Next to the finishing touch on the new Wulterkens sport collection, I’ve been spending the past few weeks on doing things that I usually don’t find the time for. This mounted in less time to shoot new pictures for new posts, but luckily I stumbled upon this shoot I did back in January, in sunny Paramaribo.

When I see these pictures I get home sick, so I decided to battle the sickness by sharing my Suriname experience with you, which also provides you all with a little background on yours truly.
Paramaribo, Suriname, located above brazil, and in between the Guyana’s in South America, is the place I call my Home. I was born and raised there, and no matter where I travel to, there is no other country that can give me that grounded feeling, that I get when I’m in Suriname.

One of the reasons I am drawn to Suriname, is because both of my parents live there, which is also why I always go back at least once a year, preferably in december around the holidays. Suriname is fun all the year round, but during the entire month of December, it’s like the whole country is partying and celebrating, which gives it all an extra charm. New Years Eve in Suriname is celebrated in a very special way, and has been listed in CNN’s top 3 countries to travel to for the New Years. I’m going to keep it short and say just come and experience it!!

For me, it’s my outlet, a place to calm down, after a year full of meetings, obligations, deadlines, and all the stress that comes with it. It’s familiar and safe.

The moment I step out of the plane, and feel the warm, moisty wind on my skin, I breathe in the air deeply and I think, yes I’m home!!! It’s hard to describe, but it’s a great feeling.
Despite living in the Netherlands for 8 years, and being extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have here, I’ve never had a feeling similar to the one I have when I am in Suriname. Yet, at the same time, I think I appreciate it all so much more, due to the comparison.

Of course, having lived there for the first 18 years of my life, and still having my parents and a lot of friends there contributes to that feeling of ”home”. Apart from that, there are the many things that make Suriname amazing, which are amongst others, the weather, the food, the different cultures and their mixed influences, oh and the tropical nature, which is breathtaking.
When I get home, one of the first things I do is make a food list, because I want to make sure I don’t miss out on anything. Yes go ahead, you can laugh, but if you have tasted Surinamese food, you will understand! There is so much to choose from, and apart from the cultural dishes, like roti, saoto, moksi alesi and so much more, I also have my list of certain tropical fruits and veggies that I always have to eat.

The comfort of home, the company of my parents, great weather, amazing food, and the surinamese culture having a different sense of ”time”, makes it for me, the perfect vacation to wind down, and recharge my batteries for the next year. For interesting facts about Suriname, take a look here.

Which brings me to the point of the importance of having a place you call home. I think everyone has a certain place where they feel home. Top model Doutzen Kroes, despite traveling all over the world, loves unwinding at home in Friesland. In my opinion, regularly returning to this place we call home, is essential, especially when you have a stressful and demanding job or business. This place (home) can be different for everyone. For me, home is a place on the other end of the globe, but for others, home can be around the corner. It’s all about that feeling you get when you’re at your favorite place. And when you’re there, despite you’re stressful life, you are able to let go and free your mind. And we all know that when you can emtpy your mind and fill up with new, positive energy, you are ready to take on the world. Home is the place where you are the happiest, where you can unwind, and fill up on positive energy.

For an impression of my beautiful home country Suriname, take a look here, and here. These are websites of friends whom I admire for their amazing talent. I’m sure you will completely understand what I’m talking about after seeing their photography. I’m proud of my roots, and I’m happy I can share them with you.

Lastly, I would like to send all my lovely readers around the world my LOVE and appreciation! Today we’re celebrating 2 years of the lead when others follow-blog! Despite me wanting to have written a lot more for you in the past 2 years, I’m extremely grateful for all of you around the world who spent time reading on my adventures, lessons learned, advice and outfits. There is a big giveaway coming up soon (in September), to make sure you don’t miss it, sign up for the blog!

With love from Paramaribo,

Nadira

Bikini by River Island; Shorts by Nastygal; Sandals by Zara.