINGDOM

    Sigiriya (sometimes pronounced Sirigia as many locals do) is a fifth-century rock fortress that rises nearly 200 metres above the surrounding jungle, a marvel constructed during the reign of King Kashyapa.

    He built his palace atop this massive column of rock following a bitter succession dispute – either brilliant strategy or madness, depending on which chronicler you read. Climbing to the summit involved navigating ancient water gardens, fresco galleries (some surviving paintings still visible), and mirror walls once polished so reflective the king could see his own reflection.

    From the top, the panoramic views across the central jungle were simply magnificent – green canopy stretching endlessly, broken only by other rocky outcrops piercing the horizon like islands in an ocean.

    ELEPHANTS PARADING THROUGH COLONIAL HISTORY

    Back in Colombo, I witnessed the elephant procession – a rare treat in the heart of the city. Watching these majestic creatures adorned in ceremonial decorations moving through streets lined with palm trees created a moment of pure magic. They represent much of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and religious significance, particularly in Buddhist tradition where they symbolise wisdom and royal power.

    PRATICAL ADVICE FOR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

    One crucial piece of advice for anyone planning their Sri Lankan adventure: negotiate tuk tuk fares firmly before boarding. Some drivers expect tourists to arrive unprepared and will quote astronomical prices upon reaching your destination. Be clear about the amount upfront, preferably using your hotel to help verify reasonable rates.

    THE VERDICT: ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED

    Would I return? Without hesitation, and sooner rather than later. Sri Lanka offers everything a discerning traveller seeks – authentic cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, culinary adventures, historical depth, and human warmth rarely matched elsewhere.

    Seven or eight days barely scratches the surface. Yet even in that brief window, Sri Lanka revealed itself as a nation of extraordinary resilience, beauty, and hospitality.

    Go. See for yourself. You’ll understand why many call it Paradise on Earth.

  • Work Independent Location = Freedom (and don’t let anyone tell you different)

    Work Independent Location = Freedom (and don’t let anyone tell you different)

    Right then. Let’s get straight into it, shall we?

    Since I stopped making my bosses rich – you know the ones – paying for their goddamn mansions, yachts, bling-bling and fucking supercars – my life changed radically. Like, proper radically. Not the “let’s have a glass of wine after work” kind of radical. The “I’m actually living my fucking life” kind of radical.

    And here’s the truth nobody wants to tell you: the 9-to-5 job isn’t a ladder. It’s a trap. A fucking golden cage where you trade your sweat and blood for someone else’s mortgage, their kids’ private school fees, their next holiday to the Maldives while you’re counting pennies for the train fare to see your mum.

    What the Hell did I Lose by Leaving?

    Nothing. Absolutely nothing worth keeping.

    No agendas – written or otherwise.
    No more rat race – waking up at 6am for a commute that feels like a death sentence.
    No more useless meetings where you discuss scheduling another meeting to discuss the last meeting.
    No more micromanagement telling you how long your bathroom breaks should be.
    No more fake colleagues who’ll talk absolute shite behind your back while licking the boss’s arse in meetings. You know them. We’ve all had to deal with them. They’re everywhere.

    The Truth About Freedom

    Now? I can work from anywhere. Anytime. Whenever I bloody well want.

    Wake up at 11? Fine. Work till midnight on Tuesday because the vibe’s right? Perfect. Want to take three days off to visit Iceland just because? Fuck yes. Nobody’s watching. Nobody’s caring. Nobody giving me a guilt trip about “team culture.”

    Because here’s the thing they don’t advertise in those glossy recruitment brochures: your time is YOUR TIME. Not a company asset. Not quarterly productivity metrics. Not shareholder returns. Yours.

    So, Where to Start If You Are Still Stuck?

    Move your ass. Literally. Research the hell out of it. Look up independent work ideas. Learn about working from home. Look into what everyone’s banging on about now: digital nomad. Whatever you call it, it’s real, it’s happening, and it’s available if you’re willing to put in the effort.

    To give you a few concrete examples – yeah, I learned quite a few languages along the way – so, translation work keeps the lights on. Video editing? Same. Subtitles? Yep. Online courses? Right on! When you ready, passive income is the key. And don’t put all the eggs in one basket; use various platforms. All of these together put the bread and the butter on my table. No bullshit. Just actual work that pays actual money.

    It took time to figure it out. Had some shitty months early doors. But now? Now I’m actually free. And it’s the best decision I ever made.

    Get Organised and Fire your Boss

    Seriously. Get your fucking ass organised. Make a plan. Start building the skills that mean you control the income stream, not some middle manager who thinks sending a passive-aggressive Slack message is leadership.

    The world doesn’t owe you a stable job anymore. But it does owe you opportunity if you’re prepared to grab it with both hands and stop waiting for permission.

    Stop letting someone else live like a king while you struggle to pay rent. Stop pretending you don’t hate every minute of your day. Stop accepting the narrative that this is just “how things are.”

    They’re not. You can change them.

    Get your own business running. Build your own client base. Create your own schedule. Live your own damn life. On your own terms!

    Freedom’s out there. You just have to bloody well take it.

    Drop the corporate leash. Your life, your rules. 🖤

    Success!

    e.

  • Prisoners of Geography – My Review

    Prisoners of Geography – My Review

    Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics

    A Little Tale of Maps and Masters

    Imagine, if you will, a peculiar librarian who insists that every war, treaty, and trade deal was written not in ink, but in stone, river, and mountain range long before any politician ever drew breath. That, dear friend, is the charming premise of Tim Marshall’s Prisoners of Geography.

    In essence: Nations aren’t shaped by ideology alone—they’re bound by their borders, terrain, and neighbours. Geography is the silent puppeteer pulling the strings of global power.

    I must confess, I approached this book expecting dry cartography lectures. Instead, I found myself laughing aloud at Marshall’s wit—like when he describes Russia’s endless frustration with lacking warm-water ports (a geopolitical case of winter blues, indeed), or how China’s yellow rivers literally run through their foreign policy. Each chapter unfolds like a detective story, revealing why nations do what they do, not because leaders are brilliant or foolish, but because mountains don’t move and seas don’t shift.

    Marshall writes with the precision of a cartographer and the charm of a storyteller who knows his secrets are better shared over tea than shouted from podiums. It’s the kind of book that makes you glance at your wall map with newfound respect—and perhaps a touch of suspicion.

    A perfect companion for anyone who’s ever wondered why Pakistan and India remain locked in their Himalayan stare-down (to mention just one example).

    I had fun with it. Highly recommended.
    e.

  • Not Your Average Playlist: Secos & Molhados

    Not Your Average Playlist: Secos & Molhados

    Secos & Molhados: The Glitter, The Guile, and The Greatest Flash-in-the-Pan Brazil Ever Produced

    Some bands burn out. Some fade away. And then there are the ones that detonate like a firework in a dictatorship — bright, brief, and impossible to unsee. Secos & Molhados were the third kind.

    Formed in São Paulo in 1971, right in the teeth of Brazil’s military regime, they were the band that turned their rock mix of folk and prog into a political act without ever handing you a manifesto. They wore face paint, stacked heels, and more eyeliner than a Soho pub crawl, and they did it all whilst fusing MPB, fado, folk, psychedelia, and progressive rock into something nobody had quite heard before — or since.

    They released two era-defining albums, imploded, and left a crater in Brazilian pop culture that still echoes. That’s not a failure. That’s punk before punk had a name for itself.

    The Members

    The classic lineup — the one that mattered — was a power trio with a supporting cast:

    • João Ricardo — founder, main songwriter, acoustic guitarist, and harmonica player. The brains of the operation. He formed the band, wrote most of the songs, and was the only member who stuck around after the first two records. Some people start bands; João Ricardo started a religion with a three-year shelf life.
    • Ney Matogrosso — vocalist, provocateur, force of nature. The man whose falsetto could shatter glass and whose androgynous stage presence made Bowie look almost understated. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a walking scandal in a country governed by generals. After the band split, he became one of the biggest solo artists in Brazilian history.
    • Gerson Conrad — vocalist, composer, and second guitarist. The quiet engine of the trio, who co-wrote and co-sang alongside Matogrosso before stepping out of the spotlight post-breakup.

    Backing them up were a rotating crew of session hands and guest musicians: John Flavin (guitar), Willy Verdaguer (bass), Marcelo Frias (drums), Sergio Rosadas (flute), plus a special appearance from Zé Rodrix lending pipe organ to the debut.

    From 1974 onward, João Ricardo was the sole constant. Various musicians cycled through the later records, but the magic was always the original trio. Nobody pretends otherwise.

    Discography

    Six studio albums. Two masterpieces. Four curiosities. Here’s the lot:

    YearAlbumLabel
    1973Secos & MolhadosMCA
    1974Secos & Molhados IIContinental
    1978Secos & Molhados IIIPhilips
    1980Secos & Molhados IVPhilips
    1988A Volta do Gato PretoDisco Ban / Polygram
    1999Teatro?JR

    The debut and its sequel are the holy texts. Everything after 1974 is João Ricardo carrying the flame — sometimes brilliantly, sometimes unevenly, but always stubbornly. Calling every album Secos & Molhados for the first four was either the laziest branding in rock history or the most arrogant. Either way, it’s perfect.

    There are also live albums, EPs, and numerous compilations floating around — the most notable being O Melhor de Secos & Molhados, which is exactly what it says on the tin and the ideal starting point for newcomers.

    Influences

    Strip back the glitter and you’ll find a frankly bonkers stew of source material:

    • Glam rock — David Bowie and Marc Bolan’s T. Rex were the lodestars. The androgyny, the theatricality, the sheer don’t-give-a-damn of it all came straight from the Ziggy Stardust / Electric Warrior playbook.
    • Tropicália — Os Mutantes blazed the trail for Brazilian psychedelic rock, and Secos & Molhados walked straight down it, albeit in higher heels.
    • MPB and fado — Brazilian Popular Music and Portuguese folk traditions gave the band a harmonic and melodic vocabulary that British or American glam acts simply didn’t have. The fado influence is particularly audible in the mournful, minor-key ballads.
    • Experimental, prog and folk music — The band’s stated manifesto was to be open to everything: Latin rhythms, Portuguese folklore, psychedelia, hard rock. They meant it.

    The result was something that sounded like Bowie at Carnival — and that’s not a comparison you can apply to many acts.

    Similar Bands Around the World

    If Secos & Molhados are your gateway drug, here’s where to go next:

    In Brazil:

    • Os Mutantes — The godparents of Brazilian psych-rock. If you haven’t heard them, start with their 1968 self-titled debut and work forward.
    • Casa das Máquinas — Rougher, more hard-rock-oriented, but cut from the same 70s Brazilian rock cloth.

    Around the world:

    • David Bowie — The obvious touchstone. Early-70s Bowie — Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane — is the closest spiritual relative.
    • T. Rex — For the strut, the riffs, and the belief that pop music could be both ridiculous and profound.
    • Slade — For the unabashed, stomping, face-painted rock nonsense that somehow becomes immortal.

    Five Essential Songs

    Start here. Then disappear down the rabbit hole.

    1. Sangue Latino

    The opener of the debut album and arguably the band’s signature song.

    2. O Vira

    A traditional Portuguese folk dance reimagined as glam rock thunder.

    3. Rosa de Hiroshima

    The centrepiece. Based on a poem by Vinicius de Moraes about the victims of Hiroshima, this is Secos & Molhados at their most haunting and humane. Listen to it here: Rosa de Hiroshima — YouTube

    4. Flores Astrais

    The standout of the second album. Psychedelic, hypnotic, and gorgeous.

    5. Amor

    Short, sweet, and sneering in equal measure.

    The Aftermath

    The original trio lasted barely two years. Two albums. Then Matogrosso walked, Conrad stepped back, and João Ricardo was left holding the name.

    But here’s the thing: those two records sold over a million copies. In a military dictatorship. With a lead singer who performed in kaftans and makeup and sang in a register that made conservative Brazilians swallow their tongues. They headlined Carnegie Hall in 1974. They proved that Brazilian rock could be simultaneously experimental, commercial, and politically charged without lecturing anyone.

    Ney Matogrosso went on to a legendary solo career that spanned decades and dozens of albums. João Ricardo kept the Secos & Molhados name alive through the 90s. Gerson Conrad largely withdrew from the limelight.

    But for one blazing, glorious moment in the early 1970s, they were the most exciting band on the planet — and if you don’t believe me, go and put on Sangue Latino at full volume. You’ll hear it soon enough.

  • Minimalism VS Essentialism: Two Roads Through the Chaos

    Minimalism VS Essentialism: Two Roads Through the Chaos

    Let’s cut through the bullshit right from the start. Both minimalism and essentialism have been co-opted, diluted, and sold back to you as lifestyle brands. Instagram influencers peddle them. Tech bros quote them while sipping €12 lattes. But stripped of the marketing gloss? These are real, raw philosophies for navigating a world that’d rather sell you stuff than give you answers.

    So what’s the difference? Which one cuts deeper? And more importantly—which one might actually save your sanity?

    What Is Minimalism? (And What It Isn’t)

    At its core, minimalism is about removing the excess. Material clutter. Mental noise. Obligations that drain you. It’s choosing less so you can focus on what actually matters.

    But here’s what minimalism is NOT:
    ✗ Living in an empty white box staring at a blank wall
    ✗ Being poor or embracing austerity as punishment
    ✗ Judging everyone who owns more than three t-shirts

    Minimalism isn’t about poverty—it’s about intentionality. About knowing what deserves space in your life and what deserves to be shown the door.

    What Is Essentialism? (And What It Bloody Well Isn’t)

    Essentialism is the philosophy that there is always a better way—but only if you ruthlessly prioritise what’s truly vital. It’s not about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about doing the right things. Essentialism asks: “Is this absolutely necessary? Does this serve my core purpose?”

    Here’s what essentialism is NOT:
    ✗ Simply saying “no” to everything
    ✗ Perfectionism disguised as productivity
    ✗ Another productivity hack for grinding harder

    Essentialism isn’t subtraction alone—it’s strategic elimination. Strip everything away until only the essentials remain, then pour your energy there.

    The Core Differences: Clash of the Philosophical Twins

    AspectMinimalismEssentialism
    Primary FocusExternal environment & possessionsDecisions, priorities, and choices
    Question It Asks“Do I need this?”“Is this the most important thing I could be doing?”
    Approach to LifeReduce, simplify, curateEvaluate, eliminate, focus
    View on FreedomFreedom FROM clutterFreedom TO invest deeply in what matters
    EnemyConsumption, accumulationMediocrity, overcommitment

    One strips the noise. The other forces you to ask whether what remains actually serves you.

    Pros & Cons: Let’s Get Honest

    Minimalism

    PROS:

    • Less stress, more clarity (fewer decisions to make)
    • Financial breathing room
    • Environmental bonus (you consume less)

    CONS:

    • Can slide into consumerism lite (buying expensive durable/functional gear)
    • Risk of emotional suppression (what about memories?)
    • Privilege blind spot (not everyone can afford to declutter)

    Essentialism

    PROS:

    • Sharpens decision-making laser-like
    • Creates meaningful depth instead of shallow breadth
    • Builds discipline around what truly moves the needle

    CONS:

    • Can become obsession with “optimising” everything
    • Risk of analysing paralysis (“is this THE essential choice?”)
    • May alienate others who don’t share your priorities

    What They Are Together (Or Aren’t)

    Both reject capitalism’s hollow promise: Buy this and do this and achieve this and you’ll be happy.

    But neither is a silver bullet. You can be a minimalist who’s still scattered. You can be an essentialist drowning in the wrong commitments. The magic happens when you interrogate both—and decide what fits YOUR truth.

    My Turn in the Spotlight

    2019 is when I went full minimalist. Not because some “influencer” pitched it to me. Because my health flipped my life upside down and left me scrambling to figure out how to live one damn day at a time.

    Truth is, I thought I was already minimalist. Moved to London, cut the anchors, hit the road as a nomad years before “digital nomad” became a fucking TikTok buzzword and got sold by “expert influencers” selling courses to people chasing aesthetics. Fuck all that noise.

    Health forced my hand. The rest? Old news.

    Where To Go Deeper

    If you’re serious about digging beneath the surface, here’s where I point folks:

    • Adbusters – Anti-consumerism, always punk
    • The Minimalists – More practical than philosophical, but useful
    • BBC In Our Time – Essentialism – Great audio deep dives

    And hey—if you’re into visuals with substance, check out MaggiFuchs. I contribute there too, so you reading this are advised. Nothing fancy, just honest conversations about life’s bigger messes.

    Your Turn

    This isn’t a lecture—it’s an invitation to fight back against the noise, however you choose. Maybe it’s stripping down possessions. Maybe it’s carving meaning from chaos. Maybe it’s both. Maybe it’s neither.

    Drop your take. I want your rants, your theories, your contradictions. Email me at viaminimal@gmail.com—all enquiries welcome.

    What’s your stance on Minimalism vs Essentialism? Which one’s got you, or is it time to grab the leash back?

    Stay free. Stay thinking. Stay alive.

    e.

  • The Camino Deception: An Unfiltered Hiker’s Perspective

    The Camino Deception: An Unfiltered Hiker’s Perspective

    By me — No sponsors. No strings attached. Just the raw truth.

    Introduction: A Contrarian Takes the Path

    You’ll find countless glowing articles about the Camino de Santiago. Picturesque sunsets, spiritual transformations, profound friendships. It’s everywhere on social media and in travel blogs. But what happens when someone walks this legendary trail and finds… well, something else entirely?

    That’s the story I’m here to share. This article will be a contrast to all other Camino pieces out there. And that’s the real truth. No filters. No sponsored partnerships. Just honest opinions. Be prepared to agree to disagree.

    Who Am I? Why Was I Even There?

    Before diving into the journey itself, let me establish credibility—and motivation.

    I walked the “Pagan Route” from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port all the way to Finisterre. I’m an experienced hiker and climber, a member of the Alpine Club in Austria, and I’ve trekked across several countries on multiple continents. I’m not religious. I simply love hiking.

    The Camino became my choice primarily because of the infrastructure and the promise of bonding with fellow hikers—a camaraderie I’d already experienced in European mountain huts and other international hiking communities. What awaited me, however, was quite different from what I expected.

    Week One: The Disillusionment Begins

    The frustration of being deceived by all the literature and media content about the Camino started becoming painfully obvious by the end of the first week.

    Let’s talk about people. Inconsiderate people. Egoistic behavior. A startling lack of sympathy. There were nearly physical fights in dorms because someone wanted windows open while another wanted them closed. I never experienced such behaviours before.

    Common areas were disgusting. We’re talking filthy kitchens, rubbish everywhere and biohazard-level conditions in toilets and showers.

    Where is the magic? Where is the camaraderie? Where are the good manners of these people who call themselves “pilgrims”? Shouldn’t we all be in tune since we’re literally in the same boat?

    Week Two: At the Breaking Point

    By the second week—near Puente de La Reina—I was seriously considering my options. Frankly, I was about to throw in the towel.

    This is not fun. At all.

    I started looking for other hiking trails further south in Spain just to salvage my hiking adventure. The Camino route has nothing to do with the Spain I know, respect, and love. Note that I lived in Spain for more than ten years and traveled the whole country during that period. So I know what I’m talking about.

    In short: the main routes of the Camino de Santiago do not reflect the Spanish culture. Far from that. It’s somewhat of a tourist trap—like the Everest tours—fueled by greedy business owners, “influencers,” and “Camino experts” whom I suspect distribute carefully curated, paid content instead of the truth.

    To prove my suspicions; try making any realistic comment about the Camino in any media channel, and you get labeled a “hater.” Or you encounter silence when asking genuine questions.

    The Accommodation Reality Check

    So I decided on a new strategy: spend more money and book only private albergues. But before I continue, let me clarify this crucial point:

    Not all public albergues were bad. Not all private albergues were bad. All the “donativo” (donation-based) albergues were good, as well as those run by the church (mostly). Keep that in mind if you’re planning your pilgrimage.

    Unfortunately, the available private albergues on my route were often disasters: filthy, unfriendly hosts, packed to capacity. Imagine your bedroom with five bunk beds stacked next to each other, one window, one shower, one toilet for everyone.

    One particularly tragicomic situation occurred in a private albergue where the coffee for breakfast (sold separately) had been made the night before, and you were given a microwave to reheat it. Luckily, I always bring a small moka pot.

    And the hope that the next place would be better than the last? That never materialised.

    Changing Goals: From Adventure to Challenge

    With no desire to give up on my original plans, I changed the goal instead. From this point forward, this wasn’t a long-distance hiking adventure anymore—it was a challenge.

    I needed to reach Finisterre, no matter what.

    After a whirlwind of inconsiderate people, subpar accommodations, sleep deprivation, and a few (very few, to be honest) nice moments, I finally arrived at Finisterre. And I did appreciate the sunset at Kilometer 0, right next to the lighthouse. Mission accomplished!

    What Worked: The Bright Spots

    Despite the chaos, there were moments worth cherishing:

    Standout Stays

    • Casa Rural La Alpargatería – Villafranca Montes de Oca: Best private albergue: kind, attentive host. Amazing bedroom with scented bed linens, two kitchen areas, fewer rooms = less crowding. Kind host.
    • Hostal Plaza Mayor – Carrion de Los Condes: Clean, comfy and well-kept. Very friendly host.
    • Albergue de Peregrinos de Atapuerca –Nice one! Take the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Atapuerca.
    • Espíritu Xacobeo Municipal – O Pedrouzo. The kind and super attentive host reserved a private space for us. Also offered a free ride to supermarket. The place is clean, well organised and comfortable.
    • Donativo/Church-run albergues – Consistently better experience throughout the route

    Human Connections

    I made new hiking-friends from Italy, Canada, China, Austria, and Spain. I still keep in touch with some of them. These genuine connections remind us that individuals, not systems, carry the soul of any journey.

    What Didn’t Work: The Pain Points

    Here’s an honest inventory of what frustrated me most:

    Pilgrim Behavior Issues

    • Arrogance: Why bother walking the Camino when you’re not doing good or respecting others?
    • The Bed Race: Inconsiderate people wake at 5 AM, rush to the next albergue to sleep all day. When I arrive – around 14:00—then they call me inconsiderate for making noise (in the afternoon!).
    • Lack of Privacy: Particularly problematic for women in dorms.
    • Disruptive Behavior: Adults acting like bratty kids during silent times, every day, everywhere. I wonder if they behave like that back home.
    • Noise Pollution: Loud people. Very loud people. And people blasting music from speakers attached to their backpacks.
    • Dormitory Nightmares: Loud talking, overcrowded rooms, no airflow, rocking bunks, inconsiderate “pilgrims”waking the whole room at 5:00 AM and also packing in the middle of the night.

    Infrastructure Failures

    • Insufficient Rest Areas: Too few, abandoned, filthy, incomplete.
    • Registration Overload: Why not one unified system?
    • Toilets: Often unavailable along the way.
    • Food Monotony: Same dishes in every village. And expensive.
    • Cash Machine Fees: High charges; go to a bank instead.
    • Cyclists & Bikers: Watch out—they’re everywhere on shared paths.

    Cultural Friction

    • People expect locals to speak their language rather than attempting Spanish.
    • Arrogant attitudes that contradict the humility supposedly inherent in pilgrimage.

    Final Thoughts

    Maybe the Camino isn’t for me. I’m an experienced mountain hiker—not originally a long-distance walker (well, now I am that too). Walking through dirty flatlands, loud people, crowded cities, and alongside motorways was quite uninteresting for me personally.

    Do I Recommend It?

    Not really.

    The extreme low cost-benefit ratio makes it hard to endorse. I would definitely never do it again. There are nicer places to go with more compatible people to share the journey with.

    My Honest Recommendation

    Walk a week before deciding what you think. Firsthand experiences speaks louder than any secondhand opinion—even if yours differs from mine. If possible, skip the Sarria-to-Santiago section—it was the crapiest part of my Camino. You’ll encounter many casual hikers rushing those final 100km just to earn the certificate for social media.

    This video resumes it all.

    Anyway, safe hikes.
    e.

  • Nomadic Life: How, Why and When?

    Nomadic Life: How, Why and When?

    By Someone Who Said Fuck Enough

    The How

    Right then. Here’s the blunt truth: I sold everything. And before you jump to conclusions – I’m not homeless. I’m houseless. There’s a difference, innit?

    Having a physical house doesn’t make sense anymore when you’re living on the road, moving through cities, breathing in experiences instead of dust collecting in unused rooms. But you still need that bit of paper trail, don’t you? The state loves its paperwork. I’ve got a fiscal address because apparently, the taxman must be fed even when you’re running free. Some battles you lose before you start.

    But I kept the car. Oh yeah, absolutely. That tin beast is my ticket across Europe when the trains are cancelled or too expensive. House-sitting? Pet-sitting? Need wheels. Plus, it holds all the bits you actually need when you’re living out of packing cubes.

    The When

    Let’s not bullshit ourselves – the nomadic lifestyle isn’t for everyone. I know it. I’ve seen people try it and crash spectacularly back into the consumer rat race. So, check down if you qualify for this nomadic lifestyle and start whenever you like. The sooner the better.

    Here’s why I qualify for this particular madness:

    My sanity and I, we’re on the same wavelength. That’s rare, ain’t it? No children hanging off my ankles demanding stability. We can work online – the internet’s our office, the whole damn planet. Material things mean fuck-all to us anymore. Social status? Laughable concept. Vanity was something I left burning in the rearview mirror a long time ago.

    The Why

    Simple, really: freedom. The bloody right to decide what matters.

    No more tight agendas screaming at us every five minutes. Days don’t matter. Time doesn’t matter. What matters is waking up and choosing where you go, who you meet, what you do, without asking permission from a boss or a mortgage company.

    That’s freedom, mate. Raw and unfiltered.

    The Tips

    Listen up, because this part’s practical:

    Donate. Repurpose. Sell. Make peace with stuff leaving your life. I created a WhatsApp group with family and friends – bloody genius idea, honestly. Worked like a charm. Some things sold, others went to good homes, and yeah, some ended up properly discarded. Not everything deserves a second act.

    Embrace minimalism. Or existentialism, whatever floats your boat (there’s more on that in another piece I’m hammering out). You’ll be shocked at how much garbage you’ve been carrying around for “just in case” moments that never come.

    Keep watching this space, yeah? I’m about to drop my nomadic minimalist method – in small packing cubes, err… articles, hah! Sometimes the tech fails but the mission stays solid.

    Collect memories. Not things. 🚐💨

  • Road Trip Journal: The Seven-Week Nordic Odyssey – Part 2

    Road Trip Journal: The Seven-Week Nordic Odyssey – Part 2

    A Journey North Begins (again!)

    After two weeks back in Tirol, we were ready to re-start our trip to Tromsø. But to compensate we’d have to quicken our pace to reclaim those lost days.

    The Road Through Central Europe

    Our journey commenced with a brief pause in Germany, at the quiet town of Nörten-Hardenberg—a perfect stepping stone before crossing into Scandinavia.

    Next came Denmark. We chose Aalborg as our Danish waypoint, allowing ourselves a moment to breathe before the sea crossing that would carry us onto Norwegian soil.

    Into the Land of Fjords – (Some) Places We Passed Through

    From Hirtshals, the ferry departed for Kristiansand, marking our official entry into Norway proper. What followed was a whirlwind of coastal highways and mountain passes: Lyngdal, Lindum, Eidfjord, Hemsedal, Dovre, and Langnes each offering their own slice of Nordic wilderness.

    Then came (one of many) maritime leg that defines much of northern Norway: a ferry traversing Bodø–Røst–Værøy–Moskenes, before finally reaching our ultimate destination—Tromsø.

    Perhaps a contrarian take: Norway’s beauty is so relentless that it loops back into repetition.

    Let me explain…

    When you traverse thousands of kilometres in such compressed time, you inevitably encounter fjord after fjord, waterfall after waterfall, red house after red house Each magnificent. Each worthy. But after a while, even perfection wears thin.

    What I learned in this trip had nothing to do with Norway. Everything to do with me: staying longer in one place beats one night stays.

    The Midnight Sun Paradox

    The midnight sun is undeniably magical—until it sabotages your circadian rhythm entirely.

    Time itself seemed to dissolve. I’d awaken, greet the bright, unrelenting sunshine, congratulate myself on a solid night’s rest, only to discover merely two or three hours had passed by. It turns out I do not enjoy daylight only; I require the night as well.

    Those who call this land home, enduring months of unbroken light followed by months of profound darkness, command my utmost respect.

    Chasing Quietude Over Crowds

    In enjoy the most the quieter corners of any landscape.

    In Denmark, guidebooks insisted the eastern side housed the essential attractions. Because of that we drove west instead.

    Norway presented a similar revelation. We began along the classic touristic routes but quickle grew weary of them. So we detoured into silence. Again.

    Wild Camping Triumphs

    To name standout favourites from both countries, I must acknowledge our wild camping experiences. We stumbled upon facilities equipped with toilets and shelter in the absolute middle of nowhere—and they were immaculate. A stark contrast to our encounters on the Camino de Santiago—but that, dear reader, is a tale for another article and another occasion.

    The Skagerrak Strait, Denmark — a part of the North Sea, and the Kattegat, which connects to the Baltic Sea, converge at this location.

    Vega Islands, Norway— near the Artic Circle, it was our first wild camping (with benefits!) in Norway.

    Final Thoughts

    Some journeys teach you about the world. Others teach you about yourself. This one, I believe, did both. The north called to us, we answered, and somewhere between the fjords and the endless summer light, we learned that perhaps the greatest discoveries aren’t found on any map—they’re found in recognising what truly moves us, and what simply impresses us.

    Until the next adventure – Safe hikes!

    e.

    If you missed the first part of our Nordic Trip, you can read it here.

  • New Short Video: Denmark’s West Coast

    New Short Video: Denmark’s West Coast

    From the Scandinavian coast—this stretch near Lemvig speaks for itself:

    Howling winds, deserted horizons, the kind of solitude that reminds you to seize the moment.

    Carpe diem.
    e.

    Watch Me!

  • Books: The Meek One

    Books: The Meek One

    Review: The Meek One – Dostoyevsky’s Devastating Portrait of Guilt

    In 1876, Fyodor Dostoyevsky produced one of his most psychologically harrowing works: “The Meek One” (Кроткая), alternatively translated as A Gentle Creature. Though overshadowed by monumental novels like Crime and Punishment, this novella stands as concentrated genius—a claustrophobic monologue dismantling the human psyche under pressure of irreversible loss.

    Written as stream-of-consciousness confession, the piece unfolds over mere hours following the suicide of the narrator’s young wife. An unnamed pawnbroker, pacing alone while her body lies waiting removal, attempts frantically to reconstruct how their marriage collapsed into tragedy. The subtitle—”A Fantastic Story”—suggests psychological extremity rather than supernatural embellishment, marking territory where rational explanation fails and emotional truth reigns supreme.

    This structural choice proves essential. We receive nothing but the narrator’s version of events—an unreliable voice increasingly desperate to justify itself even as evidence mounts against him. His memories contradict, his logic spirals, his proclamations of love curdle into accusations. By denying readers any objective vantage point, Dostoyevsky forces us to inhabit the same suffocating isolation gripping our protagonist.

    The work explores interconnected themes: guilt that refuses acceptance, emotional alienation reducing marriage to transactional coexistence, masculine pride preventing acknowledgment of error until irrevocably too late, and despair born from crushing social conditions combined with personal failure.

    Furthermore, Dostoyevsky anticipates developments in psychoanalytic theory regarding repression and projection. Our narrator deflects blame onto external factors rather than confronting actions leading inexorably downward. Readers witness exactly how denial operates until complete breakdown ensues.

    For anyone willing grappling with darkness without lanterns lighting path forward, seek this text diligently. Prepare to brace impact lingering long after final page turned.

    “He insists he loved her. He reads her as submissive because it suits him. But the longer he speaks, the more that label starts to fall apart.”

Ideas in Progression

Ideas in Progression © 2026
All thoughts are provisional. All journeys are ongoing