I think the pandemic taught me—and probably all of us—that I couldn’t take anything for granted. Countries can close their border, flights can be cancelled, schools and businesses can be shut down and next thing you know you’re not supposed to go out at night or at all, let alone—gasp!—be around people, which is very inconvenient considering we live in a world full of people and we’re kind of used to move around and go about our daily life.

So yeah, here I am in 2022 travelling with laundry rope, detergent, household gloves, emergency soup pouches and chocolate bars, and other miscellaneous items I may or may not need just in case I have to be more self-sufficient.

But unlike last year, instead of just “spending winter somewhere hot and waiting for the pandemic to end,” I’m actively looking for new experiences. I want to explore cities and surrounding areas, get to see these beaches Brazilians always talk about and I wouldn’t be able to find on my own.

Just like I did in Natal, I signed up for a day trip to João Pessoa’s southern coast—three short stops and an afternoon on one of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

The day started at Praia Barra De Gramame Norte and it was so early there were goats and crabs on the beach instead of people. Then Praia do Amor, famous because of its heart-shaped rock—I’m pretty sure there’s some kind of superstition and story behind it but I found love a while ago, I’m fine. Next was Tabatinga with its funky palm tree on a rock—and mostly Tabatinga 2, the private part of the beach where you can take off your swimsuit and go skinny-dipping (yes, I did).

Finally, I spent the afternoon on Praia de Coqueirinho, an endless beach bordered by tall cliffs.

I’m feeling inspired again.