Categorie: What`s Next #kitevanlife

…….And just like that I was on the road. Asking myself: Are we there – yet..?!  Took the long way ‘round.

Guess what …?!? I drove down to Greece (!); all the way through Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo….Greece, Nafpaktos, Drepano, Paros & Naxos….Venice, Lago di Resia, Lago di Garda and this is how it went:

A journey of in total covered 3750 miles (around 6000km), 6 boat trips, one 33 hours boat ride, mountains, lakes, beaches, crazy roads, mountain passes, incredible views & adventures, new friends met, old friends reunited…. Took the long way ‘round: My longest road trip sofar with the VAN– topped off with an European Championship kitefoil racing, Nafpaktos Greece & World cup/ European Championship Wingfoil racing, Lake Garda  – on the way home!

“Travel is never a matter of money.. but of courage!”

Are we there – yet..?!  We took the long way round, yes we!  Alone I would not have made it all this way. I can only say that I am incredibly proud on this brave basterd of a van. Look at him enjoying his first Greece sunset.. at a front row beach spot watching all the kite action.  He didn`t complain, one big smile all along. He loves the taste of drinks from another country. And the touch of tarmac of different roads, never ending miles, chilln`  on the beach and the sand & salt around. First class views. Explorer the unknown, take side roads and just go.  “Always seeking – never lost”.   He might be a bit moody at the times we had to cross the borders and the police was tickling him. Wondering what we all needed for that one trip… and that sport so called kitesurfing or wingfoiling.  But he stayed patient waiting,  made it and together WE drove down…….. all the way down to Greece.

A journey begins with one single step, the road is there, it will always be there, you just have to decide when to take it. Easy. And just like that I was on the road to…everywhere!  

Well, not exactly everywhere, I mapped out the plan a little bit – with a thin pencil though. There was an important end-point before making the round trip back home. The Europeans of kitefoiling in Nafpaktos, Greece.  I know the road ahead is long as I was going to make it. Read; without toll – roads. So what else than make it worth the trip. So that’s what I did.

“it doesn’t matter how old you get, buying snacks for a road trip should always look like an unsupervised 9-year – old was given 100 euros” : The main reason I love road trips.

Probably my longest road trip so far with the bus (the van).  I took all the d- tours and scientific roads there were on my way, cause I took the not paid roads. I doubted a bit safety wise.  Read: googling in the country itself “is it save to drive through ….alone..?”

They always say; Take the road less travelled. Sometimes the road less travelled, is less travelled for a reason.  

But if I had the choice I would do it again without any hesitation – no regrets . I have seen some amazing scenery’s, new cultures and countries along the way. No regrets. It surprised me, in the positive way. The countries that are so close but – yet so far away and so different than the Netherlands.

Castricum – Germany – Austria – Hungary – Serbia – Kosovo – North Macedonia – Greece  – Italy – the road back Home.

It all started in Castricum – which is no surprise.  The Van came back from his yearly trip to the resort of mechanics, with some extra care. After a long weekend of rest and recharging he was more than ready to fill up with all kite, foil, wing, surf, skate, cycle & camp gear – a last Dutch drink at the gas station: Ready for our longest road trip together – sofar.  

Driving down to Germany van told me he might needed a new cooler for the mountains in Greece. So that’s what we did passing by the mechanic for a new cooler. We slept in front of the office and rolled out to the door in the morning – perfect. Without doubt this wasn`t a quick DIY fix for the #frontseat stories. This was something for the more professional equipped mechanics. Straight they started to fix the van in the morning and I got a complete breakfast in the office.. after an introduction about me and the kitesurfing, my goals, some youtube-ing on the big screen in the middle of the office, some rides in brand new cars and a well guided walk through the mountains we were good to go again. Saying goodbye to the nice mechanics and off we go for the rest of the 3000 km. In the end no one travels on the road without a puncture of two… is it..?

This is something I am always aware of, take care of the van and it will take care of you. But sometimes especially with loooong trips there is a slight change of a breakdown. Or something that can last, but I always fix it to be sure. (Especially when I know I will cross non- European countries). Along the way are always mechanics in every country. (otherwise the insurance can help out – check if it is valuable in the countries you drive through! before you depart….).

Next country we passed was Austria. A fun country to drive I always find. The mountains, incredible views, pretty villages and amazing lakes, it makes me thinking about hitting the slopes again. We made a quick stop at Silvaplana – the most beautiful lake for kiting, winging and in winter snowkiting. Well, and a great place to spend the night and make a little SUP tour before driving on the next morning.

Next up Hungary.  Hungary had good quality roads with clear markings, well-regulated traffic lights and numerous road signs. I was surprised, I am sure you will find it really simple to drive on the country’s roads. Traffic regulations in Hungary tends to be quit the same with standard European traffic regulations.  Although Hungarian roads are distinguished by high quality, it is almost impossible to call them simple. Even in large cities, there are many narrow and winding streets, and historic parts of old towns resemble mazes that can be a bit complicated to drive and to find the right street. But it will be worth it to drive through and just enjoy!  Accept the many one-way streets in old parts of cities. Until the road through the fields, which is the end of Hungary and led us to the border of Serbia.

Entering Serbia: even though Serbia is not in the European Union, you don’t need any extra visa or passport requirements. The insurance I use is covering Serbia as well, but be sure you check that beforehand.  From the passport control on the end of Hungary to the passport control of Serbia a few meters further. The guy is relaxed sitting in his little booth. He scurs the passport before placing a stamp and gives “the nod” to drive on.  Next stop, two officials – casually dressed raise their hand and beckon me to the side. One asks for the passport and flicks through the pages a few times, meanwhile picking up my old boarding passes dropping out. “you travel al lot I see” ..The other guy enters the vehicle registration on his handheld device. After several questions about what I am going to do and where I am going and if I have any valuables on board (no they don`t mean kites), a test ride on my surfskate, I am free to enter Serbia.  And…two fans richer.

Here I got introduced by the most hectic road ever driven, beeping everywhere, cars all around(- I thought that was only in Vietnam), I choose just to go with the flow and enjoy it (apart from beeping myself). Turns out that this is only at a little piece of the main road. A few minutes later the road is empty and peaceful again.  At the stations people were super nice and friendly.  I was just looking at the toilet gate, and the employee came to me and opened the gate for me after he found out the yellow plate is from the Netherlands ( I didn’t even needed to go – and it was a paid toilet) . They were really friendly and helpful. The bottle of water was free too, after listing to the history of the gas station which was family owned – I got invited for family dinner, but decided to drive on.

On the side roads I took there are a lot of shops along the road; selling some kind of vehicle salvage; from exhaust to seats to wipers to number plates (!?) well, I guess you never know…… taking the turn off the hectic main road;  a view of long corn and sunflower fields along the road continues, into the country side. Novi sad is a great village to visit along the way, a bit hectic though, but  with friendly people. The outskirt of Serbia is a mix of people living in the slums and wealthy living, a big contrast with the inside. Where the best is to walk around the tiny alleys.  A few miles out the city is Sremski Karlovci a historic village almost like a film set.

While camping is not that common in Serbia, some of the so called campsites are actually just the homes of villagers. They have a lot of property and it seems they figured out that camping is popular with those “weird” tourists and decided to call their yards a campsite. 

Most of the Locals will be confused seeing you sleeping in your van and may invite you home. Since no one in Serbia goes camping ( they go on hikes), the moment they see the van, they get confused. Assuming that you must be too poor to pay for accommodation. That’s when they invite you home.  When you are a woman camping alone, they get particularly confused and come back to bring you food and water! It can be quit hard to tell them that you are intentionally sleeping in your van. – I gave up on that one.

By this way you get to know nice facts and have a good google translate workout. The Serbians of the village we slept in told us of another village somewhere close by  where only two inhabitants remained, but ironically they hated each other and refused to talk, such was the stubbornness of the elderly mountain folk. So we went with them and visit the “village” -read two houses –  before heading off again to the next country.

From Serbia to Kosovo: The border guards in Kosovo were so welcoming and friendly that they encourages us to visit their country and we were easily persuaded! … They asked us:

 “Do you want to apply for asylum in Kosovo?” The custom officer looks at my Dutch passport.  And smiles.  I told him; “no thanks,  I’m not on the run”. And there we go again, What is kitesurfing? Can you show me?  The border guards told me I had to visit four paws bear rescue sanctuary and the city of Prizren. They also told me that travelling to Kosovo to Serbia, you will have to make a detour, for example via Macedonia. Some old habits and the wars deep down. Some nationalities are not even allowed to go in apparently…

After the conversation of at least half an hour I could head down to the city of Prizren The medieval center fills with ice cream parlors and nut bars during the day.  Prizren has many old churches and mosques. When I peek around the corner of the old Sinan Pasha Mosque I am invited to enter. I wrap my sweater around my head and slip inside. A number of women are praying next to me. I just stare at the colored sealing.

The Old Stone Bridge is a beautiful arched bridge that was probably built in the fifteenth century. The bridge with its three arches plays an important role in trade and social life in the city.

After this highlights and another night sleeping at a beautiful location it is time to move on again.  A little bit of a hectic road with lots of bumps and cracks – but what’s new…?

Roads were made for journeys not destinations isn`t it..? It is about the wild stuff that happens along the road, that is the greatest part of a road trip.

From Kosovo we crossed the border to North Macedonia.

First leaving Kosovo  with a quick passport control. The passport control to North Macedonia is quick to. The next stop is the Douane. Seeing them unpacking a car completely next to me. Taking the off toll road means also that you end up at less international passport controls and more suspicious controllers. Luckily I am quite used to this by now, travelling with foil gear seen as weapons, kite lines and bars see as murder ropes… and the kites .. I still don’t know what they think of that. You don’t have internet access with European membership and cell phone provider, at least not until you pay a lot of money. So be prepared to have google translate offline. (the border on the toll roads is more international and easier). Because off course the Dutch number plate they have to check the van. Is it not the yellow, is it the connection with the Netherlands and drugs. I also always make sure I have documents of where I am going (even when staying in a van), and have videos on my phone of me kitesurfing so I can show them what I do. It makes it easier to pass and not to have unpack your whole car.   Macedonia will check first the passport and then the car insurance, if your green card is valid.

After pulled out of the line – I expected nothing else – a quick look of the police. They question if I have drinks, drugs ..? and in between the lines: if you have weed you can give it to me now than there is no problem… I smile and say no, I am an athlete. And that he had to admit looking in the car, seeing the skateboards etc.. Within a few seconds I could jump in and drive through.

The first gas station I saw along the road, I really thought I made a mistake driving all this way into this country. If I haven’t locked the doors already – like I always do. I would have done that first thing. Seeing all people walking along the road to and from the border. Sitting next to the highway.  People under cardboards……with their whole live in a plastic back. On one side sad, on the other not understandable for us as Europeans. It is so close, yet so far away. Anyway,  I decide to drive one. In the end you can`t judge a book by its cover. And I got the proof, because a little further down the road it was the opposite: the scenery was amazing.  Lots of churches and monasteries, not touristic yet so the inhabitants are super friendly. The lakes are clear and the forest is super green, just litter is a huge problem.  

Still impressed by the amount of Turkish tea houses and beautiful mosques around Skopje and the river Vardar. The highlight is the Mustafa Pasha mosque. And then they told me one of the most famous historical structures is the 214-meter-long bridge that connects the Old Bazaar with the new part of the city.

According to the Macedonian we had to visit a national park:  At the foot of Bitola lies Pelister National Park, a mountainous area that is ideally suited for cycling and walking. You have to pay attention, because wolves, bears and lynxes live in the park! We safely stayed down in the village after a quick drive around the park. I don’t want to get eaten before even arriving in Greece.

Greece – Drepano – Nafpaktos – Naxos – Paros

Next up: crossing the border of Greece.

That was an easy one, a look in my passport and again the question; where are you going..? and than he started to list out al the kiting spots for me. Which ones I could skip and where I have to go. He was my fan number one already! .. leaving my signature on his cap… after asking 10 times; “are you sure?”

The roads in Greece are mainly pretty good, easy to drive, nothing special.  The European championships will be held in Nafpaktos, I expected something like a beach.. but I never found it… just a place with some dust , rocks, behind some green. And a big tarmac place, it looked like a helicopter landing spot or something. Within seconds I saw kites on the other side… Drepano. Drepano is one of the populair kitespots in Greece. You can take the expensive bridge (if you take it once, otherwise you can make a membership deal) or.. the cheaper version to come to the other side the ferry (takes a few minutes more – still a quick ride). I took the bridge, but it wasn`t worth it I would say. The way back I took the ferry.

Drepano, is a small kitespot. Because of the event and the weekend even smaller.  The first week I stayed on the spot, the wind was perfect, just the launching of a foil kite a bit sketchy. Camping wasn`t allowed according to a small sign next to the entrance, but we stayed several nights without any problems, just like other campers.

The week after the wind decided to turn, and after one session with this crazy wind……I thought about the border guard what spots did he tell me about.

 Spontaneous I made a plan in the late evening, just before I went to sleep. Checking the ferry tickets to Paros in 7 hours the boat was scheduled to depart to Paros from Athens. It was around a 4/5 hour drive and I decided to go for it.  I made it, but because of the bad weather the ship never left the harbour. We had to wait all day in the line before getting refunds or a new ticket – the next day. I stayed a day in the harbour. And that way I could visit Athens and be on time for the boat the next morning. The weather was still not perfect, but good enough to depart.

Whatever happens, think of it as an adventure!

On Paros I stayed right on the beach and the kitespot. Because it was kind of off season for us kiters, it was not busy at all. One day of no wind were I took the SUP for a “little tour”. The rest of the days were perfect! My best decision ever 😊

Before ging back to Nafpaktos for the competitions I visited the island of Naxos– which is only an hour by boat. I will come back for more kiting on this islands for sure!

After Naxos it took 6 hours with the boat back to Athens and from Athens I drove the 5 hours back to Nafpaktos again. Here I could also sleep right on the beach and the spot of the competition.

Read about the European Championship in Greece: here.  

Next up: Italy – venice – lago di resia – lago di garda

From Patras there is a boat to Venice. It will take 33 hours, but compared with the price paying it is easy and super cheap compared with driving. And you cannot escape a visit to Venice. After searching some places to stay in Venice, I decided to park the car/van not in Venice or too close, but safe on a campsite a little further down the highway. From there you can easily access Venice with the bus.  And like that I didn`t had to worry. And could enjoy my 360 of sightseeing in Venice, walk around for a bit and sleep on the campsite before driving again.

After Venice, I drove back to Lago di Resia, were I spent the night. It’s our favourite snow kiting lake in Italy (-we will be back!). Driving the reschenpass again and again this year. Not the last time , as I had to go back to Lago di Garda for the wingfoil racing competition……… read all about it here! 

In the end you only regret the roads you didn`t take…

 Not the first countries on many people’s bucket lists, and to be honest, and honestly I also had no idea what to expect! But this countries in the Western Balkans surprised me in many, many ways. 😊  Also Greece, so easy to go to with the van, to move around and to stay. It is that I promised to come back home ….

It took me a while to finish this one, I didn`t wanted it to be negative, neither sad nor a complain, excuse –  just true. Unexpected situations happen, things end, people change … and you know what..?? Life goes on.  

So did I. Still the same goal, the same road – a bit bumped and bit longer, still on the way, on a mission, I went on some time ago.

“Every time I fell down as soon as I hit the ground, remind me who I am and I get back up again. I will be back again. Take it or leave it, I am what I am. And life goes on, so do I.”

At the moment of writing this I finally packed my van again and took my passport on the road for another few stamps & stories. So yes together with my bed, two foils, a wing foil, 5 boards, 4 wings, 10 kites (you never know), some bars, harnesses, wetsuits, a kite pump, some bars (but never  the right one),  a SUP ( yes I do need this one…in case there is really no wind), a skateboard (I know the roads in Greece aren’t that good), a surf skate, skates (there are skateparks you know), an electric skateboard (here the police isn`t chasing me – yet), a bicycle, a soccer ball, some weights for the homeless gym, paddle, helmets, a panini grill (cause why not) the big back off tools under the passenger seat (#frontseatstories), some more useless and useful crap in case of whatever.. the rest of the space filled up with; Dutch water, some food (read; snacks in all corners of the van – in case there is no supermarket the next decades) and a few clothes in case I don’t need just my bikini and a bit more clothes (like in the air-conditioning of a ferry…) – Hell Yeah, I am on the road again..!!

This brave basterd of a van took me all the way down to Greece (3000KM). Proudly enjoying the view on the beach at Paros Island the past weeks ..and a little moment later the stony beach in Nafpaktos (with neighbours dog & donkey), the place of the European Championship Kitefoiling 2022.

 We have been through some countries, adventures, crazy roads, amazing yet strange places, friendly people, weird people... Collecting stamps on the way passing the borders of Macedonia, Servia, Greece, Kosovo!  (- into the country I decided to google; “is it safe to drive through…?! Is it safe to travel to..?!”) But, in the end I was already into the country – no choice – it was super nice to drive through these countries, see some small villages, incredible nature. Taking the touristic route and not the toll road with some great views! I am glad I drove this way down. In fact my longest road trip with the van sofar.

Yep, after the World cup of snowkiting 2022, I didn`t do any competition anymore. I wished, but nope. Not that I didn`t wanted it;  I just  couldn`t make it happen – unfortunately.  I remember I always said the next one is.. subscribing myself and “forcing” myself, because I had to..?  Be ready…? Turning out the next one never happened. I had different priorities for the long term if I ever wanted to compete again on international level into the Olympic class. I was not ready, my gear was not ready. I am still not ready, my gear is still not ready (- working on that one). But I am coming close now.  Jus in need of some training hours with the gear now. The kitefoil sessions I did are to count on two hands..and with this kites.. to count on one hand.

“You never know until you go – your passport”

As well as, because of all the “things” happening in the world, for a long time I just had an 11m foil kite. And a hydrofoil which was not my own. As simply as it is hydrofoil racing is expensive, too expensive for a normal & independent person & athlete. And I had to make choices, compete and be the same, not compete and collect my own quiver and make myself better.

But hey! I am here now in Greece, ready or not and that’s all what counts, back to do what I love the most, taking my passport and van on a journey to the windy water for some training. I am here for how many races I can take, I can stay out of trouble and finish! Nothing to lose and all to win.

Meanwhile I enjoyed my wing gear and freestyle, big air kites..and the snow! The year I learned new things about eating (!), the gym (!), wing foiling finally with straps (I love it!). I went climbing which I never thought I would like (boring) I learned more about the different snowkiting disciplines and how to make a MEGA flight of a hill…(unexpected though). I learned about people, about trust and about letting go. I learned about the lonely process of being an all depending on yourself – independent athlete (which means not connected to a team, federation or club). And the hard process of balancing the financing part, working hard, family and friends and other things (and competitions besides kitefoiling). Trying to do it all. I was all in working, so hard to achieve my goals. I almost drowned in it, I ended up in the money thought. Keeping all balls high up, wasn`t possible anymore. I was home but I was not home. I was thinking about myself but actually not. Still fighting for that mission. Like I always did.  Becoming the best athlete I can ever be on the water & snow.

During all of this I  became a little lost in what I was meant to do, a little lost in goals, dreams and what to train for, what to really work for, what I could take. Snow, water…. Foil, wing, fun. Until, I just went for another night shift and I didn`t really feel like going neither working… …. …. … …. Just another night shift… .. again.

That moment I thought I might have to take another road, at the start of my night shift it changed. “He”, the supervisor of that night told me, looking at my passport; “ You travelled a lot I see..? Yes I did..! .. and used to do. He said;  well, those memories, no-one will ever take them from you”. He continued with a because;

“Off all the books in the world the best stories are found in between the pages of a passport”

And that’s what made me smile, knowing he is true. And knowing from deep inside all these memories, are great, it made me look at my passport again. That’s where I live for.  I know from myself I always keep looking forward, pushing it and forgetting about the memories I made – always in need of more. Memories which are important to me and the once around me, the made me who I am today. That I can be super happy that I went through all of this, have the possibility to do all of this.  Sometimes I just need a little reminder, looking back is good at times too.  That all the hard work, sacrifices, decisions ( good or bad) are worth it. On top with all the sleepless nights, doubts, the thought when it turns out right I will lose, when it goes wrong I will lose. So what’s the point of doing this..? Well all these things floating around in my mind, they went aside, because the rest of the night I kept he smile. And realized I can be proud of what I achieved, it wasn’t always easy, but I did anyway. I have been to all those places, I have done all those competitions, I made it work. So I have to do now. Although it might be different than people expect.

From this moment on, when I doubt; I look at my passport and think about all the memories made and the stories told, the people met. All the missions I achieved. All the places I have been, all the memories made, the experiences and adventures, they are worth more than anything else (and any medal) in the world. And they keep that smile on my face.

Keeping the dream of little Mariska alive..? Hell yeah! That’s what we do it for. Asa l little gril I always dreamed of travelling the world being the best, compete being independent and not that shy girl. Inspire you to do whatever you dream.

 One way or the other, lets go. Live your passion and collect all the stamps in the world. Back out there on a mission! And getting as ready as I can for the Europeans of 2022 in Kitefoiling, while already enjoying Greece.  Lets hit the Greek water, launch some foil kites into the trees, get dragged over the beach (stones in this case) again, crash some gybes, hit some marks and stick some tacks. Relearn the laylines, stay out of trouble, avoid DNF and just go faaaaaaaaaaast! Ready… or not……. Let`s make some memories.  Nothing to lose and all to gain… as someone just told me: “the most dangerous people are those who have nothing to lose”

10 reasons why.. vanlife makes you happy.

Everything about being home is easy, a loving dog, an awesome family, great parents. Safe surroundings. Work to choose from, kitespots all around, knowing the best conditions for each spot. University around the corner. A walk in the park.

The fridge with cold drinks, the plugs in the wall where you just charge your phone every second of the day without thinking & running out of power. A gym on the attic of the house, the soccer field around the corner. The hot shower after a cold surf session, not even taking off the wetsuit at the beach, driving home just like that. A kitchen you can stand in.  A bed that`s always levelled straight, the washing machine….. Everything you need.. or…?

Those easy life aspects go out of the window. Screw this: I wanna go.  It will ask a bit of adjusting in the beginning, but vanlife living brings the best out of you:

1. Expect nothing, so everything feels like a win

The best part of vanlife is that you expect nothing and because of that everything that happens feels like a win. It’s an unknown adventure on the long highway to everywhere, you never know what’s around the corner. The factory, the church, the awesome beach or incredible view. But once it gets there you really appreciate it and see the true beauty of it and that makes it all really special. (also when you finally find a public restroom after 2 weeks of bush pooping). Or that hot shower…

2. You Gain an Incredible Sense Of Freedom

Come and go as you please. No deadlines, no schedules, no pressure – from no one, nobody looking over your shoulder if you do “things” the “right” way: what screams more..? Not being strapped anymore to that storm called “stress” and being able to do whatever you want whenever you want. With nothing but unknow destinations, unknow roads and places, just your little home on four wheels and yourself. Vanlife opens you up to this incredible sense of freedom – you can`t even imagine right now.

It might not be completely like that: buy a van and go, never come back. But it’s definitely worth it. Whether it’s a week trip, sleeping by neighbors on the field, a family holiday in a hired camper or a never ending road trip in your own self converted van. Whatever you trickers: the sense of freedom will have you high on life.

3. You Seize Every Opportunity

Living in a van you will seize every opportunity. Not one day is spend logging around, watching tv all day, chilling on the couch or sleeping till noon. Instead you will be up at dawn, to see whatever sound there is on the other side of the door or how the view looks like out there today with the first sun light. Catching the first waves before the wind kicks in and you`ll rig your kite.

You will meet people travelling the opposite of your “intended plan” and you think yourself… fuck it I come along to that waterfall inland. Or you meet fellow kiters chasing the wind on the other side of the island and you turn  around to be there before the next sunset session. You see a sign pointing rock formation and think what the hell, let’s check it out. Or another amazing beach, kitespot with other vanlifers, although you were aiming drive another hour… instead you decide – let`s stay here!  You chase the wind, catch the next wave, ride off into the sunset,  and itch for adventure, what else is there to do..?

You get the point: These decisions are opportunities, the opportunity of freedom.

Slowly you will start to go with the flow, the days will smoothly flooding in each other and you will live in the moment: taking it day by day and loving every moment of it!

4. You learn Things, A lot Of Things

With an unknow adventure ahead, your own little home on four wheels, it will be not a surprise that you learn a lot of things.  For instance the car parts, how to fix the car when you break down. From filling up the oil, chancing tires to the electrical parts. Within this journey you learn to trust yourself when you have to figure it out on your own. To be creative and  not give up after one time trying.  And when it actually works out it is pretty damn cool!

You got to know yourself, how it is to live on 5 square foot, to travel alone, discover the vanlife-vibe. But you will be alright!

Along the way you learn about the country and the culture. You meet inspiring people, you never forget, you have to go through scary moments and challenges, but that all makes you grow.  You learn about the big question: Who Am I ..? .. and once you think you know it all… there is always more.. The best life lessons are usually free of charge.

5. You Stop Taking Things For Granted

Soon the further you get in your vanlife journey, you will stop taking things for granted. First the obvious things like when you have a shower for the first time in days and putting on clean clothes you just washed at the gas station, or the random campground you found. After this there is no way back and slowly, but surely (sometimes even without noticing) you will learn to stop taking the little things for granted. 

Like the cool breeze that hits you after cracking the door open on a hot night. The water that is finally boiling after being for nearly  20 minutes on the little portable gas stove. Yes, even when you realize you have enough coins for the toll road or the hot monthly shower.

Simple life pleasures that usually are taken so easy for granted, living the vanlife you value every moment of it. 

6. You Experience Things You Never Would Have

When living the vanlife, you spend more time exploring the places you want, smaller, more remote and local, than with travelling. With travelling your always off to a certain location (especially when dragging all boardbags behind), and bouncing from the airport to the city to the beach, to the competition area –  mostly not really the remote places or the nicest kite spots – beaches. Now there is the time to slow down,  time to figure out what is life like 100 km left and 100 km right, without any pressure. Now I had the time to find my own way, places I got to know down the road, unheard places  and I like too explorer. Drive the direction of the wind and waves..

Sleeping right on a remote kitespot, pumping the kite next to your little home on wheels. Rolling from your bed straight into the best view ever. Not knowing when to come back, exploring remote places living by the day.

One night I  parked at an amazing free parking spot (apparently) in the dark, not knowing this awesome spot, how beautiful it was, turning out in the perfect sunrise surf… but I did know and realized I would have looked right past it, if it weren’t the home on four wheels who brought me there. From random little spots to bigger cities this was one of a hundred unforgettable moments I would missed out in if I wasn’t in a van – Far away from the civilization, the daily stress and expectations, I was and still am feeling blessed and grateful living the kitevanlife some parts of my life!

7. You Focus On Yourself And Your Own Shit

Might be the best part of all. In daily life it’s easy to caught up in every one else `s live, soap series, drama, goals, problems, dreams…. Opinions, stories about you, you never told. People that think they know you… clearly not. That ain`t you. And you need to realize it, you gotta look out after YOU and only you. It`s your life.  Follow your passion!

During vanlife you will learn to let go of things, learn what really matters the most, what is important for you – the “things” you can’t live without  and the “things” you can live without & focus on that, that what is important for you. Some things you can`t control – it`s what it is – take it how it comes.

And  that, the end of the day is what makes you happy.   

         

8. You Turn A Little Wild.. And Going Wild For A While Isn`t A Bad Thing

For the part I wasn`t that wild child  of the class already, vanlife made it even better.  Just a little moment right before you start the vanlife, tell your mind & body that things are going to get a little wild.. But who said wild is a bad thing..??

Be prepared your life and hygiene standards will drop immediately. A mirror becomes luxury.  You will learn to sleep with SO MUCH sand in your bed it seems natural… changing the sheets… hardly. Brushing your tooths with gum and the old water found under the seat, because of running out of toothpaste.  Clothes that you usually washed already twice are now perfectly fine, getting used to the new smell of clean.

You learn to pee outside, yes on places you ones thought they were far too pubic. And number too..?? Get used to the old bush poo – with a view.

You start eating food, normally thrown away, or kept in the fridge. You will get creative cooking and eating. Using little dishes as possible because no dishwasher or unlimited water. But you save money on shampoo. You will sleep in random side off the road places and parking lots (in between the truckers or in front of someone doorstep..), not really caring if its safe to do so.

How does this turn out positive..?? Well all these things are going wild for a little, letting go, caring less, living more is seriously the best.  Not knowing peoples opinion, doing your own best, being the best version of yourself. You awake a sense of ridiculousness inside of you, one that got lost along the lines of being that snotty nose child and that working class adult. Doing things you never ever thought about doing.  Like the times I randomly showered in a hotel, invited myself for breakfast and chilled at the pool for a few days….. Welcome to your wild side!

9. You Get To Know All Sorts Of People … And Learn  A Life Lesson Or 10

These one is the one some are scared of, feeling lonely, not bounding. I can say one thing, pretty quick every time again, your easy bound to meet people that are one of their own.

All different sorts of awesome people: Old, Young, chasing the dream, digital nomads, Surfers chasing waves or the wind, your grandparents who never got the chance to travel when they were younger, holiday enjoyers, the ones that have been everywhere already, Students, professional kitesurfers and all somewhere in between.

All with their own unique story. My advice is, take interest, respect the differences and listen. Listen to their experience, advice and stories. You will learn a thing or… what.. I promise.

10. You Live More With Less

This concept will change your life if you let it. Living more with less. With the time you will become 100% happy with the things you have in your little home.  The little basket with folded clothes, the few shirts you own, happy that the iron thing doesn’t work here. Happy when the battery of your phone runs flat and you have to wait for charging t until the leisure battery got charged by the solar panel. Happy with the fact that you don`t have a lot, but you have enough!

As simply as that. Happy vanlife! 😊

Watching Sunset s around the world is boring no – one ever said!  What is your next destination?

For the once who do know me or think they know me:  I love to travel, love to discover the unknown and go the places I have never been before! 

What`s next?  That’s the question I always ask myself even if I am far away from home or just home for a few days. There is always something new, unknown, an  adventure that needs to be discovered somewhere on earth. Some mountains, fresh tracks or undiscovered paths. The past years, and … I was going to say the purpose changed a bit but that’s not true. So no; it’s still the same; I like to see the country itself and the local environment but the main purpose was and still is the sport (to compete, to train, to progress and to have fun). he past years that became more and more kitesurfing or snowkiting! Chasing the wind and finding the ocean.

What’s your next destination? …Well… I have one or two or… more in mind.

“Some Journeys can only be traveled alone”

It has been a journey that separates my live, sometimes it feels like there is no end to that journey. “Travelling for so long and wondering when you arrive” . The best thing ever happened during that journey is getting to kite. It gave me a whole new purpose, a whole new adventure, something to train for, something to live for – its all about the journey.

The past 5 years of my kiting career I Have been to a lot of countries, some on my own, some with family or friends. Sometimes with the plane and sometimes with the car. Or another vehicle; boat, bus, train, motorbike, tricycle, horse, donkey… everywhere where I can take my boardbags  A little change with before, not that much luxury but more off myself, my own road, creating my own new way! Starting from zero.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you, somehow”

Kitesurf

Australia

Bali

Brasil

Dakhla

Denmark

Germany

Greece

France

Italy : Sardinia – Hydrofoil Gold Cup || Worlds 2019

Morocco

Netherlands – Home town

Philippines :

• My road trough the Philipinnes 2018
• Tips when travelling the Philipinnes
• Tablas Island
• PKA 2018: Stop 1 – Lakawon Island / Stop 3 – Boracay  / Stop 4 : Cagbalette Island.
• PKA 2017: Stop 1 – Cebu / Stop 3 – Boracay / Stop 4 – Cagbalette Island
• Overall PKA 2017

Peru : Part I // Part II

Portugal

Poland

South Africa

Turkey

Thailand

Vietnam

Qatar – Doha: ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES 2019

Snowkite:

Norway: Ragnarok || Snowkiting Norway Tips

Germany  

Italy : Lago Di Resia – Snowkite World Cup

France

Recent:  Dakhla, Italy , Peru , Norway, Italy Sardegna, Doha/Qatar

Now: Somewhere on the world

On the planning so far:   ………? any ideas?

The list will be updated with stories and new destinations  (last update: October 2019)

My first month in Peru – Paracas, part II.  More than kiting

Last time, my article was all about the most important activity in Paracas, Peru (and in my life) – Kitesurfing. You know how to get to the kitebeach, the important Windguru facts (how not to miss out on a session or wait for 5 hours on the beach) and you got a short introduction about the kitespot(s) I have seen until so far. If not > find it here! Than off course it`s also important to life, next to kiting you should get somehow to Paracas and stay somewhere. My second priority….Although Paracas isn’t a big town, there are plenty of options and possibilities for everybody and every budget.Just like another important priority for the most people fooooood,  available for every budget, if you are a good explorerer. BUT before heading over to food and accomodation, you need to know how to get  to  Paracas isnt it ?!

 Getting there: Lima- Paracas

Comparing with some other countries I have been to, Peru is a super easy country to travel in, even with boardbags and lots of luggage (okay with 95kg you will get some strange faces… where not?!). The first step is coming from Lima (the closest airport where all international flights arrive). There are two easy options, first is a private car ride to Paracas, second is the bus to Paracas. Both perfect and easy to do (also with 95kg of kitegear). The employers  are actually nice and don’t recommend straight the bigger taxi on the airport but will help you fitting it in the smaller and cheaper ones. (+ 1 for the employees of  Greencar on the airport, I paid a reasonable 40 soles).  And for the ones who would like to know, Uber is also working here. (just say no on the first price and they will start thinking), but will be more expensive and you never know in what car they are coming.

The first option: Take the bus from Lima (bus station), it’s a three/four hour bus ride depending on traffic. From the airport you can jump into a taxi to the bus station, that will take you something like half an hour. The easiest is to book the bus going to Paracas in advance. At the bus station (no matter how early you are) you can check in your luggage already and tour a bit around before your bus leaves (just make sure you lock your luggage when leaving it behind). There is WIFI on the bus station and a small restaurant to sit. (I also had working WIFI in the bus  ).   Luggage is very cheap, I took 95 kg extra for 12 euros. It will all go on the scale and you have to pay for it, if it’s not in your free luggage (20 kg). That depends on the bus company and on the bus you will take (note that sometimes there will be in the rules that sports equipment is not accepted, but they will – or they will figure something out for you – next bus ore bys before). More expensive companies are more luxury buses and more luxary seats, you even get a sandwich and a drink on the road :). I took the Cruz del sur (or Peru Bus, also recommended by a local sitting next to me in the plane  ) . Just check where the buses are leaving this is different per company. More luxury (10-25 euros a ticket) and more basic (8 euros a ticket). The bus will drop you at the bus station Paracas, there will be friendly staff to help you out. You can walk your way to town – a few 100 meters or take a ride with a taxi (7 soles). Even with your kite gear (with wheels) its walkable, a little work-out. Just to let you know: there are some sand roads to cross.

The second option: From lima, a more expensive, less adventures option, but maybe a more convenient option is a private car ride. Contact your hotel or guesthouse about it. It will be around 160 dollars / 500 soles. This is easier to arrange beforehand than on the airport itself, that will be more expensive. You will drive straight to Paracas in 3- 4 hours.

On the way back you take a taxi-transfer or you can book a bus.  Usually they are still available last minute. If you want to be secure, book not the last bus as sometimes they might not ride. And if you want to make sure your luggage will fit: be earlier on the bus station, leave it there and go back to town for a drink or dinner. You have to pay but it’s not that much 1 sole per KG more …but a boardbag on the scale in Peru is not what it look like….. I am not sure but mine is definitely not 7 kg  . for 30 soles I took 90kg. (with cruz del sur).  The taxi will be ready to take you to the airport from the bus station. Think it’s the first time I didn`t negotiate over the price, it was a really (!) fair price of 30 soles. Even though the driver was a bit scared of seeing me with all my luggage. Not because, he was scared it would not fit in the car, but if he could lift it out of the car… without my help. After I handed the bags, he offered me the driver seat. If you want to communicate the way to the airport, it’s good to speak some Spanish, if you like  a quit ride, don’t speak Spanish 

Where to stay?

That question might be the most important after all.  Don’t worry there are plenty of options! More basic and budget – San Martin, that’s the area around Paracas Town, where usually (more) the locals live. Which is just a few meters walk from the town, read one sandroad down.

For long term this might be the best option, to walk around and just ask if there is a room available by locals (bring google translate – if you don’t speak Spanish). There will be a lot, really! You just have to find it, but while asking you will get there easily. All the locals are ready to help you out. For the best price you might have to do: the  say no and walk away trick. Come back later and ask again.  Mostly its guesthouses or a room in the property of a local (basic but fine) for around 100-150 dollars a month. Off course for some more you will get more! Usually the second price they give will be  a fair one,   1 sole means more for them than for you after all. Just make  sure you check the room before taking it. Depending on priority’s: Hot water? WIFI? Shared bathroom? Kitchen? Sheets? Etc.

For short term (or long term but more expensive), you can also stay in Paracas town, which you can find on booking .com, air b&b etcc. These are the more popular hotels and is the more touristic area. Sometimes it’s better not to book straight through Booking.com, airb&b, etc. See my  recommendations more later in this article. If you check booking.com you will not always see the cheapest prices, the real availability and the best options. Better is to go there and ask the price. A lot of places to stay are not even on the booking.com websites.  The town area will be a bit more noisy because of the road and restaurants, bars.

The other option is stay close to the kitespot but far from everything and everybody else. More expensive but also more luxury.  Like the Hitlon hotel or the double tree hotel.

More than enough choice!  And if you are a kiter, you don’t have to stay close to the kitespot in the more expensive options. Its more cheaper in Paracas – Sant Martin. The collectivos are really cheap (1 sole), you can walk (35 minutes) or take a taxi (7 soles). There is kitestorage availbale at the beach in one of the kiteschools. See my other article about kitesurfing & Paracas. 

*.  If you stay longer than for a few days, expect some faces with big question marks. What are you doing three months in Peru? …..eeuh kitesurfing….. be aware you open a new world for them, some friendly locals don’t even know that part of Paracas (on windy days).

Recommendations:

Hostal Barlovento: A clean, overall quiet (even with firewors around), nice place, managed by a local family. Private room and private bathroom, shared common room with fridge and kitchen (on its way, by writing this).  One of the less accommodations with thick concrete walls.  The owners are really nice and are introduced by kitesurfing .. not my fault or….. They are used to the sand in the rooms and showers  . Hostal Barlovento is situated just above the town, so it’s nice and quiet and a nice playground,  some local shops and restaurants around the corner (cheap). Wifi is really good. The hostal is just starting and still improving a lot. Link.https://www.youtube.com/embed/fWO6oN0QBjE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Kokopeli Hostal: The place to be? Or not? Opinions are different about this place and that depends all on yourself, what you want and what you like. 75% of the visitors will stay here or start there stay here…a more popular place, a more noisier place (party’s), but with great company from other travelers. A swimming pool, bar and restaurant inside and different options of rooms. They also offer a deal, work in the kokopelli bar and stay for free. Kokopelli is situated on the edge of Paracas Town – straight on the local “beach”. (don’t get over exited, because the kite beach will be nicer to the definition beach. Link

Willy`s House: Managed by another super friendly family, serving breakfast every morning. Willys House has a lot of different options sin rooms and is a really clean place, with a nice shared kitchen. You have private rooms but also the usual hostel options.  Its situated just on the main street. But to enter remember to take the back door instead of the front door on the main street (it seems closed that way, but its not). Here as well, the Wi-Fi is really good. Link.

More budget or long term budget

Atenas Backpacker Hospedaje: A big hostel with a lot of room options, and a lot of private rooms. A nice rooftop and good Wi-Fi. A shared kitchen and some hammocks. Located on the main street of Paracas and as they say a few 100 meters from the local “beach”, as far as you can call it beach. They also offer tours at Paracas Backpackers. Link

Local house: the best option for a long term stay or a budget stay. You can find them everywhere. Not directly but by asking around they will pop up everywhere. Book something for the first days and then walk around. Also ask the Hostels, usually they can give you another price as you will find on the internet.

Or off course, Camp: You can park your car, tent or anything where you want to sleep in on the parking lot of the beach for no charge. But there is nothing besides sand and the sea. In Paracas town is a bathroom and there you can take a “shower”for three soles, otherwise find the tas used for watering the public grass  .

Close to the kitespot. But more expensice:
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Paracas, &
Bamboo Paracas Resort .

Local food & sandwiches , the town Paracas – Sant Martin.

Buying fruits, breads, cookies and sandwiches is really cheap and even cheaper if you choose the right place. Dinner is also cheap if you go out,  but there are big differences. Low quality – high price –  high quality – high prices –big portions or the other way around. It’s fun to find it out yourself and make your own opinion, I will just share some of my experiences. Since I am not a food guru or fancy -healthy instagram – fitgirl… and just buy the vegatables in the grocerie store and eat the, like they are , you wont find any of these pictures or posts  .

In the town Paracas are little shops, which will have fruits, vegetables and other daily things for a fair price. In the streets more up in San Martin its mostly cheaper, but these more hidden. Or in houses or behind windows, or just open when its time to earn. But its worth it to discover these and support the locals.  Some days you will hear an annoying voice of a man going around town, or he will wake you up, but note: this can be the fruit or vegetables man, selling fruits from a motorbike. .

Furthermore there are small stands along the water on the seafront, some every day, some just when its crowded like the last stand, just in the weekends (but is selling some nice lunch for take away). Some others are selling juice, ice-cream or sandwiches.  These will also drive around in the evenings with all different kind of food. These are good and cheap. Sometimes even better as in the restaurants.

In the streets you will also find windows with sandwiches, cookies, these vary from a price of 1 soles to 4 soles. Usually the simple once are 1 and the once with chicken 4. On the main road there is a woman every morning with egg (1 soles) , avocado (2 soles) , fish, chicken sandwiches and also coffee/tea or soup, a little nice improvised local outside restaurant. In the street behind is also a small window, selling sandwiches with egg and some vegetables inside for 2 soles. Sometimes with spinach … the proof that we at home are not really strange if we eat egg with spinach J

There are wayyyyy more. Above in San Martin are also people selling bread, some stores and some in person on the corner of the street, 5 small breads are 0.50 soles, bigger ones 5 for 1 sole  isn’t that bad.  Buy your own vegetables in the supermarket and done –  no kitchen needed.

Search and you will find.  It’s the same, same but different with restaurants for dinner, lunch or breakfast. Look a bit more up into San Martin there you will find local restaurants, well sometimes it’s just local houses or the street, but hey why not? Just walk inn, look around and ask them for something nice. Dinner will be around 8 soles in the streets.  Be aware that you can get a whole fish for dinner if not expected  You can also go for burgers for 3.5 soles.  Down on the seafront are lots of restaurants varying in prices / ask them for the daily menu which is the most value for money (if you do care).  Shops up in the streets are usually also the half of the price from the ones down in the seafront.

Recommendations –  “places”

Miski, has  a lot of different options in food. Big pizza`s and always something to drink. A great place to go for dinner if you want nice scenery, music and other people (mix of tourists and locals). 

Arena café, a nice place for breakfast (take the combo deal), lunch, dinner, dessert or just a juice or coffee.  – and best WIFI in town, for real!  (if you go in the night its equal to the Dutch Wi-Fi!!). A place where usually the tourist come.  

Restaurant Paracas, upstairs of the ATM machine. A good restaurant, also selling local food. And a view from above.  

Down on the water front you have Local café peru…a super nice small place with friendly owners to go for breakfast. The owners are local and will help you with everything.  Next to this place is also a pizza place which ou should try!  These two are down in Paracas but al the way on the end past the souvenir shops. The first time I talked about this, people told me there was nothing…. But it turns out there is a lot! 

Also the way to the seafront are lots of places, if you want to look in the menu without getting asked inside, go in the night and check the menu when they are closed , come back next day to eat 

In the night there will be people sitting on the streets, selling burgers, hotdogs and all kinds of food. This is cheaper than inside the restaurants and sometimes even better. So worth to try it, if you don’t mind joining the local people on a table or eat at the beach 

*order food and bring it to the beach to eat. Build a shelter from the boats and enjoy! 

Above in San Martin, you get the same but maybe even better. There are a lot of options and cheaper. During the day you want find them but during the night and Peruvian dinner time you will. (some open only after 19:00). Just walk around the streets and find the lights or open doors:

Roys: Chicken place with lost of different choices.

Burgers place, well or the other place. Somme don’t have a name, but the town itself is not that big, go out and explorer! Another tip is to always ask for the menú del día (cheap, fresh).  And if there is no TV…. Are you sure it’s a restaurant?   .. if you don’t speak Spanish look at the banners or pictures and choose something , they will have rice, chicken and soup everywhere. Also vegetarian dishes they can improvise for you 

Big differences

As in accommodation, dinner and food, there are also big differences in scenery between the road to the kitespot and the living of the local people. The village of Paracas up on the hill is more local, while down to the sea/front are some luxury restaurants, but also some local restaurants, a few hotels, hostels and small shops. The road to the kitespot is full of big houses all with swimming pool and luxury hotels. It’s a nice walk just to watch it all.  You will see all the luxury hotels, but no shops or local food things around. All the food, restaurants, shops are located in and around Paracas.  Just as the loading poles for your phone… Yes you can charge our phone for free while watching the sea front (or getting asked a hundred times for dinner, but here no is no -I like that!

Some call it time travelling by opening the backdoor of the hostels on the main road. On one side its really nice, concrete, trees, benches, shops and like a real time – 2019. Opening the backdoor will put you 100 years back in time, sand roads, wooden houses but still nice people, shops and nothing to worry about.  The streets get watered as well, otherwise it will blow away.  And Sunday morning you will see the people picking up all the garbage, I thought all this people where going to church…

That’s the basic area – San Martin around Paracas town you will see some concrete buildings, some wooden buildings, all different. You will hear the phone of the neighbor 8 wooden houses away and it will be always, always sound if they knock on your door, but in reality it`s always on the door of some neighbor. That’s how thin the walls are. The people are nice and friendly, won’t sell you anything in this ere, you actually have to search and go in many times yourself. You will also find a nice soccer area and playground, if you get bored. The beeping taxis you will find everywhere just like the bad sound that always needs to be on loud volume – televisions (while no-one is watching…I still don’t get it). But in the nights it`s nice and super quiet up in San Martin. Even though they are building sometimes the whole night. Paracas Town can be more noisy, that’s where you go for a drink or dinner.  San Martin is a great place to stay when you’re staying for long term or want to have more for a small budget.

Photo Credits: Casey from Perukite

No kiting?

To be honest I can’t really answer this question, because I have been kiting every single day…..But from hearing I know there are Sunsets trips and lots of other activities like sandboarding, wakeboarding, SUP, boat trips, trips to the reserve, oasis and more. Also a lot mentioned option is Paragliding (in the morning before the wind starts’. Or play soccer with the locals!! I never go anywhere without kites and soccer ball. It’s a great way to enjoy the no wind days or get to known the local community.  I g ot this question a few days ago from a stranger, you have been here long? Well yes. What can I do in Paracas? Euuhm kitesurfing? All but except kitesurfing… Okay, eeuhm well the Nature reserve? You can kite there as well…. Oke sorry I can’t help you out. This means that this place is perfect for kiting, every single day again and again. The only reason why I can’t answer this question, guess there will be more to do  seeing all the tour companies.

Think Caley from DEEP – outdoor will be happy to help you with all non – kiting adventures  (even in English)

But the best to do here is off course kiting or learn kitesurfing. I have seen a lot of people starting here and riding away, joining on kite-trips or making the first jumps. Peru Kite Paracas will help you reach that goal, be a friend, future family from this kiteboarding community and for sure the: #perukitefamily.

Around Paracas – Peanut butter!

So you are done with the shops in Paracas town? Can’t find the granola for breakfast or the edammer cheese?  or still looking for that one jar of Nutella spread or peanut butter? Well, than its really time for a small trip to Pisco- town. Its bigger as Paracas and has several shops and big supermarkets, where you will find yes: real granola, peanut butter and Nutella!!! 

For this you should go the the Mega plaza, a big shopping center, there they will have the most choice, but it will be a bit more expensive than the other shops in Pisco. .

For more local groceries and cheaper than in Paracas and cheaper than the mega plaza, go to the Precio Uno – Hiperbodega.

How to get there? Is taking a cap (with a star on the door – shared with locals) for 3 soles to Pisco. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Mercado. The will usually go to the taxi places but if you tell them to drop you off over there they will 99% drop you off in front of the local supermarket. From this supermarket you can also walk to the market , where you will find a looooot of fruits for a really nice price J . From here you can walk to the Mega Plaza (around 15 minutes). To get back to Paracas you have to go to the taxi stand – Colectivo Paracas (close by the market and the local super market). Walk there and ask the locals or take a tricycle which will drop you off at the corner of the street where the taxis wait for you (2 soles). If you use another taxi, you will get there anywhere, but maybe by a free tour through all the streets of Pisco and driving endless around in Paracas to  get a full car.  The differences in taxi are huge, the same rice …some are really crappy, falling apart and some…. Super nice , offering you the newspaper and letting you choose a cd.

*Tip: use google maps or maps.me offline and don’t walk like the biggest tourist ( as it might be a bit less save and less touristic than Paracas).

Concluding that my first two weeks in Peru are great, also in this part  Staying in a nice place, cheap food, great people and nice walks every day. Knowing that there is much more to do than just kiting. Discover some unknown places, beaches and make your own tour through and around Paracas.  I was not ready to leave yet.

Tips:

• Buy a local sim- card on the airport (need to do it with a passport) but also there is enough wifi. And good wifi aswell, search and you will find!
• Speak Spanish or download it on google translate
• Be prepared for cold water showers, even warm can be cold somedays 
• Be prepared for the beeping taxies: Some days I wish I had something to beep as well, just to let them hear its annoying. But that’s the way they do business. And girls it’s not that they want you and your attention.. by crossing the street its easy they will wait for you in case you need a taxi.. and you can easily cross the street without beeing hit on a busy road.
• Be also prepared for some loud Spanish music through the streets and tvs everywhere. (lets say – part of the culture, because nobody would complain, everybody is listening)
• Go kiting or on kitetrips with PeruKite!
• In Paracas itself are 3 ATMS (not always working, but usually one is working)
• Dollar billets are only accepted if they are really new, no cuts or anything.
• In the most (not local) places you can pay with card (also in the supermarkets in Pisco).
• Make sure you watch the sunsets and visit the nature reserve!
• And dont forget your ESTA- application when travelling to the VS.

Last but not least, read my article about kitesurfing in Peru – Paracas for some more inside  knowledge about Paracas! Find the link here.

---

---

Hydrofoiling Paracas Bay :https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rh2E_cp3nus?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

---

Laguna Grande:https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUaryj3M52E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

My first month in Peru – Paracas, part I.  4 letters , one word:

First of all some GREAT kitesurfing here! My first month, weeks can be ultra-short summarized, into a repeating 4 letters, ONE WORD: kite – kite –kite & kite.  Some days with 7m big air wind, some days with 9m (most of them), some 12 m freestyle days and some foiling days with the 11m or 8m  (the 18m is not used in the necessary conditions, yet) :).

Second, some great company at the beach by PeruKite – Paracas from Casey & Scott (and off course Memo who is always there on the beach ready – to help launch , land your kite or anything else).  They are THE REASON I discovered this spot and made the decision to go here. With a main purpose to kite (more specific: hydrofoiling) and that’s why this article will be more kite related, just in case you’re wondering why the word kite is named that much, a matter of personal priorities! So let`s walk you through kitesurfing in Peru –  Paracas and start off with the most important….

The kitespot

Paracas – bay is situated in the end of the nature reserve in the corner (or beginning depends on which way you see it). You will see the flamingos chilling at the end of the spot, the starting point of the nature reserve. Today and at the moment of writing this article I actually saw, while kiting, a turtle popping up a few times :).

There is a wide sandy beach and a sandy/seaweed bottom, nothing to be afraid for, nice and soft. Every afternoon on different times, the wind will be present (at least 100 % in the month  I have been here). Some days stronger and earlier, some days later and more weak. Everyday another surprise. The wind will blow from the sand dunes (nature reserve) and is cross shore/slightly offshore (sometimes a bit undecided which of the two directions). That’s no problem and also nothing to be afraid for, because it’s a big bay and if you screw up you will float to the beaches (small) in front of the big houses/hotels and you can always walk back or kite back upwind again. Besides that option the other option is to get rescued with the boat, depending on if you make any contact with the kiteschools or not. I recommend to do so , because they are all really nice, can watch you and will help you on and off the beach. Everybody is super friendly and can explain you the rules of the spot or better the places to be or not to be. The third option is to float more into the open sea, happens if you are really far out. So just don’t.  The bay is flat water and shallow a few meters and gets deeper in the middle. It will be more choppy to the middle, but if you search well there are even some small kickers for the left footers.  Perfect for beginners until professional. You can kite the whole bay, except for upwind the flamingo chill spot, respect their privacy a little. Kite downwind of the fence and don’t go in the shallow area with the birds.

That’s just one story about Paracas Bay, around the corner there is some more to discover for the adventures kiters. Paracas Bay has some secret nice hidden places. Go  on adventure and find these yourself. Be aware of the rules and not kiting all the way upwind (in the nature reserve) and take note of riding with offshore winds. So on light wind days it might be better to stay a bit close to the shore, in case of swimming back.

On the hydrofoil it’s great because within seconds you’re everywhere and you can cross the whole bay without any stones or getting stuck in seaweeds. Just a few jellyfishes waving at you. Some seals, a lot of birds and maybe a lost windsurfer on your way but for the rest its perfect. Also because the wind is offshore the water is nice and flat, even in stronger winds. But the light wind days are magical on a hydrofoil –super flat, the water is more clear and no-one out there!!

Oow and for the ones who are wondering, you can kite in a shorty, or in boardshorts/bikini, if you just want to kite an hour or so. But if you want to kite longer or more close to sunset (or with stronger winds) I recommend a full wetsuit. The water on the edges of the bay can be nice and warm but further out the water is definitely more cold. And remember there can be some jellyfishes around in the deeper area, so a wetsuit or leggings can be more convenient. When there are clouds it`s also more colder than when the sun is out – season depending.

PeruKite Paracas

Before we head over to some other important things you should know when coming to Paracas for kiting, I really have to introduce you: PeruKite Paracas. This school is one of the schools at the beach of Paracas bay. Nearly 7 days in a row present on the kitespot. Owned by a true kite couple, two awesome people, Casey & Scott. Forming a team with Memo, born and raised in Paracas, he can tell you all the ins and outs of this place.  And, is always ready on the beach launching your kite, landing and helping you out with everything else needed – always and always with a smile!  That makes PeruKite a blended Peruvian /British kiteboarding school. So you don`t need to speak Spanish or learn kiteboarding trough Google translate. PeruKite did already exist since 2004 and is reopened a few months ago by Scott & Casey (season of 2018). It’s the white trailer on the beach in the far end corner, the last one of the 4/5 kiteboarding schools present on this spot. With the nicest sign of them all, I promise  

 Don’t hesitate to walk in and have a look in the tent or trailer, play volleyball or ask them about the kitesurfing, hydrofoiling or about other things than kiting,  live in and around Paracas. With experience in teaching and kiteboarding all over the world and now located at the edge of the kitespot and on the edge of the Nature reserve in Paracas they have definitely something to tell.  The reason that I name PeruKite is because, they are the reason I found this spot. Never thought I would be kiting on flat water in Peru. We had kind off a  facebook – instagram – relationship, known the same people, did the same trips with the same people, but never actually met each other. Without that I believed them that this was a great kitespot, and it really is – no regrets  .

The team of Perukite is always ready to help you out reaching your next goal in kitesurfing, if its learning from the very beginning, renting equipment or learning a raily. It doesn’t matter, get to know them and become part of the family.  If you hurry up – I will still be here and ready to teach you some kitesurfing, if you’re lucky! Or check out the website for more information : www.perukite.com.

Kite- trips to the nature reserve? – A must DO!

Besides the Paracas Bay spot, there are also options for kite –trips into the Nature Reserve… Well yes kiting in the nature reserve. Sounds a bit strange if you are from Europe, but it’s actually really nice. A 45 minutes car ride into the reserve, to the big lagoon – Laguna Grande*.  You don’t specifically need a 4 wheel drive to get their but as it is not along a nice road and kind of in the middle of the dessert it can be easy. The wind tends to be earlier and better on “no wind” or better known as late-light wind days in the Paracas bay. The scenery is super nice, all dunes around and a few fisherman. That’s also a point to think about as there is no cellphone connection if you already bought a local sim-card…otherwise there is no difference (you’re not reachable anyway).  So might be a good idea not to go here on your complete own – if you don’t want to stay at the fisherman’s village.

The lake is sandy bottom with some sharp shells, stones around (mainly on the edges) and maybe some stingrays, just that you know. I haven`t touched (or have seen) one while doing a lot of freestyle, crashes and bottom touching the last three times I have been there. But you never know, walk carefully in and out the water or bring shoes. Depending on the tide it can be really flat and shallow on the sides and in the middle a bit more deep. The wind is cross-shore if you start from the sides and it’s a big lagoon so no drifting into open sea. On some parts of the lagoon the wind will be a bit stronger, that’s something to figure out yourself. Don’t forget to enjoy the amazing scenery and visit the fisherman upwind in the lagoon, they will be happy to wave at you.

Than you have another nice spot we discovered in the nature reserve, the closest spot. With some waves coming in on your left food (depending on the tide, swell forecast). Take note that the wind is slightly offshore. But perfect for boosting of the waves! This spots did remind me how I miss the waves if I just kite on flat water.  The name of this spot is Playon Beach.

The good thing is there is many, many more to discover!! You will never get bored, wind or no wind, the scenery is amazing 

*Perukite can help you organize this trip or they might go there with the kite school and possibly you can join. 

*Read the blog from PeruKite about more interesting kite-spots around.

• 
• 
• 

Windguru facts

Might be the most important after all. 35 knots session while Windguru looks like this…

18 knots in the gusts.

a sandstorm instead of snowstorm it’s all possible here in Paracas.

Every morning the wind will be north, that’s onshore at the kitespot. But this wind is up and down, not reliable and can drop every second or not. Sometimes it’s a guarantee for a nice show of foilkites dropping and launching, people trying to.. or…. Better wait. In the afternoon the wind is turning to south, that’s the direction you need at this spot. Way more reliable and stable. From this moment the wind is building, one hour/ half an hour and then it will be a bit stable- (direction wise and wind strength wise), than you know which kite to pump (mostly). Usually it will be on his strongest at 15:00 / 16:00  in the afternoon, from 17:00 it will go down a bit, just a bit as I noticed. You can kite until sunset and later, most days.  Depending on the “forecast” it can be starting at 11:00 but also at 13:00 or 16:00.. you can add 4 knots on windguru statistics – they say. If the wind is predicted light (or there are clouds in the morning) the wind will start a bit later – 16:00. But if the forecast is predicting 17/18 knots in de gusts, than go to the beach, a big change you can kite at 11or 12 o`clock already. There will be some strong days but also some lighter days, from 12m tube kite until 7m.  A small note: always take a look at the sky, clouds mean usually later wind or lighter wind. As soon as the sun comes out the wind will turn and be there.

Use  for the turning wind use this link and for the forecast this link  (in case youre desperate to look it up). That’s what I noticed this weeks, sure I haven`t figured out all the details yet. But hey in the first month, no day without wind, no day without kiting! J (and minimum waiting on the beach). Usually if it turns it will build up so you will have a warning sign to get yourself out there and ready for some action on the water!!

Getting there:  Paracas – kitebeach

A taxi, a collectivo (mini-van with the locals), rent a bike (or something else you would like to ride), or just take the walk.  Let`s start with:  The walk back in the afternoon is really nice, you get to enjoy never ending sunsets, these are on the ride sight to see every day again and again and… again.  The walk is easy, straight and just follow the water (or walk on the road, beach is nicer). You have to pass a hotel but it’s a matter of friendly greetings and just pass J the walk will take about 40 minutes the first time but once you figured out the shortest way its 30-35 minutes by flipflop. Running is around 12 minutes (it will be around 3 -4 km).

On the other hand a taxi will be 7 soles and a collectivo 1 sole……..they drop you at the Hilton Hotel just a few meters walk from the kitespot. Or even if you ask they bring you all the way to the kitespot. The way back you can find a “beeping” taxi everywhere, if not you’re doing something wrong or good…. (they even beep to the garbage people so…..) . The collectivos will ride until 17:30 (something like that). The staff at the Hilton Hotel will take them back to town after work so you can easily squeeze in. It can`t  go wrong, they always turn around at the Hilton (kitebeach) and always go through Paracas town (stopping at the square, but also along the road) to Pisco (next town). Taking your kitegear is no problem at all. If you don’t want to take it ask for storage on the beach at one of the kite schools. Perukite rents also equipment if you didn’t bring your own or the wrong size.

Another option is: taking your longboard for a ride to the beach. The roads to the beach are new and really nice to ride. Leave just before the wind turns and ride back with the wind coming from behind :).

Concluding that Paracas is not letting me down,  my first month in Peru is  great   With lots of kiting , hydrofoiling, big air, freestyle and other fun. Meeting new people, making new friends, seeing new surroundings and kiting in some huge sand dunes in the middle of the dessert – Not leaving this place yet!  Maybe I will figure the wind out before I leave .

Tips     

• Choose the right season if you’re coming for kiting – Check the Paracas Page of Perukite.
• Learn to fly a kite and if you don`t, you should – Check this link  for more information about lessons in Paracas.
• Bring small but also the big kites if you want to cover it all.
• Start hydrofoiling and get to this awesome place – or learn it here.
• Don’t believe Windguru – use it as a guideline.
• It is not strange to get a number of a local – taxi driver

AND .. Stay tuned for part II of my first month in Paracas, Peru – more than kiting.

---

---

Hydrofoiling Paracas Bay :https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rh2E_cp3nus?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

---

Laguna Grade:https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUaryj3M52E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Did you know? There is a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they are absolutely free! Don`t miss so many of them!! Especially when it’s a sunrise you can watch from the hydrofoil or a sunset you can enjoy riding around on your twintip  …… although rigging a kite in the dark might be a little bit too excited, just maybe.

Why? Because, an early or late kite-session is better as no kite-session at all. At least that’s my way of thinking. A lot of times I hear people talking about my life, yes exactly, my life. Quoting them will look like this: “What a live”… And wondering why I am that much on the water and concluding, no job, sponsored –so everything is free and just kiting, kiting and kiting. Well, I truly wish it was like that…. So easy!  but no, I also work, study, have family and a lot more sports to practice. Despite that I am also my own coach, trainer, travel -agent, manager, accountant and chef, I also decided to add board and kite repair to the list. And guess what, I am happy to be all in 1, not being dependent of other people and managing my own life. Behind this I am also a normal person who has to pay for living, gear, travels and competitions if I want to go there. Not complaining, I like it, everything I do, every step I take and every goal I reach.

“The fact that you aren`t where you want to be , should be enough motivation”

The fact is finding a way to combine you’re priorities, set your own goals and together with good time management , being effective and efficient will get you there. If you really, really want to. There is always a way and if not, you should create one. You can’t` count on two hands how many sunrises and sunsets I surfed in my life. And you will not know either how many times I surf, work, do exercises and follow classes, all on one day. And sometimes I even close the day with a soccer game or another training. And not a working day of 5 hours…no, just the normal 8 hours everybody does. With all in mind that goal I want to reach, that destination I will go to if your freezing off the water. And if it`s not working, I make it working, talk to people, be creative and most important do it for yourself.

“Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going”

Who is that person that Is kiting while you’re sleeping, driving home or works when you’re eating dinner, pumping a kite in the dark or walking into university still barefooted, going for petrol in wetsuit (or shop groceries in …wetsuit) making exams with sand in the eyes, start working 4 o clock in the morning or finish late night.. Following classes in the airplane, learning on the airports (or while waiting for the wind in between heats on a competition) , making assignments in the car, writing a thesis in the train. Is working while your partying. Is skipping family dinners (but always makes up for it when there is no wind!), comes late to parties and still needs to wipe the sand of her feeds before entering. Taking a shower out of a bottle next to the car before heading to work… That person who is preparing meals for three days including lunch and breakfast, to save time and spend it to some more important things – kitesurfing…

“You have to be willing to sacrifice nights out, relationships, time and love, not because you want to, but because party is just another party , but this.. this is everything, this is life!”

BUT, it’s the same person who; is kiting a lot, is having a lot of fun, makes a lot of hours on the water & snow, has a job and is following education. Has a bachelor, a master, almost a post-master and can teach a lot of sports officially. And… is practicing different sports. Sleeps more than 8 hours, spends time with family and walks the dog. Has a lot of social contact all over the world, on the water or trough Skype and social media. Knows a lot about other cultures and appreciates the little things. Who`s that person finishing the kite session when you just start, having the whole place (and best wind) for herself? Is kiting in even no wind? Is traveling again and again? Is skipping winters or finding the best winters somewhere on the world. A person who is enjoying life, has a great family with a lot of support. Is following dreams and goals, a person who is making a foundation for success out of the struggles she went through and will never give that up. A person who is following her own pad, no matter what other people think. Is not accepting life but fighting for it. Because you always have a choice! A girl who never answers here phone or your message straight away, because she is on the water catching a sunset or sunrise.

Well That’s me  , that’s my way and that’s my life – no matter the conditions! Just catching more sunsets and sunrises  (or.. … do it just for the pictures ) So yes you can say “what a live”, but a live where has been worked for and always will be. Noting comes easy and noting is for free find your way around it and enjoy live!

What’s your way to achieve your goals? What is your mission? What are your goals? What do you want to reach in life? Do you create your own way through live? Where do you go next?

Thanks to Helena for the nice pictures and all the sunsets and sunrises we surfed together in the Philippines, while trying to reach our own goals in kitesurfing.

My road through the Philippines, adventure is the best way to learn! Never ending travels…. ….

The Philippines, my road through the Philippines from Pka to Pka, back to the Netherlands to the Phipinnes to the Snow in France. Something like never ending travels and a lot of fitness /Tetris exercises with a boardbag (or two or three or…).
At the moment of writing this (at least starting to write this, probably at the moment you read this, I will be home in Holland again): I am waiting on my flight to Genève Switzerland for some wintersport in France (Val Thorens). The past three months I have been travelling in the Philippines and participating the Philippine kiteboarding tour. Therefore, I will end up with a lot of kites, kite gear, hydrofoil and summer clothes in the snow   Who would have thought that! (*from November until the end of March I have been in the Philippines). 
          Going to the Philippines for kitesurfing is guaranteed one big and never ending (travel) adventure! As a lot of you know, I followed the PKA tour and all four the stops this year (or at least three, the way my “planning” started): A little inspired by last year in in the Philippines. I never ever thought I would like it, travelling like this, alone, in a group, island to island but I already decided before heading home, last year: I should do it again. Because the country is great, the people are nice and you can find good kiting conditions (it will take some effort but it is worth it!).
Last year in dutch, pka, tablas island : read it here. 

The beginning of November 2017 I flew to Manilla, from there to Caticlan , where I had to stay for some days, because of a cancelled flight. I did not really got it, until I saw some people taking a shower on the road. And saw the point even more when I noticed the “airport” on Cuyo: some grass rocks and chickens.. what field? Perfect for the cows in Holland. Check-in story was kind of the same, no wonder I realized some time later, I was already for one hour sitting at the check in desk: a plastic “ garden chair” and table with a written paper: check- in. Walking through the check in line and security a couple of times, fitting more in my boardbag and the calculator will say the truth (everything is possible). Hand luggage is excluded from the calculator (all airlines should do this). Brought by a private bus to the plane, I realized how small it was (note: all the luggage was ending up on the same spot anyway..). However, the waiting was worth it and the flight as well: Check out the video. And see why my boardbag is a big fan of this airline! https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyBfv0PGhf0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
A nice flight to a nice Island, although it was my first time going there I wouldn`t regret it. Three weeks on Cuyo until I took a boat, (yes a boat with beds, no seats!) to leave for the first stop of the PKA: read about it here . On Cuyo I learned many of my old tricks again, because end of the season I have not been on the water that much in Holland. They were all a bit disappeared. I even got the change to foil in front of the island. After the competition I went home, back to the Netherlands: why? read it here.  For one week of exams and one week of family: Celebrating Christmas. I also had to decide, going back or stay, I didn`t really decided beforehand. If I liked it, if it went well I… well if you read the blogs, I made my decision.

     New Year’s Eve I stepped in the plane again and suddenly after some hours of travelling in 2018, I stepped out of the plane in Manilla. From there I was perfectly on time for the second stop, I was going to say read the blog, but well that one disappeared somewhere. I still owe you that one… …
About: a rainy chicken night, something with the guards who saved our boardbags to a dry place (while not even staying in that place) and the most adventurous boat ride of our lives (so far) and the longest travel tip (36-hours) of our lives but we made it in one time, without getting stuck somewhere. That’s quit a skill in the Philippines, I think. Being land- sick instead of seasick! Not strange with 50 knots , huge waves and all … well… let’s keep it on moving bags, containers, sliding out of the bed, not able to walk…almost on the point of pumping a kite and leaving the boat conditions 
Nevertheless, we made it all the way and could start kiting straight away!

      The next weeks where about: A lot of kiting, some sea-urchin meetings or some would say sea-urchin city, a bleu feet, some bruises, some scratches, a lot of fun, pancakes, low tide, high tide, a lot of wind, light wind, dinner all together, fiestas, strange food, playing with the kids, playing soccer with the locals! And remembered me how I miss the team sport and the running like a dog behind a ball. (Even though I always bring a soccer ball in my boardbag, just in case, you never know).
Above all, three weeks with a lot of FUN, before heading back to Boracay for the third stop of the PKA.

Since I wasn`t planning to stay long on Boracay and didn’t had a plan after, I decided to leave some gear (like a foil) on Cuyo and just come back for a week and from there to the last stop of the pka. Meaning that I had to do the boat ride some more. But worth it? Yes!
Luckily I did left some gear on Cuyo, travelling “light” just one boardbag to carry around trough boat, van, tricycle, boat and tricycle. We did stay a week on Boracay with not that much (good) wind. Some sessions I pumped my kite four times on one day, to manage to ride at least an hour.. Other days we did some sightseeing and some beach days! And many more adventures: A room without lock adventure, a room nobody could find, even the neighbors…, swimming above some sea urchins and the reef, finding beaches without people and ” enjoying” the Chinese city Boracay. Buying a Frisbee from the cousin from a cousin from a cousin but not for to less because the commission over the commission over the commission.
The competition was about, some waiting days, a lot of rain a lot of different wind directions and strengths, meaning afterwards a day of kite drying in my hotel room… night packing, sorry guys for all the sand and water… With my offer the clean the sand: “ no problem ma’am”. At least I got my flip-flops back from last year, thanks for that! More about the third stop: here! 

      Time to go back to Cuyo, making it to the boat and meeting the market lady (who was already sleeping for two days at the boat) means a fruit party on the boat. And with 10 knots and flat water, a nice sunset and sunrise, a hammock, some bedtime stories with the kids… it’s not that worse at all!! At that moment, I was still thinking about leaving the Philippines the first of March, but that plan changed, a bit…..
Yes, I also participated the fourth stop. So one more time back to Caticlan, one more time that boat trip and a loooooooong bumpy van ride which my food will also remember. And another long boat trip to another van ride, another small boat.. To the last Island. Cagbalete Island. There we were also not that lucky with the wind.. Nevertheless, we had a really nice time on the island, touring around and doing no wind activities! Never expected that it would be fun after last year…. Read the story behind.

After this stop I really had to leave the Philippines, some night- packing-kite-drying (AGAIN!), knowing that it all would be too heavy at the airport anyway. Knowing that I also changed from airline and had to… squeeze in some hand luggage (20kg.. ) and my hand luggage was still empty…NOT. Luckily, I had some hours to arrange that and the ladies of the airport were really nice helping me out.
“ Ma`am take a seat, no problem we can arrange something” , “kitesurfing …aaah I see your my idol now” .
Might be because I gave all my overweighed food away  . But I made it… with almost 30 kg of hand luggage (7 allowed), some (really cheap) cargo and a boardbag who was not fitting in any range of exes luggage but being nice helps sometimes (and saying you’re travelling alone)…. They even fixed me an emergency seat (including the rest of the row)…. Ma’am you like to sit by the emergency? Yes of course….
And so a new adventure starts…..

Second part of the video:https://www.youtube.com/embed/InDGti69Eb4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent