French Guiana. The very name carried a certain mysterious allure, a mix of exoticism and the unknown that irresistibly attracted me. Some might say that traveling to such a distant country is an escape, and maybe they are right. But for me, it was something much more – it was a quest for something I could never quite define. It was a call to adventure, something that beckoned me from the depths of my restlessness, from those quieter thoughts I never had the courage to speak aloud.

I often wonder why these unknown destinations attract me so much. Why do I always feel the need to leave the comfort of my home, my familiar world, and dive into something completely new and foreign? Maybe it's because I've always been searching for something more, for something that will give me a sense of completeness. I know, many see me as the girl who has it all – looks, freedom, the opportunity to travel wherever I want. But the truth is that, no matter how far I travel, I always feel like something is missing.

French Guiana wasn't on my wish list, at least not at first. I had always dreamed of visiting more well-known destinations – Paris, Rome, maybe even New York. But when I first heard about this small, almost forgotten French colony in South America, something about it intrigued me. I started researching, reading, watching documentaries... and soon I realized that this place was full of contrasts, secrets, and a history that most people don't even know.

I knew it wasn't a popular tourist destination, which in itself had a certain appeal. I wanted to avoid the crowds and the overblown tourist attractions. I needed something authentic, a place where I could be alone with my thoughts, face my inner demons, and perhaps, finally, find what I'm looking for.
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There's something special about going to a place you don't know. It's a feeling of freedom, a sense that you can be whoever you want, that you can explore not just a new country, but also yourself. Travel is my escape, but also my way of finding myself. Every new place brings new challenges, but also new insights about myself. In French Guiana, I expected a lot – I expected to face nature in its purest, wildest form. I expected to meet people with whom I might share just a few words, but those words would stay with me forever. I expected silence, but also noise – not the external kind, but the internal noise that often keeps me awake at night.

But perhaps more than anything, I expected change. I expected this journey to push me out of my comfort zone, to make me question my views, my beliefs, and even myself. I expected French Guiana to offer me answers to questions I didn't even know I had.

Every time I prepare for a new journey, I feel like I'm embarking on a new life adventure. It's not just about going to a new place, it's the beginning of a new chapter in my life. French Guiana was my choice because it was something I couldn't define, something I had to explore. It was a country whose contours were just beginning to appear in my mind, and I knew it would offer me something no other place could.

Even though I boarded the plane with a heaviness in my chest, I also felt excitement. Every new beginning brings fear, but also hope. And maybe, just maybe, in this small, forgotten French colony, I'll find what I'm looking for. Or at least, a step closer to it.

This journey wasn't just about exploring a new country; it was about exploring myself. I expected French Guiana to change me, but how, I couldn't yet imagine. Maybe this country will surprise me in ways I couldn't predict. Maybe I'll finally find the peace I've been so desperately searching for.

One thing is certain – French Guiana was anything but an ordinary destination. It was an adventure I entered with an open heart and soul, ready to embrace whatever it brought me. And what that was, you'll find out in the continuation of my stories.

First Impressions: The Tropics and Scents of French Guiana

When I stepped off the plane, the first thing that overwhelmed me was the smell – thick, heavy, and humid. The air was so saturated with moisture that I almost felt like I could cut it with a knife. All my senses immediately awakened, forced to confront this entirely new world that was far from everything I had known so far. Until then, I had only dreamed of the Amazon, of tropical jungles and unexplored expanses, and now I was here, at the gateway to one of the wildest regions in the world.

As I stood in front of the terminal, watching the sun slowly set behind the dense treetops, I felt a mix of excitement and unease. In Zagreb, August brought its typical summer heat, but here, in French Guiana, it was different. The heat had a different weight, infused with the scent of damp earth, flowers, and something I couldn't quite define. It wasn't just the smell of the jungle, it was the smell of life unfolding far from civilization, in the heart of nature that knows no boundaries.

My heart was racing as I tried to absorb everything around me. All these moments were like a picture slowly being drawn in my mind, each detail, each smell, and sound adding a new color. People often tell me that I easily fit in wherever I go, but here, for the first time, I felt like I belonged to something bigger than myself. It was more than just a trip, it was an opportunity to connect with something primal, something I rarely encounter in my everyday life.

As I stood on that small platform, between civilization and the jungle, I felt like I was on the edge of something unknown. I was ready to step forward, but at the same time, that unknown filled me with nervousness. What awaits me behind those thick green walls? What stories will I find here?

Maybe I came here with expectations, but now I realized I had to let them go. This moment was too real, too intense for any preconception to shape it in advance. This was a place where my dreams and reality met, a place where everything I knew was put to the test. And I, as always, was ready to face that challenge.

While my legs trembled under the weight of a new world, my mind was flooded with thoughts. Every molecule of my being was on alert, absorbing every detail, every color, every smell. I was on the threshold of something I couldn't explain, but that was both exciting and terrifying. French Guiana, with all its unknowns, promised to show me something I had never experienced before. And as I stood on that threshold, I felt something inside pushing me forward, towards that wild, untamed land waiting to be discovered.

Culture and People: Where Diverse Worlds Meet

In the first days of my stay in French Guiana, I realized how rich this land is in diverse cultures that intertwine at every step. Walking through the small streets, I felt a sense of belonging to a place that seemed so different from everything I had known until then. Yet, in that diversity, I felt an incredible warmth and welcome.

Every day I met people who lived simple lives, but each of them carried a story worth hearing. Their eyes, full of wisdom and experience, reflected a history felt in every corner of this land. Not a moment passed without feeling connected to their stories, as if those stories were the key to understanding this place and myself.

One morning, while walking through the local market, I felt my heart fill with joy. I smiled at a man selling handicrafts, and he returned the smile that carried a story of his family, of the love for what he does. I bought a small pendant from him, simple but with deep meaning. As he handed me the tiny souvenir, he said something in the local language, which I didn't understand, but the tone of his voice was filled with kindness.

Walking further, I met a woman offering local delicacies. I asked her about the recipes, about how she prepares the food, and as she explained, I felt the pride she carried in every word. Here, in French Guiana, food is not just a means of survival, but a way of connecting with tradition, with the land, and with the past that is reflected in every taste.

Many evenings I spent talking with people I had just met, but I felt as if I had known them all my life. Their stories, their struggles, and joys became part of my journey, part of my own story. Every word, every smile, every glance filled me with a sense that I had finally found a place where different worlds not only coexist but enrich each other.

Although I came here as a stranger, I felt accepted, as if I too was becoming part of this diverse mosaic. The culture of this place is not something that can be simply described; it must be experienced. It is in every movement, in every encounter, in every moment that reminds me that, despite all differences, we share a common humanity.

I felt my view of the world change, how every moment spent with these people imprinted on my memory, leaving a mark that I will carry with me forever. Through their stories, through their kindness and openness, I found a part of what I had been searching for. And as the days passed, I increasingly realized that here, in this land of diverse worlds, I had found parts of myself I didn't even know existed.

The Amazon: A Wonderous World of Rivers and Rainforests

The moment I stepped into the Amazon rainforest, I felt every step become heavy but also incredibly significant. It was as if I had entered another world, a world where nature dictates every moment, a world where everything moves according to rules that we, humans, rarely understand. Surrounded by dense greenery, I felt as if the jungle was enveloping me, drawing me into its heart, into its untamed rhythm. It was something I had never experienced before – the feeling of completely disappearing into nature, losing consciousness of myself as an individual, while the Amazon surrounded me with its power and majesty.

Every breath was deep and full of scents coming from all sides – a mix of damp earth, tropical plants, decaying leaves, and flowers I couldn't name. The air was thick, it was hard to breathe, but that feeling of suffocation wasn't unpleasant. On the contrary, I was aware of how small and insignificant I was in front of this enormous, vibrant nature that was, without a doubt, older and wiser than anything I had known before. Every sound, every rustle, every movement of the wind brought something new, something undiscovered, and it filled me with a kind of fear but also excitement.
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As I walked along the paths that disappeared among the trees, I felt as if the rainforest was watching me, as if it were alive, as if it were studying me. Everything was full of life – flowers, trees, tiny animals darting across the path, birds flying overhead. But at the same time, I felt isolated, as if I were the only human soul in this vast, endless forest. The silence, which was only occasionally interrupted by the cry of some distant creature, was almost palpable. That silence wasn't emptiness, but it carried its own weight, its own melody that came from the depths of the jungle.

Every step I took was a struggle – not just with the physical reality around me, but with the inner demons that followed me. In that wilderness, far from everything familiar, I was faced with all the questions I had long avoided. What am I looking for? What drives me from one end of the world to the other? Is there even an answer to that? As I moved through the dense vegetation, I felt my fears and doubts retreat, leaving space for a new kind of thinking, a new kind of understanding. The Amazon was harsh, unpredictable, and incredibly beautiful. And it was precisely this combination of opposites that made me confront myself in a way I didn't even know was possible.

Every moment spent in that forest was a moment of introspection. I watched the rivers slowly moving through the jungle, their calmness hiding thousands of lives beneath the surface. I looked at the tall canopies that hid the sky, canopies that made me feel as if I were trapped in some infinite green labyrinth. And as I stood there, surrounded by all this, I felt myself slowly changing, as the Amazon changed me.

It's not easy to describe everything I felt in those few days. It was an experience that transcended every word, every attempt to turn it into something understandable. But one thing is certain – I had never before felt such a connection with nature, such an awareness of my place in the world. In the Amazon, I felt how precious life is, how we, humans, are just a small part of something bigger and more powerful.

Returning through the forest, I felt as if I were leaving a part of myself there, among the trees and rivers, among unknown creatures and sounds. But at the same time, I carried something new with me – a new awareness, a new perspective on the world. The Amazon was more than just an adventure. It was a lesson, a journey into the heart of nature, but also a journey into the heart of myself. And that lesson, that realization, will stay with me forever, guiding me through all the further adventures that await me.

The Foreign Legion: Croatian Heroes in the Heart of the Amazon

Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

Passing through the dense jungle, far from civilization, I had no idea that here, in the heart of the Amazon, I would meet members of the Foreign Legion. The story of this military unit always had a certain mysterious note, a mix of courage, loyalty, and challenges that few people face. But the encounter with these men wasn't just a story about the army; it was a meeting with people whose stories were far deeper and more complex.

We found ourselves in a small camp, hidden in dense vegetation. These men, accustomed to harsh conditions and constant danger, greeted me with a kind of respect but also restraint. Their uniforms, worn and marked by the traces of many missions, testified to the life they had chosen – a life that was anything but ordinary. Among them, I recognized a few faces that seemed familiar, and then I learned that among them were also Croats. Their stories deeply touched me.

One of them, Marko, told me how he came to the decision to join the Legion. His voice, at first cold and restrained, gradually became warmer as he spoke of his reasons. In the beginning, it was an escape – from life, from the past, from everything that haunted him. But over time, he realized that in the Legion, he had found something more than self-discipline and military honor. He found brotherhood, a camaraderie that became his new home. As we talked, I could feel the weight of his words, but also the pride he felt in being part of something bigger than himself.

Another Croat, Ivan, shared a similar story but with a different emphasis. For him, the Legion was an opportunity to prove himself, to find a purpose in a world that often seemed unclear and hostile to him. Every mission, every task, was a test for him – not just of physical strength, but also of mental endurance. His eyes revealed a man who had seen much, who had gone through incredible hardships, but who had emerged stronger from it all.

Conversations with these men, far from everything that is known and comfortable, made me rethink my reasons for traveling, for the constant search for something indefinite. Their stories reminded me that everyone carries their own burden, their past, and their expectations. And while their experiences in the Legion were filled with dangers and challenges, they found meaning, strength, and a sense of belonging in them.
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In that small camp, in the heart of the Amazon, I felt like I was part of something bigger. I was just a passerby in their world, but their experiences and words left a deep mark on me. It was incredible to watch these men, how they moved in harmony with the harsh nature that surrounded them, how they faced dangers, but also how they supported each other. They were a testament to human strength and perseverance, but also to the complexity of emotions we carry with us, wherever we are.

As I left their camp, I felt fulfilled but also challenged. This adventure in the Amazon brought me much more than I expected. Although I traveled alone, I felt connected to these people, to their stories and struggles. It was an experience that I will carry with me for a long time, and their stories will always serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Culinary Adventures: Tastes I'll Never Forget

Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

When I first stepped into a local restaurant in French Guiana, I felt that I was in for an adventure completely different from all the others. Although I had already traveled through many countries and tried various cuisines, everything here was new, different, exotic. Just at the entrance, I smelled spices that immediately tickled my senses, and that was just the beginning.

I sat at a wooden table, surrounded by rustic decor that reflected the authenticity and tradition of this region. Soon a platter of various delicacies arrived in front of me, many of which were completely unknown to me. There were bowls full of tropical fruits, fragrant stews, and freshly caught fish prepared in a way I couldn't even imagine.

The first thing I tasted was cassava, a traditional dish made from the cassava root. Its neutral flavor combined with a rich sauce of local spices created an incredible harmony on my palate. Although it seemed simple at first glance, each spoonful revealed a new complexity of flavors that completely captivated me.

After the cassava, there came a dish that had caught my eye from the first moment – roasted pirarucu, a fish considered a true delicacy in this part of the world. Its meat was tender, almost creamy, and the taste perfectly matched the spicy sauce sprinkled with fresh herbs. It was one of those dishes that you simply can't forget – every bite was an explosion of flavors, rich and intense, but at the same time surprisingly pleasant.

But the real challenge came with the dessert. They placed a plate full of exotic fruits in front of me, but among them was a fruit I had never seen before – açaí. This dark, almost black berry had a taste that was a combination of sweet and earthy, almost bitter, but incredibly refreshing. As I slowly chewed it, I felt a sense of satisfaction spreading through my body, as if every bite was filled with the energy of nature itself.

But my culinary adventure wasn't limited to restaurants. One afternoon, I decided to explore the local market, where I experienced a real festival of tastes and smells. The colorful stalls were full of fresh fruits, spices, and ready-made dishes that were being prepared before my eyes. One of the dishes that particularly caught my attention was bouillon d'awara, a traditional stew prepared on special occasions.

Bouillon d'awara is a dish that is cooked for hours, with each component added with special care. The base is the fruit of the awara palm, and along with it goes various meats, fish, and spices that create a rich, almost creamy taste. It was a dish that required patience, but every spoonful was worth the wait. I felt like I was eating the history and tradition of these people, deeply rooted in every bite.

These flavors, smells, and textures weren't just food; they were part of the culture, a way of life, a way of expressing love for the land and the people. Every meal was a story in itself, every bite a new discovery. And as I sat at those tables, or stood at the market, I felt how the past and present connect, how stories of generations who lived and loved this place are conveyed through the food.

My culinary adventure in French Guiana was more than just exploring new flavors. It was a connection with people, with their stories and traditions. I felt enriched, not just because I tried something new, but because through this food I felt the spirit of this place, its strength, and beauty. Tastes that I will never forget, because they not only nourished my body but also my soul.

The Influence of Colonial Past: Architecture and History in Cayenne

Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, at first glance, bears deep traces of its colonial past. As I walked through its streets, I felt like I was walking through time, through stories left on the facades of buildings, streets that witnessed centuries of history and change. Every building, every detail, carried a story of the people who lived, worked, dreamed, and created here.

With each step, I absorbed more of the atmosphere that was both rich and heavy. The colonial architecture, with its grand buildings, large balconies, and wooden shutters, reflected the time when this city was the center of French interests in South America. These buildings, once symbols of power and control, now stood as silent witnesses to past times, carrying both beauty and the burden of history.

As I observed these old buildings, I thought about the people who built them, the workers and architects, but also about those who lived in them. I felt a kind of connection with those people, even though they lived in a completely different time and world. Their lives, their struggles, and their hopes were woven into these walls, into these streets. Observing the details on the facades, the intricate decorations, and the windows that shone in the warm afternoon sun, I felt history come alive before my eyes.

One building particularly impressed me, with large wooden shutters fluttering in the breeze. Its facade paint had faded from the sun, and the wood had started to peel under the tropical climate. Yet, in that old age, there was something magnificent, something that testified to a time when this building was the pride of the city. Its former glory could still be felt, but now it was enveloped in melancholy and silence.

As I walked further, I came to a square surrounded by colonial buildings, where important ceremonies and gatherings were once held. Today, that square was full of people, children playing, elderly people sitting in the shade of trees and watching passersby. It was a scene that reflected how much this city had changed, but at the same time, how much it had stayed the same.
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In silence, I observed all these people, thinking about their stories, about how they adapted to the changes that generations before them brought. Cayenne was a city that carried the weight of history, but also hope for the future. As I stood there, surrounded by buildings that told stories of old times, I felt like I was part of something much bigger, part of a history that is constantly repeating, but also constantly learning new lessons.

This city, with its rich history and enchanting architecture, left an indelible mark on me. I felt fulfilled but also a little nostalgic, thinking about all the stories I had seen and felt in these streets. Cayenne was much more than just a city – it was a living monument, a place where past and present live together, creating a unique world where the past is never forgotten, but is always carried with pride and dignity.

How French Guiana Changed My World

Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

Standing on the shore, watching the sun slowly set behind the horizon, I felt something change within me. That moment, when the golden rays of the sun mingled with the infinity of the ocean, was like a period at the end of a sentence, the end of a story that forever changed my world. French Guiana was not just a destination on my list; it was an experience that shaped me in ways I couldn't even imagine.

Before I set out on this journey, I thought I already knew who I was, what I wanted, and where I was going. Travel had always been my escape, a way to face what haunted me. But as the days passed in this unknown land, I realized I wasn't just searching for adventures, but also for myself. Every moment spent here, every new thing I experienced, made me face my inner world, to question my desires, fears, and dreams.

This landscape, with its wild nature and rich history, opened my eyes to a world beyond my previous boundaries. I met people whose lives were far different from mine, but in their stories, I found parts of myself. Their strength, their resilience, but also their simplicity in living, left an indelible mark on me. Every encounter, whether with members of the Foreign Legion or with the locals, was like a mirror in which I saw my own struggles and victories.

I was particularly touched by the connection with nature that I felt here. The Amazon, with its untamed beauty and wilderness, was not just a place I visited – it became a part of me. Walking through its dense forests, listening to the sounds that came from its depths, I felt my connection with nature deepen. I realized how small and insignificant we, humans, are compared to the power of nature, but also how much we can learn if we surrender to it.

This journey taught me patience and acceptance of what comes. I learned that I don't need to fear the unknown, that I don't always have to fight against windmills. Sometimes it's enough just to stop, feel the moment, and let it guide me to where I need to be. In French Guiana, I found the peace I had been searching for so long. Not the peace that comes from the outside world, but the one that comes from accepting oneself and the world around me.

I felt like I was returning home with something more than I had when I set out. This land, with all its contrasts and beauties, opened new doors for me, showed me paths I didn't even know existed. It changed my perspective on the world, but also on myself. French Guiana became a part of my identity, part of the story I will carry with me wherever I go.

As I stood on that beach, I felt the waves slowly erasing the footprints in the sand, as if they wanted to say that all paths are temporary, but that memories are eternal. My journey to French Guiana may have ended, but its teachings, feelings, and changes it brought will remain in me forever. Every step, every moment spent here was a lesson, a gift that will shape me in the years to come.

French Guiana didn't just change my world, it enriched it in a way I'll never forget. And as I prepare to return, I know that I will never be the same person again. This land made me stronger, wiser, and more prepared for everything that awaits me in the future. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

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