The last days of 2024 ended in a dreamy adventure with two friends traveling in a van. In one of my journaling questions, “What do you want more of?” I had written, “surf trips,” but I didn’t imagine it would happen so soon. Most of December was flat, with hardly any turnout for open yoga classes, but I made some amazing connections. One guest told me, “Joli, maybe you need a break from Morocco,” and I panicked inside, thinking, Ahh, not now—for all the difficulties of setting up a business, I just can’t leave now.
At the last minute, I held an online class and then ran off with only a bag of essential surf equipment (wetsuit, towel, sunscreen, and bikini). It was completely unplanned until the last moment. I was so excited to join Julia and Ewa, both living in a van, and wondered how I would fit in. But somehow, modern vans continue to amaze me—cozy nights, often with a heater.
We traveled, surfed (badly), and ate incredible local food from the only two restaurants in the village. We took an off-road trip to an even more remote place, discovered Lizard Rock, enjoyed long solitary walks, and snacked on fresh oranges. Traveling north, we shared conversations, good music, and delicious food. We said goodbye to the last sunset of 2024, decided to shower in the van, put on party clothes, and yes, makeup!
It didn’t matter that midnight struck while we were on the road or that most clubs were closed. I loved having two younger female friends who brought so much fun and a little drama to my usual routine. My strength program was on pause, I didn’t meditate or journal, yet I felt so connected, alive, and happy. I planted seeds for the future and offered a donation-based class while waiting for my biopsy results.
The trip gave me a fresh outlook, and I’m forever grateful for not chasing what wasn’t coming and for saying yes when it did. Thanks to Julia, I even have some photos to remember it all.
