Evolving Footprints
This is my story – part travel, part healing, part discovery. It’s about mountains, food, and the search for balance. It’s still being written, just like me.
When I created my blog, I wrote a completely different introduction about myself. I had my reasons to clear my chest; it was important, as I was – and probably still am – on my self-healing journey. Back then, I was seeking a goal, a structure – something that could introduce meaning back into my life. I needed something to focus on completely, and that was when the ‘7 Volcanic Summits’ became my goal, even though the idea had been born some time before that, but pandemic put everything on hold.
Now, from a time perspective, I can see that after leaving a toxic relationship, I unwittingly entered into another one – with myself and the mountains. It took three expeditions to awaken me to this fact.
I had lost touch with the present moment, chasing an ambitious dream. The ‘7 Volcanic Summits’ became my sole focus, trip after trip. But in the process, my sanctuary – nature and mountains – lost their meaning. I became anxious. With each expedition, I was pushed further and further away from the mountain world. It felt crowded, commercial – everywhere I looked, I saw people chasing new challenges, new peaks, coming up with ideas on how to be the first, how to be the best… and it felt like the core values were lost. I didn’t want to be part of it. I forgot about the roots.
My sanctuary
People who know me understand that I’m incredibly passionate – not just about travelling, but also about mountains! I love the outdoors and being immersed in nature. It’s where I can truly unwind and reset; it’s my form of meditation. It’s the only time I can fully cater to myself.
Mountains, hills, trees, rivers, lakes, seas, wind, sun, cold air, smells, sunrises, sunsets, rain – I love it all! I enjoy challenges, new horizons, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m drawn to things that stimulate my senses, and food is one of those passions. I love trying new dishes, exploring spices, and savouring different flavours.
That’s why this blog is not just about volcanoes, mountains, and travel, but also about food – because as I discover the world, I do it with all my senses. I absorb everything around me like a sponge.
Since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by people and filled with curiosity about the world. I’ve always had a desire to explore the unknown, learn about new cultures, and experience different ways of life. When I explore, I feel a deep connection with my inner self.
Now, what happened?
Initially, it didn’t seem unhealthy; I was exercising, not following any bad habits, maintaining a healthy diet, good things, right? My journey to Mexico was exceptional – two highest peaks conquered, amazing cultural experiences, culinary adventures – it was beautiful. Straight after returning to London, the next trip was booked; three months later, I went to Iran to conquer two more peaks – Damavand and Alam Kuh. But something felt different. Damavand was full of people; I had never seen so many on a peak – fighting, arguing about taking photos with the altitude signage. There was no solidity, no sanctuary in that moment. I was so disappointed and tired. On the contrary, when I climbed the lesser-known peak in Iran – Alam Kuh -my experience was completely different. It was quiet, peaceful, and spacious. I could breathe deeply in the calmness, the quietness; I could connect with nature, but not on Damavand.
At this stage, I still didn’t fully understand what was happening deep inside me.
Again, three months later, I was on the move, this time to South America, tackling two towering mountains on a five-week journey. Only failure shook me awake to the realisation that what I was doing was no longer right. I lost the true meaning – I lost my purpose, my sanctuary. I didn’t crave mountains anymore. It was the saddest thing. Aconcagua was a painful experience, not because of the difficulty of climbing the mountain, but because of the commercial side of it. This made me realise that I just don’t want to follow the crowds. I need to search for off-beaten trails that will allow me to reconnect with nature.
A Journey in Progress
So, I took a break and went on trips where the mountains were not the centre of attention or the main goal. That was until June 2024, when I went to Georgia to climb Kazbek. This trip was refreshing; it felt like coming back to basics. I rediscovered the lost emotions, the peace within me, the quietness, the calmness, and rest – despite my body being pushed, tired from walking and carrying a heavy load. But there I was, in stillness, focused on my basic needs. I needed to walk from A to B, feed myself, clean myself, and put myself to sleep. My sanctuary was back.
As a result of this, you might wonder what will happen with my ‘7 Volcanic Challenge.’ I love volcanoes, and maybe one day I will complete the challenge, but it is not my main goal. I still want to travel to those places; it is still my big dream, which maybe one day will come true. Hopefully, before volcanoes become too popular.
I once believed my purpose was to conquer peaks. Now I see that my real adventure is learning to know myself – through everyday moments, my achievements and failures, my experiences and the quiet pauses in between. I’m learning to release the need to chase, to surrender to what is, to breathe more deeply, and to find peace in the present. This website isn’t a record of accomplishments, but a living story – of discovery, stillness, and purpose unfolding, one step at a time.
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