A smile is the shortest distance between two people:
„In my childhood this reminder was written on a postcard under a mirror in my parents‘ house. Defenitly, it is so easy to smile and wish the people you meet in daily life a beautiful day. Unfortunately, this attitude became rare in German society. That is why I love to remember the time I worked in a factory in Brazil. Every morning at 6 am I drove past the same petrol station and every morning the attendant named Ailton, who had lost both, a leg and most of his teeth, lifted his crutch and shouted with a broad grin on his face and a voice full of joy: BOOOOM DIAAAAAA. To me, this man was both an Inspiration and a real Star. How would it be if you and me wished people in the streets a happy day whereever we go? I believe it would have a big impact on our -and their lives – cause small habits can lead to big changes !“
Niki Limon
Who is Niki?
I was born and raised in Wiesbaden in central western Germany. But I could also have been born somewhere else and to be honest I still don’t understand why it seems so important to many people which nationality is written on their passport. For me we are just humans. Before traveling became my biggest hobby when I was 14, my favorite pastime was playing footbal. I spent my childhood more on the pitches in my streets than in school and survived on potato chips and ice pops. Even though I traveled to different countries very early and always had friends from different countries, it was certainly my first first love (football) that drew me to my first big trip to Brazil, where I lived for one year at the age of 16. My second great love and first crush, was the reason why I kept returning in the following years, to live and work in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Until today traveling is my biggest passion and I had the opportunity to travel to more then 40 countries. But what pushes me again and again to far places is not the sun, the beach and the sea but above all the fascination for people with their different habits and mindsets.
Why I travel
For me traveling means prosperity and freedom: Freedom because I wake up in the morning not knowing where I’ll sleep in the evening (or set up my hammock) and prosperity because every lasting conversation with people in other countries enriches me more than a salary check at the end of the month. No wonder that hand in hand with my passion for travels goes my curiosity for languages. That’s why I’ve already studied Spanish and French, enhanced my language skills at the University of Bordeaux and Santo Domingo, and did research for my bachelor’s degree at the University of Dakar, Senegal. Currently, I’m finishing my masters degree in Latin American Studies researching about the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, while living on the flower island of Madeira. Anyhow that is enough about me. Now I hope you enjoy reading and discovering my blog. I am happy about every message and comment. I wish you a beautiful and blessed day. Take care!