19 Comments
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Nyachomba Kariuki's avatar

Loved reading this! And I resonate with number 3, tell me I shouldn’t go somewhere and I will. I’ve never been to Bulgaria and this felt like a love letter to a fascinating country that is definitely going on my list of places to visit.

Also love your tattoo ✨😍

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Hi Nyachomba!! Thank you ❤️ Ha ha number 3 is probably the most important on the list for me too. Always doing the right opposite and hoping for the best 😂

Aaah thanks so much! I’ve got a couple of flower tattoos 🌸

Brandi Wiatrak's avatar

This piece felt like looking in a mirror. I already knew we were kindred spirits, but I didn’t realize how much. The daydream scenes, the pull toward complicated places, the spy in Sofia. We’ve clearly been running the same fever dream. 😆

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Brandiii!! We SO need to meet one day to talk about these fever dreams AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE 😂 And, as always, thank you. For reading and engaging. It means so much ❤️

Brandi Wiatrak's avatar

I agree! When I make it back out to Europe next year, I’ll holler! Or we may need to meet up in another country! If you ever make it to the states, you have a free place to lay your head and a tour guide! ❤️

Ibtissam Chakib's avatar

I love your adventurous spirit and genuine curiosity about the world, and how naturally it comes through in your writing. Bulgaria sounds fascinating through your eyes already, and I’m looking forward to reading your guide! also love your May playlist, I occasionally listen to "Desert rose" on repeat !! 😄

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Thank youuu ❤️ day dreaming my way to my next destinations! I am so happy it all comes across when writing about it.

Desert rose! My all time favourite! I remember it came out while I was living in Cairo. We would spend weekends in the desert and listen to it.

Roaming for Love's avatar

The scenes from a film part! I thought I was a bit delusional at first, but I do the same thing before I choose a country. In some way, I see it as a form of manifestation.

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Hey! Ha ha really?! I’m very happy to know I’m not the only one! Manifestation YES! That’s what we’re doing! 🥰

Passport Inspiration's avatar

So well said about an idea that's haunting you, we tend to appreciate the complexity of places too. Makes you want to learn.

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Right?! I both love and hate when that idea gets inside my head 😂 I know there is no way back 🤡🌎 Thanks for reading! And nice to meet you, I now subscribe to your newsletter! Looking forward to follow!

Passport Inspiration's avatar

That's wonderful, thank you and nice to meet you as well 😀

Erin, Nomad Life's avatar

Fun to learn how your inner world directs your exploration.

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Erin!! He he lots going on in there 🧠 🤡😂❤️

Alex & Beyond's avatar

Number 3 is very much me too, if someone says I shouldn’t go somewhere, it makes me just want to go more! Looking forward to hearing about your time in Bulgaria. Not sure if you’re still there or not, but in case you are there is a restaurant in Sofia called Cosmos that is doing really amazing stuff with traditional Bulgarian ingredients.

And thank you for the link! It’s funny, I’m often thinking about when I go back to Egypt 😅

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Alex!! Ha ha, I’m so glad I share this urge to do the exact opposite with more people!

Not in Bulgaria now but thanks heaps for the recommendation! I’ll be going back for sure!!!

And of course, I love your stuff! ❤️

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

I like your principles Stina. You have a vivid imagination indeed. Bulgaria sounds really interesting 😃 🙂

Adrian Landin's avatar

If your partner is understanding enough to show up to countries at different times, I'm sure he's understanding of your desire to kick it with a spy! This was a fun and interesting read, Stina. We definitely share a similar mentality on a few things and I hope our paths will cross somewhere, someday.

Thank you for the special shoutout - happy to soon return the love!

Stina Gustafsson's avatar

Thank you for justifying a couple of hours spent with a questionable man in Eastern Europe, Adrian! True Substack friend! 😎 I know would be so fun to meet!!

Aaah of course, your writing is the best!

Have a good start of the week!