Category: personal

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rugged roads, high waves, sandy beaches – this is Kos

April 2022 – Finally, it’s time to travel again and my first trip brought me to the Dodecanese island of Kos, Greece. Next to beautiful beaches and picture-perfect sunsets, the island has a wide array of Greek, Roman and Islamic cultural sites. But my favorite moments are located at the less traveled Eastern part of the island – driving the rugged roads, enjoying the endless views of the lush green landscape (only in springtime), soaking in the variations of blue of the ocean, exploring the abandoned mountain villages with hundreds of free roaming sheep and goats. And not to forget the amazing food. I found a couple new all-time favorites that are only produced on Kos, so I guess I will come back very soon.

Cavo Paradiso, Kos / April 8th 2022
Asclepeion, Kos / April 7th 2022
Plaka, Kos / April 5th 2022
Zia, Kos / April 8th 2022
Protokaravos, Kos / April 7th 2022
Kefalos, Kos / April 5th 2022
Asclepeion, Kos / April 7th 2022
Haihoutes, Kos / April 6th 2022
Akti Psalidiou, Kos / April 6th 2022
Zia, Kos / April 8th 2022
Aspri Petra, Kos / April 5th 2022
Agios Fokas, Kos / April 8th 2022
Agios Theologos, Kos / April 8th 2022
Palio Pyli, Kos / April 7th 2022
Palio Pyli, Kos / April 7th 2022
Palio Pyli, Kos / April 7th 2022
Agios Stefanos, Kos / April 5th 2022
Asfendiou, Kos / April 5th 2022
Zia, Kos / April 8th 2022
Protokaravos, Kos / April 7th 2022
Protokaravos, Kos / April 7th 2022
Irakleides, Kos / April 7th 2022
Limnionas, Kos / April 5th 2022
Haihoutes, Kos / April 6th 2022
Plaka, Kos / April 5th 2022
Asfendiou, Kos / April 6th 2022
Agios Fakos, Kos / April 8th 2022
Roman Odeon, Kos / April 6th 2022
Asfendiou, Kos / April 5th 2022
Palio Pyli, Kos / April 7th 2022
Casa Romana, Kos / April 6th 2022
Western Archaeological Site, Kos / April 6th 2022
Kos city / April 6th 2022
Kos city / April 6th 2022
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finding paradise and Caribbean savoir-vivre, Guadeloupe

February 2020 – Rather by chance than by choice I found my favourite place on this planet. Guadeloupe is one of the most beautiful places I have seen and it offers so many different things to see, explore, experience, that one year would not be enough to do it all. From hiking La Soufriere to diving in the Cousteau Reserve, from bathing in secluded grottos in the rain forest to soaking up the sun on the most stunning beaches, from eating fresh local cuisine to drinking Ti Punch – this place will exceed your wildest dreams of paradise.

 

Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Cascade aux ecrevisses, Basse Terre, Guadeloupe / February 5th 2020
Plage de Pompierre, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Trois Rivieres, Guadeloupe / February 3rd 2020
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Cascade aux ecrevisses, Basse Terre, Guadeloupe / February 5th 2020
Plage de la Perle, Guadeloupe / February 5th 2020
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Plage de Petit-Havre, Guadeloupe / February 7th 2020
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Trois Rivieres, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
Bassin paradis, Guadeloupe / February 4th 2020
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winter in the Baltic countries

December 2019 to January 2020 – I was finally able to do the road trip through the Baltic countries, which was on my mind for such a long time. And yes, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are a great travel destination in winter, too – just embrace the cold and you’ll be rewarded with empty streets and amazing sunsets.

Tallinn surprised me a lot and has probably become my second favourite city – it has a perfect mixture of old and new architecture, an amazing food scene, great urban art spots and a hip, vibrant, cool vibe. The city has an astonishing memorial for the ‘victims of communism’, which has become my first recommendation to visit when in Tallinn. Tartu is still on my to-see-list, and I am eager to go to this student gem on my next trip to Estonia, surely with a day or two in Tallinn to be spent.

Riga instead is like a time warp with its beautiful architecture and parks, with lots of odd little things to stumble upon on a day’s walk. Great restaurants are plentiful in the old city center and it is hard to choose, where to eat. A perfect weekend getaway when you enjoy local cuisine.

Vilnius is full of churches, and every single one of them is built with absolute beauty. But since I am not so much of a church enthusiast, I spent my time in museums and walking around the city center, which was just as rewarding as a heavenly blessing. The city is built in a grand style and I enjoyed the flair. Crossing the Vilnele river, you find yourself in the free republic of Uzupis, a mecca for quirky art installations and life outside-the-box. On every corner, there is something extraordinary to be explored and it’s the simple yet genius ideas that make this place so heartwarming.

Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Victims of Communism Memorial, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Riga, Latvia / January 3rd 2020
Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Haapsalu, Estonia / January 1st 2020
Jaegala Waterfall, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Jaegala Waterfall, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Jaegala Waterfall, Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Tallinn, Estonia / December 31st 2019
Haapsalu, Estonia / January 1st 2020
Jurmala, Latvia, January 3rd 2020
Lihula, Estonia / January 1st 2020
Tallinn, Estonia / December 30th 2019
Paernu, Estonia / January 1st 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 2nd 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 2nd 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 2nd 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 2nd 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 5th 2020
Babite, Latvia / January 3rd 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 3rd 2020
Uzupis / January 5th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 6th 2020
Riga, Latvia / January 3rd 2020
Hill of Crosses, Siauliai, Latvia / January 4th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 4th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 4th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 4th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 4th 2020
Vilnius, Lithuania / January 4th 2020
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Patagonia – a dream comes true

October to November 2019 – Patagonia was on my travel list for a very long time and I fell in love with this beautiful place from the first moments on. I admit, some parts of the hike were challenging and I wish, the weather would have been slightly better. But I am absolutely ecstatic about every minute I spent there, not only in the National Parks Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares, but the charming towns of Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, El Chalten and El Calafate as well.

Hiking and driving through Patagonia has left me with such appreciation for nature and nurtured my mind and soul to an extend I did not expect or experienced on any of my other trips. This is a truly unique place and this trip has made me longing for even more travel adventures.

Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 30th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile / October 29th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 31st 2019
Perito Moreno, Patagonia, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / 30th October 2019
Puerto Natales, Chile / October 29th 2019
El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Perito Moreno, Patagonia, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 4th 2019
Patagonian border between Chile and Argentina / November 1st 2019
El Calafate, Santa Cruz,, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 31st 2019
Los Glaciares NP, El Calafate, Argentina / November 4th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 2nd 2019
Los Glaciares NP, El Calafate, Argentina / November 4th 2019
Los Glaciares NP, El Calafate, Argentina / November 4th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 31st 2019
Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile / October 29th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 30th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / October 31st 2019
Perito Moreno, Patagonia, Argentina / November 6th 2019
Torres del Paine NP, Patagonia, Chile / November 1st 2019
El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina / November 6th 2019
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South American razzle-dazzle

October to November 2019 – My first trip to the South American continent was filled with an abundance of the most diverse experiences imaginable – from teargas filled streets to breathtaking street art in Santiago de Chile, followed by incredible views from Valparaisos historic quarters after jumping over burning barricades and more tear gas, before being dazzled by street performers in beautiful Buenos Aires and its mind-blowing colours and finally arriving in laid-back Montevideo, which has the best cocktail bars – hands down. I am still lying awake at night processing all the quirky moments and unique memories this 3 week trip has given me.

And I cannot wait to come back and explore more of this astonishing continent. 

Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Playa Ramirez, Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
San Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 12th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 12th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 11th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 11th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 7th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
on the road to Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
San Cristobal Hill, Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
San Santiago de Chile / October 27th 2019
San Cristobal Hill, Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
San Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
San Cristobal Hill, Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
San Santiago de Chile / October 26th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Santiago, Chile / October 28th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Chile from above / October 28th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
on the road to Santiago, Chile / October 27th 2019
Cementerio General, Santiago, Chile / October 28th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Valparaiso, Chile / October 27th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 11th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 11th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 7th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina / November 8th 2019
Montevideo, Uruguay / November 10th 2019
Santiago de Chile / October 25th 2019
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my long wait for Cabo Verde

May 2019 – … was rewarded with amazing five days on the island of Sal. After almost a decade of longing to go, I finally made it to this beautiful African country, that has so much more to offer than just miles of golden, sandy beaches and warm, turquoise water. With Sal being the most touristic island of Cape Verde, it has a great variety of restaurants, nightlife and sportive adventures waiting to be discovered. Though, what I will remember above all are the kind people I met here and who made this a truly special week.

But there is more to Cape Verde and I cannot wait to discover the islands of Santiago and Fogo. I hope it’s not going to be another decade before I return.

 

Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 17th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 14th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 17th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 17th 2019
Santa Maria, Sal, Cabo Verde / May 13th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
on board of the ‘Planet Sea’ sailing ship / May 15th 2019
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finding yourself on Minorca

April 2019 – Minorca’s breathtaking landscapes make this Balearic island my favourite of them all. It definitely took me too long to go there. In early spring, you will hardly meet any people. You can soak up the beautiful views of forests, beaches, farmland and architecture in solitude. Your body will get a great workout on the hiking trails around the island, your mind will find restfulness while staring into the lush greens or the many shades of blue of the ocean, and your taste buds will be treated to stunning meals and amazing wines from local vineyards. The perfect little place to take care of yourself for once.  

La Serpentona, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cap de Favaritx, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Binimel-la, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Ciutadella, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Cala en Turqueta, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cala en Turqueta, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Ciutadella, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Cap de Favaritx, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Salairo, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Ciutadella, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Cap de Favaritx, Menorca / April 8th 2019
La Serpentona, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cap de Favaritx, Menorca / April 8th 2019
Cala Mitjana, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Binimel-la, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cala Mitjana, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Binimela, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Salairo, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cala Mitjana, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Cala Mitjana, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Binimel-la, Menorca / April 7th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Es Castell, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
Mao, Menorca / April 6th 2019
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street photography in Lisbon

June 2014 – Lisbon is a calm, relaxed city with beautiful people and it was hard for me to take my eye away from the view finder. On this trip, I realised how much I love to photograph real people. Being a rookie back then, I lost my camera on this trip and most of the photos I took. The lesson I learned? Always save your photos at the end of the day. Because you cannot replace these moments. Here is a selection of what I was able to retrieve.

Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 7th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
Lisbon / June 6th 2014
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living the moment in Sardegna

August 2018 – The South-East coast of Sardinia with its beautiful sandy beaches and incredible turquoise waters, rocky white cliffs and radiant green flora leaves you with an unknown gratitude of Nature’s beauty. In the last week of summer’s break, you can find spots buzzing with people, but even more places of solitude on the coastline or in the countryside. Be prepared to enjoy amazing homemade dishes with local produce in small family run restaurants, get reservations at one of the local ‘Agriturismo’ farms, that serve a majestic six course dinner with endless carafes of wine – you will feel like a Roman Emperor after a victorious battle.

Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Arbatax, Sardinia / August 31st 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 28th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 28th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 27th 2018
Solanas, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 27th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 27th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 28th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 28th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 30th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 30th 2018
Villasimius, Sardinia / August 26th 2018
Torre delle Stelle, Sardinia / August 25th 2018
Punta Molentis, Sardinia / August 29th 2018

 

 

 

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buzzing metropole and quiet country life – that’s Toronto

May 2018 – I have done a lot of walking and driving through Toronto and its countryside during my one week stay but still I have just seen a glimpse of this picturesque country. I gotta say – the stereotype that Canadians are always friendly and helpful is true. I didn’t come across a moose or beaver, so I guess I have to come back for a longer road trip.

Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Niagara on the Lake, Canada / May 14th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Stouffville, Canada / May 13th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Ontario, Canada / May 10th 2018
Ontario, Canada / May 12th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Oakeville, Canada / May 12th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Oakeville, Canada / May 11th 2018
Oakeville, Canada / May 11th 2018
Oakeville, Canada / May 11th 2018
Oakeville, Canada / May 11th 2018
Ontario, Canada / May 12th 2018
Ontario, Canada / May 12th 2018
Stouffville, Canada / May 13th 2018
Toronto / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara Falls, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara on the lake, Canada / May 14th 2018
Niagara on the lake, Canada / May 14th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Toronto / May 9th 2018
Niagara on the lake, Canada / May 14th 2018
Atlantic Ocean / May 15th 2018