Looking Back, Slowing Down and Dreaming Ahead
From Berlin heat to baby countdowns, favorite places, favorite accounts, clothing brands I love and soft plans for the seasons ahead
🌆 Berlin in Summer: Travel at 33 Weeks Pregnant
This trip felt different — not rushed, not wild, just beautifully slow.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel at 33 weeks pregnant, so we went by car to keep things flexible, just in case plans needed to shift. It turned out to be such a good decision. We stayed at Numa Stay Weinmeister, a calm and stylish spot right in the city center, close to all my favorite shops, cafés, and corners of Berlin. Get 20% off your next stay at Numa Stay with code ANAKNUMA20.
This accommodation really set the tone: effortless, central and quiet when I needed it.
I surprised myself by actually taking siestas in the afternoon — something I never do when traveling. I’d go back to the room, put my feet up, and rest. And it did me so much good.
As for how travel feels at this stage? Honestly, less FOMO. I see things differently now. Maybe it’s my age (37) or the fact that I’ve traveled a lot over the years, but I feel less pressure to do it all. I don’t need to squeeze every hour. I’m okay just being in a place.
Though to be fair… if you’d seen me in Lanzarote or Mallorca earlier this year, I was still trying to do everything! 😅 So maybe it’s also this particular phase — this season of slowing down before everything shifts.
👉 I shared some of my favorite Berlin spots — from cafés to slow summer moments — in this Instagram reel. And if you want even more tips, check out this post .
Being 33 weeks pregnant in a buzzing city like Berlin reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be high-energy. Sometimes, it’s about being present and comfortable shoes.
🌍 Not Just Places: The Feelings They Gave Me
Travel isn’t always about ticking destinations off a list. Sometimes, a place meets you right where you are and gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
These are a few of those places for me, and the feelings they left behind.
🌴 Oahu, Hawaii – Everything Is Possible
Hawaii was a childhood dream of mine and when we finally made it, it truly felt like a dream. Oahu was even more beautiful than I imagined: lush, rich, clean.
Everyone looked so happy to be there, and the aloha vibe got to me straight away.
We rented a van and explored the North Shore and beyond and I left with the feeling that everything is possible if you put your mind to it.
🌿 Costa Rica – Slow Down to Wake Up
Another favorite — the land of Pura Vida, where nature feels so alive it moves something in you. We spent two months surrounded by monkeys, sloths, toucans, and even crocodiles — truly living with the wild.
But it was more than that. During our time in Santa Teresa, Raymond and I had long, quiet mornings and deep conversations about life — what makes us happy, how we want to live. That’s where the idea to become a high school student counselor was born (and yes, that came true).
Sometimes slowing down helps you ask the right questions and gives you space to manifest the answers.
🎌 Japan – A New Lens on Life
Japan was another dream destination, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a country of contrast — zen temples and neon chaos, silence and sensory overload.
I found the culture fascinating: how social pressure plays out, how affectionate they aren’t with each other, how protective they are of their skin and how light and nourishing the food is.
The biggest surprise? The prices! Insane supermarket sushi for €6 and high end sushi dinners for two under €30. That kind of sushi that you almost cry at how good it is.
I did hit my limit though — too much walking in mid-summer heat and humidity.
I got overstimulated and physically exhausted. But didn’t regret it. There was just so much to do and to see!
Next time, I’d go back to explore at a slower pace, go inland and up in the mountains. Japan in the winter or during Fall.
🇵🇹 Portugal – A Deep Sense of Belonging
Okay, I’m biased but Portugal really is one of my favorite places on earth.
The food, the kindness, the rhythm of life. But most of all: the way I feel there.
It’s the only place I feel completely at home. My accent, my southern looks — they all blend in. I don’t feel like I have to explain myself. I’d love to buy a second home in Alentejo one day. Portugal gives me peace. No rush. Just presence.
🐘 Sri Lanka – You Can't Always Trust the Headlines
Not a classic favorite, but maybe the most surprising. We went during an economic crisis — people told us not to go. But we researched carefully, avoided Colombo, hired a driver instead of renting a tuk tuk, and went anyway.
And I’m so glad we did. The diversity of the country is breathtaking: beaches, culture, religion, surf, safari, history, mountains. The kindness of the people stunned me.
They had so little and still offered everything. We gave back where we could — food, toys, meals. And yes… I shared my dinners with the street dogs more than once. 🐾
What I learned: don’t always believe what you read in the news. Trust your gut. Use common sense. And go see for yourself.
💕 Motherhood, Right Before Everything Changes
Right now, I’m living in that strange, beautiful space between what was and what’s about to be. Due date 23rd of August.
Packing tiny clothes. Sleeping in short stretches. Nesting a little, daydreaming a lot.
As I wait for Celine to arrive, I’ve been thinking about how becoming a mother won’t replace my love of travel — it’ll just shift how I do it. Slower, softer. Probably messier. But full of meaning.
📱 Favorite Instagram Accounts I’m Loving Right Now
Just a few people whose content makes me pause, smile or plan a trip:
@mirenalos — Slow travel fashion
@artsyschmolke — Art & creative vibes
@andrechaica — Aesthetic Lisbon-based guide
@soleneoj — Soft, slow travel visuals
@juualiapuig — Playful tropical energy
@emilyannwillcox — Humorous, Bridget Jones vibes
@alyssaanselmo — Interior design
@benjaminkielesinki — Outdoorsy family life
@aurep — Fashion girlie
@bethanyciotola — Mystical family-of-four vibes
@adriana_maria_— Mindful travel and calm aesthetic, perfect for peaceful inspiration.
@joanacostar — Brazilian, joyful, bubbly lifestyle, with travel, fashion, and beauty content.
🧳 You Asked: Where to Stay & What to Wear
A few of you mentioned you’d love more tips on accommodations and travel friendly style, so here are some current favorites.
👗 Go-To Dresses for Travel Days (and Dinner Too)
I love packing pieces that are easy to move in, comfortable in heat (or layering), and still feel put-together. A few brands I always come back to:
Daughters of India – soft, bohemian, and bump-friendly (pregnant or not!)
Use this link and code ANA15 to get 15% discount
Bhoomi Paris - a slow fashion brand blending Indian craftsmanship with timeless, elegant design. Use code ANA15 to get 15% off
Sezane – timeless and versatile, especially for European city escapes. One of my fav!
Farm Rio - vibrant Brazilian brand known for its bold prints, joyful colors, and effortlessly tropical style.
Marti Collection - a Portuguese brand. Perfect for events, weddings and summer evenings.
Brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, ASOS, H&M, and Oysho also remain on my favorites list. While they fall under fast fashion, my wallet doesn’t always allow for high-end pieces and honestly, I love having some variety in style and vibe.
It’s all about mixing thoughtfully. ✨
🛠️ Website Update
I’m currently rebranding my website to make it feel more aligned and inspiring to work on. I’m also adding a new accommodation page — a curated list of stays I love across different countries and budgets. More on that soon!
That’s it for now. Thanks for being part of this space.
Feel free to reply anytime.
I can’t believe that in my next newsletter, I’ll have news about Celine. It still feels unreal. Ahhhh
With love,
Ana