Summer Snapshots 2025
This summer, I allowed myself to be surprised. To some extent :) I had planned a few short trips, giving myself something to look forward to amidst a heavy workload. But once those trips began, I made a conscious effort to be fully present — to sink into each moment and truly enjoy every day. I’ve realised that when I give myself the time and space to unwind, my body naturally follows and relaxes too. Even though I chose several shorter getaways instead of one long break, I came back feeling nourished — and already longing for more.
The first surprise of the summer was a discovery trip through the Kashubia region in Poland, my home country. I’d never been there before — and now I can’t quite believe it took me so long. It’s an incredibly beautiful place. While it offers plenty of tourist attractions, what mattered most to me on this trip was finding a spot where I could slow down, read, and enjoy the quiet. That wish led us to Przystań Wygonin — an ideal place for peaceful rest.
It seems to attract a certain kind of visitor too; even when the place is full, everyone is mindful and respectful — of one another and of nature — which makes it feel wonderfully calm and comfortable. The owners are warm and welcoming, and the on-site library, with over a thousand books, felt like a treasure trove. Even without bringing my own, I found a few titles from my reading list waiting there.
The guesthouse sits beside a private lake, where mornings are filled only with the sounds of frogs, birds, the whisper of leaves in the wind, and the soft murmur of water. Occasionally, a fish splashes — just enough to remind you you’re sharing the calm with other life.
Photos 1) and 2) Promenade de Montreux Riviera 3) Quedlinburg 4) Café Leitz
I feel so grateful to live in this beautiful country. Stunning views are everywhere — sometimes just a few steps away, sometimes a short train ride from home. It had been two years since I last visited Montreux, and this year I couldn’t have chosen a better time to return. It was a spontaneous decision — the weather was perfect, the company was great, and it came at just the right moment, when I needed to breathe and take a short break. Sometimes, a long weekend is all it takes to feel renewed.
This year, I received the most amazing birthday gift — the chance to make one of my wishes come true. I visited Leica Welt in Wetzlar, Germany, and it was an incredible experience. We explored the factory, the gallery, and even got a wonderful tour of the Leica Park. One of the highlights was seeing the replica of the very first Leica camera, designed by Oskar Barnack. I also learned something fascinating during the tour: do you know why the first photos started appearing in newspapers? It was actually a marketing strategy — journalists were encouraged to publish photos taken with their Leica cameras, so others would see them and want one too. I thought that was brilliant.
On the way to Wetzlar, we stopped in Quedlinburg — a charming little town in Germany that I first heard about from a friend. It’s known for its beautiful medieval character and half-timbered houses, which I found absolutely captivating. We spent a lovely evening wandering through the old streets and ended the day with dinner at a cozy Weinstube, enjoying the warm evening out on the patio.
1) Streets of Düsseldorf 2) On the local train in Geneva 3) Windows of Quedlinburg 4) Annecy
I’ve noticed recently that I’ve taken fewer photos over the past few years than I’d hoped. For a long time, I thought I needed special occasions or perfect light to capture something worth remembering. But I’m realising how much beauty hides in the ordinary moments of daily life. I want to keep that in mind and make it second nature to notice and photograph them.
The power of reconnection. It’s such a curious thing. After about fourteen years, we met again — for only the second time. Before that first meeting, I remember wondering what it would be like. Before the second, I found myself counting down the days. Do you know this feeling? When there are people in your life you don’t speak to for years, but when you finally see each other, it feels as if no time has passed at all? So much might have changed, yet the connection between you somehow stays the same.
Even though my friends visited in September, I still count this trip as part of the summer vibes — just look at the weather! We were truly spoiled by how kind it was to us :D
Thank you for reading!