1. My souvenirs
Hi there, and welcome to my blog! I’m so glad you’re here. Starting something new always feels exciting (and a little scary), but I wanted to carve out a space to share my journey with you—one filled with travel, learning, and photography.
My name is Charlotte, and I’ve always been fascinated by going abroad. Whether it’s a city trip with my mom or backpacking through new continents. Connecting with people, learning about new cultures and yummy foods. Traveling has been a huge part of my life, not just as a way to see the world, but as a way to understand it. Along the way, I’ve found that photography helps me slow down and really notice the little things: a smile, a street, or even the quiet moments between adventures.
December 2023, Alps (France)
Education—formal or otherwise—has also been at the heart of who I am. I believe every journey teaches us something, whether it’s a history lesson carved into old stones, or the simple reminder that people everywhere are more alike than different. For over ten years I work as a teacher. International projects, and bringing the world into my little Dutch classroom has always been one of my main goals of teaching. As I believe by getting to know and understand the world better means you can have a more open mind and be kinder to one another.
I created this blog because I wanted a place to collect those moments, lessons, and snapshots—and share them with others who feel the same pull toward the unknown. For me, traveling isn’t just about ticking countries off a map or chasing Instagram-perfect views. It’s about connection: with people, with places, and with myself. I hope that by writing here, I can bring you along on the road with me, and maybe inspire you to see your own world with fresh eyes.
“I don’t want this to be just me talking into the void. I’d love for this space to be a conversation. ”
The name Sending Souvenirs comes from the thought of not taking actual physical object with me but photographs and memories. Things that can fit my backpack easily. Of course I will sometimes buy some pretty jewelry, clothes or a postcard. And yeah, if I go on a citytrip with my mom, we will go shopping. But for the long journeys, I have to carry it, it has to fit! If I ever settle down in my grown-up-home, I imagine all these beautiful photographs hanging on a wall as one big souvenir. So for now I send you these souvenirs.
So, what will you find here? A little bit of everything that makes traveling so meaningful:
Stories from the places I visit—both the well-known landmarks and the hidden corners.
Photography that tries to capture not just what a place looks like, but how it feels.
Reflections on what travel teaches us—whether it’s patience, curiosity, or a new perspective. But also actual insights on education in different countries!
Practical tips, guides, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes looks at how I plan trips or take photos. How to travel with a nut allergie, or how to safely bring your dog along the trip.
Think of this blog as a mix of diary, travel guide, and photo album—woven together with the lessons I gather on the way. In the future I’d like to sell my photographs, so I can share the joy and memories. Not only wall art but other items too, such as canvas bags, or durable shirts, who knows!
October 2024, Bali (Indonesia)
But I don’t want this to be just me talking into the void. I’d love for this space to be a conversation. Have you traveled somewhere recently that surprised you? Or maybe you have a dream destination on your list—where would you go if you could pack your bags tomorrow? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories, recommendations, or even just your favorite travel daydreams. I’d love to get to know you, drop a comment below, or join the conversation with me on Instagram @SendingSouvenirs where I share even more travel photos.
Thank you for stopping by and being part of this very first post. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and never stop noticing the beauty around you.
Until next time, I’ll be sending souvenirs!