#jkeuro

[jkwinders]

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, this is my favorite building in all of Rome. The exterior is plain, unimpressive, doesn’t draw any attention to itself. You wouldn’t give this place a second glance if you walked passed. But you enter through that threshold and the beauty and brilliance that lines the inside of this place is enough to knock you over. I got the worst neck cramp from looking up at that ceiling too long. This mystical hidden gem is proof that beautiful things don’t need to scream for attention. ——————————————— Rome, Italy // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #italy #rome #architecture #beauty #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Rome, Italy)

[jkwinders]

My eyes are still having a time comprehending everything they’re seeing. These are all sights I’ve seen countless times in photos from other photographers I greatly respect, but to see them fully manifested in front of me is almost surreal. There still so much for these eyes to process. Nearly two weeks down and four to go! ——————————————— Day 12 // Interlaken, Switzerland #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #switzerland #europe #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #mountainstones #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Interlaken, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

Venezia… City of Bridges, Queen of the Adriatic, mia bella Venezia! I don’t know if it was just a little birthday euphoria, or if I had maybe one too many spritzers, but there is something magical about this place. I relished in the moments when I was able to get lost in the labyrinth of canals and streets of this deeply rich city. This place is like a full-bodied glass of wine that constantly throws new surprises at you as it sweeps across your tastebuds. If you haven’t noticed this about me already, I tend to talk about libations when I’m in love. Ti amo, mia città galleggiante! ——————————————— Venice, Italy // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #italy #venice #sunrise #beauty #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @passionpassport @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Venice, Italy)

[jkwinders]

What everyone said was going to happened ended up happening. I started reviewing, organizing, and editing the thousands of photos I had collected from my time in Europe, and it all came rushing back to me faster than a high speed train. The full mosaic of the past seven weeks; all fifty-four (plus) train rides, every decadent meal, the many colorful characters I crossed paths with. I would hardly call a trip like this a trip of a lifetime, mainly because I don’t believe in trips of a lifetime. I believe that trips like these just come along exactly when they are most needed. People have told me that your first visit to Europe simply prepares you for your next visit. I’ll be ready for round two when it comes, but until then there’s still a couple thousand photos to sift through. ——————————————— Bernina Pass, Switzerland // October 2017 #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

I’m sorry, did I break your train of thought… ——————————————— After a few days of being back in the states and enduring the slow process of recovering from jet lag, I’ve started sorting and sifting through the thousands of photos I acquired while abroad. This is just one of almost ten thousand photographs I collected over the six weeks of traveling across Europe. Now that I’m going back and reminding myself of everything that happened, it’s hitting me again that I was actually there at those incredible places in those unforgettable moments. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced over the past couple of months and I’m excited to share more of my favorite moments and stories in the near future. #JKEURO keeps chugging on! ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #earth #switzerland #mountains #mountainlife #mountainstones #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #naturegram #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @mountainstones @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

Every now and then, I have to stop myself, find a spot to kick my feet up, and take a breather. Sometimes I find a spot with a pretty decent view and good gelato close by. ——————————————— I’ve taken a load off my feet in some pretty amazing places. Cinque Terre is truly something special. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #cinqueterre #lostatlast #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Cinque Terre)

[jkwinders]

I just crossed the halfway point of this little European adventure, and I’m absolutely gobsmacked (Not sure if I’m using that term correctly, but I’m going to use it anyway). I’ve already seen and done so much, and have eaten all of the carbs the past few weeks. In the past two days alone, I’ve traveled between three countries and have experienced some of the finest hospitality in all of Europe. And I still got the rest of Spain, France, Ireland, and England. I’m a little emotional when dwelling on what has happened and giddy at the thought of what is still to come. It’s all good, tres bien, muy bueno, gle mhaith! ——————————————— They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it really can’t be enjoyed in just one either. Glad I got to spend as much time as I did in this culturally rich city. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #rome #mountainstones #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10KLF10K #GS10KGS10K #instagood10kinstagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Rome, Italy)

[jkwinders]

The other day I saw two young lovers in the train station. I watched them in the center of the terminal cuddling, caressing each other, and engaging in a couple of passionate kisses. By States-side standards, it was a little too much of a public display of affection. But in the moment as my uncultured American mind was still adjusting to the Italian way of life, I saw it merely as a tender moment between two young people deeply in love as they bid each other farewell. It was like a sweet little peak into their beautiful story. But then I saw them get on the same train together as they continued to caress each other. What is in the water here? ——————————————— Venice might be the biggest highlight so far. Really digging the rich character and aesthetic of The Floating City. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #italy #venice #beauty #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Venice, Italy)

[jkwinders]

When I was growing up, I absolutely loved trains. My 3rd birthday party was on a train. My dream aspiration was to be a conductor. If you told that little boy that twenty-one years from then he’d be traversing all across Europe via rail, he would have shed actual tears. I can’t help but feel that this is how travel is supposed to be. Every train ride has been an experience. There’s something new passing by outside the window every second of the journey. I’m trying to approach this expedition with the same wonder and excitement as my three-year-old self would have. I have to say it’s really not that difficult though. ——————————————— Trekking through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express. #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #switzerland #europe #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #mountainstones #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

I smile when I’m happy, and I’ve been smiling a lot lately. When your birthday comes around, it typically is meant to be something special and out of the ordinary. Today I turned 24, and to be real it sort of blended in with the rest, and I mean that in the best possible way. I explored places I had never, saw beauty, experienced new incredible things, and that’s been the same for almost the whole past year. 23 was something truly special. I learned more, challenged myself more, smiled more, and fell more in love with life this year than any other year. The foundation that was laid at 23 makes me so excited for the structure that will materialize at 24. Through it all I’m gonna keep smiling. 24, we got this! ——————————————— #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #switzerland #europe #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #mountainstones #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #instagood #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Bellwald, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

These feet have been pushed to some new limits, and they still got a month to go. I can feel them growing stronger with every mile I walk. I can feel my shoulders growing stronger every time I’m forced to move that stuffed backpack. Every night I lay in bed at a hostel aching from the day’s extensive adventuring. I pour over the next day’s possible plans until my eyes cross. But it’s all part of the adventure. That spirit of adventure is a muscle, and like any it must be exercised lest it becomes flabby. This is quite the work out, but I’m loving the burn! ——————————————— Day 11 // Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #switzerland #europe #earth #earthfocus #ventureonward #mountainstones #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @roamtheplanet @justgoshoot (at Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

I’ve been slowly figuring out the rail system over the past several days. Its a whole different world from what I’m used to. A dance I’ve never danced. I consider myself a pretty efficient traveler. But when timetables, train connections, and maps of rail lines are thrown at me (all in foreign languages I might add) well let’s just say it takes a little getting used to. There’s a lot of energy that goes into putting a plan of this magnitude together and then actually following through with it. The one major thing I learned though in the last couple days is how easy it is to fall in love with rail travel. The major complexities that you push yourself to embrace are almost like the three-dimensional factors that draw you to a person’s personality. I look forward to seeing how our relationship will bloom over the next several weeks. ——————————————— Day 10 // Lucerne, Switzerland #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #switzerland #europe #eurail #eurotrip #earthfocus #ventureonward #lostatlast #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @natgeo @eurail (at Luzern, Switzerland)

[jkwinders]

Auf wiedersehen, Berlin! The Eurail Pass is getting activated in the morning, which means it’s time for the real journey to begin. Stay tuned! ——————————————— Day 6 // Berlin, Germany #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #berlin #germany #europe #eurail #eurotrip #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photography #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @beautifuldestinations @natgeo @eurail (at Berlin, Germany)

[jkwinders]

I got to explore around town with a true legend today. About this time a year ago, this woman could barely walk. Walking up and down stairs was an ordeal that brought her to tears. But today, we walked over five miles all around Potsdam and Berlin. This woman is my mama bear and she is an absolute boss. I get so much adventurous inspiration from my parents. They instilled in me a drive to push myself beyond what I ever thought I could capable of. I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t be able to follow through with this journey without their encouragement, support, and motivation. Vielen dank, mama and papa! ——————————————— Day 5 // Potsdam, Germany #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #potsdam #germany #igersgermany #visitgermany #eurotrip #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #roamtheplanet #LF10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @gramslayers @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Potsdam, Germany)

[jkwinders]

Some may say, “Tear down the walls!” Germany says, “Nien, just turn them into art galleries!” Berlin is one of those places I didn’t know needed to be on my bucket list. It may not be as artistic in its infrastructure as other European cities, but there’s a historical richness that’s present in the atmosphere of this city. Today I took a walk along a wall that was once a symbol of suppression and is now a celebrated canvas of public art. I took a solo tour of the beautifully unsettling labyrinth of the Holocaust Memorial. I studied and learned through immersion and exploration of an unknown territory. I’m glad I had this time in Berlin to discover a city that is so sure of its past and at the same time so determined to build towards a brighter future. It’s a place that had never been on my radar. Though I don’t think I’ll be able to build up the courage to try currywurst. ——————————————— Day 3 // Berlin, Germany #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #berlin #germany #igersgermany #eurotrip #earthpix #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #visualambasadors #LG10K #GS10K #instagood10k #theweekoninstagram #teamcanon #photographer #photooftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @gramslayers @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at Berlin, Germany)

[jkwinders]

I think I’m in love, at least in a sort of I’ve-never-known-anything-like-you sort of way. It’s so easy to lose myself within the sights, sounds, and maze-like layout of a new city. As little time as we had together for now, I can’t help but think our story together would continue to flourish in such a beautiful way. I quite “fancy” London, especially the way the smell of candied nuts and the sound of bagpipes and accordions seem to follow me everywhere. In the last hour of my trek around this city that seems to be constantly snuggled under an overcast blanket, the clouds finally parted and the London sun bid me a warm farewell before my little layover came to an end. Now on to Deutschland! ——————————————— Day 2 // London, United Kingdom #JKEURO ——————————————— . . . . . #enjoythejourney #adventure #travel #instatravel #travelgram #explore #london #igerslondon #toplondonphoto #eurotrip #earthpix #earthfocus #ventureonward #visualsoflife #exploretocreate #justgoshoot #beautifuldestinations #artofvisuals #moodygrams #agameoftones #liveauthentic #livefolk #gramslayers #watchthisinstagood #theweekoninstagram #camera #photographer #picoftheday @thevisualscollective @livefolk @artofvisuals @agameoftones @adventurethatislife @moodygrams @instagood @gramslayers @beautifuldestinations @natgeo (at London, United Kingdom)