#starstoryJoost & Willemijn: Slowing Down

When our twin girls were born in September '23, life took a sudden pause. They were premature and we were incredibly lucky to have had the support and parental leave to be with them. As the months flew by, we found ourselves at a crossroads. With 12 precious weeks before they turned one, the question arose: stay at home or embrace the adventure and take our babies on the road?

As adventure travelers ourselves, we didn’t want to let life as we knew it stop just because we had kids. Sure, we’d need to adapt, but why not continue to explore, to show them the world beyond our home? Even if they wouldn’t remember it consciously, we knew it would shape them.

So, we packed up and set off on a road trip across Australia, from Sydney to the Tropical North, then down the east coast back to Sydney. Every day brought a new adventure – from the long stretches of the outback with its vast, red dirt plains to the serene beauty of the white beaches, gorges, and rolling hills.

The wildlife, too, was something we’ll never forget. From emus racing across the plains to kangaroos hopping through the bush, playful whales in the distance and dolphins surfing the waves – it was a nature lover’s dream. We spent endless hours in the great outdoors, hiking through it, picnicking by the beach, or simply enjoying the solitude. No busy roads, no distractions, just us and nature.

What made this trip so special, however, was how connected we felt – not just as a family but to ourselves. There’s something about being outside, surrounded by nothing but natural beauty, that allows you to reflect on what truly matters. We didn’t need streaming services to entertain us or packed schedules to feel fulfilled. We were present, living each day consciously, and that made all the difference. Our girls were so relaxed, so at ease, and we truly believe that the slow pace and the connection to nature helped them feel that way.

It was an experience that deepened our bond, made us more appreciative of the simple things, and reminded us that family and nature are all we really need to feel truly alive.

Feeling connected. That’s how we would sum up the whole trip. Connected to each other, to ourselves, and to the world around us.